Thomas A Ricotta

Thomas A. Ricotta, Employment Trial Attorney in Queens and Long Island

Title: Partner, Ricotta & Marks, P.C.

Thomas A. Ricotta is a partner at Ricotta & Marks, P.C. He has represented New York employees for more than 20 years and has won multiple federal and state jury trials. His clients have received six-figure and multimillion-dollar awards, including substantial awards for emotional distress and punitive damages. His practice is 100% litigation.

Thomas has been lead counsel and co-counsel at trial. He has argued before New York's appellate courts and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. He is a Super Lawyers-recognized attorney, and Verdict Search listed him among its Top Verdicts publications for 2008 and 2009.

About Thomas Ricotta

Thomas handles every stage of an employment case, from the first administrative filing through trial and appeal. He has handled mediations and arbitrations, and hearings before the U.S. Department of Labor and the New York State Division of Human Rights.

He also represents New York teachers and has successfully handled numerous 3020-a and Part 83 hearings.

His work has been covered by the New York Times, the New York Post and Newsday, where he has been interviewed and quoted.

Practice Areas

Thomas's practice is about 70% employment law, 15% civil rights and 15% education law. He represents clients in:

• Sexual harassment: hostile work environment and workplace retaliation
• Employment discrimination: age, disability, race, gender, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, transgender status, marital status, criminal record, genetic information (GINA) and equal pay
• Wrongful termination and retaliation
• Whistleblower and FMLA claims
• Employment contracts, mediation and arbitration
• Labor and union matters
• Civil rights claims in federal and state court
• Education law: defense of New York teachers in 3020-a and Part 83 hearings

Thomas serves clients in Queens, New York City and Long Island from the firm's offices in Long Island City and Seaford.

Case Results

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different.

Awards & Recognition

• Super Lawyers, New York (10-year honoree; Selected 2026)
• Verdict Search Top Verdicts, 2008 and 2009
• Better Business Bureau, A+ rating and accredited business (firm)
• American Society of Legal Advocates, Top 40 Under 40, 2015 and 2016
• Expertise.com, Best Employment Lawyers in New York City (firm)

What Clients Say

"Thomas Ricotta is efficient, compassionate, and respectful attorney. He had helped to win a good settlement award for my case with NYC DOE. He explains the legal process and gets right into it… I would highly recommend him if you have an employment discrimination, disparate treatment, sexual harassment, suspension, etc." — Sandy S.

"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.

"Throughout the time I had dealt with Mr. Ricotta he always made me feel so comfortable explaining my situation and understanding what I experienced… They will tell you the truth and be upfront with what to expect." — Brittany P.

"I have retained them as my lawyers since 2013 all the way up until my trial in 2019. Ricotta and Marks held my hand through every tough step and provided the most amazing, caring and professional legal support, from hearings, to depositions to court appearances and handling the press." — Teacher R.

"Your legal assistance has empowered me and has helped restore my sense of dignity." — Former client

Read more testimonials

Testimonials reflect the experiences of individual clients. They do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Education & Admissions

• J.D., Hofstra University School of Law, 2003
• B.S., Labor and Industrial Relations, Le Moyne College
• Admitted: New York State, 2004; U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York, 2005; U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, 2005; U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, 2009

Frequently Asked Questions About Thomas Ricotta

What does Thomas Ricotta do? Thomas A. Ricotta is a New York employment trial lawyer. He represents employees in sexual harassment, discrimination, retaliation and wrongful termination cases. He also represents teachers in 3020-a and Part 83 hearings.

What are Thomas Ricotta's biggest verdicts? He was co-counsel in Bianco v. Flushing Hospital Medical Center, an impressive $15 million jury verdict that included $13.5 million for emotional distress. He was lead trial counsel in Fishman v. Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority ($734,000) and Penniston v. New York City Department of Education ($523,000).

Has Thomas Ricotta argued before appellate courts? Yes. He has argued before New York's appellate courts and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

How long has Thomas Ricotta practiced law? He was admitted to the New York Bar in 2004.

Does Thomas Ricotta represent NYC teachers? Yes. He has successfully handled numerous 3020-a and Part 83 hearings for New York teachers.

Where is Thomas Ricotta located? The Queens office is at 30-30 Northern Boulevard, Suite 401, Long Island City, NY 11101. The Long Island office is at 2174 Jackson Avenue, Seaford, NY 11783.

Call (917) 540-8565 to speak with Thomas A. Ricotta about your case.