Derek Smith Law Group / Employment Law / Sexual Harassment / Sexual Orientation Harassment

Sexual Orientation Harassment

Based on 500+ Select Nationwide Reviews

Free Case Review

The Fee Is Free Unless You Win.
America’s Largest Law Firm
Protecting Families Since 1995
$400 Million Won

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Sexual Orientation Harassment Attorneys
New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia & Miami Laws and lawyers protecting the LGBTQ community
The Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act (“SONDA”)
Examples of sexual orientation harassment
A team of Experienced New York City, New Jersey, Philadelphia or Miami sexual harassment lawyers are on your side
Different Types of Sexual Harassment Cases We Handle:

Sexual Orientation Harassment Attorneys

Sexual Harassment Attorneys helping you fight back against gay and lesbian (LGBTQ) sexual harassment

Were you harassed or treated unfairly at work due to your sexual orientation? Were you treated unfairly because of bias and prejudice? Unfortunately, members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer LGBT (LGBTQ) community are just as susceptible to sexual harassment in the workplace as anyone else — in some New York City, New Jersey, Philadelphia & Miami work environments, LGBTQ individuals are at an even higher risk.

Many instances of gay and lesbian harassment go unreported, making victims feel like they don’t have a voice. Now is your time to fight back. Our sexual orientation harassment attorneys understand the sensitivity involved with these types of sexual harassment and employment discrimination cases.

LGBT employees experience employment discrimination in the workplace and on job interviews. Former President Obama signed Executive Order 13672, adding “gender identity” to the list of categories protected against employment discrimination in hiring in the federal civilian workforce and both “sexual orientation” and gender identity” to the list of categories protected against employment discrimination in hiring and employment on the part of federal government.

Our sexual orientation harassment and employment discrimination lawyers vow to protect your best interests and handle your sexual orientation harassment claim with discretion and tact. Our sexual orientation harassment lawyers are highly skilled, possessing the legal savvy and experience to successfully navigate the complex legal maze of employment-related discrimination cases.

Attorney Derek Smith Law Group has several multi-million dollar verdicts, including recently obtaining a $1,600,000 verdict in a sexual orientation trial and that the amount was recently upheld on appeal.

New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia & Miami Laws and lawyers protecting the LGBTQ community

In New York City, New Jersey, Philadelphia or Miami, it is illegal to discriminate against or harass someone due to their “actual or perceived” sexual orientation.

In other words, you cannot be discriminated against for being gay, even if you do not actually identify as a homosexual. You should not be harassed at work or denied employment benefits because of your sexual orientation.

According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Discrimination against an individual because that person is transgender is discrimination because of sex in violation of Title VII.

This is also known as gender identity discrimination. In addition, lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals may bring sex discrimination claims. These may include, for example, allegations of sexual harassment or other kinds of sex discrimination, such as adverse actions taken because of the person’s non-conformance with sex-stereotypes.

The Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act (“SONDA”)

The Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act, typically known by its acronym “SONDA,” prohibits discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation in employment, housing, public accommodations, education, credit, and the exercise of civil rights. New York has long prohibited discrimination on the basis of certain characteristics, such as race, sex, and religion.

SONDA added the term “sexual orientation” to the list of specifically protected characteristics in various State laws, including the Human Rights Law, the Civil Rights Law, and the Education Law.

However, simple teasing, joking, or “horseplay” is probably not severe enough to warrant legal action. The harassment must be “severe” or “pervasive.”

Testimonials

Hear From Our Valued Clients

Discover how our expertise has helped clients overcome their legal challenges and achieve successful outcomes.

During the time that I really needed a good counselor and I was approaching different attorneys unfortunately before they heard the problem they were demanding a retainer fee. A friend of mine introduced me to the Derek Smith Law Group and I was very fortunate to be answered by Matt Finkleberg who was very polite and understanding and gave me a lot of confidence without asking for any fees in f... Read Full Testimonial

Sambiz Amini

Matt Finkleberg is by far the best attorney I’ve ever hired!

Tanya Scheer

Matt Finkelberg is an outstanding attorney. It was a pleasure to have him represent me for my employment case. He was very easy to talk to. He was very supportive and knowledgeable throughout the whole process. He explained the entire process to me and kept me informed every step of the way. Matt fought diligently throughout my case to make sure my case was represented best. I am very gratef... Read Full Testimonial

Phyllis Parker

Matt Finkelberg is a top notch lawyer. He is very easy to talk to and truly cared about me as his client. He definitely earned my trust and confidence in his capabilities to represent me in the most professional respects. I give Matt and his firm the Derek Smith Law Group my highest recommendation to anyone who is seeking legal help for employee/employer related matters.

Wally Peczon

Matt Finkelberg is a life saver. During this whole process not only did I have a great lawyer but I also made a great friend. Matt was very attentive to my case, and mental health. Matt helped me during probably the darkest time of my life and for that I am forever grateful to have came across the Derek Smith law group. As a past client, I 100% recommend Matt Finkleberg. Matt provides a safe sp... Read Full Testimonial

Tali Loya

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

Corey Kientz

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

Seedie Whiser

Corey Kientz

You will be in great hands at this firm! Alyssa the managing paralegal is an absolute professional who excels at what she does. You can tell she truly cares about providing the best service possible, and is passionate about helping her clients. With Alyssa at the helm, this firm is a top-notch choice for anyone seeking assistance. Highly recommend!

Marissa Shander

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

jessica gonzalez

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 Testimonialwon't be disappointed! 10/10

Rae Millstone

Stand Up Against Harassment Now

Empower your voice and take action against sexual harassment in every workplace, community, and home.

Free Consultation 800 807 2209

Examples of sexual orientation harassment

Harassment comes in many forms. Your harasser could be your boss, a fellow co-worker, a subordinate or even a customer. You could be teased, physically harmed, received explicit images or notes — the list goes on. Some specific examples include:

Focusing on your sexual orientation rather than your job abilities
Being sent degrading or sexually explicit emails regarding your sexual orientation
Repeatedly being called “faggot,” “homo,” or other derogatory names
Being subjected to repeated homophobic jokes or slurs
Propositioning you for sexual favors
Forced physical contact, or threats of forced physical contact

In a severe sexual orientation harassment case handled by the New York City, New Jersey, Philadelphia or Miami employment law attorneys at the Derek Smith Law Group, Mirella Salemi was awarded 1.2 million dollars in damages in sexual orientation and religious discrimination case. As a chef and manager at Gloria’s Tribecamex Inc, Salemi was repeatedly told by her boss that homosexuality is a “sin” and that “gay people” were “going to go to hell.” She was forced to attend weekly prayer meetings and subjected to her boss’ religious rants.

Verdicts & Settlements

Our results speak for themselves

$4.9 Million Settlement

Case Handled by The Derek Smith Law Group Attorney Catherine Lowry Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania The Derek Smith Law Group secured a $4.9 million settlement on behalf of multiple employees of Schuylkill County who came forward with allegations of sexual harassment,…

$1.5 Million Settlement

Case Handled by The Derek Smith Law Group Attorney Derek Smith Supreme Court of the State of New York, County…

$2.78 Million Jury Verdict

Case Handled by The Derek Smith Law Group Attorney Zachary Holzberg United States District Court, Eastern District of New York…

$4.050 Million Jury Verdict

Case Handled by The Derek Smith Law Group Attorney Derek Smith Supreme Court of the State of New York, County…

$1.6 Million Jury Verdict

Case Handled by The Derek Smith Law Group Attorney Derek Smith Supreme Court of the State of New York, Appellate…

A team of Experienced New York City, New Jersey, Philadelphia or Miami sexual harassment lawyers are on your side

The workplace should be a safe environment where individuals can be protected from discrimination and harassment. When your rights are violated, and your emotional and professional security is threatened, call the sexual orientation harassment lawyers at the Derek Smith Law Group 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, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida.

Our Attorneys

Are You Sexually Harassed? Take Legal Action Right Now.

If you experience any form of sexual harassment, our expert legal team is here to help you fight back immediately with strength. Please call us at 8800.807.2209 or email derek@dereksmithlaw.com.

Serving Major Cities Across the United States

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.