Sexual Harassment and Workplace Retaliation
Sexual harassment remains one of the most pervasive forms of workplace misconduct. Federal, state and city laws prohibit sexual harassment in the workplace and protect employees from retaliation for reporting unlawful conduct or participating in workplace investigations.
The Law Offices of Lisa B. Lerner PLLC represents employees, executives, and professionals who have experienced sexual harassment, hostile work environments, quid pro quo harassment, or retaliation. Lisa understands that reporting harassment is often one of the most difficult decisions an employee can make. She works closely with clients to protect their legal rights, professional reputations, and careers while pursuing strategic solutions tailored to each client's objectives.
Sexual Harassment Takes Many Forms
Sexual harassment is not limited to unwanted physical touching. It may include:
-
Unwelcome sexual advances
-
Requests for sexual favors
-
Inappropriate comments or jokes of a sexual nature
-
Offensive emails, text messages, or electronic communicationsSexual comments regarding appearance or body
-
Repeated unwelcome flirting or romantic advances
-
Displaying sexually explicit images or materialsInappropriate touching or physical contact
-
Harassment based on pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression
Harassment occurs when an individual's work environment becomes hostile due to protected characteristics such as race, gender, or religion. Our firm provides the authoritative legal representation necessary to navigate complex workplace dynamics and secure your right to a safe and respectful professional environment.
Whether you are facing retaliation or an ongoing hostile work environment, our team is prepared to provide the strategic advocacy required to protect your professional interests.
Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harasment
One particularly serious form of harassment occurs when employment opportunities are conditioned upon the acceptance of unwelcome sexual advances. This is commonly known as quid pro quo sexual harassment. Examples include:
-
Conditioning promotions or favorable assignments on a sexual relationship
-
Threatening termination or discipline for rejecting sexual advances
-
Affecting compensation, bonuses, or career opportunities because an employee has refused inappropriate or unwelcome conduct
Hostile Work Environment
A hostile work environment exists when unwelcome conduct based on sex or another protected characteristic is sufficiently severe or pervasive to alter the conditions of employment or interfere with an employee's ability to perform their job.
Examples may include:
-
Repeated sexual comments or jokes
-
Offensive emails or text messages
-
Sexually explicit images
-
Persistent unwelcome advances
-
Inappropriate touching
-
Other intimidating or degrading conduct
Retaliation After Reporting Harassment
Employees frequently fear retaliation after reporting sexual harassment. Retaliation can include termination, demotion, reduced compensation, unfavorable assignments, reallocation of accounts, exclusion from opportunities, negative performance reviews, or other adverse employment actions. Federal, state and city laws prohibit employers from retaliating against employees who report sexual harassment.
Immediate Legal Support
For immediate assistance with employment disputes, including retaliation claims or severance negotiations, please contact our office directly. We provide confidential, senior-level advocacy for employees.
Phone
(917) 825-6530
lisa@lisablernerlaw.com
OfficeS
447 Broadway, Second Floor #1067, New York, NY 10013
480 Bedford Road, Suite 3201 #1015, Chappaqua, NY 10514