Employment / Unemployment
JALA’s Employment Law Project
JALA promotes the stability of low wage and disadvantaged workers and their families by advocating for workplace rights, job preservation and the means to overcome barriers to employment. The ability of community members to earn a living is a critical component of the economic development and quality of life of any community. Through legal advice, representation, education, and other forms of advocacy, the Employment Law Project helps workers be productive, self-sufficient members of the community and guards against workplace abuses.
JALA Services Offered
The Employment Law Project provides qualified applicants with free legal advice, representation or referral for assistance from volunteer attorneys or government enforcement agencies in the following areas.
| Criminal background English Version —- |
Harassment English Version —- |
| Your Rights When You Lose Your Job English Version —- |
Human Trafficking English Version —- |
| Discrimination English Version —- |
Occupational License English Version —- |
| Family & Medical Leave English Version —- |
Pay Problems English Version —- |
| Florida Minimum Wage English Version —- |
Unemployment Compensation English Version —- |
| Hardship Driver Licenses English Version —- |
Workers Compensation English Version —- |
Workers’ Rights Clinics
Community education is an important focus of the Employment Law Project to help workers understand and enforce their workplace rights and dispel misinformation that may cause them to unnecessarily risk their income. For example, click here to see the Top 10 Myths about Workplace Rights. At Workers’ Rights Clinics, an attorney provides free advice about workplace rights, enforcement methods, and means for handling workplace disputes.
Lawyers: Please support the working poor
There are far more low-wage workers that need assistance than JALA can serve. You can make a dramatic difference in the lives of the working poor by volunteering your time or financial support. JALA offers free lawyer training where needed for those wishing to volunteer their services. If you would like to donate your services, please click here. If you would like to make a financial donation, please click here.
Thank you for your support!
Community Resources
List of agencies providing financial and other assistance in the Duval County Area: Dial telephone number 211
Driver License Information:
Florida Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Duval County Anti-discrimination Ordinance:
Jacksonville Human Rights Commission
Federal Employment Laws:
United States Department of Labor
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Florida Civil Rights Act:
Florida Commission on Human Relations
Florida Minimum Wage:
WorkSource
Free Job Search Assistance:
WorkSource
Help for individuals with criminal records to re-enter employment:
The National HIRE Network
Human Trafficking:
United States Department of Justice
Report trafficking crimes or get help by calling the toll-free hotline
1-888-428-7581 (voice and TTY)
Unemployment Compensation:
WorkSource
Self Help Pamphlets
10 Myths Florida Workplace Rights
10 Myths Florida Workplace Rights-Spanish
Employment Discrimination
Florida At Will Employment Rights When You Lose Your Job
Florida’s Minimum Wage
Handling Criminal Records That Are A Barrier To Employment
Harassment In The Workplace
Hardship Driver Licenses
Human Trafficking
Occupational Licenses and Background Screenings by State Agencies
Unemployment Compensation for Florida Workers
Handling Criminal Convictions in Florida
Your Right to be Paid