Employment Law Attorneys East Rochester, NY

Dealing with employment disputes can feel incredibly overwhelming. Whether you're facing unfair treatment, wage issues, harassment, or the confusion of a sudden termination, stress quickly piles up. Your workplace should be a place of respect and fairness, not anxiety. 

At Horn Wright, LLP, we deeply understand how exhausting these situations are. Our seasoned employment law attorneys provide compassionate, aggressive legal representation right here in East Rochester. With years of experience navigating employment law in New York, we’re committed to giving you back your peace of mind. Work with one of the best law firms in America to protect your rights.

Understanding Your Rights as an Employee in East Rochester

You wake up every morning, put in the work, and expect to be treated with fairness and respect. Unfortunately, sometimes employers forget this basic rule, leaving you unsure of your rights. In East Rochester and throughout New York, you’re protected by laws that safeguard your dignity and well-being at work. Our local employment attorneys are ready to stand up to protect your rights.

Under New York State employment laws, your rights include:

• Protection from discrimination and harassment based on race, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, or disability.
• Fair wages and overtime pay ensured by New York Labor Law.
• Safe working conditions mandated by OSHA and state regulations.
• Family leave protection through the New York Paid Family Leave program.

If you feel your employer crossed a line, you have options. The Monroe County Human Rights Commission, located just off West Main Street in Rochester, can investigate claims of discrimination. Knowing your rights means you never have to face these battles alone.

Wrongful Termination: Recognizing When You've Been Unfairly Let Go

Getting fired isn't just about losing your paycheck, it hits your pride, your family’s stability, and your sense of self-worth. But not every termination is legal. Wrongful termination happens more often than you might think, especially when employers believe they can skirt the rules. Recognizing wrongful termination in East Rochester means knowing your employer can't fire you for discriminatory reasons, retaliation, or for asserting your legal rights. Hiring an experienced employment attorney is the best decision you can make.

So, how can you tell if your termination was wrongful?

• Were you fired after reporting harassment or safety issues?
• Did your employer violate terms outlined in your employment contract?
• Were you terminated based on age, gender, pregnancy, or disability?

If any of these sound familiar, you're likely facing wrongful termination. Acting quickly matters. Document everything. Save emails, texts, performance reviews, or any evidence that might prove your claim. The truth is powerful—and it can protect your livelihood.

Workplace Harassment and Discrimination: It's Not Okay, and You're Not Alone

No one deserves to dread going to work. Harassment and discrimination are deeply personal, exhausting experiences. You shouldn’t have to carry that weight every single day. Yet far too many employees quietly endure offensive jokes, uncomfortable advances, or hostile environments, worried that speaking up will make things worse.

New York laws—including the Human Rights Law—are firm: workplace harassment and discrimination aren’t just morally wrong, they're illegal. Harassment isn't always obvious; it can be subtle, persistent, and humiliating. Maybe you’ve dealt with unwanted advances at a small business on Commercial Street, or you've experienced subtle racial bias at a larger employer near Washington Street. Either way, these experiences leave scars.

The law protects you from harassment based on:

• Race or ethnicity
• Gender or sexual orientation
• Disability or medical condition
• Religion or nationality

Remember, you’re not alone. Thousands face these issues, and you have every right to hold employers accountable for toxic workplaces.

Wage and Hour Violations: Getting Paid Fairly Isn't Optional, It's Your Right

Your paycheck isn’t just numbers on paper; it's rent, groceries, childcare—your family’s stability. When your employer cheats you out of fair wages, it's personal. In East Rochester, wage theft takes many forms. Maybe you've noticed missing overtime, been denied proper breaks, or discovered deductions you didn’t authorize.

New York law fiercely protects your right to fair pay, ensuring minimum wage compliance and overtime compensation. Employers must keep accurate payroll records and pay you for all your work, including training, cleanup, or meetings outside regular hours. If you suspect wage theft, look for these signs:

• Being paid less than the minimum wage ($15/hour currently in Monroe County).
• Employer pressure to work off the clock or unpaid overtime.
• Misclassification as an independent contractor instead of employee.

You earned your money, every last penny. Don’t let anyone take what’s rightfully yours.

Family and Medical Leave: Protecting Your Job During Life’s Biggest Moments

Life throws curveballs. Serious illnesses happen. Families grow. During these pivotal times, work should be the last of your worries. Thankfully, New York’s Paid Family Leave and the federal Family and Medical Leave Act have your back.

Under New York’s Paid Family Leave, East Rochester residents qualify for:

• Up to 12 weeks of paid leave for bonding with a newborn, adopted, or foster child.
• Leave to care for a seriously ill family member or deal with family issues related to military service.
• Job protection ensuring your position or a similar one awaits your return.

When life demands your attention, these protections are vital. Your job shouldn’t disappear simply because you prioritized your family’s health or wellbeing.

Whistleblower Protections: Speaking Up Shouldn't Cost You Your Career

Witnessing wrongdoing at work places a heavy burden on you. Deciding whether to speak up can feel risky, especially if you fear retaliation. But you shouldn’t be punished for doing the right thing. Thankfully, New York’s whistleblower protections shield employees who report illegal or unethical actions, such as financial fraud, safety violations, or discrimination.

If you report misconduct at your job, your employer cannot legally retaliate by demoting you, firing you, or reducing your hours. The law encourages transparency, protecting employees brave enough to speak up. You have the right to hold your workplace accountable, without risking your career.

Employment Contracts and Severance Agreements: Know Before You Sign

Employment contracts and severance agreements look simple enough, but hidden clauses can have lasting consequences. Signing without fully understanding can lead to regret. Before you put your signature on any document, know exactly what you're agreeing to. Pay close attention to:

• Non-compete clauses limiting your future employment.
• Confidentiality agreements restricting your freedom to discuss working conditions.
• Severance details: compensation, healthcare coverage, or waivers of legal claims.

These agreements should protect both you and your employer. Understanding the terms gives you confidence, ensuring you're not blindsided later.

Frequently Asked Questions about Employment Law in East Rochester

Can my employer fire me without notice in East Rochester?

 Yes, New York is an at-will employment state, meaning employers can fire employees without notice—but not for illegal reasons, like discrimination or retaliation.

Am I eligible for overtime pay in New York?

 Most hourly employees qualify for overtime pay after working more than 40 hours a week, at 1.5 times the regular rate.

What counts as workplace harassment?

 Any unwelcome conduct creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment counts, including inappropriate jokes, advances, or bullying.

Trust Horn Wright, LLP, to Protect Your Rights and Restore Your Peace of Mind

Employment disputes are more than legal challenges—they're deeply personal. At Horn Wright, LLP, our East Rochester employment attorneys passionately advocate for your rights, dignity, and financial stability. From wrongful termination to wage disputes, we handle your legal burdens, so you can get your life back. You deserve experienced, compassionate representation. 

Contact our offices today for a FREE consultation.