Are you Karen Coolman Amlong? Claim this page now or Cliam yourself lawyer page
I was born on August 26, the anniversary of the day that women won the right to vote. Being politically active and an advocate for women's rights came naturally. A legacy or destiny.
I started college with no thought of becoming an employment discrimination lawyer. As an award-winning high-school artist (National First Prize in the "Hallmark Cards High School Talent Search") I won a full scholarship to Michigan State University, from which I graduated (magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa) with an ever-so-useful degree in Art History.
My radicalizing experience for a born-on-the-26th-of-August woman was not so much an epiphany as a reality check: getting passed over for promotion in my first job out of college for a man because "you'll get married, get pregnant and quit." Women in the 70s were supposed to have husbands, babies and homes, not careers. I sensed that I'd been discriminated against, but didn't know what to do about it. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was only a few years old. Few lawyers brought gender discrimination suits. (The only reason that women had been included in Title VII’s protections was because a segregationist opponent sponsored a floor amendment, thinking that including women would create enough baggage to sink the proposed law.)
Jump forward a few years and I was “married with children.” I attended an organizational meeting for a Fort Lauderdale chapter of the National Organization for Women and its message of equality catapulted me into driving around the state for two years in a 1960 Oldsmobile with two babies in tow to organize NOW chapters. I ran for and was elected to the NOW National Board of Directors in 1972. I lobbied in Tallahassee for the Equal Rights Amendment in 1973 and 1974. When the ERA didn’t pass, its proponents threatened to run for office. A male legislator told me that "no one like you (a women’s libber)" could ever get elected. Wrong. I ran and, in 1974 (at age 27), became the first woman from Broward County, Florida, to serve in the Florida House of Representatives. My campaign slogan during that Watergate/watershed year: It's time.
One term in the Florida House was enough. I retired from politics and went to law school, graduating and becoming a lawyer in 1979.
In 1982, I married my now-partner and soul mate Bill Amlong (a former Miami Herald reporter I had met while I was in Tallahassee but that's another story). We started our little mom and pop law firm that year, struggling like most small businesses do. Then I did a lot of family law, while Bill did a little bit of everything.
And then Bill started litigating the discrimination cases my NOW colleagues referred to us, which got us started in employment law. We are still a mom and pop law firm, although we have grown far beyond our initial vision. Now we concentrate almost exclusively on cases involving employment rights. Together, Bill and I have tried and settled hundreds of discrimination, sexual harassment and wrongful termination cases. We've done well. I won Florida's first significant sexual harassment judgment. Stockett v. Tolin, 791 F. Supp. 1536 (S.D. Fla. 1992). Bill won a Supreme Court case that changed the contours of sexual harassment litigation. Faragher v. City of Boca Raton, 524 U.S. 775 (1998). In 2018, we tried and won a case, Igwe v. City of Miami, in the Top 100 Verdicts in Florida.
I have practiced 40 years. I am AV Peer Review Rated through Martindale-Hubbell. I've been a Super Lawyer since 2007. I have lectured extensively on employment law, discrimination and sexual harassment on local, state, national and international levels.
I believe in people being judged on what they can do, not on things they can't change like their gender, their race or their age. I love what I do. Nothing is more satisfying than watching a client who came into my office crushed by losing a job or powerless in the face of workplace discrimination regain their confidence.
I can help you fight back against workplace injustice. I can use what I’ve learned in 40 years of practice to help you get the pay or promotion or severance package you deserve. I can point to the results in cases I’ve tried to help convince your former employer to make a fair settlement without litigation. And if your case goes to trial, you’ll have the benefit of the thousands of hours I’ve spent in the courtroom, preparing me to try my most important case yet: yours.
Think about it.
| Karen Coolman Amlong: | Member at The The Amlong Firm |
 |
500 NE 4th St Fl 2 Suite 200 Fort Lauderdale, FL 333011163 |
| Website: | www.TheAmlongFirm.com |
| Phone: | (954) 462-1983 |
| Offices: |
The Amlong Firm
|
No one should be treated differently and worse because of their age, sex, pregnancy, race, color, religion, national origin, marital status or military service. I've handled cases under many statutes including the Equal Pay Act and USERRA.
Employers will tell you they can fire you for any reason. But they can'r fire you because of your age, sex, race, etc. or because you blew the whistle. In 2018, my husband and I won one of the Top 100 Verdicts in Florida for a whistleblower.
Sexual harassment still exists in the post-#METOO era. I've represented women (and men) from a CEO to sales executives to servers who have been sexually harassed. I won the first $1 million-plus judgment in a Florida sexual harassment case in 1992.
I have tried and settled hundreds of employment cases in my 40 years of practice. In addition to discrimination, sexual harassment and discrimination cases, I handle non-compete and severance agreements and business disputes.
I have tried and settled hundreds of employment cases in my 40 years of practice. In addition to discrimination, sexual harassment and discrimination cases, I handle non-compete and severance agreements and business disputes.
| Association name | Position name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Florida House of Representatives | Member | 1974 - 1976 |
| American Bar Association | Member | 1980 - 1900 |
| Broward County Bar Association | Member | 1980 - 1900 |
| American Bar Association | Member | N/A |
| Broward County Bar Association | Member | N/A |
| American Bar Association | Member | N/A |
| Broward County Bar Association | Member | N/A |
| Florida Justice Association | Member | N/A |
| Florida Justice Association | Member | N/A |
| Florida Justice Association | Member | 1983 - 1900 |
| American Association for Justice | Member | 1987 - 1900 |
| American Association for Justice | Member | N/A |
| American Association for Justice | Member | N/A |
| Broward County Commission on the Status of Women | Member | 1992 - 1994 |
| State of Florida Commission on the Status of Women | Member | 1993 - 1996 |
| National Employment Lawyers Association | Member | N/A |
| National Employment Lawyers Association | Member | N/A |
| National Employment Lawyers Association | Member | 1993 - 1900 |
| Broward County Charter Review Commission | Member | 1994 - 1996 |
| Florida Board of Bar Examiners | Member | 1995 - 2000 |
| Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
|---|---|---|
| Super Lawyer - Employment Law - Employee Lawyer | Florida Super Lawyers | 2018 |
| Super Lawyer - Employment Law - Employee Lawyer | Florida Super Lawyers | 2017 |
| Super Lawyer - Employment Law - Employee Lawyer | Florida Super Lawyers | 2016 |
| Super Lawyer - Employment and Labor | Florida Super Lawyers | 2015 |
| Super Lawyer - Employment and Labor | Florida Super Lawerys | 2014 |
| Best Lawyers in America | Best Lawyers | 2014 |
| Super Lawyer - Employment and Labor | Florida Super Lawyers | 2013 |
| The Best Lawyers in America | Best Lawyers | 2013 |
| Florida Super Lawyer - Employment and Labor | Florida Super Lawyers | 2012 |
| The Best Lawyers in America | Best Lawyers | 2012 |
| Florida Super Lawyers - Employment and Labor | Florida Super Lawyers | 2011 |
| Fellow | Litigation Counsel of America | 2010 |
| Florida Super Lawyers - Employment and Labor | Florida Super Lawyers | 2010 |
| Top Law Firms in South Florida | South Florida Legal Guide | 2009 |
| Florida Super Lawyers | Florida Super Lawyers | 2009 |
| Florida Super Lawyers - Employment and Labor | Florida Super Lawyers | 2008 |
| Top Law Firms in South Florida | South Florida Legal Guide | 2008 |
| Top Law Firms in South Florida | South Florida Legal Guide | 2007 |
| Florida Super Lawyers - Employment and Labor | Florida Super Lawyers | 2007 |
| Feminists Who Changed America: 1963 to 1975 | Barbara J. Love, Editor | 2006 |
| Top Law Firms in South Florida | South Florida Legal Guide | 2006 |
| Small Firm Practitioner of Merit | American Bar Association, General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Division | 2005 |
| Top Law Firms in South Florida | South Florida Legal Guide | 2005 |
| USA's Leading Business Lawyers | Chambers & Partners USA | 2004 |
| Top Law Firms in South Florida | South Florida Legal Guide | 2004 |
| Top Law Firms in South Floirda | South Florida Legal Guide | 2003 |
| One of South Florida's Fifty Most Successful Business Women | FastTrack Magazine | 2002 |
| Top Law Firms in South Florida | South Florida's Legal Guide | 2002 |
| President's Award | Florida NELA | 1999 |
| AV Peer Review Rated Preeminent: 5 out of 5 | Martindale-Hubbell | 2024 |
| AV Peer Review Rated Preeminent: 5 out of 5 | Martindale-Hubbell | 2024 |
| AV Peer Review Rated Preeminent: 5 out of 5 | Martindale-Hubbell | 2024 |
| AV Peer Review Rated Preeminent: 5 out of 5 | Martindale-Hubbell | 2024 |
| School name | Degree | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| Nova Southeastern University - Shepard Broad Law Center | JD - Juris Doctor | 2024 |
| Nova Southeastern University - Shepard Broad Law Center | JD - Juris Doctor | 2024 |
| Nova Southeastern University - Shepard Broad Law Center | JD - Juris Doctor | 2024 |
| Nova Southeastern University - Shepard Broad Law Center | JD - Juris Doctor | 2024 |
| Nova Southeastern University - Shepard Broad Law Center | JD - Juris Doctor | 2024 |
| Case name | Outcome |
|---|---|
| In Re: Perlman | Lesbian partner of birth mother awarded custody. |
| Selim v. Pan American Airways Corp. | Reversed summary judgment based ALPA arbitration |
| Stockett v. Tolin | Plaintiff was awarded $1,308,284 in damages. |
| Taylor v. Martell | Plaintiff's pleadings stricken for fraud on court |
| Zamora v. Florida Atlantic Board of Trustees | Jury verdict for plaintiff. $200,000 FCRA cap. |
| State | Number | Status | Acquired | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FL | 275565 | Member in Good Standing | 1979 | 04/25/2019 |
| Publication name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Trial Magazine | Representing the Age Discrimination Client | 2008 |
| Conference name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| American Association for Justice, 2013 Annual Convention, Litigation at Sunrise Series | Presenter, “A Ten Minute Primer on Sexual Harassment in the Workplace” | 2013 |
| Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing of North America, Inc. (TEMA) Supplier Executive Conference, Erlanger, KY | Presenter, “Litigation from the Plaintiff’s Perspective: Avoiding Mistakes Employers Make” | 2012 |
| Nova Southeastern University Law School | Presenter, “Practicing” | 2012 |
| Florida Chapter of the National Employment Lawyers, Winter Conference, Daytona Beach, FL | Presenter, “Making the Most of Victory: Calculating and Presenting Damages in Employment Cases” | 2012 |
| Florida Chapter of Matrimonial Lawyers and The Family Law Section of the Florida Bar, Martial and Family Law Review Course | Lecturer, “Modification of Child Support” | 2012 |
| The Florida Bar, Family Law Section, Marital and Family Law Review Course | Lecturer, “Business Valuation in Divorce” | 2011 |
| Florida Chapter of the National Employment Lawyers, Winter Conference, Lake Buena Vista, FL | Presenter, “Direct Examination and Cross Examination” | 2011 |
| Nova Southeastern University Law School | Presenter, “ E.G., The Glass Ceiling in 2010: Why Employment Law is (Still) a Good Place to Be” | 2010 |
| NELA Summer Conference | Neutralizing the Defense Psychologist | 2010 |
| Florida Chapter of the National Employment Lawyers, Fall Conference. St. Petersberg, FL | Presenter, “Neutralizing the Defense Expert” | 2010 |
| NELA Trial Advocacy for the Plaintiff's Employment Lawyer | Effective Use of Demonstrative Evidence | 2008 |
| NELA National Conference | "Insights from the Dark Side" - Panel Moderator | 2008 |
| The Florida Bar Labor and Employment Section, Advanced Labor Topics, Ponte Vedre Beach, FL | Panelist, "What Does the Future Hold for Labor and Employment Law Practice?" | 2006 |
| Florida Chapter of the National Employment Lawyers Association, Spring Conference, Fort Lauderdale, FL | Presenter, "Graphics 101: A Primer for Lawyers" | 2006 |
| Florida Chapter of the National Employment Lawyers Association, Fall Conference, St. Petersburg, FL | Lecturer, "Florida State Court Discovery & Motion Practice" | 2006 |
| Florida Chapter of the National Employment Lawyers Association, Spring Conference, Melbourne, FL | Presenter, "Doing Well by Doing Good: Making Money as Civil Rights Lawyers" | 2005 |
| American Association of University Women, Fort Lauderdale, FL | Presenter, "Sex Discrimination and the Law" | 2005 |
| National Employment Lawyers Association, Fifteenth Annual Convention, San Antonio, TX | Workshop leader and lecturer, "Using Computer Graphics to Tell a Memorable Story" | 2004 |
| Florida Chapter of the National Employment Lawyers, Spring Conference, Melbourne, FL | Presenter, "The (Unwritten) Rules of Engagement: How it Really Works in State Courts in Florida" | 2004 |
| National Employment Lawyers, Fourteenth Annual Convention, Vail, CO | Lecturer, "Visual Story Telling: How to Demonstrate Themes, Liability and Damages" | 2003 |
| National Employment Lawyers Association, The Theater of Reality: Trial Skills for the Plaintiffs Employment Lawyer, Atlanta, GA | Lecturer, "Confronting the Villains, Strategic Use of the Adverse Witness, The Harasser" | 2003 |
| Florida Chapter of the National Employment Lawyers Association, Spring Conference, Melbourne, FL | Panelist, Round Table Discussion | 2003 |
| National Employment Lawyers, Thirteenth Annual Convention, Lake Buena Vista, FL | Moderator, "Negotiations: Strategies & Techniques" | 2002 |
| National Employment Lawyers, Thirteenth Annual Convention, Lake Buena Vista, FL | Plenary Session Speaker, "Strategies for Victory: Maximizing Your Client's Recovery in Employment Cases" | 2002 |
| National Employment Lawyers Association, San Diego, CA | Presenter, "Use and Abuse of Expert Witnesses, Litigating Harassment and Hostile Environment Claims" | 2001 |
| Georgia Chapter of the National Employment Lawyers Association, Negril, Jamaica | Presenter, "Storming and Blocking the Bates" | 2001 |
| Florida Chapter of the National Employment Lawyers Association, Fall Seminar, St. Petersburg, FL | Lecturer, "Discovery: Practical Tips and Considerations: A No-Muss, No-Fuss Guide to Getting What you Need Even If It Might Not Be Everything You Want" | 2001 |
| American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU of Florida Lawyers Conference, Key West, FL | Lecturer, "2000-2001 Awards: Employment Discrimination Update" | 2001 |
| American Association of University Women, Boca Raton, FL | Presenter, "The Glass Ceiling" | 2001 |
| PAC Industry Fund (Plumbing Contractors), West Palm Beach, FL | Lecturer, "So What Is Sexual Harassment Anyway and How Do I Keep From Getting Sued?" | 2000 |
| Nuts and Bolts of Employment Litigation, Fort Lauderdale, FL | Lecturer, "Presenting and Defending Against Damage Claims in State Court Actions" | 2000 |
| National Conference of Bar Examiners, Chicago, IL | Lecturer, "Defining Essential Characteristics of Lawyers" | 2000 |
| Florida Chapter of the National Employment Lawyers Association, Fall Seminar, St. Petersburg, FL | Lecturer, "How to Recover and Defend Against Attorneys' Fees" | 2000 |
| Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Committee and the Labor and Employment Section, Fort Lauderdale, FL | Lecturer, "Presenting and Defending Against Damage Claims in State Court Actions" | 2000 |
| Volunteer Lawyers Project, Florida Justice Seminar, Fort Lauderdale, FL | Lecturer, "Litigating Sexual Harassment Claims for Love and Money in the Southern District, FL" | 1999 |
| National Employment Lawyers Association, Trial Practice for the Employment Lawyer, Seattle, WA | Lecturer, "The Opening Argument" | 1999 |
| Florida Chapter of the National Employment Lawyers Association, Fall Seminar, Clearwater, FL | Lecturer, "Discovery Abuse: Problems and Solutions, Tactics and Techniques" | 1999 |
| Broward County Trial Lawyers, Fort Lauderdale, FL | Lecturer, "Sexual Harassment and Employment Discrimination" | 1998 |
| Broward Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, Fort Lauderdale, FL | Lecturer, "Using the Courts to Change the Law" | 1998 |
| American Bar Association Employee Rights and Responsibilities Committee, Mid-Winter Meeting, Tuscon, AZ | Lecturer, "Psychological and Legal Methods for Evaluating Claimed Psychological Injuries" | 1998 |
| Florida Chapter of the National Employment Lawyers Association, Annual Meeting, St. Petersburg, FL | Lecturer, "Combating Discovery Abuse in Employment Discrimination Case" | 1997 |
| Florida Bar Labor & Employment Section, Orlando, FL | Lecturer, "Use of Experts" | 1997 |
| Council on Education Management, Personnel Law Update 1997 | Lecturer, "Beware of ADA Mixed Motive Exposure" | 1997 |
| Hispanic National Bar Association, Miami, FL | Lecturer, "Litigating Sexual Harassment Cases for Fun and Profit" | 1996 |
| Florida Bar Labor and Employment Law Section and the Gender Equality in the Profession Committee, Orlando, FL | Lecturer, "When the Lawyer is the Employer: Gender Discrimination in Hiring, Compensation and Promotion" | 1996 |
| American Bar Association Section of Labor and Employment Law, Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL | Lecturer, "Current Issues in Sexual Harassment Litigation" | 1996 |
| Southern Methodist University, Thirteenth Annual Multi-State Labor and Employment Law Seminar , Tuscon, AZ | Lecturer, "Indecent Exposure: Proof and Defense of Punitive Damage Claims" | 1995 |
| National Association of Securities Dealers, Employment Law Seminar, Boca Raton, FL | Lecturer, "Overview of Employment Law" | 1995 |
| Florida Bar Labor and Employment Law, Litigation Seminar, Orlando, FL | Lecturer, "Damages" | 1995 |
| Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers, Orlando, FL | Lecturer, "Sexual Harassment in the Work Place: Remedies and How to Prove Damages" | 1995 |
| Florida Bar Labor and Employment Section, Advanced Current Labor Topics Seminar Amelia Island, FL | Lecturer, "Selection and Use of Expert Witnesses: Strategies for Calculating Damages and Employing Psychological Experts" | 1994 |
| The Florida Bar, Bridge the Gap Seminar, Fort Lauderdale, FL | Lecturer, "Gender Equality" | 1993 |
| Florida Bar Labor and Employment Section Seminar, Miami, FL | Lecturer, "Sexual Harassment" | 1992 |
| Title | Company name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Shareholder | Holmes & Holmes, PA | 1979 - 1982 |
| Shareholder | Holmes & Holmes, PA | 1979 - 1982 |
| Managing Shareholder | The Amlong Firm | N/A |
| Managing Shareholder | The Amlong Firm | 1982 - 1900 |
| Managing Shareholder | The Amlong Firm | N/A |
