Best Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyers in New york
Jeffrey K. Brown
Employment Lawyer/Pregnancy DiscriminationLawyer
Jeff’s empathy and compassion sets the tone for the Firm’s client centered approach. He has has served as lead counsel in hundreds of class actions and individual cases for unpaid wages, overtime and tips, sexual harassment and employment discrimination in the New York City Metropolitan area which have generated millions of dollars for the Firm’s Clients. Additionally, Jeff has led the Firm’s representation of teachers, students, educators and people victimized by consumer fraud. It’s not a surprise that Jeff has received countless referrals, positive feedback and recognition from clients and the legal community.
Practice Areas
- Labor and Employment Law
- Employee/Employer
Discrimination - Age, Race, Gender/Sex, National Origin, Religion, Disability, Sexual Orientation, Pregnancy
- Sexual Harassment
- Unpaid Wages & Overtime and Unpaid Tips or Gratuities
- Prevailing Wage – City/State/Federal
- Education Law – Students’ Rights/Teachers’ Rights
- Commercial Litigation/Breach of Contract
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Consumer Fraud
Public Service
- Trustee, Village of Old Westbury, 2019 – present
Bar and Court Admissions
- New York, 1997
- United States District Court, Southern District of New York
- United States District Court, Eastern District of New York
Professional Memberships
- New York State Bar, Second Department
- New York State Trial Lawyers Association
Awards and Recognitions
- 2006 Man of the Year, The Workplace Project
- 2004, Named Foe of Wall Street, Newsweek Magazine
Significant Cases
- Lead counsel on complex financial arbitration against major broker that resulted in close to 10 million dollar settlement
- Lead counsel in a real estate discrimination case, Board of Managers of Vista Tower Condominium v. Roosevelt Avenue Associates et al. in which the Firm recovered approximately $19 million on behalf of 135 Asian condominium owners in Flushing, Queens
- Secured a multi-million dollar recovery against a contractor who failed to pay the appropriate wages to 16 Hispanic employees pursuant to Federal and New York State contracts
- Litigated successful actions against several Fortune 500 and other major companies obtaining millions of dollars for his clients
- Secured multi-million dollar settlements by establishing alternative dispute resolution programs with Fortune 500 companies
- Served as lead and co-lead class counsel in various class actions that resulted in millions of dollars in settlement funds
Education
- Hofstra Law School, Juris Doctor, May 1996
Honors District Honor, Article Published in the Hofstra Labor Law Journal Law Journal; Hofstra Labor Law Journal, Member - State University at Albany, 1992
What sets Jeff apart from other employment attorneys is his strong sense of responsibility for his clients’ best interests. Jeff understands that taking legal action against one’s employer is not only daunting, but can simultaneously affect his client’s life and career. Whereas many employment attorneys utilize means of dispute resolution that benefit their own self-interests over their client’s, Jeff sees value in the reverse. Jeff is sensitive to the needs of his clients should they require confidential settlement negotiations, mediation or arbitration, or extensive litigation.
Jeff listens to and sympathizes with his clients’ problems and concerns. Jeff’s negotiating prowess has helped his clients receive high-value settlements, often at the pre-litigation stage. This approach also helps maintain the level of confidentiality his clients desire.
Jeff began his legal career as an associate with the firm in 1997. His uncanny ability to recognize the big picture without losing sight of the small details quickly made him a rising star in the practice of civil rights law.
In 1998, Jeff served as lead counsel in a real estate discrimination case, recovering $19 million on behalf of 135 Asian condominium owners in Flushing, Queens. The New York Law Journal and The New York Times covered this notable case. In January 2000, he became a partner in Leeds Brown Law’s predecessor firm, Leeds Morelli and Brown.
William J. Sipser
Employment Lawyer/Pregnancy DiscriminationLawyer
Bill Sipser has been a leading practitioner in the area of Labor Law and Employment Law Discrimination for almost thirty years. His practice is focused on representing clients in age discrimination, race discrimination, disability discrimination, and other matters involving employee rights. Bill has extensive litigation experience in state and federal courts, and before several governmental agencies involving representation of individuals and labor unions.
Bill has prosecuted significant cases, including appeals before the Appellate Division of the State of New York as well as the federal Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. He argued a critical employment discrimination issue before the New York State Court of Appeals, New York’s highest court, in September 2004. He has briefed, argued, and won important cases before the New York State Appellate Division, First Department, in Manhattan. He has also tried hundreds of administrative cases and arbitrations concerning employment issues, including grievances and discharge cases.
Recognized for his success in participating in employment discrimination alternative dispute resolution, Bill was one of the featured speakers and participants in a forum on mediation of employment disputes in a continuing legal education seminar held at Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law.
Why My Practice is Focused on Workplace Discrimination
Discrimination is not innocent – it harms all of us. Whether it is we who are the subject of the discrimination, or our family members, neighbors, or acquaintances – we all deserve equal protection in the workplace against illegal discrimination.
Bennitta L. Joseph
Employment Lawyer/Pregnancy DiscriminationLawyer
Bennitta Joseph is an experienced New York City sexual assault attorney with over seventeen years of experience litigating cases involving workplace harassment. After graduating from Temple University School of Law, Ms. Joseph honed her trial skills by serving as a prosecutor with the New York District Attorney’s office. After leaving the District Attorney’s office Ms. Joseph joined the private sector and developed specialized knowledge in the area of employment litigation. Ms. Joseph understands that achieving justice is important and that these cases are very personal. Many people spend more time at work than with their families. This is why workplaces that involve discrimination, unlawful harassment, wrongful termination, or other illegal employer practices often take a severe emotional toll on employees.
Clients need a strong advocate who is willing to fight for them. Ms. Joseph believes in being accessible, promptly returning all email and phone calls, and working tirelessly on behalf of clients. Ms. Joseph has helped clients to achieve numerous successful verdicts and substantial settlements in, whistleblower cases, race discrimination, age discrimination, gender discrimination, sexual harassment, hostile work environment, wrongful termination, as well as wage and hour cases. Ms. Joseph thrives in competitive environments and litigates employment law cases with uncompromising, dedication, patience, and a relentless desire to achieve justice on behalf of the client.
Ismail Sinan Sekendiz
Employment Lawyer/Pregnancy DiscriminationLawyer
Mr. Sekendiz is an accomplished attorney, who has extensive experience in the areas of race discrimination, sexual harassment, disability discrimination, national origin discrimination, religious discrimination, Family Medical Leave Act, overtime, accessibility discrimination and sexual orientation discrimination. Mr. Sekendiz is licensed to practice law before the Courts of the State of New York, U.S. District Court for the Southern, Eastern and Northern Districts of New York, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and Turkey.
Maya Risman
Employment Lawyer/Pregnancy DiscriminationLawyer
Ms. Risman graduated from Boston University in 1994 with a B.A. in International Relations. She received her J.D. from Touro Law School in 1997. She is a member of the New York State Bar, as well as the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York and the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.
Ms. Risman has been a civil litigator for over 24 years. Ms. Risman has a broad range of experience handling a variety of New York employment law matters, but concentrates her practice in the representation of aggrieved employees in complex employment discrimination claims based on gender, age, race, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, pregnancy, sexual harassment, as well as retaliation.
JOSEPH A. FITAPELLI
Employment Lawyer/Pregnancy DiscriminationLawyer
Joseph A. Fitapelli is a partner at Fitapelli & Schaffer whose nationally recognized practice is dedicated to the litigation of large scale class and collective actions for violations of employee and consumer rights. He is a seasoned attorney with extensive experience in state and federal court who has often served as lead or co-lead counsel in cases filed against some of the largest corporations in the world. He has represented thousands of individuals and has been instrumental in the recovery of tens of millions of dollars for the firm’s clients.
He has successfully authored and argued briefs that have shaped the legal landscape in favor of those whose rights have been violated and is the head of the firm’s Marketing Team. His successes in handling high profile, complex cases have been featured on television, internet and print media including but not limited to: NY1, The New York Law Journal, various local newspapers and other legal publications. As a result, he is frequently consulted by members of the press and legal communities on an array of matters.
A New York Law School graduate, he is also a presidential scholar and cum laude graduate of St. Francis College with a B.A. in English. Mr. Fitapelli is a member of the American Bar Association, the American Bar Association’s Section of Labor and Employment Law, the New York State Bar Association and National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA). Mr. Fitapelli is often asked to speak and provide his opinion on various matters relating to class action practice. Recently, Mr. Fitapelli has been a panelist for wage and hour law CLE programs for the ABA, NELA and New York County Lawyers’ Association. Mr. Fitapelli is licensed to practice law in New York State, the United States District Courts for the Southern, Eastern and Western Districts of New York and the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Mr. Fitapelli has been repeatedly selected to Super Lawyers Magazine’s list of the top attorneys in New York. Each year less than 5 percent of the lawyers in New York State are selected to this list.
Vincent P. White
Employment Lawyer/Pregnancy DiscriminationLawyer
Vincent P. White completed his undergraduate studies at Le Moyne College and Nagasaki Gaidai University, Japan. He went on to receive his Juris Doctorate, under Dean’s Scholarship, from The Hofstra University School of Law with a concentration in Corporate and Securities Law.
Vincent was admitted to the practice of law in New York State in 2009, and soon after was admitted to practice in both the Southern, Eastern and Northern Federal District Courts of New York. Following admission to the bar, Vincent worked at Leeds, Morelli and Brown P.C., a litigation-centric employment law practice where Vincent’s efforts lead to over $5,000,000.00 in verdicts and several hundred thousand dollars in settlements during his time with the firm.
Vincent then transitioned to a role as Manners and Associates’ lead litigator and managing associate, helping to develop the firm beyond its corporate expertise to a full-service law firm capable of handling clients’ diverse employment litigation needs. Vincent has practiced before the Federal Courts including the Bankruptcy Courts, both Civil and Criminal State Courts, the New York State Court of Claims and the State’s Administrative Courts. In addition, Vincent has garnered settlements for his clients at mediations before the Equal Employment and Opportunities Commission and the New York State Division of Human Rights.
As one of the founding members of NYC Job Attorney, Vincent’s efforts drove that firm to become the largest dedicated plaintiff-side employment firm in New York. From there, NYC Job Attorney has grown to practice in 22 States and has become a national law firm known as White & Hilferty.
Vincent additional acts as a panelist and arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association, hearing primarily matters in the field of employment law.
Empire State of Expectations: Navigating Pregnancy Discrimination in New York with Legal Expertise
New York, the “Empire State,” is a beacon of opportunity and progress, boasting a vibrant economy and a strong commitment to equal rights. However, for expecting mothers, the journey can sometimes be overshadowed by the unfortunate reality of pregnancy discrimination. This comprehensive guide empowers women in New York to understand their rights, recognize discriminatory practices, and navigate this challenge with the support of skilled legal expertise.
Understanding Pregnancy Discrimination: A Violation of Equal Rights
Pregnancy discrimination occurs when an employer treats a woman differently or takes adverse employment actions against her because of her pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. This is a violation of federal and state laws, including the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) and the New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL).
- Examples of Pregnancy Discrimination:
- Denial of employment or promotion opportunities
- Layoffs or reduced hours based on pregnancy
- Refusal to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnancy-related needs, such as bathroom breaks or modified work schedules
- Unwanted comments or harassment related to pregnancy
- Retaliation for complaining about pregnancy discrimination
Knowing Your Rights: A Strong Foundation in New York
New York offers robust legal protections for pregnant employees, often exceeding federal standards. Here’s what expecting mothers in New York should know:
- Protection Applies to All Employers: The NYSHRL protects employees working for companies with four or more employees, while the PDA applies to companies with 15 or more employees. This means most New York workplaces are covered by stricter anti-discrimination laws.
- Pregnancy as a Temporary Disability: NYSHRL recognizes pregnancy-related conditions as temporary disabilities. Employers must provide reasonable accommodations for these conditions, just as they would for any other disability.
- Independent Contractors Protected: Since October 2019, pregnancy discrimination protections extend to independent contractors in New York.
Building Your Case: Identifying and Documenting Discrimination
If you suspect pregnancy discrimination, it’s crucial to gather evidence. Here’s how to build a strong case:
- Document Everything: Record dates, times, and details of discriminatory incidents. Keep copies of emails, texts, or any documentation related to the alleged discrimination.
- Witness Statements: If colleagues witnessed discriminatory behavior, obtain written statements from them to support your claims.
- Medical Records: Documenting pregnancy-related medical conditions and doctor’s recommendations for accommodations strengthens your case.
Seeking Legal Expertise: Your Ally in the Fight for Fairness
Navigating pregnancy discrimination can be emotionally draining and legally complex. Here’s why retaining a skilled lawyer is invaluable:
- Understanding Legal Nuances: New York’s anti-discrimination laws have specific requirements and exceptions. A lawyer can ensure your rights are protected and guide you through the legal process.
- Building a Compelling Case: An experienced lawyer can effectively analyze evidence, identify legal violations, and build a strong case on your behalf.
- Negotiation and Representation: A lawyer can negotiate with your employer to secure a fair resolution, such as reinstatement, back pay, or policy changes. If necessary, they will represent you in court.
- Emotional Support and Guidance: Pregnancy discrimination can be stressful. A lawyer can provide emotional support and guidance throughout the process.
Finding the Right Legal Advocate:
- Seek Recommendations: Talk to friends, family, or colleagues who may have dealt with pregnancy discrimination and inquire about their lawyers.
- Bar Association Resources: Contact your local bar association for referrals to lawyers specializing in employment law and pregnancy discrimination.
- Online Resources: Several legal aid organizations and online resources can help you find qualified lawyers.