Rochester Discrimination Attorney

Fighting Discrimination in the New York Workplace

Workplace discrimination is not only illegal, but it can also have a profound impact on your career, emotional well-being, and financial stability. If you’ve been treated unfairly or unjustly at work due to your race, gender, age, religion, disability, or other protected characteristics, you have rights under both state and federal law to seek justice. At The Glennon Law Firm, P.C., we understand the complexities of workplace discrimination and are committed to providing aggressive legal representation for those who have been subjected to unfair treatment at work.

As experienced Rochester workplace discrimination lawyers, we help clients who have faced discrimination in a variety of forms. If you believe that you’ve been treated unfairly by an employer or co-worker, our legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for your rights. Both federal and state laws protect you from discrimination in your place of employment. It is important that you are familiar with these concepts in order to ensure that you are not the victim of an employee rights violation. 

What Are Protected Characteristics?

The law protects you from unfair treatment that is based on a "protected characteristic." What factors are considered protected? Put simply, they are any characteristics that do not pertain to your ability as an employee or to your job performance.

For example, protected characteristics may include:

• Age
• Gender
• Ethnicity / race
• Marital status
• Pregnancy
• Religious beliefs
• Sexual orientation
• Disability
• Political beliefs
• Genetic information

Workplace discrimination can manifest in various forms, including biased hiring practices, unequal pay, harassment, and retaliation. Fortunately, both federal laws, such as the Civil Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as well as New York State laws, protect employees from this kind of unfair treatment.

If you have been the victim of discrimination in the workplace, call (585) 294-0303 or contact us online to schedule a case evaluation with an employment lawyer in Rochester, NY.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964

If an employer refuses to hire you or treats you differently based on one of these factors, he or she may be in violation of workplace discrimination laws. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 makes it illegal for employers, employment agencies, labor organizations, training programs, and so on to discriminate against any individual with respect to his or her "compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment" due to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Types of Workplace Discrimination

At The Glennon Law Firm, P.C., we handle all types of workplace discrimination cases. Below are some of the most common forms of discrimination that employees face:

1. Hiring Discrimination

Hiring discrimination occurs when an employer makes hiring decisions based on a candidate’s race, sex, age, religion, or other protected characteristic, rather than their qualifications or experience. This can also include decisions to reject a candidate after an interview based on discriminatory reasons.

2. Pay Discrimination

Pay discrimination happens when an employee is paid less than someone of a different race, gender, or another protected characteristic, even though they are doing the same work. Under the Equal Pay Act, men and women must be paid equally for the same work, and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act protects against discrimination based on race, color, and national origin.

3. Harassment

Harassment in the workplace involves unwanted, discriminatory conduct that creates a hostile or intimidating work environment. This can include:

• Sexual Harassment: Unwanted sexual advances, comments, or inappropriate behavior based on an employee’s gender or sexual orientation.
• Racial Harassment: Offensive jokes, slurs, or comments about a person’s race, color, or national origin.
• Religious Harassment: Making fun of or discriminating against someone based on their religious beliefs or practices.

4. Retaliation

It is illegal for an employer to retaliate against an employee who files a discrimination complaint or participates in an investigation. Retaliation may include things like firing, demotion, unfair evaluations, or reducing hours or responsibilities.

5. Wrongful Termination

Wrongful termination can occur if an employee is fired for a discriminatory reason, such as being dismissed due to their age, race, or disability. If you suspect your termination was due to discrimination, it’s essential to consult a lawyer to protect your rights.

6. Disability Discrimination

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), employers are prohibited from discriminating against employees with disabilities. This includes refusing to hire someone due to their disability or failing to provide reasonable accommodations that allow the employee to perform their job.

7. Age Discrimination

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) protects employees who are 40 years or older from discrimination based on their age. This includes being denied employment opportunities, promotions, or being forced to retire due to age.

Call The Glennon Law Firm at (585) 294-0303  or contact us online for a case evaluation with a dedicated lawyer near you.

How We Can Help with Your Workplace Discrimination Case

At The Glennon Law Firm, P.C., we provide legal services to help employees who have been victims of workplace discrimination. Our team of experienced Rochester workplace discrimination lawyers can assist you with the following:

Consultation and Case Evaluation

We offer a free initial consultation to evaluate the details of your case. During this meeting, we’ll listen to your experience, review any evidence you have, and provide you with an honest assessment of your case.

Filing a Formal Complaint

Once we understand the specifics of your situation, we can help you file a formal complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the New York State Division of Human Rights (DHR). We’ll guide you through the process and ensure all deadlines are met.

Investigation and Evidence Collection

We will assist you in gathering evidence to support your claim. This may include employment records, witness statements, emails, and other documentation that can help strengthen your case.

Negotiation and Settlement

In many cases, employers prefer to settle discrimination claims outside of court. We’ll help negotiate a fair settlement that compensates you for damages, including lost wages, emotional distress, and punitive damages.

Litigation Representation

If your case cannot be resolved through negotiation or settlement, we are prepared to take it to court. We will represent you aggressively in front of a judge and jury, working tirelessly to secure a favorable outcome.

Why Choose The Glennon Law Firm, P.C.?

• Proven Track Record: We have successfully represented clients in numerous workplace discrimination cases and have obtained favorable settlements and verdicts.
• Passionate Advocacy: We are deeply committed to protecting the rights of workers who have been discriminated against. We fight tirelessly for justice on your behalf.
• Personalized Legal Strategy: We understand that every case is unique. Our attorneys will develop a strategy tailored to the specific details of your situation.
• Compassionate Support: Discrimination in the workplace can be emotionally taxing. Our team provides not only expert legal advice but also the emotional support you need during this difficult time.

Dedicated to Protecting Employee Rights

You have the right to a workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment. The experienced and talented Rochester employment lawyers at The Glennon Law Firm, P.C. have several years of experience in the field of employment law. We are focused in this area. 

Helping Employment Discrimination Victims Get Compensated

Our Rochester discrimination attorneys have helped countless men and women find satisfactory resolutions to a variety of complex workplace discrimination cases. If you were the victim of illegal employment discrimination, you may be entitled to monetary damages.

Award-Winning Civil Rights Attorney in Rochester, NY

As award-winning attorneys, at an award-winning law firm, who are widely respected in the field of employment litigation, we are the advocates you want on your side if you face a discrimination case.

Call The Glennon Law Firm at (585) 294-0303  or contact us online schedule your case evaluation with a dedicated civil rights attorney in Rochester, NY who can help.

 toNew York Workplace Discrimination FAQs

Q: What should I do if I think I’ve been discriminated against at work?

A: If you believe you’ve been discriminated against, document any incidents of discriminatory behavior. Keep a record of dates, times, locations, and any communications related to the discrimination. Contact our experienced Rochester workplace discrimination attorney to discuss your legal options.

Q: How long do I have to file a discrimination claim?

A: For federal discrimination claims, you generally have 180 days from the date of the discrimination to file a complaint with the EEOC. However, New York State law may provide additional time, and our attorneys can advise you on specific deadlines based on your case.

Q: What types of damages can I recover in a workplace discrimination case?

A: You may be able to recover compensatory damages, which can include lost wages, emotional distress, and attorney’s fees. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded.

Q: Can my employer retaliate against me for filing a discrimination claim?

A: No, it is illegal for an employer to retaliate against an employee who files a discrimination complaint or participates in an investigation. If you believe you are facing retaliation, contact a discrimination attorney near you immediately.