Knowledgeable New Jersey Firm Advises on Sexual Harassment Laws

Proven Hackensack attorneys pursue relief for victimized employees

In many cases, sexual harassment persists because victims don’t understand their legal rights or the relief that is available to them. For clients in New Jersey and New York, Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C. clearly outlines the applicable laws and fights for appropriate remedies. We’ll make a detailed investigation of the facts in your case and explain how best to obtain relief and any available damages. Whether the situation requires communication with your employer, a hearing before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or a lawsuit in federal or state court, our experienced attorneys will work tirelessly to secure the justice you’re entitled to.

Skillful lawyers handle all types of sexual harassment claims

We work on behalf of women and men in the three types of legal matters relating to sexual harassment:

• Quid pro quo — If a boss or another person with authority over you uses that power to pressure you for sexual attention, our firm will assert your rights in an administrative proceeding or lawsuit.
• Hostile work environment — Sexual jokes, explicit photos, sexual comments, unwanted touching and other types of workplace misbehavior can make it nearly impossible for an employee to function. When this conduct is severe or pervasive to the point where a worker feels intimidated, we can pursue a hostile work environment claim.
• Retaliation — Punishing a worker because they complained of or opposed sexual harassment is also unlawful under sexual harassment laws. In Jackson v. Birmingham Board of Education, the Supreme Court of the United States extended legal protection to instances where a harassment victim suffered some type of negative job consequence after filing a complaint.

Whatever type of sexual harassment you’ve endured, we’ll outline your legal options and fight to obtain the resolution you deserve.

Through the years, society has changed and more women have entered the workforce. Accordingly federal law has evolved to address sexual harassment through advances such as:

• Civil Rights Act of 1964 — This landmark legislation barred employment discrimination related to sex, race, color, national origin, and religion, and it applies to employers with 15 or more employees. Some states, such as New Jersey, include additional protections.
• Classification of sexual harassment as unlawful discrimination — Though discrimination on the basis of sex had been on the books for more than two decades, it was a 1986 case before the U.S. Supreme Court that held sexual harassment was a form of prohibited discrimination. This decision in Meritor Savings Bank v. Vinson also created a precedent for hostile work environment claims.

As employment lawyers with decades of experience, we have a detailed understanding of the legal elements that must be proven in order to collect fair compensation.

Experienced counselors explain New Jersey’s Law Against Discrimination

New Jersey has a long history of protecting employees from workplace misconduct, dating back to the passage of the Law Against Discrimination in 1945. Unlike the federal statute, this state law includes protection for people who have been targeted due to their sexual orientation. If you’ve been harassed while at your job in New Jersey, we’ll go over each aspect of your case and counsel you on potential actions before the state’s Division on Civil Rights or the EEOC.

Contact a New Jersey lawyer for help with a sexual harassment claim

Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C. advocates for New Jersey employees in hostile work environment claims and other sexual harassment cases. Please call 201.518.9883 or contact us online to schedule a meeting at our office in Hackensack, located across the street from the Bergen County Courthouse.