Sexual Harassment Attorney in Manhattan, NY
Get Justice for Workplace Sexual Harassment
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Manhattan Sexual Harassment Lawyer Results
Sexual harassment doesn’t just violate your rights—it damages your career, your income, and your peace of mind. When you win your case, you’re not just getting compensation. You’re getting your life back.
You could recover lost wages from missed promotions or job changes forced by harassment. Compensation for the emotional distress that kept you awake at night, affected your relationships, and made every workday a battle. Court orders that protect you from retaliation and future harassment.
The best outcome? Knowing you stood up for yourself and potentially prevented others from experiencing what you went through.
Experienced NYC Sexual Harassment Attorney
We have represented Manhattan employees in sexual harassment cases for over 30 years. Attorney John Howley has argued before the U.S. Supreme Court and secured millions in recoveries, including an $80 million class action victory.
We understand Manhattan’s unique workplace dynamics—from Wall Street’s high-pressure environments to the service industry’s power imbalances. New York City’s Human Rights Law provides stronger protections than federal law, and we know exactly how to use these advantages for your case.
You’re not just another file to us. We take serious cases from serious clients, which means your case gets the same aggressive representation we’d give a Fortune 500 company.
Sexual Harassment Case Process Manhattan
First, we listen. In your free consultation, you’ll speak directly with attorney John Howley about what happened and your legal options. No intake coordinators, no junior associates—just straight talk from someone who’s handled these cases for decades.
Next, we investigate. We’ll help you document incidents, preserve evidence, and build the strongest possible case. This includes understanding your company’s internal policies and whether they followed proper procedures when you reported harassment.
Then we fight. Whether that means negotiating with your employer’s legal team or presenting your case to a jury, we’re prepared for whatever it takes. We work on contingency, so you don’t pay attorney fees unless you win.
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Manhattan Sexual Harassment Law Coverage
Manhattan employees benefit from some of the strongest sexual harassment protections in the country. Under New York City’s Human Rights Law, harassment doesn’t need to be “severe or pervasive” like federal law requires—it just needs to be unwelcome.
This means you have broader protection whether you experienced quid pro quo harassment (demands for sexual favors in exchange for job benefits) or a hostile work environment. The law covers all employees, interns, contractors, and job applicants working in Manhattan, regardless of company size.
Recent statistics show that over 20% of New York residents have experienced workplace sexual harassment, with cases increasing 25% in recent years. Manhattan’s diverse industries—from finance to hospitality to tech—each present unique harassment challenges, and we’ve handled them all.
What counts as sexual harassment under New York City law?
Sexual harassment includes any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that affects your work. This covers verbal harassment like sexual comments or jokes, physical harassment like unwanted touching, visual harassment like displaying inappropriate images, and quid pro quo harassment where job benefits are tied to sexual favors.
Under NYC’s Human Rights Law, the conduct doesn’t need to be “severe or pervasive” like federal law requires. Even a single incident can qualify if it’s unwelcome. The law also covers gender-based harassment that isn’t necessarily sexual in nature, like offensive comments about your gender or gender identity.
How long do I have to file a sexual harassment claim in Manhattan?
In New York City, you have three years to file a sexual harassment complaint under the NYC Human Rights Law, which is much longer than the federal deadline. For federal claims under Title VII, you typically have 180 to 300 days depending on whether state law also covers your situation.
However, it’s crucial to act quickly for several reasons. Evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories fade, and your employer might destroy relevant documents. More importantly, the sooner you speak with an attorney, the sooner we can help you document ongoing harassment and protect you from retaliation.
Don’t wait until the harassment escalates or affects your job security. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes and less personal trauma.
Can my employer fire me for reporting sexual harassment?
No, retaliation for reporting sexual harassment is illegal under federal, state, and local law. Your employer cannot fire, demote, reduce your pay, change your schedule, or otherwise punish you for filing a harassment complaint or participating in an investigation.
New York’s retaliation protections are particularly strong. Even if your harassment complaint doesn’t ultimately succeed, you’re still protected from retaliation for making a good faith report. This protection extends to witnesses who support your claim and anyone who opposes harassment in the workplace.
If you experience retaliation, you may have a separate legal claim that can result in additional compensation. Many successful harassment cases actually include retaliation claims because employers often make the mistake of punishing employees who speak up.
What compensation can I recover in a sexual harassment case?
Sexual harassment victims in Manhattan can recover several types of compensation. Economic damages include lost wages, missed promotions, and benefits you would have received but for the harassment. If harassment forced you to quit or led to your termination, you can recover the income you lost as a result.
Non-economic damages compensate for emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and other psychological harm caused by the harassment. In cases involving particularly egregious conduct, you may also recover punitive damages designed to punish the wrongdoer.
Additionally, if you win your case, the employer typically must pay your attorney fees and court costs. You may also obtain injunctive relief, such as court orders requiring workplace policy changes or protecting you from future harassment.
Do I need to report harassment to HR before filing a lawsuit?
While you’re not legally required to report harassment to HR before filing a lawsuit, doing so can strengthen your case and is often strategically important. Internal reporting gives your employer a chance to address the situation and shows that you tried to resolve the matter through proper channels.
However, reporting to HR isn’t always advisable. If the harasser is HR personnel, a company owner, or someone with significant power over HR decisions, internal reporting might be futile or even dangerous. In some cases, it’s better to consult with an attorney first to develop a strategy that protects your interests.
When you do report internally, document everything. Keep copies of your complaint, any responses from the company, and notes about any meetings or conversations. This documentation becomes crucial evidence if you later need to file a legal claim.
What should I do if I'm experiencing sexual harassment right now?
If you’re currently experiencing sexual harassment, document everything immediately. Keep a detailed log of incidents including dates, times, locations, what was said or done, and any witnesses present. Save any text messages, emails, or other evidence on your personal devices, not company equipment.
Tell the harasser clearly that their behavior is unwelcome if you feel safe doing so. Sometimes harassment stops when the perpetrator realizes their conduct is unwanted and inappropriate. However, don’t put yourself at risk—if you fear escalation or retaliation, consult with an attorney first.
Consider reporting the harassment to HR or management, but speak with a lawyer before you do. We can help you understand your company’s policies, prepare your complaint strategically, and protect you from retaliation. Remember, the sooner you get legal advice, the better we can protect your rights and build your case.
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