Jessica M. Scales
We want the best outcome for you, whether that is an excellent severance package, a negotiated settlement or a vigorously prosecuted lawsuit. We are advocates for you, recognized locally and nationally as formidable lawyers.
About
“I am constantly amazed by my clients’ strength to persevere through tough situations like discrimination, unrelenting harassment, and mistreatment for doing the right thing. I work hard to be the powerful, tenacious advocate they deserve.”
Jessica M. Scales has focused her whole career on representing employees. She joined Sedey Harper Westhoff as an associate after graduating from law school. In 2019, she became a partner.
Since then, Jessica has recovered substantial compensation for victims of discrimination, sexual harassment, wrongful termination and other unfair employment practices.
Her recent results include:
- $3.5 Million judgment in a whistleblower retaliation case
- $828,436 judgment in a national origin and religious discrimination hostile work environment case
- $450,000 settlement in a sex discrimination case
- $385,000 settlement in a sexual harassment case
- $214,967 judgment in an age discrimination case
- $210,000 settlement in a retaliation case
- $200,000 settlement in a pay discrimination case
- $172,500 settlement in a retaliation case
- $150,000 settlement in an age discrimination case
- $100,000 settlement in a disability discrimination case
In addition to representing employees in federal and state courts in discrimination and whistleblower cases, Jessica represents clients before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Missouri Commission on Human Rights and the Missouri Division of Employment Security, handling their cases in settlement conferences and at hearings.
Awards & Activities
- Woolsack Honor Society, St. Louis University
- National Employment Lawyers Association – St. Louis Chapter Board Member, 2013 – present
- National Affiliates Leader Committee member, National Employment Association, 2018 – present
- Speaker, EEOC Training Institute—Saint Louis/ Southwestern Illinois Area Technical Assistance Program Seminar, “Transcending Gender and Religion in the Workplace”, 2016
- Speaker, Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis Bench and Bar Conference, “Lessons Learned from Recent Missouri Cases: Discovery and Evidentiary Strategies,” 2016
- Speaker, Missouri Bar Labor and Employment Symposium, “MHRA Part I—Missouri Human Rights Act Fundamentals and Update”, 2014
- Theodore McMillian Inns of Court Advocate, 2012 – 2014
- Member: Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys, National Employment Lawyers Association – St. Louis Chapter, and Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater St. Louis
Education
- B.A, Saint Louis University, summa cum laude, 2007
- J.D., Saint Louis University, cum laude, 2011
Court Admissions
- State of Missouri
- State of Illinois
- United States District Court, Eastern District of Missouri
- United States District Court, Southern District of Illinois
- United States District Court, Central District of Illinois
