An El Paso, Texas, law firm and its managing partners are facing a lawsuit alleging that they failed to pay overtime wages to a paralegal who regularly worked more than 40 hours per week. The complaint, filed Tuesday in federal court, accuses Firth Bunn Kerr Neill PC and its managing partners, Edward Devere Bunn Jr. and Alexander V. Neill, of violating the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Allegations of Unpaid Overtime

Jessica Rodriguez, a former paralegal at the firm, claims she was required to work beyond her scheduled hours, responding to emails, texts, and calls from clients at all hours of the day, seven days a week. Despite her nonexempt status under the FLSA, Rodriguez alleges she was not compensated for overtime, even though her workweek frequently exceeded 40 hours.

Rodriguez states that she was hired in June 2021 at a salary of $35,000 per year. She left the firm in December 2022 but returned in September 2023, earning approximately $37,000 per year by mid-2024. She no longer works for the firm.

Failure to Maintain Accurate Records

The lawsuit also alleges that Firth Bunn failed to maintain and preserve accurate records of Rodriguez’s working hours, a violation of federal labor laws.

Citing the involvement of Bunn and Neill in the firm's daily operations and their direct oversight of her schedule, Rodriguez claims the managing partners are personally liable for the alleged FLSA violations.

Legal Relief Sought

Rodriguez is seeking unpaid overtime wages, liquidated damages, and attorney fees. Her attorney, Corinna Chandler of Chandler & Shavin PLLC, filed the complaint.

Firth Bunn specializes in a range of legal areas, including employment law, civil trials, real estate, and business law, and represents clients in New Mexico and across the U.S.-Mexico border.

Firm’s Response Pending

Representatives for Firth Bunn Kerr Neill PC and its managing partners have not yet commented on the lawsuit. Counsel information for the defendants was not available at the time of the filing.