Employment Law Attorneys in Rochester, NY

Working to Protect Your Rights as an Employee

As an employee in the state of New York, you have certain legal rights. When employers and other parties try to take advantage of workers and violate those rights, employees can fight back. At Horn Wright, LLP, we represent workers in all types of employment disputes and related legal matters in Rochester and throughout New York State. Whether you are dealing with an hour or wage dispute or need assistance with an employment contract disagreement, our firm is prepared to represent you with honesty and integrity at every stage of the legal process.

To learn more about how our Rochester employment law attorneys can help you with your case, contact us at (585) 245-0255 for a complimentary consultation.

Types of Employment Law Cases We Handle

Our firm represents workers who have had their rights violated or who are engaged in disputes with their employers. Whether you were denied your state-mandated meal or rest breaks, were not paid for overtime hours, or are the victim of workplace discrimination or harassment, our attorneys are here to help you understand your legal rights and work to ensure they are protected.

We can assist you with any of the following:

• Wage and hour disputes: These disagreements arise when an employee believes they haven't been paid correctly according to New York State labor laws. This can include issues like unpaid minimum wage, unpaid overtime, misclassification as exempt, illegal deductions from paychecks, unpaid commissions or bonuses, and more.
• Unpaid meal/rest breaks: New York law mandates employers to provide unpaid meal and rest breaks for employees who work specific hours. If these breaks aren't provided, it can be a wage and hour dispute.
• Unpaid overtime: New York requires employers to pay overtime, which is typically time-and-a-half your regular wage, for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek. Certain exceptions exist depending on the industry and employee classification.
• Discrimination: This occurs when an employer treats an employee differently based on a protected characteristic like race, religion, gender, age, disability, or national origin. This can affect hiring, promotions, pay, or work conditions.
• Harassment/sexual harassment: Harassment creates a hostile work environment through offensive behavior. Sexual harassment is a specific type of harassment that involves unwelcome sexual advances or conduct. Both are illegal in New York.
• Retaliation: It's illegal for an employer to punish an employee for complaining about discrimination, harassment, or other workplace violations.
• Sick leave/maternity leave issues under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): The federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) applies to some New York employers. It guarantees eligible employees (who meet certain criteria) 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for serious medical conditions, childbirth, or caring for sick family members. Issues can arise around qualifying for leave, job security during leave, or reinstatement upon return.
• Minimum wage disputes: New York has a minimum wage, which changes depending on location and industry. If you believe you're being paid less than the legal minimum, you have grounds for a dispute.
• Wrongful termination: This happens when an employer fires you for an illegal reason, such as discrimination, retaliation, or violating a contract. New York is an "at-will" employment state, so generally employers can fire you without cause. However, they can't do so for illegal reasons.

Fighting back against your employer’s unjust and wrongful actions can be intimidating, but with our Rochester employment law attorneys on your side, you can trust that your best interests are being protected.

What Is Workplace Discrimination?

Both federal and state laws prohibit employers from discriminating against employees based on certain protected classes.

In the state of New York, these protected classes include:

• Race
• Color
• Creed
• Age/perceived age
• National origin
• Citizenship/immigration status
• Gender
• Gender identity/expression
• Sexual orientation
• Marital/partnership status
• Military status
• Disability
• Pregnancy
• Caregiver status
• Arrest/conviction record
• Domestic violence/stalking/sex offense victim status

If you have been discriminated against or are the victim of harassment, including sexual harassment, you have grounds to take action against the liable party. The same is true if you were fired or retaliated against—including have benefits taken away or denied a promotion—on the basis of any protected class.

Contact Our Firm Today

At Horn Wright, LLP, our Rochester employment law attorneys can help you navigate the process of seeking justice. We are committed to providing our clients with the highest level of ethical service and doing everything in our power to help our clients succeed.

Contact us today to schedule a free and confidential consultation.