The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act (2009)

This was the first piece of legislation signed by President Barack Obama after he was inaugurated as the 44th president of the United States. It was passed in reaction to the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., Inc., 550 U.S.
618 (2007).

This law amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and states that the clock will begin running anew each time an illegal act of discrimination is experienced by an employee.

In Lilly Ledbetter’s situation, her pay was less than that for men doing the same job. The old law didn’t permit her to succeed in her complaint of discrimination because she failed to file 20 years earlier on the first occasion of her receiving a paycheck for less than her male counterparts. Under the new law, the 180-day statute of limitations for filing an equal-pay lawsuit regarding pay discrimination resets with each new paycheck affected by that discriminatory action. For more information, see www.eeoc.gov/laws/statutes/ epa_ledbetter.cfm.

Sharam Kohan
Sharam Kohan

Sharam Kohan: Biography

Sharam Kohan is a seasoned professional with an extensive background in law, human relations, and organizational leadership. Currently a degree candidate for an LLM at UC Berkeley Law, Sharam brings a unique blend of legal education, hands-on experience, and a deep commitment to social justice and human rights.

With a career that spans diverse sectors, Sharam's expertise extends far beyond the classroom. He has served as a Human Relations Commissioner, contributing his leadership to Alameda County’s Human Relations Commission, where he worked on initiatives to improve community relations and promote equity. His dedication to social change is also evident in his philanthropic efforts as a donor to organizations like FACES SF, which provides vital resources and support to the Bay Area’s underserved communities.

An advocate for labor and employment rights, Sharam holds a specialization in Employment Law from Temple University School of Law, which has furthered his ability to navigate complex legal frameworks. His professional journey includes leadership roles across human resources and operations, where he has honed his ability to manage teams, shape organizational culture, and implement effective strategies that drive success. He also holds SHRM certification, further solidifying his expertise in human resources management.

As a writer and thought leader, Sharam has authored multiple works that delve into complex philosophical and legal topics. His books, Judgment, a Priori Itself and Sartre’s Conception of Freedom, explore the intersections of law, philosophy, and human freedom, blending his academic background with a passion for intellectual inquiry. These works have garnered attention for their thoughtful analysis and exploration of complex ideas, establishing Sharam as a respected voice in both legal and philosophical circles.

Though not a traditional legal scholar, Sharam’s interdisciplinary approach to understanding law and society has made him a sought-after commentator on topics ranging from legal theory to organizational dynamics. His writing can be found on various platforms, including his blog at Harvard, where he shares insights on law, politics, and social issues.

Sharam Kohan is a dynamic and forward-thinking professional with the knowledge, experience, and passion to contribute meaningfully to the legal, social, and business landscapes.

For more on Sharam Kohan’s work, visit his blog at archive.blogs.harvard.edu/kohan and his author pages on Amazon, including Judgment, a Priori Itself and Sartre's Conception of Freedom.

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