New York City Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Lawyers for Justice, P.C. (LFJ), represents workers throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island, and is prepared to fight for employee rights. With decades of experience representing clients from all walks of life, the firm understands how impactful sexual harassment cases can be and ensures every case is handled with the utmost care and respect it deserves. 

LFJ stands with employees, not employers, and the firm fights aggressively to make sure every client’s voice is heard. Call 516-JUSTICE to schedule a free consultation.

Understanding Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is legally defined as unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that interferes with an employee’s ability to perform their job, or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive workplace environment. Sexual harassment can include a range of actions, such as:

• Repeated sexual jokes, comments, or innuendo.
• Physical touching, groping, or unwanted advances.
• Inappropriate gestures or sharing explicit images.
• Pressure to go on dates or engage in sexual activity.
• Trading job benefits (promotions, raises, continued employment) for sexual favors.
• Retaliating for rejecting advances or reporting harassment.

Sexual Harassment Laws in NYC

Sexual harassment claims in New York City are governed by multiple laws at both the state and federal level that protect employees from unlawful treatment. For instance Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits sexual harassment as a form of sex discrimination, appliying to employers with 15 or more employees. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) investigates federal sexual harassment claims.

What sets New York City law apart from other states is its broad standard of protection. Under federal law, harassment must be “severe or pervasive” to be actionable. However, under the NYC Human Rights Law (Admin. Code §8-107), an employee only needs to show that they were treated “less well” than others because of their gender or sexual conduct. Employees in New York City have a much lower burden of proof to hold employers accountable.

Common Types of NYC Sexual Harassment Claims

Sexual harassment in New York City can occur in many forms and across all industries. Due to the nature of sexual harassment, it can happen to anyone regardless of age or gender, and as such, it is important to recognize the most common types of harassment in order to take appropriate actions. However, if an employee is hesitant on taking the next step,, they can discuss the situation in full detail with a NYC sexual harassment lawyer.

Quid Pro Quo Harassment

Quid Pro Quo Harassment occurs when a supervisor, manager, or person in authority conditions job benefits (such as promotions, raises, desirable schedules, or continued employment) on an employee’s submission to sexual advances. As a result, it can create a negative work environment where more qualified employees feel unvalued when working with or for someone who secured a position through sexual favors.

Hostile Work Environment Harassment

A hostile work environment is a form of harassment that arises when ongoing, unwelcome conduct creates an intimidating, degrading, or offensive workplace. Examples include constant inappropriate comments, sharing pornography at work, or repeated physical advances. 

Third-Party Harassment

Third-party harassment is when employees are getting harassed by customers, vendors, or contractors. If employers are aware of the situation and do not take the proper steps to remedy it, then they can be held liable for negligence if they fail to protect their employees. 

Steps Employees Can Take if Subjected to Sexual Harassment

Employees who experience harassment in the workplace should act strategically to protect their rights. Although it is natural to feel shaken, remaining calm and focused allows workers to take the necessary steps to hold harassers accountable for their actions.

1. Document the Harassment – Keep a journal of incidents with dates, times, locations, and witnesses. Save emails, texts, or other communications that show harassment occurred.
2. Report the Harassment Internally – Employees should use the employer’s reporting system, whether through HR, a supervisor, or a designated hotline, to document the misconduct. Making an internal report creates a paper trail that shows the behavior was formally reported.
3. Understand Retaliation Protections – Employers cannot punish workers for reporting harassment. If they do, that may be a separate legal violation under the state’s harassment laws. 
4. Contact an Experienced Lawyer – An attorney can explain whether to file a complaint with the NYC Commission on Human Rights, the New York State Division of Human Rights, or the EEOC. They can also pursue a private lawsuit which allows victims to recover damages directly in court.

How Can a NYC Sexual Harassment Lawyer Help?

Sexual harassment cases are sensitive and complex, because employers often deny allegations, protect harassers, or claim the behavior was harmless. An experienced NYC sexual harassment lawyer ensures workers are not silenced or intimidated and will fight to hold harassers accountable for their actions. 

Here’s how an attorney can help:

• Investigating Your Case – They will review evidence, interview witnesses, and document the harassment.
• Filing Complaints – An attorney will represent a client before the NYC Commission on Human Rights, NYS Division of Human Rights, or EEOC depending on the nature of your case.
• Litigation – An experienced attorney will file a lawsuit under state laws and represent clients in court, if necessary, to recover damages.
• Protecting Against Retaliation – If an employer tries to punish a worker for speaking up, a lawyer can add retaliation claims to strengthen a case.

Although employees may choose to file a claim independently, having legal representation often determines the difference between a weak claim and a strong case that compels employers to take responsibility.

Lawyers for Justice, P.C. Can Help

Individuals who have experienced sexual harassment may be eligible to file a claim and pursue compensation for the harm suffered. Lawyers for Justice, P.C. is a highly regarded employment law firm with a team of skilled attorneys dedicated to providing strong legal representation and guiding clients through challenging times.

The firm recognizes the isolating and painful impact of workplace harassment and is committed to supporting employees throughout the legal process. By leveraging the full scope of state and federal laws, the attorneys at Lawyers for Justice, P.C. pursue maximum compensation, including lost wages, damages for emotional distress, and punitive damages against employers that tolerate or enable harassment.

The firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning legal fees are only collected if the case is successful. LFJ always works to protect employee rights and restore dignity in the workplace. 

Call 516-JUSTICE to schedule a free consultation!