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Perhaps it began innocent enough. A request to meet after work, over drinks, to discuss a big project. Maybe your boss asked for your phone number to reach you in case of emergencies. Or perhaps something extreme happened — your supervisor or manager exposed himself to you.
In any event, supervisor sexual harassment is illegal and could be grounds for a sexual harassment lawsuit. An employer is vicariously liable for a hostile work environment created by a supervisor. At the very least, if you feel as though your boundaries have been violated, speak with a knowledgeable New York City Sexual Harassment Lawyer. When dealing with supervisor sexual harassment in New York, New Jersey or Pennsylvania an experienced sexual harassment attorney can explain your employee rights in full detail.
Supervisor sexual harassment can range from physical touching to verbal abuse to sly off-color comments, sexual harassment comes in many forms. State and federal laws recognize two specific categories of harassment:
Quid pro quo — a common form of supervisor sexual harassment is called “quid pro quo.”
In Latin, this literally means “something for something.” This occurs when sexual harassment becomes a condition of your employment. If you are compliant with the harassment, you may be rewarded with a job benefit, such as a promotion or raise. If you refuse a sexual advance, you could be fired or demoted. (Sexual Bribery)
Hostile work environment —generally, when harassment takes place over a period of time, it can create a “hostile work environment.” A job site becomes legally hostile when the conduct in question serves to intimidate you and interferes with your work performance.
Typically, speaking the offending behavior must be “pervasive” or “severe” to become grounds for legal action. One time incidents won’t be considered harassment unless the event was particularly egregious.
Discover how our expertise has helped clients overcome their legal challenges and achieve successful outcomes.
View All TestimonialsOlivia is the best! Oliva was very thorough, patient, and very detailed and descriptive regarding the process. She was very supportive of my sexual harassment case. From the very beginning, she communicated and would provide me with any updates and she was always available when I needed anything. More importantly, she always extended that comfort level of trust which always made me feel at peac... Read Full Testimonial
Casey Barkhordarian is a fabulous attorney to work with. He explained everything to me about the case (including the millions of questions I asked) right from the start of our very first meeting. He did so in a way that I could understand and was very prompt and clear with communication the entire time. Casey Barkhordarian is a very competent and knowledgeable lawyer to have on your team. I def... Read Full Testimonial
Matt Finkleberg is by far the best attorney I’ve ever hired! From the outset, it was evident that he was not just another lawyer; Matt is nothing short of extraordinary. He possesses the ability to do his job phenomenally while somehow managing to give me hope during one of my darkest of hours. Matt consistently returned my calls promptly, regardless of my questions, confusion, or self-doubt ... Read Full Testimonial
I cannot speak highly enough about my experience working with Matt Finkelberg. From the very beginning, Matt approached my case with an incredible level of professionalism, knowledge, and dedication that immediately put me at ease. It is rare to find an attorney who not only possesses an impressive depth of legal expertise but who also truly cares about the well-being and best interests of thei... Read Full Testimonial
Olivia is absolutely outstanding! She understands the emotional side of your case while being able to find the legal aspects of holding the employer accountable for breaking the law! Made a really terrible situation a little easier by explaining everything and helping me get everything in order and in the right hands. I would not use anyone else! Call them for any sexual harassment case... You ... Read Full Testimonial
This law firm is absolutely amazing!!! They went so above and beyond for me!!! I am so grateful for all their help with my difficult case!!! If you need a lawyer, you will be in great hands with their firm!!! And wait until you see the office! The building is so high tech I couldn't figure out how to get in the elevator lol!
It was a pleasure to have Casey represent and help me for my employment case. It was my first time needing an attorney, so I was a bit apprehensive at first – Casey took the time to answer all of my questions and fully explain everything to me, which really put me at ease. He was very attentive, supportive, and knowledgeable throughout the whole process – Casey would ask questions to ensure... Read Full Testimonial
matt is an excellent attorney. he handled my case with the utmost care and highly exceeded all expectations. i could not recommend derek smith and esp. matt finkelberg enough
matt is an excellent attorney. he handled my case with the utmost care and highly exceeded all expectations. i could not recommend derek smith and esp. matt finkelberg enough 🙂
Matt handled a suit against the City of LA and members of the a Neighborhood Council for racial discrimination and harassment. Ths was the first suit of this type filed on a Neighborhood Council Matt handled it with poise and above all professionalism. He walked me through the 3 year process and above all provided moral support and encouragement as I still experienced racism and harassment duri... Read Full Testimonial
Matt Finkelberg is Amazing and Devotional! It was a pleasure to have Matt represent me for my employment case. He was very attentive, supportive, and knowledgable throughout the whole process. Whenever I reached out he responded promptly which I greatly appreciated. Matt fought diligently and hard throughout my case to make sure my case was represented best. Thank you again Matt for everything.... Read Full Testimonial
It was a pleasure to have Casey represent and help me for my employment case. It was my first time needing an attorney, so I was a bit apprehensive at first – Casey took the time to answer all of my questions and fully explain everything to me, which really put me at ease. He was very attentive, supportive, and knowledgeable throughout the whole process – Casey would ask questions to ensure... Read Full Testimonial
Empower your voice and take action against sexual harassment in every workplace, community, and home.
Your employer is automatically liable for sexual harassment by a supervisor that results in a negative employment action such as:
On other words, your employer should be held legally accountable if you were fired, demoted or not hired in response to thwarting a sexual advance. For example, your boss terminates you for not sleeping with him or her. Or you were passed up for a promotion because you asked your supervisor to not send your flirtatious text messages and explicit photographs.
If the supervisor’s sexual harassment results in a hostile work environment, the employer can avoid liability only if it can prove that:
If you file a sexual harassment lawsuit alleging violations of the City Law, you may be able to establish liability even if you did not take steps the proper actions to prevent and correct the behavior.
Retaliation is also illegal. It is unlawful to retaliate against a person for reporting sexual harassment, filing a harassment charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), filing a lawsuit or testifying on behalf of someone else.
If you are dealing with a supervisor or manager sexual harassment, you are probably feeling lost, confused and embarrassed after being sexually harassed at work. When you don’t know where to turn for help, contact the New York Employment Attorneys at the Derek Smith Law Group.
We understand the pain you face and want to help you reclaim your life. To speak with a New York City sexual harassment attorney today, call us at 800-807-2209. Our sexual harassment lawyers serve clients in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island and throughout the state of New York. We also represent employee’s sexual harassment cases in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida.
Our experienced legal team provides reliable services in key U.S. cities, ensuring expert assistance for workplace discrimination and employment law matters wherever you are located.
Take action against harassment now. We’ll stand by your side every step of the way.