New York Wall Street Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Advocating for New York City Wall Street Employees

Sexual harassment on Wall Street is a disturbing and prevalent issue that affects many employees, especially those in high-pressure environments like finance and trading. Powerful figures on Wall Street sometimes act as though they are immune to the law, creating toxic workplace environments. In particular, there are reports of female traders being mistreated by their male counterparts without fear of consequences. This culture of silence is often perpetuated by an insular and opaque industry structure, which makes it difficult for employees to speak out without facing negative repercussions.

Despite the industry's attempts to limit liability through tactics such as the U4 form—which is commonly signed by Wall Street employees—there are robust protections against sexual harassment under both federal and New York law. If you are facing sexual harassment or gender discrimination in the workplace, it’s critical to seek legal guidance from a skilled sexual harassment lawyer. At Phillips & Associates, our experienced team of New York City sexual harassment lawyers is committed to helping employees secure justice and compensation for the mistreatment they have suffered.

Call (866) 229-9441 or fill out our online form to get started with a free consultation.

What Constitutes Sexual Harassment on Wall Street?

Sexual harassment can take many forms, but generally, it refers to unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that interferes with an employee’s work performance, creates a hostile work environment, or places undue pressure on an individual’s career advancement. Common examples include:

• Verbal harassment: Unwanted sexual comments, jokes, or advances.
• Non-verbal harassment: Inappropriate gestures, leering, or suggestive body language.
• Physical harassment: Unwelcome touching, groping, or assault.
• Sexual favors for job benefits: A superior requesting sexual acts in exchange for promotions, raises, or to avoid negative consequences.

There are two primary categories of sexual harassment claims:

Hostile Work Environment
A hostile work environment occurs when the harassment disrupts an employee’s ability to perform their job or creates a toxic, intimidating, or offensive work atmosphere. On Wall Street, this could be pervasive sexual jokes or unwanted advances that negatively affect your professional environment.

Quid Pro Quo
In quid pro quo harassment, a person in a position of authority demands sexual favors in exchange for job-related benefits, such as promotions or salary increases. If a supervisor or employer tells you that you must engage in sexual conduct to secure or retain your job, this is a clear violation of your rights.

Both of these forms of harassment are illegal, and employees in New York, including those working on Wall Street, have strong legal protections against them.

Legal Protections Against Wall Street Sexual Harassment

There are several important laws that protect individuals against sexual harassment on Wall Street:

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
This federal law prohibits sexual harassment as a form of gender discrimination. Title VII applies to employers with 15 or more employees and extends to government entities, labor unions, and employment agencies.

New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL)
The NYSHRL applies to all employers in New York State, regardless of size. It specifically prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex and protects employees from harassment in the workplace.

New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL)
The NYCHRL provides broad protections against sexual harassment in New York City, and its scope extends beyond Title VII. It prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of sex, gender, and sexual orientation, applying to employers with as few as four employees.

These laws are designed to provide strong safeguards for employees, ensuring that no one has to tolerate a hostile work environment or sexual coercion.

How to Report Sexual Harassment on Wall Street

If you are experiencing sexual harassment, it is essential to take action. Here is a step-by-step guide to reporting sexual harassment on Wall Street:

Document Everything
Keep detailed records of any harassing behavior, including dates, times, locations, what was said or done, and the identities of those involved. This documentation can be critical in supporting your claims later.

Clearly Communicate That the Behavior Is Unwelcome
If you feel safe doing so, tell the harasser directly that their behavior is unwelcome and ask them to stop. This can sometimes resolve the situation, but it is not always enough to stop the harassment.

Report to Your Employer
Use your company’s internal grievance or complaint process to report the harassment. Wall Street firms are required by law to investigate claims of harassment and take action to address the issue.

File a Formal Complaint with the EEOC or State Agency
If your employer does not address the harassment, you can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the New York State Division of Human Rights (NYSDHR). These agencies will investigate your claims and can help bring enforcement action against your employer.

Overcoming Employer Retaliation on Wall Street

Employees on Wall Street may fear retaliation when reporting sexual harassment. Retaliation can take various forms, including:

• Demotion or loss of responsibilities
• Reduction in pay or benefits
• Termination or forced resignation
• Unfair performance reviews or criticism
• Exclusion from opportunities or projects

However, retaliation for reporting harassment is illegal under federal and state laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL), and the New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL). Employers cannot punish employees for asserting their rights or participating in harassment investigations.

If you experience retaliation, it’s crucial to document the actions taken against you and consult with an attorney immediately. An experienced lawyer can help you protect your rights, file a retaliation claim, and navigate the legal process to seek justice.

Why Wall Street Employees Need Experienced Legal Representation

Sexual harassment on Wall Street often goes unchecked due to power dynamics, with supervisors, colleagues, and clients using their influence to intimidate victims into silence. In many cases, there are no direct witnesses, making it harder for employees to prove their claims. This is where experienced legal representation becomes invaluable. The attorneys at Phillips & Associates have successfully handled complex and sensitive sexual harassment cases, including those on Wall Street. We understand the unique challenges faced by employees in high-pressure industries like finance and are committed to fighting for justice on your behalf.

Sexual harassment is never acceptable, and no one should have to endure such treatment, especially in a high-pressure environment like Wall Street. Our team offers personalized, aggressive representation to protect your rights, and we provide a free consultation to discuss the details of your case and determine the best course of action.

Call us at (866) 229-9441 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation. We represent employees throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, Long Island, and Westchester.