New York Law Firm Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Employment Rights Attorneys Assisting People in New York City

Although many lawyers are aware of anti-discrimination laws, sexual harassment continues to persist in the legal industry in New York City. If you have been sexually harassed by a boss, coworker, or client at your law firm, you may be understandably concerned about reporting it. You might fear jeopardizing your reputation, career prospects, or future job opportunities. However, it is crucial to hold accountable those who engage in misconduct, especially in such a professional setting. An experienced New York City sexual harassment attorney may be able to guide you through the process of asserting your rights and seeking justice.

At Phillips & Associates, we are committed to protecting individuals who have experienced sexual harassment in law firms and other professional settings. Our New York City law firm sexual harassment attorneys can help you understand your legal options and recover damages for the harm you've suffered.

Legal Protections Against Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Sexual harassment is a violation of federal, state, and local laws that protect employees from workplace discrimination and abuse. The main laws that govern sexual harassment claims include:

• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Federal Law): This law prohibits employment discrimination based on sex, including sexual harassment.
• New York State Human Rights Law: Offers broader protections to employees working in New York, including protection against harassment by any employer with four or more employees.
• New York City Human Rights Law: Provides even stronger protections and allows claims based on hostile work environment harassment, retaliation, and more.

These laws provide avenues for employees to seek justice, and an experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal system to hold harassers and their employers accountable.

Law Firm Sexual Harassment in New York

Sexual harassment can take many forms in the workplace, including offensive remarks, jokes, innuendo, requests, inappropriate touching, groping, or even rape. While many people associate sexual harassment with explicit references to sex, harassment can also involve repeated comments about a person’s gender or sex, even if those comments are not overtly sexual.

Sexual harassment is generally classified into two types:

Quid Pro Quo Harassment

This occurs when an authority figure, such as a senior partner or manager, offers employment benefits (e.g., promotions or job security) in exchange for sexual favors. For example, if a partner demands sexual favors in return for advancing your career, this constitutes quid pro quo harassment.

Hostile Work Environment Harassment

This type of harassment happens when unwelcome behavior or comments are pervasive or severe enough to create a hostile, intimidating, or offensive work environment. A trivial remark may not be enough, but repeated degrading comments about someone's body or the distribution of explicit materials could contribute to a hostile work environment.

Reporting Law Firm Sexual Harassment: What You Need to Know

If you're experiencing sexual harassment, it's essential to understand your rights and how to report the issue. Victims of sexual harassment have several options for addressing the misconduct:

Internal Reporting

Many law firms have internal channels for reporting harassment, typically through Human Resources (HR) or an employee relations officer. It's important to know that reporting internally can sometimes lead to retaliation, and the process can be emotionally and professionally taxing. If you do report, ensure that you document everything carefully.

External Reporting

If you do not feel safe reporting the harassment internally, or if the law firm fails to address your complaint, you can file a formal complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the New York State Division of Human Rights. These agencies will investigate your claim and, if necessary, take legal action on your behalf.

Confidentiality and Retaliation Protections

When you report sexual harassment, you are entitled to confidentiality to protect your identity, as well as protection from retaliation. Retaliation occurs when an employer punishes or discriminates against you for reporting harassment. Retaliatory actions may include demotion, reassignment, or wrongful termination. If retaliation occurs, you may have grounds for a separate legal claim.

The law protects employees from retaliation, and a qualified attorney can help you take action if you are subject to such treatment after reporting harassment.

How to Document Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Proper documentation is crucial when filing a sexual harassment complaint. Here’s how you can protect yourself and strengthen your case:

• Keep a Written Record: Write down the date, time, location, and details of each incident. Include the names of anyone who witnessed the harassment.
• Save Evidence: Retain emails, text messages, or any other communications that contain harassing content.
• Note Your Employer’s Response: Document your employer's response, especially if you reported the harassment. If there was no response or an inadequate response, note this as well.

This documentation will be helpful in building your case and combating any claims of false allegations or misunderstandings.

Common Tactics Used by Employers to Avoid Accountability

Employers may use several tactics to avoid responsibility for sexual harassment claims, such as:

• Downplaying the Severity: Dismissing the harassment as harmless or trivial.
• Blaming the Victim: Shifting responsibility onto the victim, claiming they misinterpreted or encouraged the behavior.
• Offering Inadequate Settlements: Offering an unfair settlement or non-disclosure agreement to avoid public scrutiny.

Having a dedicated attorney by your side can help ensure that these tactics do not prevent you from seeking justice.

The Role of Employment Contracts and Arbitration Clauses

Many law firms include arbitration clauses in their employment contracts, which may require you to resolve disputes in private arbitration rather than in court. Arbitration can be less transparent and may limit your ability to hold the law firm accountable. It’s important to review your employment contract with a lawyer to understand your rights and legal options.

Damages for Sexual Harassment

If you have been the victim of sexual harassment, you may be entitled to various types of damages, including:

• Back Pay: Compensation for wages lost as a result of the harassment or retaliation.
• Out-of-Pocket Costs: Costs associated with your complaint, such as medical bills for emotional distress.
• Emotional Distress: Compensation for psychological harm caused by the harassment.
• Punitive Damages: Damages intended to punish the employer for their wrongful actions and deter similar behavior in the future.

The amount of damages you can recover depends on the laws under which you file your claim. It’s important to consult with an attorney to determine the best legal strategy for your case.

Seek Assistance from a New York City Lawyer Following Law Firm Sexual Harassment

At Phillips & Associates, we are dedicated to fighting for those who have experienced sexual harassment in law firms. Our experienced attorneys will work to ensure that your case is handled with the utmost care and professionalism, and we will fight tirelessly to hold perpetrators accountable.

We represent clients across New York City, including the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Staten Island, as well as Nassau and Suffolk Counties, Westchester County, and New Jersey.

If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual harassment at a law firm, please contact us at (866) 229-9441 or through our online form.

Support Resources for Victims of Sexual Harassment

If you're experiencing sexual harassment, it’s essential to seek support. Local resources in New York City include:

• New York City Anti-Violence Project: Provides support for LGBTQ+ individuals affected by sexual violence and harassment.
• NYC Department of Health: Offers resources for emotional and psychological support, including crisis counseling and therapy.
• National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): Offers confidential support for victims of sexual harassment and assault.

Your well-being matters, and help is available to guide you through this challenging time.