Employment Law in the Capital City
Topeka's workforce is shaped by state government, health care systems, manufacturing plants, the Washburn University community, and a wide range of small businesses. With so many employers concentrated in one city, workplace legal issues are common. Employees may face discrimination, harassment, retaliation, unpaid overtime, or wrongful termination. Employers must navigate hiring practices, handbooks, disciplinary procedures, and compliance with state and federal laws.
Employment lawyers help both sides. Some firms focus on representing workers, while others primarily defend employers. Understanding that distinction is the first step in finding the right attorney.
How We Chose These Firms
This list reflects publicly available information about each firm's employment practice, courtroom experience, professional reputation, and service to Topeka clients. We included both employee-side and employer-side firms so readers can find the best match. This guide is informational and not a paid endorsement.
The Top 10 Employment Law Firms in Topeka
1. Sloan, Eisenbarth, Glassman, McEntire & Jarboe
This Topeka firm has a long-standing reputation for representing employees in discrimination, retaliation, and wrongful termination cases. Its attorneys have significant trial experience in state and federal court and are known for persistent advocacy on behalf of workers.
2. Fisher, Patterson, Sayler & Smith
Fisher, Patterson, Sayler & Smith is a Topeka litigation firm that defends employers and public entities in employment claims. Its lawyers are experienced in civil rights defense, administrative proceedings, and jury trials.
3. Foulston Siefkin
Foulston Siefkin's employment group advises employers on compliance, investigations, policies, and litigation. Its Topeka office supports businesses and organizations across northeast Kansas, from small companies to large employers.
4. Goodell, Stratton, Edmonds & Palmer
This established Topeka firm provides employment advice to businesses, including handbook drafting, contract review, and dispute resolution. It is a practical choice for local companies that want accessible counsel.
5. Irigonegaray, Turney & Revenaugh
With a strong civil rights background, this Topeka firm represents individuals whose workplace rights have been violated. Its attorneys are known for taking on powerful institutions and advocating for fairness in public and private employment.
6. Ogletree Deakins
Ogletree Deakins is one of the largest employer-side labor and employment firms in the country. It advises companies on wage and hour compliance, workplace safety, union relations, and litigation, with resources that serve multistate employers.
7. Littler Mendelson
Littler is a national employer-focused labor and employment firm. Its attorneys help businesses manage complex workforce issues, including class actions, data privacy in HR, and remote work policies.
8. Spencer Fane
Spencer Fane offers employment counsel to businesses throughout the region. Its lawyers handle employment agreements, non-compete matters, investigations, and litigation for clients in Kansas and Missouri.
9. Polsinelli
Polsinelli's labor and employment practice supports employers in health care, manufacturing, and professional services. The firm is particularly experienced in executive compensation and restrictive covenant disputes.
10. Kansas Legal Services
For eligible low-income workers, Kansas Legal Services provides civil legal assistance from its Topeka office. It can help with certain employment-related issues, such as unemployment benefits appeals, and connect people with additional resources.
Employment Law Trends in Topeka
Remote and hybrid work arrangements have created new questions about wage and hour compliance and workplace monitoring. Non-compete and confidentiality agreements remain a hot topic as employers compete for skilled workers. Harassment prevention, pay equity, and accommodations for disabilities and pregnancy are also receiving more attention. For public employees in Topeka, civil service rules and constitutional protections add another layer of complexity.
How to Choose an Employment Lawyer
Determine whether you need an employee-side or employer-side attorney. Gather documents such as offer letters, performance reviews, and emails before your consultation. Ask about deadlines, since many employment claims require filing with an agency within strict time limits. Clarify fees: many employee-side lawyers work on contingency, while employer-side firms usually bill hourly.
Common Workplace Issues in Topeka
Employees in Topeka frequently seek legal advice about termination after reporting misconduct, denial of medical leave, unpaid overtime, misclassification as independent contractors, and discrimination based on age, race, sex, disability, or religion. Public employees may also have unique protections related to free speech and due process. Because Kansas is an at-will employment state, understanding the exceptions to at-will employment is critical to evaluating whether a claim exists.
Employers, meanwhile, turn to employment lawyers for help drafting clear policies, conducting fair internal investigations, handling layoffs, and responding to charges filed with the Kansas Human Rights Commission or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Proactive legal guidance often prevents disputes from escalating into lawsuits, saving time, money, and workplace morale. Training managers on documentation and consistent discipline is one of the most effective ways to reduce legal risk.
Final Thoughts
Topeka is fortunate to have a strong employment law community, with experienced advocates for both workers and businesses. Whether you are facing a workplace dispute or working to prevent one, the firms listed above offer knowledgeable guidance to help you protect your rights and your organization.