Manhattan is the metropolitan and urban core of New York City. Manhattan is the most densely populated and smallest of the five New York City boroughs. Known as the city that never sleeps, Manhattan serves as New York City’s economic, administrative, and cultural identifier. The borough of Manhattan consists mainly of Manhattan Island, surrounded by the Hudson, East, and Harlem Rivers. It also encompasses several adjacent islands.
Over 40 years of Employment Law in Manhattan
In 2019, Manhattan had an estimated population of over 1.6 million people. With a higher population density than any other individual U.S. city, there are over 170,000 people per square mile. There are thousands of employers in Manhattan. Unfortunately, some of these employers do not adhere to New York’s anti-discrimination laws. At Lipsky Lowe LLP, we focus our entire legal practice on protecting employees. We have over 40 years of experience advocating for Manhattan clients and we are prepared to represent your best interests in all employment law matters.
Manhattan Employment Discrimination Lawyers
Under federal anti-discrimination law, employers are prohibited from discriminating against employees based on the employee’s membership in one of the following protected classes:
- Age
- Race
- Color
- Religion
- Disability
- National origin
- Sexual orientation
- Pregnancy discrimination
New York State and New York City have additional prohibitions against discrimination. For example, in New York City, employers cannot discriminate against employees based on their gender identity or expression, including transgender status. Additionally, Manhattan employers cannot discriminate against employees based on their pregnancy, military service, genetic information, or their caregiver status, such as being a parent.
Employment discrimination can take many different forms. An employer may refuse to hire a potential candidate because of the candidate’s membership in a protected class. An employer may mistreat an employee, unfairly discipline him or her, or harass an employee because of his or her religion, disability, or sexual orientation.
Discrimination can also involve an employee not being given the same opportunities to promote or advance as other employees or be segregated from other employees. If you experience any of these types of discriminatory actions, or you suspect that your employer is discriminating against you, we are here to help. One of the experience Manhattan discrimination lawyers at Lipsky Lowe LLP will review your case and advise you of your legal options.
Manhattan Sexual Harassment Lawyers
Manhattan employees have a right to work without being afraid of sexual harassment by a co-worker, supervisor, vendor, or client. Unfortunately, many Manhattan workers have to endure sexual harassment daily. Sexual harassment involves any unwelcome sexual conduct or contact directed at one employee by another employee. Federal, state, and New York City laws all prohibit sexual harassment in the workplace.
There are two types of illegal sexual harassment. Quid pro quo sexual harassment occurs when an employee feels he or she must accept the sexual harassment in exchange for something. For example, an employee’s manager may expect her to go on a date with him and tell her that he will decrease her pay or get her fired if she refuses. Quid pro quo sexual harassment can also involve an employer giving a benefit, such as a promotion, in exchange for engaging in sexual conduct or behavior.
Hostile Work Environment Lawyers in Manhattan
Sexual harassment can also involve a hostile work environment. When the speech and conduct of co-workers, supervisors, customers, owners and clients are sexually derogatory or unsavory, an employee may have a claim against the employer. A hostile work environment is an environment that interferes with an employee’s job performance or would make a reasonable person quit that job.
Common types of sexual harassment that can create a hostile work environment include displaying pornographic images and making indecent or obscene gestures. Using vulgar language or telling inappropriate jokes of a sexual nature, or remarking on another co-worker’s sexual attractiveness can also create a hostile work environment. Finally, touching oneself in a sexual way or another person in a sexual way that is undesired and unnecessary can constitute sexual harassment.
Manhattan Retaliation and Whistleblowing Lawyers
What happens when an employee tries to file a discrimination claim and his or her employer retaliates? Sometimes employers will try to retaliate against employees who blow the whistle or complain about unlawful activity. Federal, state, and New York City laws protect employees who come forward to complain about unlawful discrimination, harassment, and unlawful wage policies.
If your employer has retaliated against you by demoting you, firing you, harassing you, or giving you any other unfair treatment, you may be entitled to additional compensation. Filing claims about potential legal violations and matters of public safety are essential. If your employer punishes you or treats you differently because you complain, your employer violates the law. At Lipsky Lowe LLP, we can advise you of your rights under the law so you can protect yourself and recover the compensation you deserve.
Wrongful Termination Lawyers in Manhattan
Have you been fired from your position unfairly? You may be entitled to compensation through a wrongful termination lawsuit. In Manhattan, employers cannot fire an employee for discriminatory reasons or as a way to retaliate against an employee for filing a claim against them. If you sign an employment contract with your employer, your employer cannot fire you in breach of that contract.
If your employer fired you in violation of your employment contract, you might be able to pursue compensation in a breach-of-contract lawsuit. Taking the time to discuss your case with an employment lawyer will be worth it. One of the experienced Manhattan employment law attorneys at Lipsky Lowe LLP will review your case and advise you of your legal options regarding wrongful termination.
Contact a Manhattan Employment Law Lawyer Today
Experiencing workplace discrimination or harassment can be devastating. If you believe that your employer has discriminated against you or you’ve experienced harassment, we recommend discussing your case with an experienced employment lawyer. New York City has some of the most stringent anti-discrimination laws in the country.
You may be entitled to compensation, reinstatement to your position, and other types of damages. Contact the Manhattan employment lawyers at Lipsky Lowe LLP today to schedule your free initial consultation.