Legal Support for Employment Discrimination by the Top Employment Law Attorneys in New York

Unlawful discrimination occurs when an employer takes an adverse employment action against a job applicant or an employee because of one or more of the person’s characteristics protected by law, such as age, race, and gender. Adverse employment actions can include being denied a raise or bonus, being passed over for a promotion, or being terminated. At Shalom Law, we work with both employers and employees to prevent and remedy discrimination in the workplace.

Anti-Discrimination Law

Discrimination is not permitted under numerous federal laws, such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), which prohibits discrimination based on sex, race, color, national origin, or creed. Other federal laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA), supplement Title VII’s protections to include individuals with disabilities, pregnant women, and older adults.

New York has robust laws to protect employees at the state and local levels as well. The two primary human rights laws are the New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL) and the New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL). These laws cover more employers and categories of employees than federal laws.

New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL)

• Broad Protections: Makes it illegal for any employer to discriminate based on characteristics such as race, color, creed, age, national origin, citizenship status, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, military status, marital status, pregnancy, or caregiver status.
• Extended Protections: Offers additional protection against discrimination based on arrest or conviction records and status as a victim of harassment, requiring reasonable accommodations for pregnant or disabled workers and victims of domestic violence.

New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL)

• Wide Coverage: Applies to all employers in New York State, providing comprehensive protection against discrimination and harassment.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission website.

Making a Discrimination Claim

Discrimination claims can be complex and require a thorough understanding of federal and state laws. The laws allow for claims based on disparate treatment and disparate impact discrimination:

Disparate Treatment

• Definition: Occurs when an employer expressly singles out a certain protected group for harsher treatment.
• Proof: Requires showing how those around you with the same protected characteristic were treated the same way as you, while others not in the protected group were treated better.

Disparate Impact

• Definition: Involves policies or practices that appear unbiased but disproportionately affect a certain group.
• Proof: Requires demonstrating that an employer’s policy or practice has a more harmful effect on a specific group, such as workplace attire policies impacting religious groups.

Rights and Protections for Employees

Employees in New York are protected from discrimination based on various characteristics and are entitled to reasonable accommodations. This includes adjustments in work duties, schedules, and workplace environments to accommodate disabilities or other protected characteristics.

Have You Been Discriminated Against?

If you believe you have been discriminated against based on your protected characteristics, it is crucial to understand your rights and the legal options available to you. Our experienced employment law attorneys at Shalom Law can help you navigate the legal process and determine the best course of action.

How Shalom Law Can Help with your Discrimination Case

The attorneys at Shalom Law are dedicated to fighting workplace discrimination in all its forms. With years of experience, we provide expert legal guidance and representation to ensure your rights are protected.

Employment Discrimination FAQ