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Workplace Discrimination And Harassment

New York City Workplace Discrimination And Harassment: Protect Your Rights And Career

In the high-stakes world of New York City’s corporate landscape, workplace discrimination and harassment can have devastating consequences for executives and professionals. When your career and reputation are on the line, experienced legal counsel is crucial. An advocate who is skilled at litigating high-stakes employment law claims and is a fierce negotiator is critically important.

The Law Office of Ethan A. Brecher, LLC, located in New York City, regularly represents high-level professionals and executives with high-stakes litigation and employment law claims. With more than 30 years of experience, founding attorney Ethan Brecher has successfully represented clients in complex litigation matters, including workplace discrimination and harassment claims. He understands the complexities and sensitivities of high-profile employment law cases.

What Is Workplace Discrimination?

Workplace discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or job applicant unfavorably because of their protected characteristics. This unfair treatment can manifest in various aspects of employment, including:

  • Hiring
  • Firing
  • Promotions
  • Pay
  • Job assignments
  • Benefits

Discrimination not only violates an individual’s rights but also undermines the principles of equal opportunity and fairness in the workplace.

What Are The Different Types Of Discrimination?

Discrimination in the workplace can take many forms. Here are some of the most common types:

  • Race discrimination: Treating an employee unfavorably due to their race, color or ethnic background.
  • Gender discrimination: Unfair treatment based on an individual’s sex, including pregnancy and gender identity.
  • Age discrimination: Discriminating against employees or job applicants who are 40 years or older.
  • Disability discrimination: Treating an individual unfavorably because of a physical or mental impairment.
  • Religious discrimination: Unfair treatment based on an employee’s religious beliefs or practices.
  • National origin discrimination: Discriminating against someone because of their country of origin, accent or ethnicity.
  • Sexual orientation discrimination: Unfair treatment based on an individual’s sexual orientation or perceived orientation.
  • Genetic information discrimination: Using an employee’s genetic information in making employment decisions.

Discrimination can happen at all levels of employment. From a new hire in an entry-level position to a professional with an advanced degree or a high-level executive, anyone can experience discrimination. A discrimination lawyer can help you better understand workplace discrimination.

What Is Workplace Harassment?

Workplace harassment is a type of discrimination. With workplace harassment, a member of a protected class experiences unwelcome conduct based on a protected characteristic. This offensive behavior creates a hostile and intimidating workplace that interferes with an employee’s job performance. Harassment at work can be verbal, physical or visual and may come from supervisors, co-workers, or even clients and customers.

What Are The Different Types Of Harassment?

There are several types of workplace harassment, including:

  • Sexual harassment: Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances or quid pro quo requests for sexual favors. It can also include other verbal or physical conduct that is considered to be of a sexual nature.
  • Racial harassment: Racial harassment includes offensive or hostile behavior directed at an individual because of their race or color.
  • Religious harassment: Religious harassment includes mocking or belittling an employee’s religious beliefs or practices.
  • Disability-based harassment: Disability-based harassment includes teasing, insulting or excluding an employee because of their disability.
  • Age-based harassment: Making derogatory comments or jokes about an employee’s age.
  • Gender-based harassment: Treating someone unfavorably because of their gender identity or expression.

Harassment becomes illegal when it is so frequent or severe that it creates a hostile or offensive work environment or when it results in an adverse employment action, such as termination or demotion.

Understanding Federal Laws About Workplace Discrimination And Harassment

Several federal laws protect employees from discrimination and harassment in the workplace. These include:

  • Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: The Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination that is based on race, color, religion, sex and national origin.
  • Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA): The ADEA protects workers 40 and older from age-based discrimination.
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): The ADA prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities.
  • Equal Pay Act: The Equal Pay Act requires equal pay for equal work, regardless of gender.
  • Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA): GINA protects against discrimination based on genetic information.

These federal laws protect employees from discrimination and harassment in the workplace. If an employer violates any of these laws, an employee may be able to pursue legal action for a harassment or discrimination employment law claim.

Understanding State Laws About Workplace Discrimination And Harassment

The state of New York and New York City itself have their own laws that provide even broader protections against workplace discrimination and harassment. These include:

  • New York State Human Rights Law: New York’s human rights law prohibits discrimination based on age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military status, sex, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, familial status, marital status and domestic violence victim status.
  • New York City Human Rights Law: New York City’s human rights law offers some of the strongest anti-discrimination protections in the country. Not only does it cover all the same categories as the state law, it also includes citizenship status, partnership status and unemployment status.

State and city laws provide additional protections for employees, giving employees additional rights and protections in the workplace.

Understanding Discrimination And Harassment At The Executive Level

High-level executives and professionals are not immune to workplace discrimination and harassment. In fact, these cases can become particularly complex and high-profile due to the positions involved and the nature of the discrimination or harassment. Discrimination at the executive level may manifest in more subtle ways, such as being passed over for promotions, being excluded from important meetings or receiving unequal compensation.

It is critically important for executives and professionals to speak up and fight back against discrimination and harassment, regardless of their position. Doing so not only protects individual rights but also sets a precedent for fair treatment at all levels of an organization. High-profile cases can lead to significant changes in company policies and practices, benefiting all employees.

Experienced Litigator For Harassment And Discrimination Cases

The firm is especially suited to handle high-profile and high-level discrimination or harassment cases. With three decades of experience in complex litigation, founding employment law attorney Brecher understands the nuances of employment law and the specific challenges faced by executives and professionals. His background and experience provide a comprehensive perspective that is invaluable in navigating these sensitive cases.

The firm’s approach combines aggressive advocacy with strategic thinking, ensuring that clients receive the best possible representation. From gathering evidence to negotiating settlements or litigating in court, the firm is committed to protecting the rights of its clients and seeking justice for wrongdoing in the workplace.

Trust And Integrity: A Commitment To You

At the Law Office of Ethan A. Brecher, its mission makes it uniquely qualified to handle sensitive employment law claims. The firm is guided by principles of respect for the rule of law, justice, professionalism, civility and ethical conduct. This commitment ensures that clients can trust the firm with their sensitive, high-profile cases.

When you work with the firm, you’re not just getting legal representation for your employment law claim – you are gaining a partner who understands the complexities of your situation and is dedicated to protecting your rights and career. The firm’s personalized approach means that your high-stakes case receives the attention and care it deserves.

Consult A High-Stakes New York City Discrimination And Harassment Litigator

If you’re facing workplace discrimination or harassment, don’t let it derail your career. Attorney Brecher is available for confidential initial consultations. Contact the Law Office of Ethan A. Brecher to discuss your case and explore your legal options. You can schedule an appointment by calling 212-235-1477 or by sending an inquiry through our website. With a commitment to justice, backed by experience you can trust the firm to advocate for your rights and help you navigate these challenging circumstances.