Sanford Heisler Sharp LLP | 20th Anniversary 2004 - 2024
Sanford Heisler Sharp LLP | 20th Anniversary 2004 - 2024

Discrimination And Harassment Attorneys

Civil rights laws reflect our nation’s commitment to basic human rights and freedoms. When unlawful conduct affects an individual’s employment, unreasonably interferes with an individual’s work performance, or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment, the lawyers at Sanford Heisler Sharp can help recover compensation.

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The Different Types Of Employment Discrimination

According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, these are the various types of discrimination that are prohibited by the law:

  • Age – According to the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), discrimination is illegal for anyone over the age of 40. Although some states do have their own set of laws against discrimination of younger workers, it is not illegal for an employer to favor an older worker over a younger one.
  • Disability – This type of discrimination occurs after an employer treats a qualified employee with a disability unfairly because of that disability.
  • Equal pay – The Equal Pay Act requires men and women to be given the same pay for equal work.
  • Genetics – According to Title II of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA), no employee or applicant can be discriminated against because of genetic information, which means any disorder or disease found in your genes.
  • Harassment – According to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, harassment is defined as unwelcome conduct based on an employee’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age (40 or older), national origin, disability, or genetic information.
  • National origin – This type of discrimination involves employees who are treated unfairly because they are from a different country or because of their ethnicity.
  • Pregnancy – The Pregnancy Discrimination Act forbids any type of discrimination against a pregnant employee. This includes hiring, firing, promotions, and job assignments.
  • Race – If you are treated unfairly because of your skin color or race, this is a form of race discrimination. In addition, you can claim race discrimination if you are treated unfairly because you are married to or associated with someone of a certain race or color.
  • Religion – This type of discrimination means you are treated unfairly because of your religious, ethical, or moral beliefs.
  • Sex – If you are treated unfavorably because of your sex or gender identity, this is in violation of Title VII.
  • Sexual harassment – Sexual harassment can include unwelcome sexual advances, requests of sexual favors, or other types of verbal or physical harassment.

Why Sanford Heisler Sharp

Sanford Heisler Sharp steadfastly protects the rights of those who have been subjected to discrimination in violation of federal laws like Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, as amended, and Section 1981 of the Reconstruction Era Civil Rights Act; state laws like the New York State Human Rights Law and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act; and local laws like the New York City Human Rights Law and the DC Human Rights Law.

We frequently represent employees who have suffered discrimination based on their race, age, disability, taking of protected leave for medical reasons or to care for a family member under the Family and Medical Leave Act, national origin, gender (including discrimination based on pregnancy and sexual harassment), family responsibilities, sexual orientation, and religion.

How Our Lawyers Fight

Our lawyers are committed to fighting discrimination:

  • That occurs before employment begins, such as discriminatory hiring practices;
  • During employment, such as discrimination in compensation, promotions, or other terms and conditions of employment;
  • Resulting from the taking of protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act or comparable state and local laws; and
  • Leading to the end of employment, such as constructive discharge or wrongful termination.

We also represent employees who face retaliation by their employers after complaining about discrimination and harassment at work.

Employment Law

Client Testimonials

$253 Million Settlement

Gender Discrimination Verdict Against Pharma Company

Sanford Heisler Sharp achieved the largest jury verdict in U.S. history in an employment discrimination case. A jury awarded $253 million after finding the pharmaceutical giant liable for gender discrimination in pay, promotions, and relating to pregnancy. The case benefited over 7,000 female pharmaceutical representatives.

See More Case Results

Recognized as Law Firm of the Year