Attorney Holly Williams is currently representing Kristen Windham in a lawsuit filed against Martin County, Texas. The suit alleges that Windham was fired from her job at the Sheriff’s Office for political association and in retaliation for reporting sexual harassment. You can read more about the case at the Martin County Messenger here.

Attorney Holly Williams recently traveled to Austin to testify before the House Select Committee on Workforce in support of HB 5400. The bill would amend the Texas Labor Code, allowing victims of sexual harassment in the workplace to file a lawsuit without first submitting a complaint to the Texas Workforce Commission. Other reforms would include eliminating the cap on compensatory and punitive damages, extending the statute of limitations to two years, and strengthens protections for those who report instances of harassment. You can read Ms. Williams’ testimony below. “Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee, My name is Holly Williams. I am Secretary of the Texas Employment Lawyers Association. I am Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. I have been practicing law in my hometown of Midland, Texas for over 30 years. I represent clients within about a 200-mile radius of Midland-Odessa.

Attorney Holly Williams and other members of the Texas Employment Lawyers Association (TELA) recently visited state legislators in Austin to lobby for a bill aimed at helping victims of sexual harassment. The bill, which is still under review, would eliminate damage caps whenever a harassment lawsuit makes it to trial. “Sexual harassment in the workplace tends to have an outsized impact on single mothers,” Holly said. “These women are particularly vulnerable and often don’t speak up because they are supporting a family, and they don’t want to do anything to jeopardize their position.” The current law was modeled after a federal statute and adopts limits established in 1991, that do not adequately compensate survivors for their damages. TELA is quickly establishing itself as the go-to organization for employment lawyers in Texas. Members from all over the state met with their senators and representatives. Holly visited the offices of Representatives Tom Craddick and Vikki Goodwin (a classmate at the

Holly Williams has been elected to serve a two-year term as secretary of the Texas Employment Lawyers Association (TELA). The organization, founded in 1992, was created in order to serve the interests of Texas workers and strengthen the community of lawyers that represents them. This is not the first leadership role Holly has held in the organization. From 2017-2019, she served as TELA’s treasurer. “Being an advocate for workers is something I’m passionate about and take very seriously,” Holly said. “I’m thankful for the opportunity to help TELA fulfill that mission.” You can learn more about TELA by visiting its website.

Williams Law Firm, P.C. is proud to announce that firm founder Holly Williams has once again earned recognition among this year’s Texas Super Lawyers. Ms. Williams has been recognized each year since 2015 for her work in labor and employment law. “Whether for employers or employees, I am passionate about helping people solve their work-related legal issues,” Ms. Williams said. “Being recognized for that is an honor.” Williams Law Firm, P.C. handles a wide range of matters related to labor and employment law, such as compensation and benefits, discrimination and harassment, employment agreements, disputes, employee rights, and HR compliance. Each year, less than five percent of attorneys in the state are recognized among Thomson Reuters’ list of Texas Super Lawyers. Nominations are made by peers and colleagues and then vetted through independent research conducted by the Thomson Reuters’ editorial staff. Final selections are made by a specially commissioned blue-ribbon panel

In the October issue of The Texas Bar Journal, attorney Holly Williams penned an article examining the definition of “disability” under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), specifically the third prong, applying to individuals who are “regarded as” disabled. In “‘Regarded as’ Claims Under the ADA and TCHRA: Advantage and Limitations,” Ms. Williams discusses the limitations of “regarded as” claims.  They cannot be based on conditions that are transitory or minor, and an employer has no duty to provide reasonable accommodation to an employee who is “regarded as” disabled. On the other hand, “regarded as” claims have an advantage in that a lesser standard is required to prove that an individual has a disability. Specifically, there is no requirement to prove that an individual is limited in a major life activity. Ms. Williams also examines recent cases interpreting “regarded as” claims under the ADA and the Texas Commission on Human

MIDLAND, Texas – The founding partner of Midland-based employment firm Williams Law Firm P.C., Holly Williams, has earned a spot on the 2018 Texas Super Lawyers listing. Ms. Williams was selected for her work in the area of labor and employment law, an area she has been selected for every year since 2015. The firm is known for the work it’s done assisting clients with issues including compensation and benefits, discrimination and harassment, employee disputes, and HR compliance. Texas Super Lawyers is owned by Thomson Reuters and honors attorneys through a process comprised of peer nominations and review and independent research. In any given year, no more than five percent of attorneys in the state are chosen. “Being named as a Texas Super Lawyer is always such honor,” said Ms. Williams. “I’ve always felt this award has particular meaning, because it’s based so heavily on the reviews of those we

Company founded by high school, NFL star assessed $800,000 in punitive damages MIDLAND, Texas – A federal jury in Midland has returned a $1 million sexual harassment and pregnancy discrimination verdict against Odessa-based oilfield services company Brinkerhoff Inspection Inc. doing business as SMOB. The $1.008 million verdict returned on Wednesday by the jury of six men and two women includes punitive damages totaling $841,625 to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct in the future. Jurors heard testimony that plaintiff Sara Roberts was fired just four days into her employment after rejecting sexual advances from SMOB’s Personnel Manager Keith Demby. Ms. Roberts had also disclosed that she was pregnant during the job interview process in response to questions by Mr. Demby. She was fired after informing the company that she had recently gotten married. In reaching the verdict, jurors agreed unanimously that Ms. Roberts was a victim of sexual harassment,