Employment discrimination

Long Island Employment Discrimination Attorneys

Fighting For Employees Facing Workplace Discrimination in Nassau & Suffolk County

Employment discrimination takes many forms and can severely impact workers’ rights. Understanding your protections under New York State and federal law is crucial. Ricotta & Marks, P.C. represents employees in a wide range of workplace discrimination cases.

We know the devastating effects discrimination has on individuals and workplaces. It undermines morale, creates fear, and can lead to retaliation. Remember, discrimination is unlawful in all aspects of employment, from hiring and promotion to termination and benefits.

If you believe you’ve experienced discrimination, Ricotta & Marks, P.C. can help you understand your rights and take action.

We can help you determine if the behavior you’ve encountered is unlawful. Call (917) 540-8565 to schedule a consultation with our Long Island employment discrimination lawyer.

HOW WE CAN HELP

“They helped settle my case very quickly, and I received a great settlement in the end.”
Mr Marks is an amazing lawyer. He is always kind and respectful and there for me whenever I need him. I want to thanks Mr Marks and the firm for everything. I highly recommend you guys. Thanks again for everything.

Kel K.
“When you need the best legal minds to fight for you and your career, do not trust anyone but Ricotta and Marks, P.C.”
Tom Ricotta’s sound advice, calm demeanor, and willingness to advocate for your rights was invaluable. I highly recommend Tom’s abilities and am grateful for his assistance.

J.T.
“Good people work here.”
This firm cares and knows how to properly assess the merits of your case. I know because I'm an attorney. I had retainer agreement offers from 4 other firms and Ricotta was my 1st choice based on their belief in my case and fair terms.

Nima D.
“Their knowledge, commitment, and understanding of my situation has been exceptional.”
Due to a termination letter I received I needed clarification, consultation, and advice on how to move forward. Ricotta & Marks has definitely been the best place to be to help me through the law jargon. Thank you for having my best interests in mind.

John L.

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What is Employment Discrimination?

Employment discrimination occurs when an employer takes action against an employee based on protected characteristics such as race, religion, or gender, rather than their qualifications or job performance. These characteristics are protected under both federal and state laws.

Both laws prohibit discrimination based on protected characteristics, such as:

Race
Color
Religion
Sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity)
National origin
Age
Disability

If you believe you’ve experienced discrimination in the workplace, Ricotta & Marks, P.C. can help.

Employment Discrimination Laws

Employees are protected from discrimination by a complex framework of laws at the federal, state, and local levels. These laws work together to safeguard individuals from unfair treatment in the workplace.

Key legislation includes:

Federal: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
State: New York State Human Rights Law
Local: New York City Human Rights Law

These laws prohibit discrimination based on various protected categories. They also provide protections against retaliation for reporting discrimination or participating in an employment law investigation.

What Is Workplace Harassment?

Workplace harassment creates a hostile work environment through unwelcome conduct based on protected characteristics.

This conduct can take many forms, both physical and emotional:

Physical harassment: Includes unwelcome physical contact, such as touching, grabbing, or assault.
Emotional harassment: Involves verbal abuse, insults, threats, intimidation, and other actions that create a hostile or offensive work environment.

Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Sexual harassment is a specific form of workplace harassment that involves unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physicalconduct of a sexual nature.

Thiscan include:

Unwanted touching or grabbing
Suggestive comments or jokes
Displaying sexually explicit materials
Quid pro quo harassment (offering benefits in exchange for sexual favors)

If you’re experiencing workplace harassment, contact our skilled legal team for guidance and support. Our Long Island employment discrimination attorneys are committed to providing the legal support you need to navigate this difficult time.

Our Settlements & Verdicts

Our top priority is to devise customized legal strategies that are tailored to the unique legal needs of our clients, no matter how simple or complicated their situations, might be.

View All Results

$15 MIL Plaintiff on Bianco v. Flushing Hospital Medical Center
$1 MIL Olsen, et al. v. The County of Nassau, et al.
$875K Wallace v. Suffolk County Police Department
$523K Penniston v. The New York City Department of Education (Co-Counsel)

What to Do If You’re a Victim of Discrimination or Harassment

Experiencing discrimination or harassment in the workplace can be overwhelming. It’s important to take immediate action to protect your rights and seek support.

Here are some key steps you can take:

Consult an attorney: An experienced employment discrimination lawyer in Long Island can help you evaluate your legal options and guide you through the process of filing a claim.
Seek assistance from HR or a supervisor: If you feel comfortable, report the discrimination or harassment to your company’s Human Resources department or a trusted supervisor as soon as possible.
File a complaint with the EEOC or NYSDHR: You may file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for federal claims or the New York State Division of Human Rights (NYSDHR) for state claims.

Remember, you do not have to face employment discrimination alone. Ricotta & Marks, P.C. provides confidential, compassionate legal counsel and fierce advocacy for every client. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do I Have to File a Workplace Discrimination Claim?

Filing deadlines for workplace discrimination claims, also known as statutes of limitation, vary depending on the law and agency involved. Under federal law, you typically must file with the EEOC within 300 days of the discriminatory action if you work in New York. For claims filed with the New York State Division of Human Rights, you generally have up to three years from the date of the misconduct to file your complaint. Nassau and Suffolk County local agencies may have particular procedures and deadlines, especially for government employees and union members. Because missing a filing deadline can impact your rights, reach out to a workplace discrimination attorney in Long Island, such as Ricotta & Marks, P.C., as soon as you suspect discrimination. Early legal advice helps you select the right venue and ensures your claim is timely and thorough.

Will Filing a Discrimination Complaint Affect My Job?

It’s natural to worry about retaliation when filing a workplace discrimination complaint, particularly in Long Island’s tight-knit professional communities. Laws at both the state and federal levels prohibit employers from retaliating against you for exercising your protected rights—meaning actions like demotion, termination, harassment, or pay cuts due to filing a complaint are not permitted. Our workplace discrimination attorneys in Long Island regularly advise clients on how to document changes at work and communications with supervisors or HR should retaliation occur. If retaliation does take place, you may have additional legal recourse. While no process is free from challenges, being supported by experienced employment discrimination lawyers in Long Island can help you take appropriate precautions and pursue your case with confidence.

Can I Resolve My Discrimination Issue Without Going to Court?

Many workplace discrimination cases in Long Island can be resolved before they reach court through negotiation, mediation, or alternative dispute resolution. After evaluating your claim, our employment discrimination attorneys in Long Island work to identify potential settlement opportunities and guide you through dispute resolution processes available through local agencies like the NYS Division of Human Rights or the Nassau and Suffolk County Human Rights Commissions. Successful resolutions outside of court can lead to remedies such as reinstatement, policy changes, or compensation without the expense and publicity of litigation. However, if negotiation fails, our reputation as trial-prepared workplace discrimination lawyers in Long Island positions your case for success at every stage—whether through administrative proceedings or trial.

FIGHTING FOR A WORKPLACE WHERE YOU'RE Respected, Equal, and Heard.

We’re committed to protecting your rights and ensuring you’re treated with the respect and fairness you deserve, free from discrimination and harassment.

TAKE THE FIRST STEPS

Why You Need a Long Island Employment Discrimination Lawyer

Facing discrimination or harassment at work can leave you feeling isolated and vulnerable. It’s critical to have a knowledgeable advocate on your side who can guide you through legal complexities and fiercely protect your rights.

An employment attorney can provide invaluable assistance by:

Clearly explaining your legal rights and options
Helping you understand the relevant laws and how they apply to your situation
Gathering evidence and building a strong case to support your claim
Protecting you from retaliation and further harm
Negotiating with your employer or representing you in court

At Ricotta & Marks, P.C., we have a proven track record of success in representing employees facing workplace challenges. We offer free consultations, contingency fees, and personalized service to support you throughout the legal process. Our experienced trial lawyers prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, so we are ready for anything.

Contact Ricotta & Marks, P.C. online or call (917) 540-8565 today to schedule a free consultation with our Long Island employment discrimination attorneys. We can help you navigate your workplace challenges and fight for a favorable outcome to your case.

HONESTY & CLARITY

We know deciding how to move forward can feel overwhelming. We take the time to listen to your unique situation and explain your options in detail. You can count on us listening carefully, being upfront with you about your options, and provide honest guidance every step of the way.
SUPPORT THAT FITS YOU

We understand every client has different circumstances and are committed to making sure you have access to the justice you deserve without unnecessary burdens. With us by your side, you’ll have the right legal support every step of the way—support that fits you and your case perfectly.
BECAUSE YOU MATTER

We're not just focused on the legal aspects of your case - we truly care about you as a person. We know the emotional toll these cases can take and are committed to supporting you with empathy, genuine compassion and dedication.

WHEN YOUR JOB AND FUTURE ARE AT STAKE, WE DON'T BACK DOWN

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