Wrongful Termination Lawyers in New York City

With decades of experience advocating for workers’ rights, the dedicated legal team at LFJ develops personalized legal strategies to maximize the compensation clients are owed. Negligent and malicious employers must be held accountable, and taking action with experienced counsel is the first step toward securing justice.

Call 516-JUSTICE to schedule a free consultation.

Defining Wrongful Termination 

In New York City, wrongful termination is not about whether a firing feels unfair, but whether the firing violates the law. Wrongful termination can happen when an employee is fired because of discriminatory reasons, such as race, gender, disability, religion, age, sexual orientation, or pregnancy. It may also occur when a worker is terminated in retaliation for reporting harassment, unsafe working conditions, wage theft, or other unlawful practices.

Additionally, employers cannot fire workers for exercising certain legal rights such as taking family or medical leave, requesting reasonable accommodations, or filing a workers’ compensation claim. When a termination is based on unlawful reasons, it is not just unfair; it is improper under New York law and the employer can become susceptible to lawsuits, fines, and other unlawful violations. 

NYC Wrongful Termination Laws

New York City has one of the strongest legal frameworks in the country to protect employees from unlawful firings. According to New York City Administration Code 8-107, employers cannot unlawfully fire or discriminate against employees based on protected characteristics. Importantly, courts interpret this code more liberally than state or federal law, meaning employees often have a stronger chance of success in NYC courts.

In addition, NY Exec. Law §296 protects employees across the state. Recent amendments expanded coverage so even small employers (with as few as one employee) are now subject to anti-discrimination provisions. While Federal laws such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) prohibit discrimination and wrongful termination at the federal level, state laws grant more specific jurisdiction.

How to Prove a NYC Wrongful Termination Claim

Proving wrongful termination in New York City requires demonstrating that an employee’s stated reason for dismissal was unlawful or merely a pretext. Employers often attempt to conceal discrimination or retaliation behind claims of poor performance, restructuring, or downsizing. An experienced wrongful termination lawyer can expose these tactics by gathering and presenting evidence that reveals the true motive behind the termination.

Evidence such as emails, text messages, witness testimony, performance reviews, or patterns of discriminatory behavior in the workplace can all support a wrongful termination claim. For instance, termination that occurs shortly after an employee reports harassment or requests medical leave may serve as strong evidence of retaliation. Likewise, an employer’s history of dismissing workers in a protected category can further strengthen the case.

An attorney can evaluate the facts of a case, collect documentation, interview witnesses, and build a persuasive argument demonstrating that the termination violated federal, state, or city law. Available remedies for wrongful termination in New York City may include reinstatement, back pay, front pay, compensatory damages for emotional distress, punitive damages, and recovery of attorney’s fees.

How Much Does a NYC Wrongful Termination Lawyer Charge?

One of the most common concerns employees have when facing wrongful termination is the potential cost of legal representation. In reality, retaining an experienced employment attorney is often more affordable than many assume. While some attorneys charge hourly rates, many employment lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no upfront payments, and fees are only collected if compensation is successfully recovered.

Contingency fee arrangements allow employees to pursue justice without the burden of out-of-pocket legal expenses. In addition, under federal, state, and city anti-discrimination and retaliation laws, employers may be required to pay the attorney’s fees of successful plaintiffs, which further reduces the financial strain on workers. Lawyers for Justice, P.C. provides accessible legal services so that every New Yorker has the opportunity to hold employers accountable regardless of financial circumstances.

Schedule a Consultation with LFJ Today

Employees who believe they have been wrongfully terminated in New York City often feel overwhelmed, anxious, and uncertain about where to turn. Lawyers for Justice, P.C. has extensive experience handling wrongful termination cases. The firm represents clients throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island, and the attorneys are prepared to vigorously protect the rights of their clients.

The legal team at LFJ has decades of experience and a proven record of success. The attorneys fight aggressively to protect the rights of workers who have been fired for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons. With LFJ advocating on their behalf, employees can move forward with confidence knowing their rights are fully protected.

Call us at 516-JUSTICE or visit the online contact form today to schedule a free consultation.