The Bhatti Law Firm, PLLC

09/29/2023

Congratulations to The Bhatti Law Firm, PLLC’s Vincent Bhatti, who has been named to the Board of Directors of Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas. This appointment continues the long-standing commitment by our firm to protect civil rights of individuals and continues a passion to ensure fair access to justice regardless of financial situation.

04/06/2022

The Bhatti Law Firm, PLLC is proud to participate as a mentor for the Dallas Bar Association's DBA Entrepreneurs in Community Lawyering program! We met so many attorneys on their journey to start and grow their own firms! Thank you Saedra Pinkerton - you're doing such great work!

08/31/2021

New sexual harassment laws go into effect in Texas on September 1st. Catch Ditty Bhatti's contribution to this KERA news piece on how the new laws may affect you.

Whether you're an employee or employer and need legal help, call us at (214) 253-2533.

Under two new Texas laws, even the smallest companies can be sued and complaints can cover harassment further in the past.

08/20/2021

Starting September 1, 2021, Texas significantly expands sexual harassment laws to apply to virtually all employers.

- Employers with one or more employees can be liable (previously employers with 15 or more employees could be liable).

- Individual supervisors and co-workers may be individually liable.

- Statute of limitations has been extended from 180 days to 300 days from the date of the alleged harassment to file a TWC Charge.

- A heightened duty for employers to take immediate corrective action.

Employees: know your rights under this new law, including how to report sexual harassment.

Employers: create, revise, and train your employees on appropriate conduct at the workplace, provide a route to report misconduct, take immediate corrective action, and foster a safe working environment for all employees.

If you have any questions about the new law or need assistance, please contact us at (214) 253-2533.

Bill Text (2021-05-30) Relating to the prohibition against sexual harassment in the workplace. [Effective on 9/1/21]

02/21/2021

Unfortunately, during a crisis, fraudulent contractors prey on people who have suffered property damage. Keep these tips in mind when finding a contractor to repair your home:

1. Get more than one bid. Do not just sign up with the first contractor that comes to you.

2. Ask for references and check the references. Personal referrals for contractors are always preferred.

3. Make sure your contractors are licensed and bonded, and check them out on the Better Business Bureau.

4. Review the contract before signing. Do not sign if there are blank spaces on the document. Do not blindly sign a contract on an electronic device without seeing the full contract. (Also, have the contract email or fax the complete contract to you immediately.)

5. Do not give money before the work is started, and do not make the final payment until all work is fully complete to your satisfaction. Do not sign away your insurance check to a contractor.

6. Do not go with contractors who offer to waive or credit your deductible, which is illegal in Texas.

7. Save all your communications/receipts/invoices.

8. Keep your insurance company aware and updated on the contractor and repairs.

9. File any complaints with the Better Business Bureau and with the office of the Texas Attorney General.

Do not rush any steps when picking a contractor. You would much rather take your time finding a reputable company than wasting your time, money, and sanity fixing a bad repair.

02/21/2021

We have received many calls and questions from our community asking what to do when facing property damage and dealing with your insurance company as a result of the Texas winter storm. We have outlined some steps you can take to protect your interests.

1. Read your homeowners or renters policy thoroughly to know about coverage.
2. Make a list/document and take pictures/videos of all the damage in detail.
3. Call your insurance company, and file a claim. Keep records of every person you spoke with at the insurance company, and take notes of what was said.
4. Save all emails/texts/receipts/communications with contractors, city officials, or insurance company representatives.

When looking at your damaged property, it is easy to make emotional decisions that could go wrong. These tips can help you keep information organized so you are prepared to get your home back in good repair.

12/25/2020

Happy Holidays from everyone at The Bhatti Law Firm. We hope your holidays will be filled with peace, health, and happiness through the New Year.

06/15/2020

Today, the US Supreme Court ruled that sexual orientation and gender identity are protected characteristics under Title VII of the Civil Rights of 1964.

The three brave people who fought their cases for years all the way to the Supreme Court are Aimee Stephens (a transgender funeral director who was fired after announcing her intention to present as a woman), Don Zarda (fired from his job as a skydiving instructor after revealing his sexual orientation to a female client), and Gerald Bostock (fired from his job as a social worker after he was open about being gay). Their courage, persistence, and sacrifice helps to protect the civil rights of the LGBTQ community at the workplace.

This landmark ruling is a profound victory for the LGBTQ community since the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage in 2015.

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday delivered a watershed victory for LGBT rights and a defeat for President Donald Trump's administration by ruling that a longstanding federal law barring workplace discrimination protects gay and transgender employees.