In the Big Apple, the Derek Smith Law Group, PLLC is proud to fight for the rights our clients. Our New York office is conveniently located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, just blocks away from the Empire State. In a fast-paced environment like New York City, employment discrimination is a huge issue.
Whether you are subjected to discrimination on the basis of your race, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, disability or age, or if you are retaliated against for making complaints about your employer’s unlawful conduct, our team of experienced attorneys are here to get you the justice you deserve.
At Derek Smith Law Group, PLLC, we want to help you get your life back. We want to show you that your courage coupled with our legal expertise sends a powerful message to employers who have discriminated or retaliated against you. To find out more about how one of our attorneys may be able to help, contact us today for a free consultation.
Sexual Harassment is Unwanted or Unwelcome Conduct of a Sexual Nature
What is sexual harassment? Sexual harassment in the workplace is unwanted or unwelcome conduct of a sexual character that is unreasonable, or made a condition of employment.
Federal Law: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Sexual harassment is a serious discrimination offence that is illegal in most places worldwide, such as under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act in 1964 in the United States.
Two Primary Legal Categories Are:
Quid Pro Quo (“This for That”): When employment decisions like hiring, promotions, raising, or not being fired is made conditional on the victim giving in to unwelcome sexual advances.
For example: An employee is told by a supervisor, “If you go out on a date with me, I will approve that promotion.”
Hostile Work Environment: When unwelcome sexual conduct is or becomes a pattern that severely or unreasonably interferes with an employee’s work performance.
This is a broader enforcement and could be by anyone in the employment setting such as supervisors, fellow workers, customers or clients, or vendors.
For example: Persistent sexualized comments or jokes, unwanted sexualized touching, famous or repeated requests for a date, spreading of sexual rumors, leering, and so on.
State and Local Laws
These are important and sometimes provide more protection than the federal law.
Broader Coverage: In many states (such as California, New York, New Jersey), harassment laws apply to more small employers (like with 1 or more employees).
Stricter Standards: Some states have less stringent thresholds to prove the existence of a “hostile work environment.”
Specific Training Requirements: Numerous states and municipalities require employers to provide mandatory sexual harassment prevention training.
Examples include: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, New York State, and New York City and Chicago have specific training laws.
If You Experience It:
Key Federal Enforcement and Processes: What is the EEOC (U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission)?
If all of this seems daunting or overwhelming, we can help you.
Request a free consultation and speak with one our seasoned lawyers today.
Call: 800-807-220
Here’s an idea worth considering. Every company regardless of size has a responsibility to their employees. One must lead from the top and set good examples of acceptable workplace behaviors. With this said, here are actionable steps that most senior leaders and employees can implement at work, according to EEOC guidelines, legal standards, and HR expertise.
1. Show Leadership Commitment: Top management has to visibly endorse and encourage the anti-harassment programs while practicing civility.
2. Policy Creation: Create a clear policy that defines harassment with examples, explains reporting procedures, and prohibits retaliation.
3. Training: All employees should be trained and the training should be interactive. There should also be particular and intensive training for the supervisors and managers.
4. Establish Safe Reporting Systems: Ensure employees have safe, multiple reporting channels—like HR, a hotline, or an ombudsperson—to report any incident of harassment.
5. Investigate Promptly & Impartially: All complaints need to be investigated in a timely manner and be thorough.
6. Take Decisive Corrective Action: Take decisive action, including termination if warranted, to stop confirmed harassment and prevent it from happening again.
7. Leadership Commitment: If possible, everyone in the company should be trained by an unbiased and experienced 3rd party, and then, documented by the HR department.
8. Adapt for Modern Workplaces: Policies and training must be clearly defined and applied across all types of hybrid work models, onsite and online engagements.
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Discover how our expertise has helped clients overcome their legal challenges and achieve successful outcomes.
View All TestimonialsI was recently represented by the Derek Smith Law Group. Mr. Zach Holzberg was my attorney, I. Use the term attorney lightly, Zach treated me like family and held my hand throughout a tough case. He was masterful and brilliant during the proceedings and did a magnificent job! I without a doubt highly recommend The Derek Smith Law Group, but more over Zach Holzberg esq. he is a god sent!
I had the privilege of working with Johnmack as my lawyer, and I cannot recommend him highly enough. From the very beginning, he was aggressive in ensuring that those responsible for what happened to me were held fully accountable. He didn't back down and fought tirelessly on my behalf.
John Cohen, was amazing while helping my fiancé with his case! Quick and effective… I would definitely be using his services again in the future and will definitely recommend him to anyone!
I worked very closely with Johnmack regarding my employer issue. He responded immediately, worked with me past business hours, was very flexible and attentive. He helped give me the confidence to move forward with my legal matter & I really appreciated his advice. He works for the best outcome, not for quick solutions, which I really appreciated.
Johnmack Cohen exceeded my expectations He worked extremely hard on my case and brought me better than expected results. I never once doubted that I picked the right attorney and I never ever lost faith through the process. Highest recommendation for him and the law group.
Johnmack Cohen is a brilliant attorney who guided me through this process with grace, wisdom and understanding. In my many years in this profession, I have never met a lawyer who is so hands on and will get right in the mud along with you. This man helped me when no one else could and did the right thing time and time again- you will never find another lawyer with the ethical care of Mr. Cohen,... Read Full Testimonial
I had the privilege of working with Daniel Altaras at the Derek Smith Law Group, and I cannot recommend the firm or him highly enough. From our very first meeting, Daniel demonstrated exceptional professionalism, compassion, and dedication to my case. He truly listened to me, understood the challenges I was facing, and worked to advocate on my behalf. His expertise and strategic approach gave m... Read Full Testimonial
If you’re looking for a lawyer who will truly fight for you, John Bral is the one you want in your corner. He’s a no-nonsense professional who tells it like it is, providing realistic outcomes instead of sugarcoated promises or false hopes.
Cassie (Paralegal) and John Bral (my attorney) were phenomenal. I came to Derek Smith Law Group being terminated on the basis of discrimination. John, from the beginning, listened to all of my concerns and navigated me through a challenging process. His calm demeanor always all of my concerns and ha honesty reassured me that I made the right decision in choosing Derek Smith Law Group. I stro... Read Full Testimonial
John Mac was incredibly supportive and knowledgeable throughout my girlfriend's sexual assault case. He was always available to answer questions and kept her informed every step of the way. He communicated well, he was very knowledgeable about the law he fought hard for her case His expertise and dedication were invaluable in helping her navigate this difficult process and obtaining the justic... Read Full Testimonial
With over 30 years of experience recovering millions for victims of sexual harassment, discrimination, and retaliation, the Derek Smith Law Group, PLLC has made a name for itself as a respectable, hard-working firm that gets results. When you hire an attorney from the Derek Smith Law Group, PLLC, you’re hiring someone who will represent you zealously and has the resources to handle cases against the largest and most powerful companies in the country.
Our team is dedicated to recovering the maximum compensation for our clients, while treating them with the respect and compassion they deserve. For our staff, communication is key, and you can rest assured that we are on your side.
After your free consultation, you’ll meet with one of our experienced team members and begin the intake process. This is where we gather preliminary information about the case, including any evidence or documentation like e-mails or text messages. The process of a lawsuit may vary from person to person, based on the specific circumstances of their case. We’ll remain in constant communication with you about the status of your case and you’ll always be able to reach us with any questions or concerns. Remember, you don’t pay anything for our services unless we recover on your behalf.
Above all, you can feel comfortable that you are always in good hands with the Derek Smith Law Group, PLLC. We have recovered million on behalf of our clients and we’re here to fight for you.
We have a team of experienced litigators who are prepared to zealously represent your legal claims. It costs you nothing to discuss your legal matters with a member of our team, and if we recover nothing, you pay nothing.
At the Derek Smith Law Group, PLLC, you do not pay anything for our services unless we recover compensation for you. Above all, you can feel comfortable that you are always in good hands with the Derek Smith Law Group, PLLC. We have recovered millions on behalf of our clients and we’re here to fight for you. We have a team of experienced litigators who are prepared to zealously represent your legal claims. It costs you nothing to discuss your legal matters with a member of our team, and if we recover nothing, you pay nothing.
After your free consultation, you’ll meet with one of our experienced team members and begin the intake process. This is where we gather preliminary information about the case, including any evidence or documentation like e-mails or text messages. The process of a lawsuit may vary from person to person, based on the specific circumstances of their case. We’ll remain in constant communication with you about the status of your case and you’ll always be able to reach us with any questions or concerns. Remember, you don’t pay anything for our services unless we recover on your behalf.
Above all, you can feel comfortable that you are always in good hands with the Derek Smith Law Group, PLLC. We have recovered million on behalf of our clients and we’re here to fight for you. We have a team of experienced litigators who are prepared to zealously represent your legal claims. It costs you nothing to discuss your legal matters with a member of our team, and if we recover nothing, you pay nothing. Contact us today at (212) 587-0760 to learn more about how we can help.
Derek Smith Law Group, experienced New York sexual harassment and employment discrimination attorneys are located at One Pennsylvania Plaza, Suite 4905, New York, NY 10119, in the heart of New York City. Our highly rated employment discrimination and sexual harassment attorneys work to make sure anyone who has been the victim of workplace discrimination due to sexual orientation, gender, race, hairstyle, weight, or any other reason, or has been the victim of sexual harassment in the workplace, gets the justice that is deserved. Contact us to schedule you free consultation today at (212) 587-0760.
From the North From the West (New Jersey) From the East From the South (Brooklyn)Our Frequently Asked Questions provide clear answers to common queries about our legal services, helping you understand our offerings, processes, and how we can assist with your legal needs.
We offer a wide range of legal services, including corporate law, family law, property disputes, contract drafting, and more. Our expertise ensures comprehensive solutions tailored to your needs.
You can schedule a consultation by contacting us via phone, email, or our website’s booking form. Our team will promptly assist you in setting up an appointment at your convenience.
You can schedule a consultation by contacting us via phone, email, or our website’s booking form. Our team will promptly assist you in setting up an appointment at your convenience.
You can schedule a consultation by contacting us via phone, email, or our website’s booking form. Our team will promptly assist you in setting up an appointment at your convenience. You can schedule a consultation by contacting us via phone, email, or our website’s booking form. Our team will promptly assist you in setting up an appointment at your convenience.
You can schedule a consultation by contacting us via phone, email, or our website’s booking form. Our team will promptly assist you in setting up an appointment at your convenience. You can schedule a consultation by contacting us via phone, email, or our website’s booking form. Our team will promptly assist you in setting up an appointment at your convenience.
You can schedule a consultation by contacting us via phone, email, or our website’s booking form. Our team will promptly assist you in setting up an appointment at your convenience. You can schedule a consultation by contacting us via phone, email, or our website’s booking form. Our team will promptly assist you in setting up an appointment at your convenience.
