Sanford Heisler LLP is a boutique class-action litigation law firm with offices in New York, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco.
Sanford Heisler specializes in civil rights and general public interest cases, representing plaintiffs with employment discrimination, labor and wage violations, predatory lending, whistleblower, consumer fraud, and other claims. Along with an expertise in class actions, Sanford Heisler also represents select individuals and has developed a particular expertise in the representation of executives in employment disputes.
Sanford Heisler recently secured the largest jury award in an employment discrimination case, winning more than $250 million dollars for 5,600 female employees at Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. Novartis was found guilty of sex discrimination against women in pay, promotions, and pregnancy. Sanford Heisler settled the matter not long after and its clients are receiving millions of dollars in lump-sum payouts. In addition, Novartis is making significant changes to its policies and procedures that prevent gender discrimination in its workplace. To learn more about the case, click here.
Sanford Heisler also served as Lead Counsel in a wage and hour case against Novartis, which recently settled for $99 million. Sanford Heisler represented current and former Novartis Sales Representatives who were not paid overtime wages. The Second Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the employees—with the backing of the Department of Labor. The U.S. Supreme Court allowed the Second Circuit decision to stand.
Sanford Heisler is able to secure wins like Novartis and to otherwise provide an unparalleled level of client service because of the quality of our team. Indeed, we believe no other firm offers a similar concentration of talent. Our attorneys have graduated from the nation's top law schools, clerked for judges throughout the United States, and amassed extensive experience litigating cases that have earned tens of millions of dollars for our clients.
However, at Sanford Heisler, we know that injustice often harms the people who can least afford it. We handle many cases on a contingency fee basis, which means that our compensation is a percentage of the recovered amount, or nothing if a recovery isn’t won. By charging for our work on a contingency-only basis, Sanford Heisler provides each client with equal access to expert legal representation, regardless of his or her financial circumstances.