Experiencing discrimination is demeaning and dehumanizing, and requires tremendous courage to speak out against it. In the workplace, the fear of retaliation, hostility, and navigating an unfamiliar system can make reporting misconduct and standing up to a large corporation or employer feel like a fruitless task. But, our legal team at Valli Kane & Vagnini has the power and experience as New York employment litigation lawyers to ensure that your rights are protected and enforced as both State and Federal law intended.

Our firm stands up for people who don’t feel they have the knowledge or power to stand up for themselves.

Our discrimination and harassment attorneys have decades of trial and mediation experience, providing our clients with the knowledge and power to act when they know their civil rights are being violated by their employer. We have represented employees in communities throughout the United States including Nassau County, New York City, Dallas, Houston and understand the general sentiment that you and so many other employees feel when in such a situation: powerless. But, when you hire us to represent you, you can rest assured that you have caring, compassionate, and passionate advocates on your side, that will do everything possible for you to feel as empowered as possible.

Federal Protections Working for You

Congress has passed several federal statutes designed to protect employees from discrimination and to ensure equal opportunity and fair treatment in the workplace. Title VII of the Civil Right Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) protects employees and applicants who are 40 years old and up from discrimination on the basis of age, provided that age is the but-for cause of the adverse employment action. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibits discrimination against unqualified individuals with disabilities and requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations unless doing so would cause undue hardships. The Equal Pay Act of 1963 (EPA) requires that men and women receive equal pay for substantially equal work performed under similar working conditions. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 (PDA) is an amendment to Title VII and prohibits discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. 

How These Laws Protect You

These laws prohibit employers from making decisions based on protected characteristics when it comes to hiring, firing, promotions, compensation, job assignments, and other terms and conditions of employment. These protections exist to ensure that employment decisions are based on merit, not bias.We handle every type of employment discrimination or harassment claims, including:

• Wrongful Termination
• Retaliation for Whistleblower Actions
• Sexual Harassment
• Disparate Treatment
• Disparate Impact
• Religious Discrimination
• Hostile Work Environment
• Harassment because of Pregnancy or FMLA Rights

Before filing a lawsuit under most federal discrimination statutes, including Title VII, ADA, and ADEA, employees must file a charge of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or a state or local agency that partners with the EEOC. Strict deadlines are enforced and may bar a claim for recovery if not adhered to. Typically, jurisdictions with qualified state or local agencies allow for charges to be filed within 300 days of the unlawful conduct, while jurisdictions that do not have such an agency may be required to file within 180 days. After the EEOC investigates the charge, they may issue a Notice of Right to Sue which provides an employee a 90 day window from receipt of such notice to file a lawsuit in federal court. The failure to adhere to this administrative process will prevent an employee from pursuing a federal Title VII lawsuit. Although not legally required, internal reporting can be a helpful tool in building cases, like in the case of hostile work environment claims.

How We Can Help

Understanding your rights is the first step toward protecting them. As your attorneys, we will ensure that you do understand your rights, and will handle everything relating to the investigation of your claim and determining your cause for filing suit. 

If you believe you have experienced discrimination or a hostile work environment, contact our office in Garden City to speak with an experienced member of our legal team to help you evaluate your options and determine the best course forward.

Additional resources you may find helpful:

• EEOC “Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal” Poster
• EEOC Discrimination Publications