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Manhattan Workplace Sexual Harassment Lawyer

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manhattan sexual harassment lawyer
OVER
$200+ MILLION

recovered for our employment law cases

Key Takeaways
  • Workplace sexual harassment in Manhattan can be any form of unwanted physical, verbal, or visual behavior from colleagues based on sex, gender, or sexuality.
  • Federal, state, and local laws include protections for victims of workplace sexual harassment, and it is illegal to retaliate against workers for reporting it.
  • You can potentially recover damages for back pay, emotional distress, and more after experiencing workplace sexual harassment.
  • If you have experienced sexual harassment at work, it’s important to take thorough notes on your experiences to use as evidence later.
  • The experienced Manhattan workplace sexual harassment lawyers at Joseph & Norinsberg can help you get justice and hold your employer accountable.

Workplace sexual harassment is difficult to navigate. Due to worries about whether you’ll be believed, fear of retaliation, and the complex emotions that result, speaking up can feel even harder than suffering in silence.

However, you don’t have to fight alone. The highly skilled Manhattan workplace sexual harassment lawyers at Joseph & Norinsberg are here to provide confidential legal help. We’re industry leaders in handling workplace sexual harassment claims, with the compassion, experience, and relentless work ethic to fight for the results you deserve. Contact us online or call 2122275700 today for a free consultation.

Table of Contents

Why Choose Joseph & Norinsberg for Your Manhattan Harassment Claim?

Our tenacious New York employment lawyers have extensive experience with cases involving discrimination, harassment, wage theft, and more. With more than 75 years of collective experience, we’ve built a proven track record of fighting for workers’ rights and holding employers accountable for unethical and illegal activity.

Founder and Senior Managing Partner Bennitta L. Joseph formerly served as a prosecutor with the New York District Attorney’s office, developing trial skills and specialized experience that help our firm get justice for our clients. Our team can provide compassionate, confidential guidance for victims of workplace harassment while aggressively representing their interests in negotiations and litigation.

What Our Workplace Sexual Harassment Clients Say

“Bennitta is an amazing attorney, if you have a sexual harassment case...She's your go-to attorney! Very responsive, answers all your questions in a timely manner, makes sure you're very informed on what you're getting into & what the possible outcomes are.”
Nigel A.
Nigel A.
“Joseph & Norinsberg helped me navigate through an unfortunate work experience. They filled me in on the legalities and assisted me through every step, and were truly my source of calm during a very stressful time.”
Shannon Q.
Shannon Q.
“I can’t express enough how grateful I am for Joseph & Norinsberg, especially attorney Jesse Mautner. My case was handled with such immense precision, care, and empathy that I was able to focus on my own personal healing, knowing that I was in great hands. Thank you, thank you, thank you to the entire team!”
Kelly Ann T.
Kelly Ann T.

How to Tell if You Have a Workplace Sexual Harassment Case

A range of conduct constitutes sexual harassment, from unwanted touching and inappropriate advances to obscene comments and gestures. In general, any unwelcome behavior concerning a worker’s sex, gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity can be considered workplace sexual harassment.

There are two major forms of sexual harassment: hostile work environment and quid pro quo harassment. A hostile work environment arises when unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature creates an uncomfortable atmosphere that can negatively impact a worker’s job performance, confidence, or overall well-being. Meanwhile, quid pro quo sexual harassment occurs when someone in a position of power, like a manager or supervisor, offers a job-related benefit or threatens a negative job condition to coerce an employee into sexual activity.

If you’ve experienced any of these actions, our Manhattan workplace sexual harassment lawyers can determine if you have a valid claim and help you take action to report your experiences.

What Can a Manhattan Workplace Sexual Harassment Lawyer Do for You?

Speaking with a knowledgeable workplace sexual harassment attorney in Manhattan can help you understand your legal rights as a worker and work to protect them. Some of the services we provide include the following:

  • Free consultation: Your lawyer will go over the circumstances of your case, explain your rights, determine whether you may have a valid claim, and advise you of your legal options.
  • Investigation: Your attorney will investigate the conduct, gather evidence, analyze the applicable law, and build a strong case to help you hold your employer accountable.
  • Reporting guidance: Your lawyer can help you report your claims to HR.
  • File complaints: Your lawyers will help you file complaints with the appropriate government agencies, protect you from retaliation, and ensure you have the best chance of a successful outcome.
  • Negotiations: Your lawyer can handle communications between you, your employer, and investigators to reach a fair resolution to your claims.
  • Litigation: If necessary, your attorney can file a lawsuit against your employer and pursue justice in court.

What Compensation Can a Manhattan Workplace Sexual Harassment Lawyer Help You Recover?

The damages you can pursue for a workplace sexual harassment claim in Manhattan depend on the severity and duration of the conduct and the financial and emotional impacts it had on your life. Available damages may include the following:

  • Lost wages and back pay if you have missed work, quit, or were wrongfully terminated
  • Medical and therapy expenses related to the impacts of the harassment
  • Costs for relocating or searching for a new job
  • Emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health struggles
  • Impacts on your personal life and relationships
  • Punitive damages, in cases involving extreme or intentional behavior by your employer

Our Workplace Sexual Harassment Case Results

We have a long track record of obtaining impressive results for our clients in sexual harassment cases, such as the following:

  • $750,000: Our client was sexually harassed by her boss, who physically assaulted her when she denied his advances. We were able to secure compensation for several years of lost wages, emotional distress, and compensation for the physical assault.
  • $175,000: Our client was sexually harassed by her immediate supervisor. We were able to secure the client a substantial severance increase over her initial offer, and did so in only three months after termination.
  • Confidential Settlement: Joseph & Norinsberg obtained a settlement on behalf of a group of workers of a New York-based dance bar who alleged unpaid overtime, gender discrimination, and sexual harassment.
    Link to more

What Laws Protect You From Workplace Sexual Harassment in Manhattan?

Federal laws like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 consider workplace sexual harassment as a form of illegal employment discrimination. Title VII requires harassment to be “severe or pervasive” to give rise to a hostile work environment, but both the New York State Human Rights Law and New York City Human Rights Law have much lower bars for legal action.

The Stop Sexual Harassment in NYC Act also expanded legal protections for Manhattan residents to employers of all sizes, extended the statute of limitations for harassment claims, and required mandatory anti-harassment training for companies with 15 or more employees.

What to Do if You Are Sexually Harassed at Work

If you’re experiencing workplace sexual harassment, here are the steps you should take to protect your rights:

  • Document everything: Take thorough notes after any incidents of harassment, recording what happened, when, and whether there were any witnesses. Save any communications or documents that can serve as evidence.
  • See a lawyer: A trusted Manhattan sexual harassment attorney can guide you through your next steps and help you prepare to take further action.
  • Report it to HR: Bring your case to your company’s human resources department to file an internal report, giving them the chance to resolve the problem without outside enforcement.
  • File administrative complaints: Your lawyer can help you submit claims to the S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, New York State Division of Human Rights, or New York City Commission on Human Rights to begin official investigations into your employer.
  • Pursue litigation: If the situation hasn’t been resolved after the investigations have concluded, your attorney can file a lawsuit and fight for justice in court.

How Long Do You Have to File a Workplace Sexual Harassment Claim in New York?

In Manhattan, the statute of limitations for filing a workplace harassment claim depends on the law under which you seek relief. Under current New York state and city laws, the statute of limitations for filing a sexual harassment claim is three years. However, you only have 180 days to file a complaint under federal law with the EEOC, but that deadline is extended to 300 days if a state or local anti-discrimination law covers your charge.

Consult a Manhattan workplace sexual harassment lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss the applicable deadline and give you the best shot at building a strong claim. 

Can You Be Fired for Reporting Sexual Harassment?

No, your employer cannot legally fire you for reporting workplace sexual harassment. Federal, state, and local laws prohibit retaliation against employees who report or complain of sexual harassment or discrimination.

If you’ve been wrongfully terminated or face other job-related repercussions after speaking up, our attorneys can help you take legal action and pursue further compensation.

Contact a Manhattan Workplace Sexual Harassment Lawyer Today

Don’t suffer in silence for another day. If you’re experiencing workplace sexual harassment in Manhattan, Joseph & Norinsberg is ready to help you get the justice you deserve. Contact us online or call (212) 227-5700 today to schedule a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation with our trusted legal team.

Manhattan Workplace Sexual Harassment FAQ

If you’re experiencing workplace sexual harassment, it’s understandable to be confused and to want answers. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers concerning sexual harassment:

Can I Report Sexual Harassment if I Still Work There?

Yes, you can report sexual harassment to HR whether or not you’re still employed. If your employer terminates you after you file a report, it may constitute illegal retaliation.

Yes, evidence supporting your claims is critical to successfully proving sexual harassment. Even just taking timely notes after your experiences can help.

If your company’s HR department fails or refuses to resolve the problem, you should speak with an experienced Manhattan workplace sexual harassment lawyer and consider filing an official complaint with state or federal regulators.

The value of a sexual harassment claim can vary greatly depending on the unique circumstances of your situation. Our knowledgeable attorneys can help estimate the value of your case.

Yes, there are some options for remaining anonymous when reporting sexual harassment, both at the state and federal levels. However, anonymity is not always guaranteed, and it can limit the authorities’ ability to investigate. Our team can help determine the best path and protect your identity as best as possible.  

While NDAs and arbitration agreements can add complications to your workplace sexual harassment case, they cannot prevent you from reporting your experiences and taking action against illegal conduct. Our team can review your contact and answer any questions you have about how it might impact your claims.

No, you are not required to file a report with HR before contacting a Manhattan workplace sexual harassment lawyer. In fact, a skilled attorney can help you prepare to go to HR and get ready for your next steps.

While retaliation is illegal, it’s normal to be fearful of consequences for reporting workplace sexual harassment. Our trusted employment law attorneys can help you get justice while protecting your rights at work.

Our experienced Manhattan sexual harassment attorneys cost nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t get paid unless you do.

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Bennitta Joseph
Content Reviewed By:
Bennitta L. Joseph
Senior Partner
February 16, 2026

Bennitta Joseph is a dedicated New York City sexual assault attorney with experience litigating cases involving workplace harassment. She takes on cases with uncompromising dedication, patience, and a relentless desire to achieve justice.

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CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

"Bennitta is an amazing attorney, if you have a sexual harassment case… She's your go to attorney! Very responsive, answers all your questions in a timely manner, makes sure you're very informed on what you're getting into & what the possible outcomes are."

Nigel Antonio

"Joseph and Norinsberg are excellent attorneys and a credit to the bar. It is a testament to their advocacy and skill, that as a fellow lawyer I consistently refer clients to them for help in all workplace and employment related issues."

Christopher Galiardo

"Thank you very much to the lawyers of this firm, they have treated me very well. I felt like I was their only customer. Always returning my calls and being attentive to everything related to my case. I think this company has done a great job."

Narda Liliana Martinez Rey

Our Workplace Harassment Case Results
$1.35 MILLION

Sexual harassment case against a luxury brand in the fashion industry (confidential).

$750,000

Secured compensation for several years of lost wages, and emotional distress, and compensation for the physical assault.

$500,000

Sexual harassment case settled against a large bio-tech company.