Sexual Harassment Attorney in Garment District
Justice When Your Workplace Becomes Hostile
Hear from Our Customers
NYC Sexual Harassment Lawyer Results
Sexual harassment doesn’t just hurt in the moment—it damages your career, your confidence, and your financial future. When you win your case, you’re not just getting compensation. You’re getting your life back.
The right legal outcome means real money for lost wages and emotional distress. It means court orders that stop the harassment and protect you from retaliation. Most importantly, it means you can move forward knowing you stood up for yourself and made your workplace safer for others.
Your harasser learns there are consequences. Your employer learns they can’t ignore these problems. And you learn that your voice matters.
Garment District Employment Attorney
We have been fighting for employees’ rights in New York for over three decades. We’ve secured an $80 million discrimination settlement, won hundreds of thousands for individual harassment victims, and argued cases all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.
In the Garment District’s tight-knit professional community, your reputation and career connections matter enormously. We understand the unique pressures you face when 75,000 people work within just 24 blocks. That’s why we protect not just your legal rights, but your professional future.
We know that one in four New York workers has experienced sexual harassment. We also know that most never report it because they’re afraid of retaliation. We’re here to change that.
Sexual Harassment Case Process NYC
First, we listen. Your initial consultation is free and confidential. We’ll review what happened, explain your rights, and outline your options. No pressure, no fees unless you win.
If you decide to move forward, we immediately start building your case. We help you document everything properly, gather evidence, and file the necessary complaints with the right agencies. We handle all the legal deadlines and procedural requirements while you focus on your job and your life.
Throughout the process, we keep you informed and involved. We negotiate aggressively with your employer’s lawyers, and if needed, we’re prepared to take your case to court. Our goal is maximum compensation and real change in your workplace.
Ready to get started?
NYC Workplace Harassment Law
New York has some of the strongest sexual harassment laws in the country. Under both state and city human rights laws, you’re protected from unwanted sexual advances, crude comments, inappropriate touching, and quid pro quo harassment—regardless of whether your harasser is a supervisor, coworker, or even a customer.
In the Garment District’s professional environment, harassment often involves abuse of power relationships between designers and assistants, showroom managers and sales staff, or executives and support personnel. New York law covers all of these situations, and employers with even one employee must follow these protections.
Recent statistics show that harassment complaints are rising 10-20% annually, with the EEOC recovering $664 million for victims in 2023 alone. The law is on your side, and enforcement is getting stronger every year.
What should I do immediately after experiencing sexual harassment at work?
Document everything immediately, but do it safely. Save any inappropriate messages, emails, or texts to your personal device—never leave evidence on work computers. Write down exactly what happened, when, where, and who witnessed it.
Report the harassment to HR or your supervisor in writing if you feel safe doing so. If not, you can file complaints directly with the New York State Division of Human Rights or the federal EEOC. Remember, you have legal protection against retaliation for reporting harassment.
Contact an experienced sexual harassment attorney as soon as possible. We can advise you on evidence collection, help you navigate the reporting process, and protect your rights throughout. The sooner you get legal guidance, the stronger your case will be.
How much compensation can I receive for a sexual harassment claim?
Compensation varies widely based on the severity of harassment, impact on your career, and your employer’s response. You may recover lost wages if harassment affected your job performance or led to termination. Emotional distress damages compensate for anxiety, depression, and other psychological harm.
If you were denied promotions or raises due to harassment, you can recover those lost opportunities. Punitive damages may be available to punish particularly egregious conduct. In some cases, the court will order your employer to promote you or change their policies.
We have won settlements ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars. We’ve secured an $80 million class action settlement and $800,000 for an individual harassment victim. Every case is different, but we fight for maximum compensation in every situation.
Will my employer retaliate against me for filing a harassment complaint?
Retaliation is illegal under federal, state, and local law, but it unfortunately happens. That’s exactly why you need experienced legal representation from the beginning. We know how to document potential retaliation and build strong cases against employers who punish harassment victims.
Common forms of retaliation include demotion, negative performance reviews, isolation from colleagues, or termination. If any of these happen after you report harassment, that’s a separate legal violation that can result in additional compensation.
We work proactively to prevent retaliation by putting employers on notice that we’re monitoring the situation. When employers know you have experienced legal counsel, they’re much less likely to take retaliatory action. If they do, we’re ready to fight back immediately.
How long do I have to file a sexual harassment claim in New York?
Time limits vary depending on which law you’re filing under, so it’s critical to act quickly. For federal EEOC complaints, you generally have 300 days from the harassment incident. New York State human rights complaints must be filed within one year, while NYC complaints allow up to three years.
However, these deadlines can be tricky. If harassment was ongoing, the clock might start from the last incident. If you were fired in retaliation, that might extend your deadline. Different types of claims have different time limits, and missing a deadline can destroy your case.
Don’t try to figure this out alone. Contact us immediately for a free consultation. We’ll identify all applicable deadlines and make sure your rights are protected. The sooner you call, the more options you’ll have.
Do I need to report harassment internally before filing a lawsuit?
Not always, but internal reporting can sometimes strengthen your case by showing the employer had notice and failed to act. However, we never recommend going through internal processes alone—employers often use these procedures to protect themselves, not you.
If you do report internally, do it in writing and keep copies. Document the employer’s response (or lack thereof). If they conduct an “investigation,” pay attention to whether it’s thorough and fair or just going through the motions.
We can guide you through internal reporting if it makes sense for your situation, or help you bypass it if reporting would be futile or dangerous. Every case is different, and we’ll develop the strategy that gives you the best chance of success while protecting your job and your safety.
What makes The Howley Law Firm different from other harassment attorneys?
We combine three decades of experience with a track record of major victories and a genuine commitment to our clients. We’ve won an $80 million class action settlement, secured hundreds of thousands for individual victims, and argued cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. We’ve received the Thurgood Marshall Award and the Medal for Excellence in Advocacy.
But what really sets us apart is how we treat our clients. We understand that your career and reputation are on the line, not just your legal rights. We listen carefully, explain everything clearly, and fight aggressively while treating you with respect and compassion throughout the process.
We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless you win. We handle everything from evidence collection to court appearances, and we’re always available when you need you. Our goal isn’t just to win your case—it’s to help you rebuild and move forward with confidence.
Local Resources
Useful Links
Other Services we provide in Garment District