Sexual Harassment Attorney Upper West Side
Stop Workplace Sexual Harassment Now
Hear from Our Customers
NYC Sexual Harassment Lawyer
You shouldn’t have to choose between your job and your safety. When sexual harassment makes your workplace unbearable, you have legal rights that can restore both your career and your peace of mind.
The right legal representation changes everything. You’ll have someone who understands the complex web of NYC Human Rights Law, New York State protections, and federal regulations working to maximize your compensation.
Your harasser and their enablers will face real consequences. No more fear of retaliation, no more sleepless nights, and no more wondering if anyone will believe you.
Upper West Side Employment Attorney
The Howley Law Firm brings 30+ years of high-stakes legal experience directly to your case. John Howley spent two decades representing major corporations like Pfizer, Texaco, and Citibank before dedicating his practice to fighting for individuals like you.
This isn’t your typical employment law firm. You get the same aggressive, sophisticated representation that Fortune 500 companies receive, but focused entirely on protecting your rights and maximizing your recovery.
We understand the unique workplace dynamics that Upper West Side professionals face and the corporate tactics you’re up against. We’ve successfully handled cases across every industry in the city.
Sexual Harassment Case Process
First, we listen. Your free consultation stays completely confidential while we evaluate your case and explain your options under NYC and federal law.
Next, we strategize. Before you file any complaints, we’ll guide you on legally documenting evidence and protecting yourself from retaliation. This preparation often makes the difference between winning and losing.
Then we fight. Whether negotiating a settlement or taking your case to trial, we prepare every case as if it’s going before a jury. That reputation gives us leverage to secure higher settlements and sends a clear message that we’re serious about getting you justice.
Ready to get started?
NYC Sexual Harassment Laws
New York gives you more protection than almost anywhere else. Unlike federal law, NYC Human Rights Law doesn’t require harassment to be “severe or pervasive” – any behavior that rises above petty slights can be actionable.
You have three years to file under state and city law, compared to just 300 days under federal law. This extended timeline gives us more opportunities to build a stronger case and negotiate better terms.
Upper West Side workers benefit from some of the strongest anti-retaliation protections in the country. Your employer can’t fire, demote, or punish you for reporting harassment or cooperating with investigations. When they try, we make them pay.
How do I prove sexual harassment if it's just my word against theirs?
Sexual harassment cases are rarely just “he said, she said” situations when you have experienced legal representation. Most harassment follows patterns, and skilled attorneys know how to uncover evidence that supports your claims.
We help you document everything legally before you file any complaints. This includes preserving text messages, emails, witness statements, and even social media posts. Many harassers have done this before, and we know how to find their other victims.
The key is acting quickly and strategically. Once we’re involved, we can guide you on what evidence to collect and how to do it legally, turning a weak case into a winning one.
What if my employer retaliates against me for filing a harassment complaint?
Retaliation is illegal under NYC Human Rights Law, New York State Human Rights Law, and federal Title VII. When employers retaliate, they often make their legal problems much worse and increase your potential compensation.
We document everything from the moment you contact us, creating a clear timeline that shows any negative treatment is connected to your harassment complaint. This preparation is crucial for proving retaliation claims.
New York’s retaliation protections are among the strongest in the nation. Employers who fire, demote, or punish you for reporting harassment face significant financial penalties and may be required to reinstate you with back pay and benefits.
How much compensation can I receive in a sexual harassment case?
Sexual harassment settlements and jury awards vary widely based on the severity of the harassment, your damages, and the strength of your evidence. Our firm has recovered millions for clients, including individual settlements well into six figures.
You may be entitled to lost wages, future earnings, emotional distress damages, punitive damages, and attorney’s fees. In severe cases involving assault or particularly egregious conduct, damages can reach seven figures.
The key is having an attorney who knows how to value your case properly and isn’t afraid to take it to trial. Insurance companies and employers pay more when they know you have serious legal representation that will fight for maximum compensation.
Should I report harassment to HR before contacting a lawyer?
Contact an attorney first. HR departments exist to protect the company, not you, and they often use internal complaints to build defenses against future lawsuits. Going to HR unprepared can actually hurt your case.
We’ll advise you on the best strategy for your specific situation. Sometimes reporting internally first is beneficial, but only when done strategically with proper documentation and legal guidance.
Remember that HR investigations are designed to minimize the company’s liability, not to get you justice. Having legal counsel ensures your rights are protected throughout any internal process and that evidence is preserved properly.
How long do I have to file a sexual harassment claim in New York?
New York gives you more time than most states. You have three years to file under NYC Human Rights Law and New York State Human Rights Law, compared to just 300 days for federal EEOC complaints.
However, evidence gets stale and witnesses forget details over time. The sooner you contact an attorney, the stronger your case will be. We can also advise you on preserving evidence while you decide how to proceed.
Different laws have different filing requirements and deadlines. Having experienced counsel ensures you don’t miss critical deadlines or file in the wrong venue, which could permanently bar your claims regardless of how strong your evidence is.
What types of behavior constitute sexual harassment in New York?
New York’s definition of sexual harassment is broader than federal law. It includes any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment, even if it’s not “severe or pervasive.”
This covers obvious behaviors like unwanted touching, sexual comments, or demands for sexual favors. But it also includes subtler conduct like repeated requests for dates, inappropriate gifts, sexually explicit emails or texts, and creating a sexualized work environment.
The behavior doesn’t have to be directed at you personally. If you’re exposed to sexual conduct, comments, or materials that make your work environment uncomfortable, that can also constitute harassment under New York law.
Local Resources
Useful Links
Other Services we provide in Upper West Side