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 sit 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 a 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

Legal Distinction on Display: 15th Edition of The Best Lawyers in France™


by Best Lawyers

The industry’s best lawyers and firms working in France are revealed in the newly released, comprehensive the 15th Edition of The Best Lawyers in France™.

French flag in front of country's outline

Announcing the 13th Edition of Best Lawyers Rankings in the United Kingdom


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is proud to announce the newest edition of legal rankings in the United Kingdom, marking the 13th consecutive edition of awards in the country.

British flag in front of country's outline

Announcing the 16th Edition of the Best Lawyers in Germany Rankings


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers announces the 16th edition of The Best Lawyers in Germany™, featuring a unique set of rankings that highlights Germany's top legal talent.

German flag in front of country's outline

Celebrating Excellence in Law: 11th Edition of Best Lawyers in Italy™


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers announces the 11th edition of The Best Lawyers in Italy™, which features an elite list of awards showcasing Italy's current legal talent.

Italian flag in front of country's outline

Combating Nuclear Verdicts: Empirically Supported Strategies to Deflate the Effects of Anchoring Bias


by Sloan L. Abernathy

Sometimes a verdict can be the difference between amicability and nuclear level developments. But what is anchoring bias and how can strategy combat this?

Lawyer speaking in courtroom with crowd and judge in the foreground

Things to Do Before a Car Accident Happens to You


by Ellie Shaffer

In a car accident, certain things are beyond the point of no return, while some are well within an individual's control. Here's how to stay legally prepared.

Car dashcam recording street ahead

The Push and Pitfalls of New York’s Attempt to Expand Wrongful Death Recovery


by Elizabeth M. Midgley and V. Christopher Potenza

The New York State Legislature recently went about updating certain wrongful death provisions and how they can be carried out in the future. Here's the latest.

Red tape blocking off a section of street

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

Key Developments and Trends in U.S. Commercial Litigation


by Justin Smulison

Whether it's multibillion-dollar water cleanliness verdicts or college athletes vying for the right to compensation, the state of litigation remains strong.

Basketball sits in front of stacks of money

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

Is Premises Liability the Same as Negligence?


by Jeremy Wilson and Taylor Rodney Marks

In today's age, we are always on the move, often inhabiting spaces we don't own. But what happens when someone else's property injures you or someone you know?

A pair of silhouetted legs falling down a hole with yellow background

Woman on a Mission


by Rebecca Blackwell

Baker Botts partner and intellectual property chair Christa Brown-Sanford discusses how she juggles work, personal life, being a mentor and leadership duties.

Woman in green dress crossing her arms and posing for headshot

Best Lawyers Celebrates Women in the Law: Ninth Edition


by Alliccia Odeyemi

Released in both print and digital form, Best Lawyers Ninth Edition of Women in the Law features stories of inspiring leadership and timely legal issues.

Lawyer in green dress stands with hands on table and cityscape in background

Beyond the Billables


by Michele M. Jochner

In a recently conducted, comprehensive study, data reveals a plethora of hidden realities that parents working full-time in the legal industry face every day.

Women in business attire pushing stroller takes a phone call