“[Plaintiff] claims that the Disciplinary Warning was issued in retaliation for his reporting of Cooper’s racially hostile statements. [Defendant] asserts that the warning issued because Willis demonstrated a ‘lack of good judgment’ and a ‘lack of respect for others’ when he sent the mass email disclosing that his co-worker son overdosed on pills. But [Plaintiff] has proffered summary judgment evidence sufficient to show a genuine dispute of material fact about whether these stated reasons are pretext for an underlying retaliatory motive. Specifically, Willis references an affidavit from Jerome C. Ardoin, Jr. (“Ardoin”), another Cleco employee, in which Ardoin explains that Melancon, Taylor’s direct supervisor in the Human Resources department, told him that he was ‘very pissed’ with Willis for reporting the conversation with Cooper. Moreover, Ardoin’s affidavit claims that Melancon stated: “If we have to find a reason, Ed [Taylor] and I have decided; we are going to terminate that nigger Greg Willis for reporting me and trying to burn my ass.’ If credited by a trier of fact, this statement fairly indicates that Taylor, whose direct supervisor is Melancon, issued the Disciplinary Warning because of retaliatory intent—that is, because Willis previously engaged in the protected activity of reporting the racially hostile comments Cooper made in a conversation with Melancon. Accordingly, Willis has produced the requisite ‘evidence indicating that the proffered elgitimate nondiscriminatory reason is a pretext for discrimination.’ Laxton v. Gap, Inc., 333 F.3d 572, 578 (5th Cir. 2003).”

Willis v. Cleco Corp., 749 F.3d 314, 318 (5th Cir. July 9, 2014) (Garza, J.).

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Photo of Gregory A. Placzek Gregory A. Placzek

We asked Gregory A. Placzek, an experienced Trial Attorney in the San Antonio office of Rob Wiley, P.C., to provide his candid answers to a range of questions.  After reading, you will be more more familiar with the direct one-on-one expertise that

We asked Gregory A. Placzek, an experienced Trial Attorney in the San Antonio office of Rob Wiley, P.C., to provide his candid answers to a range of questions.  After reading, you will be more more familiar with the direct one-on-one expertise that Mr. Placzek affords.

1. What do you like most about being an employment lawyer?

I get to meet people with different backgrounds, skills, and experiences.  I deal with a broad range of clients such as mechanics, doctors, truck drivers, CEOs, IT professionals, public servants, and even other attorneys, so it is always interesting to see what other people do for a living.

2. What is the most satisfying part of working for Rob Wiley, P.C.?

Getting justice for what would be considered the “little guy.”

3. What is the biggest mistake you see clients make?

Not contacting an attorney soon enough.  It is better to get ahead of any impending action instead of reacting to it after the fact.

4. What labor and employment issues do you think are currently trending?

Without a doubt, LGBT issues are the hottest topic that is trending.  Courts, the public, and employers are starting to recognize the need to protect this class.

5. If you could write a new law, what would it do?

Hold companies better accountable for provisions in employee handbooks.  If they expect employees to abide by the handbook, so should they.

6. Besides Rob Wiley, P.C., what is the most interesting job that you have had?

I worked at a rock quarry one summer in college.  I would come home covered in a fine dust after working ten hours in 100 degree heat.  I met some great people and learned the value hard work and proper hydration.

7. Who is your role model?

My father is an amazing trial attorney in Southwest Missouri.  As a kid, I was always astonished at his successful advocacy on behalf of those who were wronged.  Now that I am an attorney myself, I am even more impressed with his passion and grasp of the law.

8. What makes you laugh?

Being the father of three boys, I am always a sucker for a good knock-knock joke.

9. What is your favorite food?

Thai food.  Ask and I will let you know the best thai food in San Antonio.

10. What’s the best part of living in San Antonio?

Go Spurs Go!

Gregory A. Placzek is a Trial Attorney in the San Antonio office of Rob Wiley, P.C.  He graduated cum laude from The University of Tulsa with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 2006.  Mr. Placzek went on and received his law degree magna cum laude from Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law in 2009.