Sabatini and Associates, LLC Attorneys at Law :: Newington :: Hartford :: Connecticut

A dramatic pay gap emerges between women and men in America the year after they graduate from college and widens over the ensuing decade, according to research released on Monday. One year out of college, women working full time earn 80 percent of what men earn, according to the study by the American Association of University Women Educational Foundation, based in Washington D.C. Ten years later, women earn 69% as much as men. The study, entitled “Behind the Pay Gap,” used data from the U.S. Department of Education. It analyzed some 9,000 college graduates from 1992-93 and more than 10,000 from 1999-2000

“Unconscious bias” is an element in two pending class-action lawsuits potentially involving millions of workers, one by women against Wal-Mart, and another by blacks against Walgreens. It’s fundamental to an enforcement effort announced last month by the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) that focuses on filing “subtle” discrimination lawsuits and educating employers. It’s called Eradicating Racism and Colorism from Employment (E-RACE).  Here is an example of unconscious bias:

When a female lawyer who worked full time was away from her desk, her colleagues assumed that she was in a meeting. When she started working part time and was away from her desk, her colleagues assumed she was at home with her child. And suddenly her job evaluations went bad.

This is a form of unlawful discrimination.  Even though the employer may not be consciously discriminating against the female employee.

Many clients come to us with help with reaching a contractual agreement to buy or sell a small business.  Typically, when the client first comes to see us, he has verbally talked to the buyer or seller and deal in principal may have been agreed upon.  However, nothing is in writing.  If a verbal agreement has been reached in principal, it is important to place it in writing.  This can be done through a letter of understanding.  A sample letter of understanding is as follows:

Dear Sir or Madam

It was a pleasure speaking with you, and I hope to join you
soon for a toast to our mutual success in the (project)