Sexual Harassment Attorney in New York, NY
Justice When Your Workplace Becomes Unsafe
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NYC Sexual Harassment Lawyer Results
When workplace harassment ends, you get your life back. You wake up without dreading work. Your confidence returns. Your career moves forward on your terms, not someone else’s demands.
The compensation you receive covers lost wages, emotional distress, and punitive damages designed to prevent future harassment. More importantly, you send a clear message that this behavior won’t be tolerated.
You also gain legal protections against retaliation. Court orders can restore promotions, ensure fair treatment, and create the safe work environment you deserved from the beginning.
Experienced New York Sexual Harassment Attorney
We have represented New York employees since 1990. John Howley has argued before the U.S. Supreme Court and secured an $80 million victory in a major discrimination case.
We’ve helped clients recover millions in sexual harassment settlements. From Wall Street executives to service workers, we understand that harassment affects people across all industries and income levels in New York.
Every case gets our full attention because we know your reputation and career are on the line. We work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Sexual Harassment Case Process New York
First, we meet for a free, confidential consultation to understand what happened and evaluate your case. We explain your rights under federal, state, and local laws that protect New York workers.
Next, we help you document incidents and gather evidence before making any formal complaints. This preparation strengthens your position and protects you from retaliation.
Then we file complaints with appropriate agencies like the EEOC or New York State Division of Human Rights. We handle all paperwork, deadlines, and communications with your employer’s lawyers.
Finally, we negotiate settlements or take your case to trial. Our goal is maximum compensation and the workplace changes needed to prevent future harassment.
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New York Sexual Harassment Law Coverage
New York provides some of the strongest sexual harassment protections in the country. State law covers all employers, even those with just one employee. The standard for proving harassment is lower than federal law.
Both quid pro quo harassment (trading job benefits for sexual favors) and hostile work environment claims are covered. You can recover compensatory damages, punitive damages, attorney fees, and injunctive relief.
Recent statistics show 22% of New York residents have experienced workplace sexual harassment. Women face harassment at higher rates, with 31% experiencing at least one incident. People of color and Hispanic workers report even higher rates of quid pro quo harassment.
New York law requires all employers to have written sexual harassment policies and provide annual training. If your employer lacks these protections, they’re already violating state law.
What counts as sexual harassment under New York law?
Sexual harassment includes any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that affects your job or creates an intimidating work environment. This covers obvious behaviors like unwanted touching, sexual propositions, or trading job benefits for sexual favors.
It also includes subtler conduct like persistent sexual jokes, displaying inappropriate images, sending suggestive emails, or making comments about your appearance or personal life. The behavior doesn’t have to be directed at you personally – witnessing harassment of others can also create a hostile environment.
Under New York law, even conduct that might seem minor can be harassment if it’s unwelcome and affects your ability to work. The standard is lower than federal law, making it easier to bring successful claims in New York.
How long do I have to file a sexual harassment claim in New York?
You generally have 180 days to file a complaint with the EEOC for federal claims, but New York state law gives you three years from the date of harassment to file with state agencies. For New York City Human Rights Law claims, you also have three years.
However, waiting too long can hurt your case. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and continued harassment can worsen. The sooner you act, the stronger your position.
Some situations can extend these deadlines, especially if harassment is ongoing. Each case is different, so it’s crucial to speak with an experienced attorney immediately to understand your specific timeline and protect your rights.
Will my employer retaliate against me for reporting sexual harassment?
Retaliation for reporting sexual harassment is illegal under federal, state, and local laws. Your employer cannot fire, demote, reduce your hours, or otherwise punish you for making a complaint or participating in an investigation.
Despite legal protections, retaliation does happen. That’s why proper preparation is essential before making any reports. We help you document incidents, understand your company’s policies, and create a paper trail that protects you.
If retaliation occurs, it actually strengthens your case and can result in additional damages. New York courts take retaliation claims seriously and often award significant compensation to victims who face punishment for speaking up about harassment.
What damages can I recover in a New York sexual harassment case?
You can recover several types of compensation for sexual harassment. Back pay covers wages you lost due to harassment, including missed promotions, raises, or hours. Front pay compensates for future lost earnings if harassment damaged your career prospects.
Compensatory damages address emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and other psychological harm caused by harassment. These awards recognize that harassment affects your entire life, not just your job.
Punitive damages punish particularly egregious conduct and deter future harassment. You can also recover attorney fees and court costs. Additionally, courts can order your employer to promote you, change policies, provide training, or take other corrective actions to prevent future harassment.
Should I report harassment to HR before contacting a lawyer?
This depends on your specific situation and company policies. In some cases, reporting to HR first can strengthen your legal position by showing you tried to resolve the issue internally. However, reporting without proper preparation can backfire.
Many HR departments prioritize protecting the company over protecting employees. Without documented evidence, they may dismiss your complaint as “he said, she said” and simply warn the harasser, who then becomes hostile toward you.
We recommend consulting with an attorney first, even if you plan to report internally. We can help you gather evidence legally, understand your company’s procedures, and prepare for potential retaliation. This preparation makes your internal complaint more effective and protects your legal rights.
How much does it cost to hire a sexual harassment attorney in New York?
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case. This arrangement aligns our interests with yours – we only get paid when you get compensated.
You won’t pay hourly fees, retainers, or upfront costs for our legal services. If we win through settlement or trial, our fee comes from your recovery. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing for attorney fees.
This system ensures that everyone can afford quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. You can focus on your case and recovery without worrying about mounting legal bills. We handle all the financial risk so you can pursue justice without additional stress.
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