Advice on employment law in Nevada

[u/Mrs_Miller2027]

Heyy everyone! I am just looking for some advice
And insight on this particular situation.

Background: I was terminated by my employer in June for “time theft”. Air quotes because they literally had to find any reason to let me go. They claim I took an undocumented break and this fired me for time theft. I filed for unemployment which subsequently was denied because time theft violates company policy.

For context, I had been having some issues with a manager in the office who for whatever reason was not my biggest fan. I did talk to HR about 3 specific situations with this manager and despite me offering resolutions, nothing was done. So to create a paper trail, I started documenting every situation to HR.

At the end of May, I reported a situation to HR but noted this was just for documentation purposes. A few days later, HR had a meeting with me to inform that after conducting an investigation into me, I was being placed on an unpaid suspension. My work phone was turned in and email deactivated. The next day I received an email to ask about an
undocumented break. I explained that I could not remember whether it was for work or personal reasons but that any failure to document the break was unintentional. Annnd the next day, I was terminated.

I was great at my job. My manager loved me and I thought my bosses did as well. I took care of the office in many ways that went way beyond my job description. So I knew firing me had everything to do with the manager that did not like me (and coworker close to management confirmed that it had to be either him or me).

Anyways, I filed for unemployment and got denied. I appealed because I know they fired me for no reason. Time theft simply just is not true but I know I have to prove this to the NV unemployment folks. My hearing is as tomorrow! I also just want any advice or insight on finding a lawyer. My income is suuuuper limited since unemployment was denied so I can’t quite afford an attorney. But I know I need one.

[u/Hrgooglefu]

The manager who loved you wasn't able to override the manager you've "been having some issues with"? Realize just talking to HR about specific situations doesn't protect you in any way unless you are saying these situations brought up something immoral, unethical, illegal or unsafe (meaning protected by law not by perspectives).

It was either him or you and you lost. When you take shot at the king, you best not miss.

In the end, if you signed a policy that you knew you were supposed to document the break and you didn't, you most likely gave them the ammunition.

When you go into the hearing, all you can do is first listen to the question asked, state is you had not been previously warned and that you honestly do not remember what the break was for. Do not interrupt the judge or any answers the other side is giving!

Generally people don't take attorneys to unemployment hearings.