The New York City employment discrimination attorneys at Risman & Risman, P.C. advocate for employees who have been subjected to unlawful discrimination in the workplace. Federal law, the New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL), and the New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL) prohibit discrimination based on a wide range of protected characteristics, including age, race, color, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability (actual or perceived), military service, marital or partnership status, caregiver status, criminal or arrest record, unemployment status, and, in New York City, weight and height.
Discrimination in the workplace is more common than many realize and can take many forms. If you believe you have been subjected to mistreatment, harassment, or a hostile work environment because of your membership in a protected class, your employer may be in violation of the law. Prompt action is critical, as early legal intervention can stop ongoing discrimination and strengthen your potential claims.
It is unlawful under federal, state, and city law for employers to discriminate in any aspect of employment, including hiring, firing, classification, layoffs, reductions in force, job postings, recruitment, promotions, demotions, transfers, compensation, benefits, disability leave, severance, training, apprenticeships, use of facilities, and testing. Under the NYSHRL and NYCHRL, conduct need not be “severe or pervasive” to be actionable — any treatment that subjects you to inferior terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because of your protected characteristic may be unlawful.
Employment discrimination is often subtle and concealed, with employers offering pretextual reasons such as alleged performance issues or attendance problems. Even if your employer has a different version of events, you may still have a valid claim if the stated reasons are not genuine. You are not required to wait for the situation to escalate before contacting an attorney, and doing so early can help preserve your rights.
While the law does not prohibit general unfairness or a difficult personality in the workplace, it does protect against conduct that targets you because of a protected characteristic. To be legally actionable, the behavior must be connected to your membership in a protected class and be serious enough to materially affect the terms and conditions of your employment.
Employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees for reporting discrimination, participating in an investigation, or filing a complaint or lawsuit. Retaliation can take many forms, including termination, demotion, pay reduction, exclusion from opportunities, or other adverse treatment. Under federal, state, and city law — including the NYCHRL — retaliation is unlawful even if the underlying complaint does not ultimately prove discrimination, as long as it was made in good faith and with a reasonable belief that the conduct was unlawful.
Contact a Seasoned and Qualified Employment Discrimination Attorney
If you are being treated unfairly, subjected to a hostile work environment, or harassed at work because of your protected status, you have legal rights under federal, state, and city law. The employment discrimination attorneys at Risman & Risman, P.C. can explain your options and advocate for you. Your consultation is free. Call us at (212) 233-6400 or contact us online.
