Corporate sexual harassment and sex trafficking are pressing issues across industries, affecting individuals who are often the most vulnerable. New York City’s employment lawyers play a key role in addressing these cases, holding perpetrators accountable, and fighting for the compensation victims deserve. Through a combination of legal knowledge in employment and civil rights law, diligent case-building, extensive resources, and aggressive trial advocacy, a corporate sexual harassment lawyer can ensure that victims find justice in even the most challenging cases.
At Levine & Blit, our employment attorneys bring over three decades of success to cases across New York City and nationwide. Known for our personalized approach, high-powered representation, and commitment to client rights, Levine & Blit has earned a reputation for excellence in employment law. Contact us today to learn how our NYC employment lawyers can help combat corporate sexual harassment and sex trafficking, and support you in seeking justice and rightful compensation.
👉Also Read: Can I File a Sexual Harassment Claim for Incidents Outside of Work in NYC?
The Prevalence of Corporate Sexual Harassment and Sex Trafficking
Corporate sexual harassment and sex trafficking cases have surfaced in high-profile organizations over the past several years, uncovering a disturbing pattern of abuse, exploitation, and manipulation. Victims of corporate abuse are often young professionals, financially vulnerable, or individuals seeking opportunities for career advancement. This group may face not only physical and emotional abuse but also significant obstacles in coming forward due to threats of retaliation, job loss, and other career setbacks.
New York, being a global hub for major corporations, is at the forefront of handling corporate abuse cases. Local laws, along with the dedication of NYC employment attorneys, create a pathway for victims to seek justice, accountability, and compensation for the damages they endure. Experienced workplace sexual abuse attorneys in New York can provide robust legal help for trafficking victims and other corporate sexual misconduct victims.
Abercrombie & Fitch Legal Case: A Shocking Example of Corporate Sexual Misconduct
On October 22, 2024, former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Michael Jeffries, along with two associates, was arrested on charges of sex trafficking and interstate prostitution. From 2008 to 2015, Jeffries and his accomplices allegedly ran an international sex trafficking ring that preyed on vulnerable men by using promises of modeling careers, manipulation, and coercion to fulfill their desires. For some victims, attending Jeffries’ events seemed like an opportunity for a career in fashion; in reality, it became a nightmare of sexual exploitation and abuse.
The Abercrombie sexual misconduct case spotlights key issues that many victims face when confronting corporate sexual misconduct. Victims of abuse in corporate settings often grapple with complex emotional, psychological, and legal challenges. They may fear retaliation, feel powerless against powerful individuals or entities, or lack the resources needed to fight back. This is where the top-rated NYC employment attorneys at Levine & Blit step in, providing strong Abercrombie lawsuit representation, so that victims can receive maximum financial compensation they are entitled to.
Legal Protections for Victims of Corporate Sexual Harassment and Trafficking
In New York, several laws exist to protect individuals from sexual harassment and trafficking in the workplace. Seasoned New York sexual harassment attorneys leverage these to build cases against employers and perpetrators for all types of workplace sex acts, unwelcome sexual advances, unwelcome verbal and sexually offensive comments, or commercial sex trafficking.
New York Human Rights Law (NYHRL)
The New York Human Rights Law (NYHRL) prohibits workplace discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment, and applies to companies with as few as four employees. Under the NYHRL, employers are responsible for preventing and addressing harassment within their organizations. Failure to take corrective action or conduct an internal investigation can result in significant liability, making this law a critical avenue for holding employers accountable in cases of workplace misconduct. Victims may approach the New York State Division of Human Rights through an attorney in these cases.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the EEOC
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, a federal law enforced by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), prohibits employment discrimination based on sex, including sexual harassment, in companies with 15 or more employees. Victims can file a charge with the EEOC, which investigates claims and may pursue legal action or allow victims to take cases to court. Title VII holds both individuals and corporations accountable for permitting harassment, providing victims a pathway to seek justice and compensation.
Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA)
The Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) is a federal law that targets sex trafficking, including within corporate environments where individuals in positions of power are involved or fail to prevent trafficking. The TVPA allows sexually harassed victims of a corporate crime or corporate wrongdoing to sue for damages in civil court, providing a powerful legal tool to seek redress and financial compensation for trauma and harm.
New York Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law (VGMVPL)
The New York Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law (VGMVPL) empowers individuals to file civil suits if they have suffered gender-motivated violence, such as sexual assault or trafficking, within New York City. The VGMVPL enables victims to seek compensation for damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and punitive damages, creating additional accountability for perpetrators and corporate enablers.
How NYC Employment Lawyers Can Build a Case for Maximum Damages
Building a strong case in corporate sexual harassment and trafficking cases requires an intricate understanding of employment law, trauma, and corporate culture. Outstanding and accomplished NYC employment lawyers utilize a variety of strategies to ensure victims receive comprehensive compensation for their suffering.
Collecting Comprehensive Evidence
Evidence collection is vital in corporate sexual harassment and trafficking cases. NYC employment lawyers start by interviewing victims in detail, reviewing emails, internal messages, and documentation that reveal a pattern of misconduct. This documentation may include:
- Employee testimonies: Both from victims and other employees who may have witnessed the abuse or been subjected to similar misconduct.
- Performance evaluations: In cases where retaliatory actions are involved, such as sudden poor performance reviews after a complaint.
- Communication records: Emails, texts, and other documentation that may contain harassing language or coercive messages from the perpetrator.
Employment lawyers may also work with forensic experts to retrieve deleted files, video footage, or location data that corroborates the victim’s account.
Engaging Expert Testimonies
In building a compelling case, NYC attorneys often engage experts who can provide valuable insight:
- Mental health experts: These professionals assess the psychological impact of abuse and trafficking on the victim. Their assessments can substantiate claims for emotional distress and therapy costs.
- Vocational experts: In cases where harassment or trafficking leads to job loss or damages career prospects, vocational experts evaluate the victim’s economic losses, strengthening the case for lost wages and diminished earning potential.
- Law enforcement and trafficking specialists: When trafficking is involved, these experts can explain coercive tactics, force, and the manipulation often seen in corporate trafficking cases. This testimony may provide a clearer picture of the abusive power dynamics.
Seeking Punitive and Compensatory Damages
NYC employment attorneys aim to secure the full spectrum of damages for victims, addressing both tangible and intangible losses:
- Compensatory damages: These cover financial losses like medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages, and job retraining for victims who lost their jobs or were unable to work due to trauma.
- Punitive damages: In cases involving egregious misconduct, employment lawyers pursue punitive damages to penalize the corporation or individual responsible for abuse, creating financial repercussions for allowing such misconduct.
- Pain and suffering: Given the emotional and psychological toll of corporate harassment and trafficking, attorneys argue for damages that reflect the profound and lasting impact on the victim’s life.
👉Also Read: What am I Entitled to in the Law Against Sexual Harassment?
How NYC Employment Attorneys Help Victims Confront Retaliation and Fear
Corporate sexual harassment and trafficking victims often fear retaliation, a significant barrier to justice. NYC employment attorneys provide robust protections to ensure that victims feel secure as they pursue their claims:
- Anti-retaliation provisions: Under NYHRL and Title VII, victims have protections against workplace retaliation, meaning that employers who attempt to retaliate can face additional legal consequences.
- Confidential handling: Lawyers work to shield their clients’ identities when possible, ensuring their safety and privacy throughout the legal process.
- Corporate non-disclosure clauses: Some employers attempt to use non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to silence victims. Supreme and dependable employment lawyers understand the limitations of these clauses, especially when criminal activity is involved, and they challenge NDAs in court to enable victims to speak openly.
Advocacy for Corporate Culture Changes
Many NYC employment lawyers advocate not only for individual justice but also for corporate culture changes, which may include:
- Implementing stricter policies: Many lawyers push for corporate clients to enforce zero-tolerance policies on harassment and trafficking. They may include provisions for frequent training, third-party reporting mechanisms, and stricter penalties for perpetrators.
- Promoting transparency and accountability: Employment attorneys often call for independent oversight and routine audits of corporate practices to prevent future cases of harassment or trafficking.
- Supporting victims’ career recovery: In cases where career damage has occurred, attorneys negotiate compensation for retraining, career counseling, and additional resources to help the victim return to the workforce.
Why Choose Levine & Blit as Your NYC Corporate Sexual Harassment and Sex Trafficking Attorneys?
When facing corporate sexual harassment or sex trafficking, choosing a law firm that combines experience, dedication, and a legacy of results is crucial.
A Legacy of Service & Results
Levine & Blit has dedicated over 30 years to helping clients secure justice and significant compensation for employment law violations. Our firm’s history of success, marked by multi-million-dollar settlements and high-profile verdicts, makes us a trusted resource for individuals facing corporate abuse. Media outlets, including The New York Times, Forbes, and New York Daily News, frequently call upon us to comment on complex legal matters, recognizing our leadership in employment law.
A Deep Understanding of Employment Law
Our team of experienced attorneys is well-versed in a broad range of employment law areas, allowing us to tackle complex cases with depth and precision. From cases of wage theft and racial discrimination to disability discrimination, sexual harassment, and wrongful termination, Levine & Blit’s attorneys are equipped to handle the full spectrum of workplace abuses. Our services include reviewing employment and severance agreements to ensure your rights are protected, defending against unjust employer retaliation, and standing up against violations in federal employment law cases.
Proven Success in Corporate Sexual Harassment Cases
Corporate sexual harassment and sex trafficking cases demand a high level of legal expertise, resources, and an unyielding commitment to victims’ rights. Levine & Blit’s attorneys excel at building powerful cases against corporations, often securing lucrative settlements and verdicts that hold perpetrators accountable. We have gone up against Fortune 500 companies, major insurers, and other prominent entities, delivering justice for our clients with tenacious advocacy.
Personalized, Client-Focused Representation
At Levine & Blit, clients are more than just cases. We understand the emotional and financial toll that employment violations like corporate sexual harassment and trafficking can have. Our attorneys prioritize constant communication, keeping you informed of each development and ensuring that you feel supported throughout the process. With us, you’ll find an ally committed to defending your best interests and guiding you through the legal landscape with compassion and professionalism.
A Firm that Takes On High-Profile and Celebrity Cases
Our firm is highly experienced in handling cases for high-profile clients and understands the need for privacy and discretion in these matters. We are dedicated to minimizing public scrutiny while protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. We stand as a force in employment law, equipped with the resources and resolve to confront even the most powerful corporations on behalf of our clients.
👉Also Read: Unwelcome Sexual Advances: Protecting Your Workplace Rights Against Sexual Harassment
Our Sexual Harassment Lawyers NYC Will Fight to Maximize Your Compensation
Clients in New York and across the nation choose our corporate misconduct, sex trafficking and workplace sexual harassment lawyers for these reasons and more:
- Proven Track Record: With multi-million-dollar settlements and high-profile wins, our attorneys have proven time and again their ability to secure results.
- 100+ Years of Combined Experience: Our seasoned team brings unparalleled knowledge and expertise to each case, leveraging a century of combined experience in employment law.
- Team Approach: Our attorneys work collaboratively to maximize the effectiveness of our strategies and ensure that every aspect of your case is thoroughly addressed.
- Nationwide Reach: Levine & Blit serves clients across the U.S., bringing our expertise to you regardless of your location.
- Free Phone Evaluations: We believe everyone should have access to trusted legal advice. Our team is on standby to provide initial assessments of your case.
If you are facing corporate sexual harassment, sex trafficking, or other workplace abuses, Levine & Blit’s skilled attorneys are here to fight for you. With a client-centric approach, unmatched experience, and a history of delivering results, we are prepared to stand by your side and pursue the largest possible compensation you are entitled to. Call us at 646-461-6838 for a free phone evaluation or contact us online.