Joni M. Thome, Wanta Thome PLC

What are the biggest challenges you currently see in employment law?

One big challenge is the actual or perceived power imbalance between employers and employees. Often loyal and productive workers have difficulties reporting or standing up to illegal conduct by employers due to longevity and loyalties to co-workers and the business. On the other hand, some employers perceive the company as being invincible and even above the law — whether due to ignorance or indignance. Minnesota provides strong protections for workers, but many companies give in to the political narrative against diverse work environments across all protected groups. This breeds higher levels of hostile acts and words. The current climate in the country has had a tremendous adverse effect on civility and the ability to achieve and maintain mental and physical health. 

What are the biggest misconceptions about the field of employment law? 

Employee-side lawyers take every potential case that comes across their desk. This is far from true. About 94% of prospective new clients are told the words or actions of their employer were unfair but not in violation of law. We are careful in case selection and collect information and meet with prospective clients before and after we take a case. Another misconception is that employees and their lawyers only want money. Again, not true. In over 30 years of practice, there have been remarkably few times when I’ve encountered employees that just want money. Our clients want to “make sure that what happened to them doesn’t happen to anyone else.” In every interaction, negotiation and in litigation we can lead to systemic change. We resolve individual disputes and help shape a more equitable future for all employees.

Without revealing the names of a client, what is the most interesting case you’ve worked on lately? 

We get to learn a lot about various industries, trades and professions and that part is always interesting. Each client and each workplace present different perspectives on the same or similar business. This question also sparks my thoughts about how fortunate I am to get to work with a population of clients who collectively represent the wide array of Minnesota workers. Perhaps among the most interesting cases of late are those where racism or national origin exists between individuals who are of the same race or national origin. Most recently, these cases arise between indigenous workers from different tribes and workers from different regions of African countries. 

How do you manage work/life balance?

Over three decades I have learned that balance begins with building meaningful professional relationships and finding joy in the work of justice. I have always been an advocate for the underdog – being raised in the 60s and 70s provided plenty of direct exposure to racism and sexism. Women around me were independent workers and decision-makers. In my circle, racism was not tolerated — racial diversity was embraced. This work requires emotional stamina and the ability to move between several different tasks within a day’s work. This work demands focus and dedication, making teamwork essential to longevity in the business. I enjoy the people I get to work with and we laugh together daily. At home, I enjoy my partner and our life together and there is a ton of laughter at home. It’s about passionate advocacy and personal connections. 

What is one thing you would change about Minnesota if you could?

I would not change much about our state of Minnesota. Within our State Departments of Labor and Human Rights, I would appreciate more funding and attention be provided to these departments in all area of implementation of the law and investigations of violations of the law. The same can be said for our local commissions on public safety and civil/human rights. We work to make laws for equality and safety but do not provide the means to implement accountability or consequences for violations of those laws. 

What’s something most people don’t know about you? 

Most people don’t know that my path to employment law began with my own experience of workplace injustice. Before becoming an attorney, I was fired for reporting safety violations at a group home where I worked with people with disabilities. That experience showed me how workplace issues directly affect not just someone’s income, but their dignity and well-being. It’s why I believe so strongly that everyone deserves the right to be themselves at work while earning a living. I remain committed to helping workers stand up for these basic rights. Employment law isn’t just my profession – it’s a deeply personal mission to ensure others don’t face injustice alone.