New York City Workplace Discrimination Lawyer

Protecting Employees from Unlawful Treatment and Ensuring Equal Rights in New York City Workplaces

Workplace discrimination is a serious and persistent issue affecting thousands of employees across New York City. Discriminatory practices—whether based on race, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics—are illegal under both local and federal laws. Greenberg Gross LLP is committed to standing with those who have experienced unlawful discrimination in the workplace, providing legal advocacy to help employees assert their rights, recover damages, and hold employers accountable.

Employees deserve a workplace free of unfair treatment, harassment, and bias. If you’ve been denied opportunities, punished, or harassed because of your identity or protected status, you may have grounds for legal action under New York City law, New York State statutes, or federal anti-discrimination laws.

What Constitutes Workplace Discrimination?

Workplace discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or job applicant unfairly based on protected characteristics. Discrimination can affect hiring, promotions, pay, job assignments, performance reviews, or termination. This type of conduct becomes unlawful when it is based on a protected category such as:

• Race or color
  
• Gender or gender identity
  
• Sexual orientation
  
• Religion
  
• National origin
  
• Disability
  
• Marital status
  
• Age
  
• Citizenship status
  
• Victim of domestic violence status
  

New York City law extends protections beyond federal standards, offering broader coverage to workers with unique needs, including employees based on gender identity or those needing reasonable accommodation due to a disability.

New York City Discrimination Laws and Protections

Under the New York City Human Rights Law, it is illegal for New York City employers to engage in or allow discriminatory behavior in the workplace. The law is enforced by the New York City Commission on Human Rights, which investigates discrimination complaints, resolves disputes, and imposes penalties on violators. Additional protections exist through:

• The New York State Division of Human Rights
  
• The York State Attorney General’s Office
  
• The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
  
• The New York City Commission on Human Rights (NYC Commission)
  

These agencies address complaints, offer avenues for resolution, and ensure that employers adhere to all applicable discrimination laws.

Forms of Employment Discrimination

Gender Discrimination

Occurs when an employee is treated unfairly due to gender or gender identity. Examples include pay disparities, discriminatory job assignments, and refusal to promote based on gender.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is a form of employment discrimination that includes unwanted sexual advances, comments, gestures, or physical contact. It also includes a hostile work environment or quid pro quo harassment (e.g., job benefits in exchange for sexual favors).

Disability Discrimination

Employers are required to provide reasonable accommodation to employees with disabilities, unless doing so imposes an undue hardship. Denial of such accommodation or termination due to a disability is unlawful.

National Origin and Religion

Discrimination based on national origin or religion includes derogatory remarks, unequal treatment, and exclusion from workplace activities. Employers must make reasonable accommodations for religious practices where possible.

LGBTQ+ Discrimination

Sexual orientation and gender identity are explicitly protected under New York City statutes. Denial of benefits, harassment, or unequal treatment on these grounds is prohibited.

Filing Discrimination Claims

Discrimination claims can be filed at the city, state, or federal level, depending on the nature and scope of the violation. Greenberg Gross LLP guides clients through:

• Filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
  
• Filing with the New York State Division of Human Rights or the York State Division
  
• Initiating action through the New York City Commission on Human Rights
  
• Pursuing legal action in state court, if necessary

Documentation, timelines, and appropriate venues are critical to the success of these claims. The firm provides strategic legal counsel for all stages of the process, from reporting discrimination to courtroom litigation.

Legal Remedies Available to Victims of Workplace Discrimination

Victims of unlawful discrimination may be entitled to various forms of relief, including:

• Back pay and lost wages
  
• Compensatory damages for emotional distress
  
• Punitive damages in cases of egregious misconduct
  
• Legal fees and costs
  
• Reinstatement or advancement in employment
  
• Reasonable accommodation where previously denied
  

Greenberg Gross LLP helps clients seek full compensation and works to ensure employers adopt proper workplace policies moving forward.

Retaliation is Also Illegal

Many employees fear reporting discrimination because they anticipate retaliation. Retaliation includes termination, demotion, denial of promotion, or harassment for filing a complaint. This behavior is unlawful, and employees are protected under both city and federal law.

If you’ve experienced retaliation after reporting discrimination or supporting a co-worker’s claim, you may have an additional basis for legal action.

Why Choose Greenberg Gross LLP

The attorneys at Greenberg Gross LLP are deeply familiar with New York City’s legal landscape, including the laws governing workplace behavior and employee protections. With a strong history of success in discrimination claims, the firm provides individualized representation designed to bring real relief and systemic change.

When you work with Greenberg Gross LLP, you benefit from:

• A firm that exclusively represents employees—not employers
  
• Extensive experience in discrimination claims, harassment, and retaliation cases
  
• Knowledge of how to work effectively with state and city agencies
  
• Empathetic and strategic guidance from consultation through resolution
  

Contact Greenberg Gross LLP Today

If you’ve experienced discrimination, harassment, or retaliation in the workplace, don’t wait. Greenberg Gross LLP is here to listen, evaluate your case, and take action. The firm prides itself on representing job applicants, current employees, and former employees across New York City in defending their civil and workplace rights.

Reach out today for a private consultation and begin the process of restoring your dignity, rights, and future at work.