Employment Law Attorney in New York, NY

New York City is a large, busy place known for its tall buildings, diverse people, and hardworking attitude. In this city, many people have jobs, and each person's work story is important. Knowing the rules and protections that laws offer at work isn't just a legal detail; it's a protection for everyone who works. 

At J Goldman Law, our legal team has the experience and resources to guide employees through any challenges that come with employment law. We can stand up for you and defend your rights while keeping your best interests in mind.

Our employment law attorney serves clients throughout New York County, New York. Schedule a free consultation today to discuss the specific direction of your case.  

New York Employment Laws

Employment law sets the foundation in the workplace and provides a guard that ensures fair labor practices. For the New Yorker punching the clock 40 hours a week, it's an area of law that dictates their work conditions, benefits, and expectations.

At the foundation of New York employment law lies an array of elements, each supporting a healthy, equitable work environment. From the state’s robust minimum wage regulations to comprehensive anti-discrimination statutes, the coverage is broad and the intent clear: to safeguard employees' well-being and rights. 

• Minimum Wage Laws: In the Big Apple, the cost of living is rarely affordable. Recognizing this, the state of New York has not just setting the bar, but raising it when it comes to minimum wage. The law doesn't just offer a safety net; it strives to provide a dignified standard of living, ensuring that wages keep pace with economic growth. 

• Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Overtime pay—calculated as 1.5 times the regular pay rate for all hours worked beyond the standard 40-hour workweek—is a critical component of New York's labor laws. These provisions are more than just a reference for late-night shifts; they are the financial foundation for countless workers across the state. 

• Anti-Discrimination Laws: New York caters to employee's rights in the face of discrimination. The state and the city possess robust laws like the New York State Human Rights Law and the New York City Human Rights Law, offering protection against discrimination based on a host of factors including race, gender, age, and sexual orientation.

Recent Updates in New York Employment Law

Legislative updates are as the perfect example of New York as the Empire State Building or a Broadway premiere. They're constantly evolving, shaping, and purifying the rights of the labor force. Recent years have seen several significant updates, each with its own imprint on the overall employment aspect. 

1. The Expansion of Paid Family Leave: The march towards a more compassionate employment ecosystem culminated in the expansion of paid family leave. This revolutionary initiative provides employees with paid time off to care for family members or bond with a new child, resonating with New York's empathetic heart. 

2. The Fight for Equal Pay: The battle for gender pay equity rages on, echoing the progressive fervor of the women's rights movement. New York has taken substantial measures to close the wage gap, reinforcing the right to equal pay for equal work. 

3. The Growing Economy: The gig economy has surged, transforming the nature of work. New York's legal apparatus, agile as the city itself, has worked to provide protections and clarity for those who march to the beat of their own freelance or contract work. 

What Employees Should Do

The expanse of employment law can feel like a maze, but employees must familiarize themselves with their rights to avoid traps of unlawful workplace conduct. Being proactive is key; knowledge, as they say, is power. Here are a few tips: 

1. Be Aware: Attaining awareness of one’s employment rights is akin to fitting oneself with armor. It entails familiarizing oneself with both federal and state laws, knowing the specifics that pertain to one's job and being cognizant of recent developments that might affect the employment landscape. 

2. Assert Your Rights: To assert one’s rights in the workplace requires a blend of diplomacy and determination. Employees should not hesitate to engage with employers about workplace issues, keeping a professional stance while firmly articulating their position. 

3. Seek Legal Assistance: If you face a rights violation, knowing when to seek legal advice is key. Employment attorneys help everyday people navigate the complex legal system, offering insights and strategies for handling employment disputes effectively.

Common Ways Employee Rights are Violated

Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to recognizing the infringement of one’s employment rights. Employees should be vigilant, as violations often can be hidden in the workplace. 

Wage Theft and Underpayment 

The surreptitious act of wage theft takes many forms—unpaid overtime, illegal deductions, and not paying for donning and doffing, to name a few. New York's vigorous enforcement and stiff penalties are pillars of defense against these predatory practices. 

Wrongful Termination and Retaliation 

Employees often find themselves walking a tightrope when speaking out about workplace misconduct. Retaliation is a nefarious tool wielded by some employers, with wrongful termination often the outcome. 

Workplace Harassment and Discrimination 

Workplace discrimination and harassment can easily create a hostile workplace. New York's anti-discrimination laws, fortified by landmark cases, give employees a voice and a method for redress when facing such villainy. 

Strong Legal Representation

Understanding and utilizing the tools that employment law provides can help employees chart their professional course with confidence. Legal professionals play a pivotal role in this widespread commitment to workforce equality.  

Our attorney at J Goldman Law will gladly analyze your specific situation and develop a plan that caters to your needs. Together, we can protect your rights. Our firm proudly serves clients in New York City, including Midtown Manhattan, near Madison Avenue and E 38th Street, and throughout Manhattan, The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, East Village, Hell’s Kitchen, Upper West Side, Harlem, and throughout New York County.