Photo of 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 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.

“Hill also offered at least some legitimate reasons for Thomas’ termination: that Thomas had not indicated if or when he would return and that he had in mind Thomas’ derogatory behavior towards him.  However, those reasons are offset by the contradictory evidence.  Thomas had indicated in his emails to Hill and others that he intended

“When superintendent Pope informed the school board that an individual needs to be hired because a local organization “expressed concern about a lack of black workers the court held that “discriminatory animus of a manager can be imputed to the ultimate decisionmaker if the decisionmaker acted as a rubber stamp, or the cat’s paw, for

“Pace’s argument to the district court and throughout the trial was that she had five years of “warehouse experience,” if that undefined term was construed broadly, and that “[s]he was the best qualified.”*5 …In light of the ambiguity in the phrase, the jury considered the employer’s argument that Pace did not have the requisite experience,

“[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]

“As Dr. Vives alleges putatively harassing acts after February 3, 2009, she may sweep back in all of the harassment that she alleges has occurred during her time at Children’s.  It is possible that a jury could conclude the sustained pattern of conduct she alleges constitutes severe and pervasive harassment.  It is also possible a

“The only two documented complaints against De La Cruz are dated February 8, the day she was demoted.  Although not incriminating evidence, the suspicious timing of these documents, taken with reasonable inferences in favor of De La Cruz’s claim that they were fabricated, could support a finding of discriminatory motive.”

De La Cruz v. Coastal

“Plaintiff argues pretext based on the following points: (1) that defendant’s proffered reason is not supported by any documentation; (2) that Sheriff Little hired fourteen (14) new employees before plaintiff was discharged and hired fifteen (15) new employees after the alleged reduction in force due to budget constraints; and (3) that Sheriff Little explained

“Nonetheless, the summary judgment evidence also demonstrates that Defendant’s reasons for Plaintiff’s ‘separation’ from Tyson were inconsistent and create a fact issue as to their pretextual nature.  For example, although Defendant relies on the union campaign as a reason for termination, Huske’s immediate supervisor received a write up and reduction in his bonus as a