
YOUR EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS MATTER


Employment Law Attorneys in New York City
Serving Brooklyn, Long Island, Westchester County, New York State, and New Jersey
At Brown Kwon & Lam, our employment law attorneys provide accessible, reliable, and experienced legal counsel to individuals across Long Island, Westchester County, and throughout New York State. We operate on the core principle that every legal matter matters and every employee deserves fair treatment at work. Our team works to ensure that all clients understand their rights and the legal process, empowering them with knowledge and strong representation.
Our New York City labor law attorneys assist clients facing a wide range of workplace challenges. Employment discrimination, whether in hiring, pay, or promotion, needs to be addressed promptly. We support those experiencing sexual harassment with both compassion and sound legal guidance. Our attorneys have substantial experience handling employment contracts and wage and hour violations, applying a thorough understanding of state and federal law to each unique situation.
We also advise on retaliation claims, whistleblower protections, and issues that arise under both the New York State Human Rights Law and the New York City Human Rights Law. By staying current with changes in New York employment law, our team guides clients through workplace standards and compliance obligations. Our experience spans industries common in the New York metro area, including finance, retail, healthcare, and hospitality. We focus on personalized service by meeting clients at our Manhattan office or connecting virtually to serve clients throughout the boroughs and counties.
Rely on the expertise of a skilled employee rights lawyer in New York. Contact us or call (212) 295-5828 now to arrange your consultation without delay.
Understanding New York Labor Laws
New York employment laws protect workers by ensuring fair practices in areas such as hiring, workplace safety, and wage payments. Both employers and employees benefit from understanding these laws to maintain compliance and resolve disputes efficiently. State-specific regulations, including the New York State Human Rights Law, offer significant protections against discrimination based on race, gender, disability, and other protected characteristics.
The New York Paid Family Leave Act gives employees the right to take paid time off for family-related reasons, such as caring for a new child or addressing certain family health needs. These laws show New York’s commitment to supporting workers and their families. Knowing these key rights lets people approach workplace challenges with greater confidence and preparation.
New York enforces a robust minimum wage system that often exceeds federal requirements. Wage orders and tip credits differ by industry, and regional wage rates apply in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester. Employees have a right to seek legal remedies when employers violate these standards, including unpaid overtime and unlawful deductions. Local laws, such as the NYC Earned Safe and Sick Time Act, add job protections and highlight the city's leadership in advancing employee rights. By guiding clients through these legal requirements, Brown Kwon & Lam ensures they receive the benefits and protections they deserve under employment law in New York.
Common Employee Rights Violations in New York
Employees across New York City and surrounding regions face a wide array of challenges that threaten their workplace rights. Common violations include unpaid overtime, unlawful wage deductions, misclassification of workers as independent contractors, and denial of legally required breaks. New York labor laws and city regulations protect employees in both public and private sectors from such practices while holding employers accountable for compliance at every step.
Discrimination based on age, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability occurs in hiring, promotions, and daily work environments. Sexual harassment remains a significant concern regardless of company size or industry. In retail, restaurant, and healthcare settings—industries found throughout New York—employees can be vulnerable to wage theft and harassment issues due to shift work and frequent staff turnover.
Whistleblowers and those who raise workplace concerns receive protection against retaliation under New York State law. The state has strengthened these protections to ensure that workers who speak up are not penalized for defending their rights. By understanding these violations, employees and employers can take informed steps to create safer and more equitable workplaces across the city and outlying counties.
Your Steps After Experiencing a Workplace Violation
If you believe your rights as an employee have been violated in New York, you have concrete steps available. First, document all incidents by keeping detailed records, emails, text messages, and dates relevant to the situation. Gather employment agreements, pay stubs, and employee handbooks to support your position. When possible, follow your internal reporting procedures, often outlined within an employer’s HR policy.
Consulting with an employment law attorney in New York can make a difference in understanding your legal options. New York law provides administrative channels, such as the New York State Division of Human Rights or the NYC Commission on Human Rights, for those pursuing discrimination or retaliation claims. Filing deadlines and procedures may vary depending on which law is involved. A lawyer can clarify which laws apply to your case, recommend helpful documentation, and explain how to respond if your employer attempts retaliation or dismissal.
We focus on accessibility so clients can reach us directly for updates and support as their situation progresses. We demystify the legal landscape and advocate for your fair treatment while keeping you informed of every significant development. Taking these steps with knowledgeable guidance helps protect your immediate and future employment rights in New York City and the surrounding areas.
Why Choose a Local Employment Law Attorney in New York?
New York’s employment environment operates under a unique blend of state and local laws shaping how workers and businesses interact. Local attorneys remain up-to-date on recent court outcomes, policy changes, and city-specific regulations, providing timely advice that fits each client's circumstances. They understand New York workplaces' dynamics and industry nuances, from the financial district’s high-stakes cases to Brooklyn’s creative and service sectors.
Hiring a New York-based employment lawyer like those at Brown Kwon & Lam gives clients clear insight about city and county agencies, labor commissions, and local courts. We tailor our legal strategies to your neighborhood, job situation, and long-term goals. Our local focus means we are available to meet in person or virtually, offer guidance on current wage laws, and act quickly when your workplace needs change. Personalized attention is a key part of our approach, as clients remain informed and supported throughout their case.
Connect with an experienced employment law attorney in New York without delay. Submit an online form to get started.
FAQs
How quickly should I act if I face workplace discrimination in New York?

How Can We Help?
Your Trusted Ally in Employment Law
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Wage and Hour ViolationsWage and Hour Violations
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Tip & Tip Theft IssuesTip & Tip Theft Issues
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Illegal deductionsIllegal deductions
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Failure to Pay CommissionsFailure to Pay Commissions
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Minimum Wage ViolationsMinimum Wage Violations
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Workplace ViolationsWorkplace Violations
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Employment DiscriminationEmployment Discrimination

What Makes Us Different
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Experience legal service that is tailored to your specific needs, where you're treated like family.
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Your case is our priority; expect unparalleled attention to detail.
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We're relentless in securing the best outcomes for you, ensuring favorable results every time.

Our New York City Employment Law Firm Is Here for You
People work for many different reasons. Some pursue deeply fulfilling career paths, while others work to support their families and meet basic needs. Regardless, every employee deserves fair treatment at work. This right includes a safe workplace, free from discrimination and harassment, where everyone’s contributions have value.
Fair treatment also means unbiased hiring practices, reasonable paths to promotion, proper compensation for qualifications and job performance, and on-time payment. Federal and New York State laws create these protections as a foundation for safe and equitable workplaces.
Our attorneys value every story we hear and recognize the stress that workplace violations cause. New York’s diverse workforce faces unique challenges, from the fast pace of Manhattan offices to the demands in hospitality, transportation, or service work. We closely follow how local employment trends and policies impact workplaces across the boroughs and continually adjust our approach to respond. By listening to the personal circumstances behind each case, we craft strategies tailored to the client's goals and the realities of their work environment.
Protections do not protect anyone if harmed employees cannot reach a reliable employment lawyer—someone who listens to their story and respects every concern. When attorneys disregard cases or fail to provide personal attention, legal protections fall short. Brown Kwon & Lam exists to ensure each employee feels respected and heard, with the chance to share concerns and receive focused guidance from a professional employment law lawyer in New York.
Our qualified employee rights attorney in New York is here to assist you. Call (212) 295-5828 to schedule your initial consultation without delay.

