Insight

WATCH: A Landmark Win for LGBTQ Rights

Two top employment attorneys join the CEO of Best Lawyers to discuss the landmark Supreme Court ruling protecting gay and transgender employees.

Panel: LGBTQ SCOTUS Ruling
Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers

June 19, 2020 10:00 AM

On June 11, 2020, the Supreme Court delivered a historic victory for the LGBTQ community. In a 6-3 ruling in Bostock v. Clayton County, federal law now bars sex discrimination of LGBTQ employees.

Phillip Greer, CEO of Best Lawyers, moderates a panel of two employment law attorneys to discuss what this case means for the country.


Felicia Medina

Partner, Medina Orthwein
Oakland, CA

Recognized by Best Lawyers in Employment Law - Individuals in the 26th Edition.

Felicia is one of the top plaintiff-side attorneys in the country, having secured some of the largest class and individual settlement awards in employment discrimination cases on record. Medina Orthwein LLP, a civil rights law firm, specializes in employment discrimination, harassment, wage and hour violations, whistleblower retaliation claims, police and government misconduct, and challenges to conditions of confinement. Medina has led some of the country’s most significant employment cases relating to race, gender, gender identity and expression, and sexual orientation, as well as wage and hour collectives.

Paula Greisen
Partner, King & Greisen
Denver, CO

Recognized by Best Lawyers in Labor and Employment Law since the 12th Edition, Employment Law - Individuals and Litigation - Labor and Employment since the 17th Edition.
The 2015 Employment Law - Individuals "Lawyer of the Year" and the 2020 Litigation - Labor and Employment "Lawyer of the Year" in Denver, CO.


Paula's practice focuses on all aspects of employment discrimination, the advancement and protection of LGTBQ rights, and government abuse of power cases. She was the lead trial lawyer representing the gay couple in the recent 2018 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Masterpiece Cakeshop. She also represents transgender women in the Colorado prison system who are fighting for equal protection and respect for their gender identity. Paula is on the board of directors for OneColorado—the largest and most effective advocacy organization for LGTBQ rights in Colorado and has worked with other LGTBQ advocacy groups across the country.

Headline Image: ISTOCK / NADIA BORMOTOVA

Related Articles

IN PARTNERSHIP

The Long, Short, Thick and Thin of It


by Avrohom Gefen

“Appearance discrimination” based on employees’ height and weight is the latest hot-button issue in employment law. Here’s a guide to avoid discrimination.

Woman stands in front of mirror holding suit jacket

ERISA Reaches Its Turning Point


by Bryan Driscoll

ERISA litigation and the laws surrounding are rapidly changing, with companies fundamentally rewriting their business practices.

Beach chair and hat in front of large magnify glass

Attacked From All Sides: What Is Happening in the World of Restrictive Covenants?


by Christine Bestor Townsend

One employment lawyer explains how companies can navigate challenges of federal and state governmental scrutiny on restrictive covenant agreements.

Illustration of two men pulling on string with blue door between them

IN PARTNERSHIP

Businesses Must Prepare for the New Department of Labor Independent Contractor Rule


by Kirby Black and Steven T. Clark

Two employment law lawyers explain how a new DOL rule making it more likely workers will be classified as employees, rather than independent contractors, has caused legal challenges and prompted businesses to reassess worker status and policies.

Block with outline of person slightly out of place from other blocks

Presumption of Parentage


by Lauren Marciano

Family law lawyer Lauren Marciano discusses a pending landmark Supreme Court decision in Oklahoma that will impact LGBTQIA+ couples seeking assisted reproduction.

Child holding a teddy bear with two women sitting with her

IN PARTNERSHIP

New Florida Law Gives Emergency Jurisdiction Over Transgender Minors


by Joseph Milizio

A new state law in Florida is granting the state’s courts to have temporary jurisdiction of transgender minors from other states. Joseph Milizio explains more.

Wooden block with outline of male and female image

A Balancing Act


by Joseph Milizio

New York State recently passed a landmark law that expands LGBTQ couples’ ability to start a family while protecting surrogates’ rights.

Surrogacy Rights for LGBTQ Couples

Fostering Acceptance


by Cassandra Biron

Those looking to be a foster or adoptive parent for LGBTQ youth must understand which kinds of support are most beneficial to parent and child alike. Happily, resources are now more widely available than ever.  

Resources for Fostering LGBTQ Youth

Same-Sex Couples and Marriage Visas: Everything You Need To Know


by Elizabeth Hagearty

All marriages are considered equal under U.S. law. Here’s what that means for LGBTQIA+ immigrants.

Pride flag, finger and visa document

The Employment Pandemic


by Meredith Caiafa and Sarah Greene

The pandemic has had far-reaching effects on employment law since it officially took hold in 2020, but the litigation and lawmaking surrounding it are mutating faster than the variants. Here’s how lawmakers and businesses can keep up.

Employment Law During COVID-19

Destiny Fulfilled


by Sara Collin

Was Angela Reddock-Wright destined to become a lawyer? It sure seems that way. Yet her path was circuitous. This accomplished employment attorney, turned mediator, arbitrator and ADR specialist nonpareil discusses her career, the role of attorneys in society, the new world of post-pandemic work and why new Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson represents the future.

Interview with Lawyer Angela Reddock-Wright

A Double Dose of Power


by Constance Endelicato

Women in the Legal and Medical Professions Can Work Together to Dismantle Gender Inequality

Women Work to Dismantle Gender Inequality

NYC Pay Transparency Law Gets New Start Date


by Justin Smulison

This historic law regarding pay transparency in New York City originally scheduled to take effect last week was rescheduled to Fall 2022.

NYC Stand Resolute on Pay Transparency

Racial Discrimination Suit Against NFL May End in Arbitration


by John Ettorre

A former Miami Dolphins head coach is up against the NLF in a discrimination case that is on a path to arbitration; the NFL remains focused on equality for their diverse coaching staff.

Arbitrating Discrimination Suit Against NFL

Announcing the 2022 Best Lawyers: Family Law Publication


by Best Lawyers

Featuring the top legal talent in Family Law and Trusts & Estates.

Announcing Best Lawyers Family Law 2022

Evolving Marijuana Laws and the Workplace


by Tess P. Anglin

How can employers enforce statutes that differ from state to state?

Red image of marijuana leaf

Trending Articles

2025 Best Lawyers Awards Announced: Honoring Outstanding Legal Professionals Across the U.S.


by Jennifer Verta

Introducing the 31st edition of The Best Lawyers in America and the fifth edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America.

Digital map of the United States illuminated by numerous bright lights.

Unveiling the 2025 Best Lawyers Awards Canada: Celebrating Legal Excellence


by Jennifer Verta

Presenting the 19th edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada and the 4th edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada.

Digital map of Canadathis on illuminated by numerous bright lights

Discover The Best Lawyers in Spain 2025 Edition


by Jennifer Verta

Highlighting Spain’s leading legal professionals and rising talents.

Flags of Spain, representing Best Lawyers country

Unveiling the 2025 Best Lawyers Editions in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal and South Africa


by Jennifer Verta

Best Lawyers celebrates the finest in law, reaffirming its commitment to the global legal community.

Flags of Brazil, Mexico, Portugal and South Africa, representing Best Lawyers countries

Presenting the 2025 Best Lawyers Editions in Chile, Colombia, Peru and Puerto Rico


by Jennifer Verta

Celebrating top legal professionals in South America and the Caribbean.

Flags of Puerto Rico, Chile, Colombia, and Peru, representing countries featured in the Best Lawyers

Prop 36 California 2024: California’s Path to Stricter Sentencing and Criminal Justice Reform


by Jennifer Verta

Explore how Prop 36 could shape California's sentencing laws and justice reform.

Illustrated Hands Breaking Chains Against a Bright Red Background

Tampa Appeals Court ‘Sends Clear Message,” Ensuring School Tax Referendum Stays on Ballot


by Gregory Sirico

Hillsborough County's tax referendum is back on the 2024 ballot, promising $177 million for schools and empowering residents to decide the future of education.

Graduation cap in air surrounded by pencils and money

Find the Best Lawyers for Your Needs


by Jennifer Verta

Discover how Best Lawyers simplifies the attorney search process.

A focused woman with dark hair wearing a green top and beige blazer, working on a tablet in a dimly

Paramount Hit With NY Class Action Lawsuit Over Mass Layoffs


by Gregory Sirico

Paramount Global faces a class action lawsuit for allegedly violating New York's WARN Act after laying off 300+ employees without proper notice in September.

Animated man in suit being erased with Paramount logo in background

The Human Cost


by Justin Smulison

2 new EU laws aim to reshape global business by enforcing ethical supply chains, focusing on human rights and sustainability

Worker wearing hat stands in field carrying equipment

Introduction to Demand Generation for Law Firms


by Jennifer Verta

Learn the essentials of demand gen for law firms and how these strategies can drive client acquisition, retention, and long-term success.

Illustration of a hand holding a magnet, attracting icons representing individuals towards a central

Social Media for Law Firms: The Essential Beginner’s Guide to Digital Success


by Jennifer Verta

Maximize your law firm’s online impact with social media.

3D pixelated thumbs-up icon in red and orange on a blue and purple background.

ERISA Reaches Its Turning Point


by Bryan Driscoll

ERISA litigation and the laws surrounding are rapidly changing, with companies fundamentally rewriting their business practices.

Beach chair and hat in front of large magnify glass

How Client Testimonials Fuel Client Acquisition for Law Firms


by Nancy Lippincott

Learn how client testimonials boost client acquisition for law firms. Enhance credibility, engage clients and stand out in a competitive legal market.

Woman holding blurb of online reviews

Critical Period


by Maryne Gouhier and Armelle Royer

How the green-energy raw materials chase is rewriting geopolitics

Overhead shot of mineral extraction plant

Best Lawyers Expands With New Artificial Intelligence Practice Area


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers introduces Artificial Intelligence Law to recognize attorneys leading the way in AI-related legal issues and innovation.

AI network expanding in front of bookshelf