(212) 601-2728

Sexual Harassment Lawyer Manhattan, NY

Stop Workplace Sexual Harassment Now

You shouldn’t have to endure unwelcome advances, hostile comments, or quid pro quo demands at work. Our Manhattan sexual harassment lawyer fights for your rights and recovers the compensation you deserve.
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Why Victims Choose Us

Three Decades Experience

Representing sexual harassment victims since 1990 with Supreme Court and federal trial experience.

$300 Million Recovered

Proven results including major settlements and verdicts for Manhattan and Brooklyn harassment victims.

No Win No Fee

You pay nothing unless we recover compensation – our success depends on yours.

NYC Sexual Harassment Attorney

Two Types of Workplace Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment in Manhattan and Brooklyn workplaces takes two forms. Quid pro quo harassment ties your job security to sexual compliance – promotions for dates, raises for favors, threats for refusals. Hostile work environment harassment creates intimidating conditions through repeated sexual jokes, unwanted touching, explicit materials, or persistent advances. Both violate federal and NYC laws, giving you the right to compensation and workplace protection.
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Client Testimonials

John Howley and his firm helped better the quality of my life overall because of what they did for me and my family! Their support, responsiveness, transparency, and high-quality service are the reasons I have peace in my life. I recommend him and his firm to anyone in need.
Sarah Novio​
John helped me with an issue I had been dealing with for over a year. I had seen a few lawyers. John was empathetic with me right off the bat. He was professional beyond compare and got the matter handled so much faster than I expected. Great guy to have on your side.​
Nick Lawing​
He was attentive, fully understood my issue, made a recommendation that was in my best interest, and saw the negotiation through to the end. His professionalism and empathy are things I had not experienced in an attorney before. For top notch counsel, call John Howley.​
Stephanie Therese​
Expert Advice! John Howley was very accommodating and helpful in listening and addressing my concerns. I trust him with his expert advice and I know that he has my best interest always. He is also very responsive and attends to my concerns immediately. We deserve more lawyers like John Howley!
Emilie Onlengco
I am very grateful to John Howley for his constant hard work and dedication to my situation. He is very professional yet personable at the same time. I highly recommend the law offices of John Howley.
Karen Tranchina
John takes a hands-on approach to handling cases. Because of his thorough preparation, he knew the intimate details of the case and appreciated the different issues raised. He was also a creative advocate and an effective communicator with the ability to dissect and address complex issues in a clear and logical fashion.
Antonino Roman
John is an accomplished lawyer who achieves outstanding results for his clients. He is aggressive, dedicated and extremely thorough.
Robert Georges
John is a wonderful attorney. He is very intelligent and understands the big picture.
Glenn Slavin
I hired Mr. Howley last year and I must say that this man is talented. However my biggest compliment to him would be his patience. It felt great to have someone in my corner that was competent and able to produce results. Thank you!
Wanda W.
He resolved my case in less than two months by proving his professionalism, expertise and intelligence. He is one of the greatest persons I have ever met. I am glad I found Mr. John for my case. I highly recommend him.
Sami A.
John is a true advocate. He is a gifted communicator and, as such, never fails to connect with his target audience. Perhaps his most outstanding quality is how he embraces his client’s cause as his when he takes on a case.
A.R.
One could not ask for a more supportive, knowledgeable lawyer. John was there for me 100% every time I needed him.
Sophie Rosenoer
Highly recommended. John and his team are efficient and knowledgeable. I'm grateful for the team's assistance and immediate action on my case.
Maricar Rondina
Friendly but professional during the entire lawyer-client relationship. John is reliable, service oriented and capable of producing desirable results.
Bob Govico
Very Kind hearted and compassionate. Many lawyers often lack empathy, but his genuine concern for my case and well being was very uplifting and encouraging. While other offices offered me very little help, John extended himself to ensure I receive quality legal advice.
Aisha Vargas
I have known John Howley for more than 25 years, including many years when he was a partner in a well-known national law firm. Since forming his own law firm, John has been doing the same brilliant work for individuals that he used to do for Fortune 500 companies. Whenever anyone asks me to recommend a lawyer, the first name I think of is John Howley.
David Copeland
Mr. Howley is an effective and highly experienced attorney. His knowledge of the law coupled with his pure intellectual ability makes him an effective advocate.
Steve Newman
John was extremely patient and helped me explore all of my options before I made any kind of decisions. Together, we were able to find the best solutions to some of the issues that I had with my former employer and he made sure that every step we took was fair and in my favor. I was so lucky to have worked with him and would work with him again anytime.
Robinson P.
John is a very attentive individual and it was a pleasure working with him. His knowledge of litigation is very thorough and he simplified the process for me. I wholeheartedly recommend his legal services.
S.H.
John is intelligent and passionate. Whenever I talk to him, his focus is on getting the best result for his client. Whenever I need a lawyer to represent me at trial or in a dispute, the first call I make is to John Howley.
D.C.
John Howley has been one of the best lawyers I have met. He listened carefully and was very detailed in all aspects. Everything has been a success. Thank you, John!
O.R.
John's professionalism and empathy was something I had not experienced in an attorney previously and it's impressive. John worked with me to the outcome I was hoping for and I am extremely grateful. If you need top notch counsel, definitely speak with John Howley.
Stephanie Therese
The Howley Law Firm is what my family and I would consider the best there is in New York. They helped my father reach a settlement for his case in a professional and timely manner. Mr. Howley is a reliable and hospitable man throughout his work with us and we highly recommend him to anyone.
Justin Yulo
John is very responsive, very patient, explains all the steps that need to be followed. I will gladly recommend your services to any of my family and friends that may ever need it. Thank you!
Joanna Delos Reyes
John is an incredible attorney, possessing compassion towards his clients and depth in his understanding and application of the law. He is what I consider an expert especially in employment and whistleblower cases. Overall, he is a walking encyclopedia of knowledge and a very successful, results-driven attorney.
Maggi Maksoud
John excels at the two most important characteristics for an attorney: Excellent legal skills and utmost integrity. John is scrupulously honest and doggedly determined to achieve the best result possible for the client. I would trust him with any legal matter.
Mark Beckman
John is an extraordinarily skilled and experienced trial lawyer. He is highly respected by the defense attorneys and prosecutors he faces off against. John gets results for his clients. As a former client I am totally satisfied with his representation. I have referred many colleagues, friends and family members to him with the utmost trust and confidence that they are in good hands.
Michael O’C.
John Howley is efficient and knowledgeable. He gives you realistic expectations and wastes no time. Mr. Howley is amazing and a great person to have on your legal team.
S.J.
John Howley is very knowledgeable and spends time to explain and answer all your questions. He will go through all the steps and tell you exactly what to expect. I’m really grateful to have had Mr. Howley as my lawyer. I highly recommend him to anyone that may need his services.
T.B.
John Howley is highly recommended! He is very responsive and detailed and will explain to you clearly everything. He listens to your concerns attentively and makes you feel important and that what makes him a very very good and respected lawyer! God bless your heart Attorney Howley! Thank you so much.
Seadoo Skipper
Call us today to find out how we can help you. (212) 601-2728

Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment

When Your Job Depends on Sexual Compliance

Manhattan supervisors who tie employment benefits to sexual favors commit quid pro quo harassment. This includes promotion promises for weekend getaways, raise offers contingent on dating, assignment improvements requiring dinner dates, or termination threats for refusing advances. The harassment doesn’t require explicit statements. Subtle implications work too. When your boss suggests better opportunities depend on “special relationships” or hints that recommendation letters require “cooperation,” you’re experiencing unlawful quid pro quo harassment that deserves legal action and compensation.
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A person stands with a hand on their lower back in front of a desk, while a woman sitting at the desk looks at a computer—capturing a moment that could indicate concerns about sexual harassment in the workplace.

Hostile Work Environment Cases

When Sexual Conduct Poisons Your Workplace

Hostile work environments develop when sexual harassment becomes severe or pervasive enough to interfere with your job performance. This includes daily sexual jokes, unwanted physical contact, pornographic materials in common areas, or persistent romantic pursuit after clear rejections. NYC Human Rights Law provides stronger protection than federal standards. You don’t need to prove harassment was severe or pervasive – unwelcome sexual conduct that treats you unfavorably violates city law. This makes it easier to hold Brooklyn and Manhattan employers accountable for creating hostile workplaces.
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Sexual Harassment Legal Process

Your Clear Path Forward

Confidential Case Review

We evaluate your harassment situation privately and explain your legal rights without obligation.

Evidence Development

We gather witness statements, documentation, and proof needed for your strongest possible case.

Justice and Recovery

We negotiate settlements or represent you in court to secure maximum compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What compensation can I recover for sexual harassment in Manhattan?
Manhattan sexual harassment victims can recover comprehensive compensation including back pay for lost wages, front pay for future earnings, compensatory damages for emotional distress, medical expenses, punitive damages against wrongdoers, and attorney’s fees. You may also receive injunctive relief preventing future harassment and retaliation. Compensation amounts depend on harassment severity, career impact, emotional trauma, and financial losses. We evaluate each case individually to pursue maximum recovery based on your specific circumstances and damages suffered.
New York gives you three years from the harassment date to file claims with the EEOC or State Division of Human Rights. NYC Human Rights Law claims also have three-year deadlines, but specific circumstances can affect timing. Acting quickly preserves evidence and witness testimony while memories remain fresh. The sooner you consult with us, the better we can protect your rights and build a compelling case. Don’t wait until deadlines approach – early action typically produces better outcomes and stronger legal positions.
While HR reporting isn’t always legally required, it often strengthens your case by creating documentation and giving employers notice. However, you’re not required to use internal procedures if you reasonably believe they won’t work or fear retaliation. Severe harassment may warrant immediate legal action without internal reporting. If you do report internally, document everything – when you reported, to whom, and what response you received. We can advise whether internal reporting helps your specific situation or if direct legal action is more appropriate.
Absolutely. You can file sexual harassment lawsuits after leaving your position. Many harassment victims quit due to hostile work environments or retaliation, and the law protects your right to seek compensation regardless of current employment status. Constructive discharge – being forced to quit due to harassment – can actually strengthen your case and increase potential damages. Whether you quit, were terminated, or still work there, you maintain the right to hold employers accountable within the three-year statute of limitations period.
Strong harassment cases combine multiple evidence types including emails, text messages, voicemails, or written communications with inappropriate content. Witness statements from colleagues who observed harassment are valuable, along with records of HR or management complaints. Document specific dates, times, locations, and incident details. Photos of inappropriate workplace materials, performance reviews showing retaliation, and medical records documenting emotional distress strengthen cases. Even without direct evidence, circumstantial proof like treatment changes after rejecting advances supports claims. We identify and gather the evidence needed for compelling cases.
We represent sexual harassment victims on contingency fees, meaning you pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation. This allows you to pursue justice without upfront costs or financial risk. If we win through settlement or trial verdict, our fee comes from the recovery amount. If we don’t win, you owe nothing for legal services. This arrangement ensures everyone has access to experienced representation regardless of financial situation. During your free consultation, we explain all fee arrangements clearly so you understand exactly how representation works.

Cities we provide Sexual Harassment Lawyer In