Brooklyn Workplace Retaliation Attorney

In Brooklyn and throughout New York City, retaliation in the workplace continues to harm employees who assert their legal rights. When an employee speaks up, filing a formal complaint, reporting unlawful discrimination, requesting a reasonable accommodation, or participating in a workplace investigation, they are protected by federal and state law. Unfortunately, many employers still take adverse action in response, violating those protections and threatening careers and well-being.

Greenberg Gross LLP stands with workers who face retaliation for doing what’s right. Our employment law attorneys represent clients who’ve experienced demotion, suspension, termination, or other negative outcomes because they engaged in legally protected activity. We fight to restore our clients’ employment rights and seek justice under both New York labor law and relevant federal statutes.

Understanding Workplace Retaliation and Your Legal Protections

Workplace retaliation occurs when an employer takes adverse action against an employee for asserting their legally protected rights. This can follow complaints of sexual harassment, workplace discrimination, or reporting illegal conduct internally or to external agencies. Retaliation occurs not only through termination but also through reduced hours, job transfers, performance downgrades, or exclusion from projects.

Federal laws such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act provide strong protections against retaliation. New York City and New York State laws—including the New York Human Rights Law and other state anti-discrimination laws—reinforce those protections. Greenberg Gross LLP helps clients file retaliation claims under all applicable laws, ensuring full coverage whether the harm stems from a discriminatory workplace or from whistleblower activity.

Filing a Workplace Retaliation Claim

To succeed in a workplace retaliation claim, employees must demonstrate that they engaged in a protected activity, the employer knew about it, and that adverse action followed as a result. Our attorneys assist clients in documenting each part of this sequence, connecting the retaliation to the employer’s unlawful response.

We regularly represent individuals who’ve reported violations of labor laws, raised concerns about discriminatory practices, or asked for a reasonable accommodation due to disability or religious practice. When employer retaliation follows, our firm takes immediate action to protect legal rights, challenge hostile work environments, and ensure clients are treated with respect and fairness.

How Retaliation Manifests in New York Workplaces

Retaliation can occur in subtle or overt ways. In some cases, the employer fails to follow through on promised accommodations or withholds performance bonuses. In others, an employee may be excluded from meetings, reassigned to less desirable tasks, or monitored excessively after a formal complaint.

The adverse action doesn’t need to be a firing to qualify as unlawful retaliation. Even a change in schedule, reassignment to a different location, or exclusion from advancement can meet the legal threshold. When retaliation occurs, employees may not only suffer economic harm, but emotional distress, reputation loss, and professional setbacks that last for years.

Legal Action and Remedies for Unlawful Retaliation

Greenberg Gross LLP pursues every legal remedy available under federal and state law. This may include compensation for lost wages, reinstatement, emotional distress damages, and in some cases, punitive damages. Our team handles complaints before the New York State Division of Human Rights, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and federal court when necessary.

We also guide clients through internal human resources processes, helping them preserve documentation and understand how retaliation may unfold. Whether you need help filing a new complaint or are responding to an employer’s attempt to justify adverse action, our attorneys provide the support and advocacy you deserve.

Speak With a Brooklyn Employment Law Attorney Today

If you’ve been targeted after reporting harassment, discrimination, or other workplace misconduct, you may have a strong retaliation claim. Greenberg Gross LLP offers a confidential consultation to help you understand your legal options. We serve employees across Brooklyn, New York City, and the broader region, helping individuals recover from employer retaliation and protect their long-term career paths.

We understand the risks and fear that come with standing up against a powerful employer. But retaliation is illegal—and you don’t have to face it alone. Whether you’re dealing with a recent adverse action or building a case after repeated mistreatment, our attorneys are ready to support you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifies as workplace retaliation?

Retaliation occurs when an employer punishes an employee for engaging in a protected activity, such as reporting discrimination or participating in a workplace investigation. This can include termination, demotion, reduced hours, or other negative treatment.

How do I know if I have a retaliation claim?

If you reported harassment, discrimination, or another workplace issue, and shortly afterward faced adverse action, you may have a valid retaliation claim. Our attorneys can help determine the strength of your case.

Are New York laws different from federal laws?

Yes. New York City and State laws often offer broader protections than federal statutes. Employees in New York may benefit from filing under local statutes, depending on the specifics of the case.

What are my legal rights if I’ve been retaliated against?

You have the right to file a retaliation claim, seek compensation, and challenge the adverse action taken against you. Remedies may include reinstatement, back pay, and emotional damages.