In this powerful episode of Hostile Work Environment, Derek and Dawn dive deep into the fundamentals of workplace harassment—what it is, how to identify it, and what legal standards apply. Then, they’re joined by special guest Ian Bryson, senior trial attorney at the Derek Smith Law Group, who walks us through his landmark $1.8 million jury verdict against the City of Philadelphia—the largest sexual harassment and retaliation verdict in the city’s history.

From defining “quid pro quo” and “constructive discharge” to breaking down the McDonnell-Douglas burden-shifting analysis, this episode unpacks the legal tools available to employees who are facing toxic, discriminatory workplaces.

• What legally constitutes workplace harassment
• How to prove retaliation and adverse action
• The difference between a hostile work environment and just a bad boss
• How courts analyze discrimination using the McDonnell-Douglas framework
• What made the $1.8M Philly police department case so historic
• Why reporting harassment is critical—and how to protect yourself

Ian Bryson – Trial Attorney at Derek Smith Law Group

Lead counsel in the $1.8M verdict against the City of Philadelphia involving retaliation and sexual harassment of two female police officers.

• Hostile Work Environment
• Quid Pro Quo Harassment
• Retaliation & Adverse Employment Actions
• Constructive Discharge
• Temporal Proximity
• Employer Negligence vs. Supervisor Liability

If you’ve experienced workplace harassment, discrimination, or retaliation—don’t wait.

📲 Call now: (800) 807-2209

🌐 Visit: www.dereksmithlaw.com

Don’t miss future episodes of Hostile Work Environment. We bring real legal talk, expert advice, and raw conversations that could change your life or someone you care about.