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Manhattan Wage and Hour Lawyer

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OVER
$250+ MILLION

recovered for our employment law cases

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Wage theft is an unfortunately all-too-common problem for employees in Manhattan, enriching exploitative companies at the expense of honest laborers.Thankfully, New York and federal labor laws entitle workers to every cent they’ve earned in wages and overtime pay—and protect them from retaliation for demanding what they’re owed.

At Joseph & Norinsberg, our Manhattan-based wage and hour lawyers are staunch advocates for workers’ rights. If your employer is withholding your wages or committing other labor law violations, we’ll work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve.

Why Choose Joseph & Norinsberg for a Manhattan Wage and Hour Case?

Our firm is dedicated to handling employment law claims and protecting the rights of New York City workers. With over 100 years of collective experience, our team has a deep understanding of New York labor laws and a passion for pursuing justice. When you work with us, you’ll receive personalized legal guidance and relentless advocacy.

Our Wage and Hour Division, led by co-chair Elizabeth Pollock, is committed to holding companies accountable for wage theft and other violations. We’ve recovered over $250 million for workers like you by helping them stand up to their employers, achieving a successful outcome in 98% of cases.

What Our Wage and Hour Clients in Manhattan Say

“Bennitta is absolutely amazing!!! Thank you for all that you've done and continue to do in the employment litigation sector! Everyone on her team is incredibly supportive and genuinely cares, which makes the experience less stressful!”
– Hope H.
– Hope H.
“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Professional & Grateful. I can’t say enough good things about Jitesh, Yori, and the team. They handled my sexual harassment case with professionalism, compassion, and strength from start to finish. This was not an easy situation for me, but they made me feel heard, supported, and confident every step of the way. Their communication was clear, and they fought hard to make sure my voice mattered. I’m incredibly grateful for their dedication and highly recommend them to anyone going through a difficult time.”
– N. A.
– N. A.
“HIGHLY RECOMMEND! I am beyond grateful for Daniel and the other lawyers that worked on my case. From the moment they took my case, I knew I was in good hands. I was having a very difficult time with my employer, and you guys saved me! Not only did you save me from my horrible experience, I was also compensated for all that I have endured while on the job. Thank you for standing up for my when my back was against the wall. Thank you for being such an amazing group of professionals. I want everyone reading this to know you can’t go wrong with this FIRM. <3”
– Anastacia R.
– Anastacia R.

Manhattan Wage and Hour Case Results

$3 MILLION

Settlement

We obtained this wage and hour settlement on behalf of a class of trade workers. This recovery compensates employees who were denied full overtime pay for time spent transporting work vehicles and working through unpaid meal breaks.

$975,000

Settlement

We helped 23 restaurant employees recover unpaid wages after uncovering their employer’s unfair time-tracking practices.

$750,000

Settlement

We successfully fought for 25 cleaning company employees who were underpaid due to their employer’s unethical timekeeping methods.

What Are Wage and Hour Violations in Manhattan?

Underhanded employers commit wage and hour violations to pay workers less than they are owed. Some offenses are more subtle than others, often leaving workers unaware that their rights are being violated.

Whether you’re working in retail, at a hospital, or at a finance company, you deserve to be paid properly for the long hours you’re putting in. Common wage and hour violations Manhattan workers experience include the following:

  • Paying workers less than minimum wage
  • Forcing employees to work unpaid overtime, or paying them at their normal wage for overtime hours
  • Manipulating hours worked on paystubs to shortchange workers
    Stealing workers’ tips
  • Misclassifying workers as “independent contractors” to argue around employment protections

What Wage and Hour Laws Protect You As An Employee in Manhattan?

Some of the different laws that protect Manhattan workers from wage and hour violations include:

  • The Fair Labor Standards Act: The FLSA is a federal law providing for general worker protections, including the minimum wage, overtime rules, tip regulations, and more.
  • New York Labor Law: State worker protections include a minimum wage that’s currently more than double the federal rate, a salary minimum for when employees can be exempted from overtime pay, and more.
  • New York Wage Theft Prevention Act: This 2011 amendment to the New York Labor Law added retaliation protections for all private sector workers in the state and required employers to provide detailed wage statements to all employees.

What Compensation Can You Recover in a Manhattan Wage and Hour Claim?

Compensation potentially recoverable in a wage and hour claim in Manhattan includes the following:

  • Damages equal to 100% of your lost wages, with interest
  • Liquidated damages of up to $20,000 as a penalty for retaliation
  • Civil penalties
  • An additional 15% of your owed damages if your employer doesn’t pay on time

Each case is unique, and the damages and remedies available vary based on the specific circumstances involved.

How Long Do You Have to File a Wage and Hour Claim in Manhattan?

Under federal law, you have two years to file a wage and hour claim. However, you have up to six years to file a claim under New York law. Missing the filing deadline means you won’t be able to recover compensation for your lost wages, so it’s crucial to start your claim as soon as possible.

What Industries Commonly Experience Wage and Hour Violations in Manhattan?

Wage theft can affect anyone across any type of work. Industries where wage and hour violations most frequently occur in Manhattan include the following:

  • Restaurants and food service
  • Financial services
  • Retail
  • Hospitality
  • Healthcare
  • Tech
  • Gig work, such as food delivery or rideshare driving

What Are the Signs Your Employer May Be Violating Wage and Hour Laws?

Knowing what to look out for can help you recognize potential wage theft and stand up for your rights. Some red flags that might point toward wage and hour violations include:

  • Unexplained deductions or changes to your paycheck
  • Unpaid overtime pay
  • Work “off the clock”
  • Fewer tips than expected
  • Changes to your pay rate without the required notice

If you notice any of these signs or anything else that makes you suspicious, consult a wage and hour attorney to learn more about your rights and options.

What Should You Do if You Believe You Are Owed Wages?

If you believe you’ve been the victim of wage and hour violations, take the following steps:

  1. Gather evidence: Before confronting your employer, collect any records or communications that hint at possible violations. Take written notes on any specific incidents you believe are related.
  2. Speak with a lawyer: Getting professional legal advice can be very helpful at any stage of the process. An attorney can assess your situation, determine whether your rights were likely violated, and help you plan your next steps.
  3. File a complaint: In some cases, you may want to notify human resources to pursue a resolution. However, that may not always be an option. You may be eligible to file a formal complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor or the New York State Department of Labor. You can also contact the Manhattan District Attorney’s Worker Protection Unit, which may pursue a criminal investigation. Your lawyer can determine the best option for you.
  4. Take legal action: If you’ve gone through an external investigation and your employer still hasn’t paid you what you’re owed, your lawyer can help you prepare a civil lawsuit and pursue compensation in court.

How Can a Manhattan Wage and Hour Lawyer Help Protect Your Rights?

An experienced Manhattan wage and hour attorney will handle all aspects of your case against your employer, using their knowledge of New York’s labor laws to get you the compensation you deserve.

Your lawyer can help investigate the case, gather key evidence, properly file complaints, and handle negotiations with your employer. If you’ve been retaliated against for complaining about wage theft, your attorney will take action to hold your employer accountable and make things right.

Contact a Manhattan Wage and Hour Lawyer Today

If you suspect your employer has been cheating you out of the full value of your labor, we can help. Our trusted Manhattan wage and hour attorneys will fight tenaciously to protect your rights and get you the full pay you’ve rightfully earned.

Contact us online or call 212-227-5700 today for a free consultation.

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Content Reviewed By:
Jon L. Norinsberg
| Founding Partner
July 29, 2026

Jon Norinsberg is one of New York City’s leading civil rights and trial attorneys, with decades of experience litigating high-stakes constitutional and employment disputes. Jon is known as a fearless, battle-tested trial lawyer who takes on powerful corporations, government entities, and public institutions in cases involving civil rights violations, police misconduct, discrimination, retaliation, and wrongful conduct.

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