Sexual Harassment Attorney in Washington Heights
Get Justice for Workplace Sexual Harassment
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Washington Heights Sexual Misconduct Attorney
Sexual harassment doesn’t just violate your rights—it threatens your livelihood, your peace of mind, and your future. You shouldn’t have to choose between staying silent and protecting your career.
When we take your case, you get more than legal representation. You get strategic protection for both your rights and your reputation. We understand that your professional standing matters just as much as your legal victory.
Our approach focuses on getting you the compensation you deserve while safeguarding what you’ve worked so hard to build. Whether that means negotiating a confidential settlement or taking your case to court, we handle every detail with the discretion and expertise your situation demands.
Experienced Sexual Harassment Lawyers Washington Heights
For 20 years, we represented companies like Pfizer, Citibank, and Sony in their most critical lawsuits, including arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court. Now we use that same level of expertise to fight for individuals who’ve been wronged.
The Howley Law Firm brings big-firm experience to personal cases. We know how corporations think, how they defend themselves, and exactly where they’re vulnerable.
Washington Heights workers deserve the same caliber of legal representation that major corporations get. That’s what we deliver—aggressive, strategic advocacy that treats your case with the seriousness it deserves, whether you’re facing harassment from a supervisor or dealing with a company-wide culture of misconduct.
Sexual Harassment Cases Washington Heights NY
Your case starts with a confidential consultation where we listen to your story and assess your legal options. We’ll explain your rights under federal, New York State, and New York City laws—each offering different protections and remedies.
Next, we gather evidence to build your strongest possible case. This includes documenting incidents, collecting witness statements, and preserving communications that support your claims. We handle this process carefully to protect you from retaliation.
Then we pursue the strategy that best serves your interests. Sometimes that means filing a complaint with the EEOC or New York State Division of Human Rights. Other times it means negotiating directly with your employer or filing a lawsuit in court. We adapt our approach to get you the best possible outcome while protecting your career and reputation throughout the process.
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Quid Pro Quo Attorney Washington Heights
We handle all forms of workplace sexual harassment, from quid pro quo situations where job benefits are conditioned on sexual favors to hostile work environment cases where harassment creates an intimidating workplace atmosphere.
Washington Heights workers face unique challenges in harassment cases. Many work in industries where reporting can feel risky, and some may worry about immigration status or language barriers affecting their cases. We understand these concerns and work with clients from all backgrounds to ensure their rights are fully protected.
Our services include filing EEOC complaints, negotiating settlements, pursuing litigation in state and federal courts, and handling class action cases when harassment affects multiple employees. We work on a contingency fee basis for most cases, meaning you don’t pay legal fees unless we win. This levels the playing field against employers who might otherwise use legal costs to discourage legitimate claims.
What should I do immediately after experiencing sexual harassment at work?
Document everything right away. Write down exactly what happened, including dates, times, locations, and any witnesses present. Save any emails, texts, or other communications related to the harassment.
Report the incident to your employer if you feel safe doing so, following your company’s procedures. Keep copies of any reports you file and note how your employer responds.
Don’t wait to seek legal advice. Many harassment cases have strict filing deadlines, and early legal guidance can help you avoid mistakes that could hurt your case later. We offer free consultations to help you understand your rights and options without any obligation.
Can I sue for sexual harassment if I still work for the same company?
Yes, you can pursue legal action while still employed, and federal and state laws prohibit retaliation for filing harassment complaints. However, the situation requires careful handling to protect your job and career prospects.
We often recommend filing an EEOC complaint first, which provides additional legal protections against retaliation. This also preserves your right to file a lawsuit later if needed.
The key is building a strong case while protecting yourself from retaliation. We help clients navigate this process strategically, documenting any retaliatory actions and ensuring your employer knows you’re legally represented. This often encourages more professional behavior from management and better outcomes in negotiations.
How long do I have to file a sexual harassment claim in New York?
Time limits vary depending on which laws apply to your case. For federal claims under Title VII, you must file an EEOC complaint within 300 days of the harassment. New York State Human Rights Law complaints must be filed within one year.
New York City Human Rights Law provides the longest timeframe—three years from the date of harassment. This law also offers broader protections and stronger remedies than federal or state law.
Don’t assume you’ve missed your deadline. Different laws may apply to your situation, and some circumstances can extend filing deadlines. The sooner you consult with an attorney, the more options you’ll have and the stronger your case will be.
What compensation can I recover in a sexual harassment case?
You may be entitled to several types of compensation depending on your case. Back pay covers wages you lost due to harassment, including missed promotions or job opportunities. Front pay compensates for future lost earnings if harassment damaged your career prospects.
Emotional distress damages address the psychological harm harassment causes—anxiety, depression, and other mental health impacts. In severe cases involving intentional misconduct, you may also recover punitive damages designed to punish the wrongdoer.
Additional remedies can include reinstatement to your job, changes to workplace policies, training for supervisors, and attorney fees. New York City Human Rights Law is particularly generous, allowing unlimited punitive damages and attorney fees for successful plaintiffs. We evaluate every case to identify all available sources of compensation.
Will my sexual harassment case become public if I file a lawsuit?
Not necessarily. Many sexual harassment cases settle confidentially before ever reaching court, allowing you to resolve your case privately while protecting your reputation and career prospects.
Even if a lawsuit is filed, courts can issue protective orders to keep sensitive information confidential during the legal process. Settlement agreements typically include confidentiality provisions that prevent either party from discussing the case publicly.
We understand that privacy is often crucial in harassment cases. Our strategy focuses on achieving the best possible outcome while protecting your personal and professional reputation. We’ll discuss confidentiality options early in your case and structure our approach to maximize both your recovery and your privacy.
How much does it cost to hire a sexual harassment attorney?
Most sexual harassment cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case. This arrangement allows you to pursue justice regardless of your financial situation and ensures your attorney is motivated to achieve the best possible outcome.
If we recover compensation through settlement or trial, our fee comes from that recovery—typically a percentage agreed upon in advance. You’re never responsible for attorney fees if we don’t win your case.
Additional costs like court filing fees and expert witness fees are typically advanced by our firm and only recovered if your case is successful. We discuss all fee arrangements clearly during your initial consultation, so you understand exactly what to expect with no surprises or hidden costs.
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