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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.
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, 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.”
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.
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:
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.
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 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.