Sexual Harassment Lawyer in West Village, NY
Justice When Your Workplace Becomes Unsafe
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Sexual Misconduct Attorney West Village
When sexual harassment ends, your life changes. You walk into work with confidence instead of dread. You focus on your career instead of looking over your shoulder.
Our clients have recovered millions in compensation – not just for lost wages, but for the emotional trauma, damaged careers, and years of suffering they endured. We’ve secured an $80 million settlement in a discrimination class action and won $1 million for a live-in nanny who faced sexual harassment.
You get more than money. You get your dignity back, your career trajectory restored, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing justice was served.
West Village Sexual Harassment Cases
The Howley Law Firm brings 20 years of Fortune 500 legal experience directly to your case. John Howley represented companies like Pfizer, Citibank, and Sony as a partner at one of the country’s largest corporate law firms, even arguing before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Now he uses that same level of expertise to fight for individuals facing workplace harassment in West Village and throughout New York City. Our small firm means you get direct access to experienced attorneys who understand both the legal complexities and the personal toll of sexual harassment cases.
We’ve been recognized with the Medal for Excellence in Advocacy and named among New York’s SuperLawyers – but what matters most is that we’ve helped hundreds of clients reclaim their careers and their lives.
Quid Pro Quo Lawyer Process
First, we listen. Your consultation is completely confidential, and we take time to understand exactly what happened and how it’s affecting your life and career.
Next, we investigate. We review documentation, identify witnesses, and build a comprehensive case that demonstrates the harassment and its impact. Our experience with corporate defense gives us unique insight into how employers think and respond.
Then we act strategically. Whether through negotiation or litigation, we pursue maximum compensation while protecting your reputation. We handle all communications with your employer so you can focus on your work and your life.
Finally, we secure your future. Beyond financial recovery, we ensure you have the protections and peace of mind you need to move forward with confidence.
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Sexual Assault Lawyer West Village
Sexual harassment takes many forms in West Village workplaces – from unwanted touching and inappropriate comments to quid pro quo demands and hostile work environments. New York law has recently lowered the threshold for what constitutes harassment, meaning even conduct that might seem “minor” can be grounds for legal action.
We handle cases involving supervisors, coworkers, clients, and vendors. Whether you’re dealing with a single severe incident or a pattern of inappropriate behavior, we have the experience to build a strong case. Our clients include healthcare professionals, financial services workers, restaurant employees, and executives across Manhattan’s diverse business landscape.
West Village’s proximity to major corporate centers means many of our clients work for large employers with sophisticated legal teams. That’s exactly why you need attorneys who understand how these companies operate and how to hold them accountable for failing to protect their employees.
How do I know if what happened to me qualifies as sexual harassment?
Sexual harassment includes any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that affects your work environment or employment decisions. Under New York’s updated laws, the behavior doesn’t need to be “severe or pervasive” – it just needs to rise above petty slights or trivial inconveniences.
This can include inappropriate comments about your appearance, unwanted touching, sexually explicit emails or images, pressure for dates, or promises of promotion in exchange for sexual favors. It also covers creating a hostile environment through repeated inappropriate jokes, sexual gestures, or making you uncomfortable because of your gender.
The key is that the conduct was unwelcome and affected your ability to do your job or created an intimidating work environment. If you’re questioning whether what happened qualifies, it’s worth discussing with an experienced attorney who can evaluate your specific situation.
What if I'm worried about retaliation for reporting sexual harassment?
Retaliation for reporting sexual harassment is illegal under federal, state, and local laws. New York provides strong protections for employees who file complaints, participate in investigations, or oppose discriminatory practices.
However, we understand that fear of retaliation is real and often prevents victims from speaking up. That’s why our approach focuses on protecting your career and reputation throughout the process. We can often resolve cases through confidential negotiations that don’t require public filings or extensive workplace disruption.
If retaliation does occur – whether through termination, demotion, schedule changes, or creating a hostile environment – you have additional legal claims that can result in significant compensation. We document everything carefully and take immediate action if your employer attempts to punish you for asserting your rights.
How long do I have to file a sexual harassment claim in New York?
Time limits for sexual harassment claims vary depending on which laws apply to your situation, but you generally have between 180 days to three years to file. For federal claims under Title VII, you typically have 300 days to file with the EEOC. New York State Human Rights Law claims must be filed within three years, while New York City Human Rights Law claims also have a three-year deadline.
However, these deadlines can be complex, and waiting too long can hurt your case in other ways. Evidence becomes harder to gather, witnesses’ memories fade, and your employer may argue that the harassment wasn’t serious if you didn’t report it promptly.
The most important thing is to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after the harassment occurs. We can evaluate your specific situation, explain which deadlines apply, and help you understand all your options for moving forward.
Will I have to pay attorney fees if I lose my case?
No. The Howley Law Firm works on a contingency fee basis for sexual harassment cases, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case. If we don’t recover money for you, you don’t pay us anything for our legal services.
This arrangement allows you to pursue justice without worrying about upfront legal costs or hourly fees. It also means we’re fully invested in getting you the best possible outcome – our success depends on your success.
You may still be responsible for certain case expenses like filing fees or expert witness costs, but we discuss all potential costs upfront so there are no surprises. Many employment law cases also include provisions for the employer to pay your attorney fees if you win, which can increase your overall recovery.
Can I file a sexual harassment claim if I still work for the company?
Yes, you can file a sexual harassment claim while still employed, and the law protects you from retaliation for doing so. In fact, sometimes addressing the issue while you’re still employed can lead to better outcomes, including workplace changes that benefit you and other employees.
We understand this can feel risky, which is why our approach focuses on protecting your job and reputation throughout the process. We often start with confidential negotiations or internal complaint processes before moving to formal legal action.
If you’re still working for the company, we can also help ensure you’re documenting incidents properly and taking steps to protect yourself. This includes saving relevant emails, noting witnesses, and understanding your company’s internal complaint procedures. The key is acting quickly while being strategic about protecting your career and building the strongest possible case.
What kind of compensation can I recover in a sexual harassment case?
Sexual harassment victims in New York can recover several types of compensation, including back pay for lost wages, front pay for future lost earnings, emotional distress damages, punitive damages, and attorney fees. The amount depends on factors like the severity of the harassment, its impact on your career, and your employer’s response.
We’ve recovered millions for clients, including an $80 million class action settlement and a $1 million settlement for an individual harassment case. Economic damages cover lost wages, benefits, and career advancement opportunities. Non-economic damages compensate for emotional trauma, anxiety, depression, and other psychological impacts.
In cases involving particularly egregious conduct or employer indifference, punitive damages may be available to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct. New York law also allows for civil penalties up to $250,000 against individual harassers. Our goal is always to secure maximum compensation while helping you move forward with your life and career.
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