New York Employment Attorneys
At DearLegal, we connect you with experienced New York employment attorneys who handle NYHRL, NYCHRL, NY Labor Law, and federal employment claims for workers across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Buffalo, Rochester, and Long Island. Whether you're facing a Wall Street termination, a media-industry harassment claim, a wage-theft action, or a non-compete dispute, we'll match you with the right attorney — at no cost.
Why Do You Need a Employment Attorney in New York?
The New York State Human Rights Law (NYHRL, N.Y. Exec. Law § 290 et seq.) prohibits employment discrimination based on age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military status, sex (including pregnancy), disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, familial status, marital status, status as a victim of domestic violence, prior arrest or conviction (with limits), citizenship/immigration status, and reproductive health decisions. NYHRL covers ALL employers (1+ employee since 2019). The 3-year statute of limitations runs from the discriminatory act. The New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL, NYC Admin. Code § 8-101) is even broader and more worker-protective. Filings with the NY State Division of Human Rights (DHR) within 3 years, or direct lawsuit in Supreme Court. New York is at-will but provides extensive statutory protections. Recent legislation (S3100A) to ban non-competes was vetoed in 2023 — non-competes remain enforceable under common-law reasonableness. NY Labor Law § 191 requires timely wage payment with liquidated damages and personal liability. NY minimum wage is $16.00/hour (NYC/LI/Westchester) or $15.00/hour (rest of state, 2024). NY Paid Family Leave provides up to 12 weeks paid leave; NY Paid Prenatal Leave (2025).
When Do You Need a Employment Attorney in New York?
Our network includes New York employment attorneys who handle every kind of case, including:
Types of Employment Cases in New York
From the moment you connect with a New York employment attorney, they go to work protecting your claim. The most common case types we handle:
Common New York Employment Mistakes
Even a small misstep can hurt your case. Here’s what to avoid:
How Much Do New York Employment Attorneys Cost?
Typical starting contingency fee — you pay nothing unless your attorney recovers compensation for you.
New York employment attorneys work on contingency or hybrid arrangements — typically 33%–40% of recovery. NYHRL (uncapped state damages), NYCHRL (uncapped punitives), NY Labor Law (100% liquidated damages plus fees plus personal liability), and federal employment statutes shift attorney fees to the employer when the worker prevails. NY is one of the most worker-friendly jurisdictions in the country.
What Can Your New York Employment Compensation Include?
DearLegal is a legal referral service, not a law firm. We connect individuals with licensed attorneys who can evaluate their case. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice. Results vary based on individual circumstances.
