Long Island EEOC & NY Division of Human Rights Lawyer
Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP.
Employees who are victims of sexual harassment, wrongful termination or employment discrimination in any form have recourse under state and federal law. If you have been treated unfairly in the workplace in violation of state or federal law, you have the option to file a claim with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the New York State Division of Human Rights.
You may feel at a disadvantage with your employer because you need your job to survive. However, the law is designed to protect workers. The Long Island employment lawyers at Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP can help level the playing field. We take your side in an employment dispute and aggressively pursue every available option for the most favorable outcome for you.
Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation and claim evaluation.
About the EEOC
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is an agency charged with enforcing federal laws that prohibit discrimination against job applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability or genetic information. The EEOC also enforces laws protecting employees from retaliation for complaining about or filing claims alleging discrimination.
Most employers that have 15 or more employees, or 20 employees in age discrimination cases, are subject to the federal laws prohibiting workplace discrimination enforced by the EEOC. Most employment agencies and labor unions are also covered by those laws.
Among other federal laws, the EEOC enforces:
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or sex, and prohibiting retaliation for complaints or claims of discrimination).
- The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (amending Title VII and prohibiting discrimination against women on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions).
- The Equal Pay Act of 1963 (making it illegal to pay different wages to men and women who perform the same work in the same workplace).
- The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (protecting people over age 40 from workplace discrimination).
- Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (prohibiting discrimination against qualified people with disabilities and requiring employers to accommodate known mental or physical disabilities of otherwise qualified individuals).
Under most of the laws enforced by the EEOC, you are required to file a claim with the EEOC before you can file a lawsuit for employment discrimination. You have a limited period of time in which to file a charge with the EEOC after the date the discriminatory act or acts.
About the New York Division of Human Rights
The New York State Division of Human Rights (DHR) was formed for the purpose of enforcing the New York State Human Rights Law. New York was the first state in the nation to enact a human rights law allowing equal opportunity for a full and productive life to every citizen.
The New York State Human Rights Law protects individuals against discrimination based on race, color, creed, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, military status, disability, domestic violence victim status, predisposing genetic characteristics, arrest record, conviction record and familial status (as it applies to housing only).
When you file a complaint of discrimination with the DHR, the agency will investigate your claim to determine if there is probable cause to believe that it is likely that acts of discrimination occurred. If probable cause is determined to exist, you will appear at a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, who will issue a Recommended Order, after which a Commissioner’s Order, either dismissing the complaint or finding discrimination, will be issued.
How our Employment Lawyers Work with Federal and State Agencies
The EEOC and the DHR have the same purpose as Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP – to protect you against employment discrimination. We are prepared to stand by your side and fight aggressively for your rights at every stage of an employment discrimination claim.
Our Long Island employment attorneys can assist you if your case is ordered to mediation by the EEOC. We can represent you in your hearing before an Administrative Law Judge with the DHR. Once the EEOC has issued a Notice of Right to Sue in your case, we can prepare a solid claim based on the evidence and fight for your rights in court when necessary.
If you believe you have been the victim of employment discrimination, take advantage of the free and confidential case evaluation offered by our firm. Call or contact us online and remember that there are time limits for filing a claim with the EEOC. Our Long Island employment lawyer will advise you about whether you may have a case and what legal options you may have.
Sources:
- EEOC: About EEOC
- NYSDHR: How to File a Complaint
