New York City Marital Status Discrimination Lawyers
Early in her career, the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg taught law at Rutgers Law School. The law school explicitly paid her significantly less than her male colleagues because she was married.
The law school told Ginsburg that she didn’t need the same pay as other professors because she had a male “breadwinner” to support her. Ginsburg and other female professors filed and won a class-action lawsuit against the law school.
Ginsburg’s experience was an example of workplace marital status discrimination. Unfortunately, this form of discrimination still persists today.
At Eisenberg & Baum, LLP, we believe that everyone deserves equal employment opportunities and fair treatment at work regardless of their marital status. We are here to help you uncover the truth of your situation and to stand up for your rights.
Our firm offers a free initial consultation about your case. We also represent clients on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay no legal fee unless we win your case. Reach out for help today at 212-353-8700 or by email using the contact form at the bottom of this page. Based in Manhattan, we take employment discrimination cases nationwide.
Does New York Consider Marital Status A Protected Class?
Yes. Both the New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL) and the New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL) recognize marital status as a protected class. For workers, this means that employers in New York cannot base decisions about hiring, promotions or other employment-related issues on whether you are married, single or widowed.
Additionally, federal anti-discrimination law also prohibits employment some forms of marital status discrimination. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 treats some marriage discrimination as sex discrimination, as the court found it did in Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s case. Our marital status discrimination lawyers can determine if you have a case under New York or federal law, or both.
What Are Some Examples Of Marital Status Discrimination In The Workplace?
Job-based marital status discrimination can occur in various forms:
- An interviewer questioning you about your marital status or your spouse’s employment status, and then refusing to hire you based on your answer
- Denial of promotions or other opportunities because you are married, single or widowed
- Unequal pay because of your marital status
- Unequal benefits based on your marital status
- Coworkers, supervisors or clients harassing you because of your marital status
- Being fired or selected for a layoff based on your marital status
It is not just hurt feelings at stake. Matrimonial status bias can affect your career opportunities and personal dignity at work. Our attorneys have the experience and passion to root it out and seek a just outcome to your case.
How Can You Prove Marital Status Discrimination?
It is not always easy to know whether you have a job discrimination case. Our marital status discrimination lawyers will listen to your story. We will then advise you about your rights and what evidence would be needed to prove your claim. That evidence could include:
- A detailed diary of any discriminatory acts you experience
- Statements from witnesses who observed the discrimination
- Emails, performance reviews and other documents showing unfair treatment
- Comparisons of your treatment with that of colleagues of different marital statuses who received more favorable actions
Should your case proceed to a lawsuit, our attorneys can further support your claim by gathering additional evidence via subpoenas, interrogatories and requests for documents.
Facing Marital Status Bias In The Workplace? Contact Us For A Free Consultation.
If you suspect that you have experienced job discrimination based on your marital status, do not hesitate to contact Eisenberg & Baum, LLP. With decades of experience and a commitment to justice, our marital status discrimination lawyers are prepared to fight for your rights. Reach out today at 212-353-8700 or email us to set up your free consultation.