Aaron Hotfelder

J.D., University of Missouri School of Law

Aaron Hotfelder is a legal editor at Nolo specializing in employment law and workers' compensation law. He has written for Nolo and Lawyers.com since 2011, covering topics ranging from workplace discrimination to unemployment benefits to employee privacy laws. He's a member of the National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA).    

Books and citations. Aaron has edited a number of Nolo titles, including The Manager's Legal Handbook, Dealing With Problem Employees, and Working With Independent Contractors, and is a co-author of The Employer's Legal Handbook. Aaron's work has been cited by U.S. News & World Report, TheStreet.com, the St. Louis University Law Journal, and the Minnesota Law Review, among many other outlets.

Early legal career. Prior to joining Nolo as a legal editor, Aaron worked at a small law firm in Columbia, Missouri, representing clients in Social Security disability, long-term disability, and workers’ compensation cases. He later spent three years serving as an employment law consultant for a human resources and benefits compliance firm.

Education. Aaron received his law degree in 2010 from the University of Missouri School of Law. He holds a B.S. in criminal justice from Truman State University, known by some as the "Harvard of Northeast Missouri." 


Articles By Aaron Hotfelder

Missouri Disability Benefits: Social Security Filing and Appealing
If you live in Missouri and you're unable to work for medical reasons, you can apply for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Are Uber Drivers in California Employees or Independent Contractors?
Uber drivers in California are independent contractors, not employees. But that could change.
What If My Employer Pays Me Less Than Minimum Wage?
The owner told me he doesn't have to pay minimum wage because it is such a small business.
When Can I Sue for Hostile Work Environment?
Question: I work in a call center for a software company. Our manager is a real jerk. He often yells at my coworkers and me, telling us to work faster or stop making mistakes in our tracking paperwork. If one of us gets up to go to the bathroom or take a break, he shouts that the company isn't paying
Getting Long-Term Disability (LTD) Benefits for Back Problems
Some of the most common long-term disability (LTD) claims are those based on back pain.
Do You Have an Overtime Case?
Since the Great Depression in the 1930s, most employers in the United States have been legally required to pay overtime to eligible employees who work more than 40 hours in a week. The original purpose of this rule was to spread the work around and get as many people as possible off the unemployment rolls.
Amount and Duration of Unemployment Compensation in California
Learn how much you can receive in unemployment benefits in California and how long the payments may last.
Top Five Mistakes Social Security Makes on Your Disability Case That Get Your Case Remanded
The Appeals Council will send your case back for another hearing if you can show the judge made a reversible mistake.
Discrimination Based on Gender Identity
Learn about your rights against transgender discrimination in the workplace.