Employment Discrimination

Employment law is a vast and complex field that governs how employers must treat their employees, former employees, and job applicants. These laws exist at both state and federal levels to ensure fair treatment in the workplace.

The attorneys at Newman Ferrara have extensive experience representing both employers and employees in employment-related disputes, including:

• Employment Discrimination – Cases involving unfair treatment based on race, gender, age, religion, national origin, disability, or other protected characteristics.
• Affirmative Action – Ensuring compliance with policies designed to promote equal opportunities in hiring and promotions.
• Sexual Harassment – Addressing workplace harassment and hostile work environments.
• Employee Benefits – Legal issues related to health insurance, retirement plans, and other employee benefits.
• Whistleblower Litigation – Representing employees who report illegal or unethical practices within their organizations.
• Wrongful Discharge – Cases involving employees who have been unfairly or illegally terminated.
• Employment Contracts – Ensuring fair terms in employment agreements, including non-compete clauses and severance packages.

By advocating for fairness in the workplace, Newman Ferrara works to protect employees' rights while also helping employers comply with legal obligations.

Marriage Equality & Sexual Orientation Discrimination

The fight for LGBTQ+ rights has been one of the most significant civil rights movements in modern history. Discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity continues to affect many individuals in areas such as:

• Employment
• Housing
• Public accommodations
• Health care
• Education

Newman Ferrara attorneys are committed to advancing marriage equality and LGBTQ+ rights. They have taken on major litigation in this field to ensure that same-sex couples and LGBTQ+ individuals are treated fairly under the law.

Voting Rights

Voting rights are fundamental to democracy, yet legal challenges continue to arise that threaten fair access to the ballot. Newman Ferrara attorneys are recognized experts in voting rights litigation and have been involved in major cases aimed at protecting voters' rights.

• Their work focuses on:
• The Voting Rights Act of 1965 – Enforcing laws designed to prevent racial discrimination in voting.
• Challenging at-large election systems – Ensuring minority communities have fair representation.
• Fighting discriminatory redistricting practices – Addressing gerrymandering that dilutes the power of certain voter groups.

Professor Randolph McLaughlin, Chair of Newman Ferrara’s Civil Rights Practice Group, played a key role in the landmark case Goosby v. Town of Hempstead. This case helped set an important legal precedent in voting rights law, ensuring that electoral systems do not unfairly disadvantage minority communities.

Through their work, Newman Ferrara attorneys continue to protect every citizen’s right to vote and fight against laws or practices that seek to suppress voter participation.

Police Misconduct

The U.S. Constitution guarantees individuals protection from unreasonable searches, wrongful arrests, and excessive force by law enforcement. Unfortunately, instances of police misconduct still occur, often leading to devastating consequences for victims and their families.

Newman Ferrara attorneys have successfully represented clients in cases involving:

• Excessive Force – Unlawful physical harm by police officers.
• Warrantless Searches – Protecting individuals from illegal invasions of privacy.
• False Arrest – Holding law enforcement accountable for arresting individuals without legal justification.
• Malicious Prosecution – Fighting wrongful criminal charges brought against innocent individuals.
• Wrongful Death – Representing families who have lost loved ones due to police violence.

By holding officers accountable, Newman Ferrara helps protect civil rights and push for greater police accountability and reform.

Housing Discrimination

Housing discrimination remains a major issue, preventing individuals and families from accessing fair and equal housing opportunities. Discriminatory practices can take many forms, including:

• Refusal to rent or sell based on race, gender, disability, or other protected characteristics.
• Unfair lending practices that disproportionately impact minority communities.
• Evictions and foreclosures motivated by discrimination rather than legal grounds.

Newman Ferrara attorneys help clients navigate federal, state, and local housing laws, ensuring that individuals are not denied housing opportunities based on discriminatory practices. Their work is essential in enforcing fair housing laws and holding landlords, real estate agents, and financial institutions accountable.

Open Government & Transparency

Transparency is critical to maintaining public trust in government. Laws such as the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) at the federal level and New York State’s Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) ensure that government decision-making remains open and accountable.

Newman Ferrara attorneys work to protect the public’s right to access information, helping individuals and organizations:

• Request government records from federal, state, and local agencies.
• Challenge illegal government actions that violate transparency laws.
• Ensure compliance with Open Meetings laws, which require government meetings to be accessible to the public.

By fighting for open government, Newman Ferrara helps citizens stay informed and engaged in the democratic process.

Community-Oriented Development

Land development and urban planning significantly impact local communities. Newman Ferrara attorneys assist:

• Residents, businesses, and community groups in understanding and participating in the development approval process.
• Developers who want to work cooperatively with local communities to create responsible, community-driven projects.
• Their work focuses on ensuring that development projects:
• Respect the rights and concerns of local residents.
• Promote smart, sustainable growth.
• Enhance community quality of life rather than disrupt it.

By balancing the interests of both developers and residents, Newman Ferrara helps shape development projects that benefit entire communities rather than just private interests.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What should I do if I believe I’ve been discriminated against at work?

• If you believe you have experienced workplace discrimination, the first step is to document everything. Keep a record of incidents, including dates, times, and any witnesses. If possible, report the issue to your HR department or supervisor. Additionally, save any emails, messages, or documents that support your claim. Consulting an employment attorney can help you understand your legal options and determine the best course of action.

Can I sue my employer for wrongful termination?

• Wrongful termination occurs when an employer fires an employee for illegal reasons, such as discrimination, retaliation, or breach of contract. If you were fired after reporting harassment, filing a complaint, or because of your race, gender, age, or other protected characteristic, you may have a case. An employment attorney can review your situation and help you determine if legal action is appropriate.

How can I tell if I’m a victim of housing discrimination?

• Housing discrimination can take many forms. If a landlord refuses to rent or sell to you because of your race, religion, disability, or family status, it may be illegal. Other signs include being offered different rental terms, higher prices, or being denied a loan due to your background. If you suspect discrimination, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or seek legal advice.

What rights do I have if I was arrested without cause?

• If you were arrested without legal justification, you may have a false arrest claim. The U.S. Constitution protects you from being detained without probable cause. You have the right to remain silent, request an attorney, and challenge your arrest in court. If your rights were violated, you may also be able to file a civil lawsuit. Speaking with an attorney can help you understand your legal options.

How do I report police misconduct?

• If you have experienced police misconduct, it is important to document the details as soon as possible. Write down officer names, badge numbers, and the events leading up to the incident. You can file a complaint with the local police department or an independent oversight agency. If you have suffered harm, seeking legal representation can help you hold the officers accountable. In some cases, you may be able to pursue a civil rights lawsuit.

Can the government deny my request for public records?

• Government agencies must provide public records under laws like the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), but there are some exemptions. Requests can be denied for reasons such as national security concerns, privacy protections, or ongoing investigations. If your request is denied, you have the right to appeal or take legal action to challenge the decision. Transparency laws exist to ensure that government agencies remain accountable to the public.

How does redistricting affect my voting rights?

• Redistricting can impact elections by changing district boundaries. In some cases, it is used to manipulate voter representation through gerrymandering. This practice can weaken the voting power of minority communities or favor a particular political party. If you believe redistricting in your area is unfair, you may be able to challenge it in court. Voting rights attorneys can help assess whether changes violate federal or state election laws.

Have Questions About Your Case? Contact us at (212) 619-5400 or visit our office to discuss your legal options. We're here to help!