New York Employment and Labor Law Attorneys
Protecting & Defending Businesses in the NYC Metro Area Since 1979




Sexual Harassment Complaint Hotline Has Gone Live
Employers should take note and understand how the hotline works
New York State now offers a sexual harassment complaint hotline for employees. Workers complaining of workplace harassment can call, and their conversation will remain confidential. Read more
Protecting & Defending Businesses in the NYC Metro Area Since 1979
At Stephen D. Hans & Associates, P.C., our attorneys represent small and mid-sized businesses in a broad range of labor and employment matters. Our practice areas include:
- Workplace Discrimination & Harassment
- Wage & Hour Litigation & Compliance
- US/NYS Department of Labor Investigations & Proceedings
- Retaliation/Whistleblower Claims
- Employment Law/Human Resources Consulting
- Employment & Severance Agreements
- Union Grievances/Arbitrations & Collective Bargaining
Affordable Legal Help
In today’s business climate, employment-related litigation is often an unfortunate reality for employers and a necessary cost of doing business in New York. At Stephen D. Hans & Associates, we know the frustration and disillusionment employment lawsuits and investigations can cause. We understand your situation and the pressures that you are under, and offer affordable legal representation and flexible billing options.
Employment Law Expertise
For more than three decades, our firm has represented New York businesses involved in labor disputes, employment lawsuits and employment-related government agency investigations. Our attorneys have demonstrated expertise in employer counseling, and development of employment policies and procedures designed to reduce exposure to costly and time-consuming lawsuits.
Our practice extends beyond litigation to all areas of employment law and human resources consulting, including negotiation and preparation of employment and severance agreements, creation and implementation of individualized HR policies and procedures, conducting internal investigations and representing management in union-related matters.
Our attorneys have a proven track record of successfully defending countless commercial enterprises and individual business owners in both New York State and Federal courts. The positive results we have achieved for our clients also include representation in administrative proceedings before government agencies, such as the NYS Department of Labor, the National Labor Relations Board and the NYS Division of Human Rights.
Labor & Employment Lawyers
If you are a small or mid-sized business owner facing an employment lawsuit or investigation, or if you need legal help to avoid costly and distracting employment disputes, call our law firm at (718) 275-6700 to arrange a consultation. We look forward to working with you to resolve your existing employment issues and to prevent future ones from arising.
Conveniently located in the main business district of Long Island City, Queens, our office is easily accessible by car or public transportation from Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Long Island and Westchester.
Recent Blogs
A New NLRB Roadmap for Employee Handbooks
What Are the Current NLRB Handbook Guidelines for Employers?
Through a number of legal cases, including the 2004 Lutheran Heritage decision and later decisions, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) deemed certain employee handbook rules as unlawful. They adjudicated that they were in violation of employees Section 7 rights (right to self-organize and right to collective bargaining).
As a result, for a number of years workplace rules established by employers came under scrutiny and more harsh restrictions.
However, the NLRB MEMORANDUM GC 18-04, released on June 15, 2018, restored commonplace rules that previously were under attack.
Have You Been Accused of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace?
Attorney Stephen Hans appeared in an NY NBC video to give a statement regarding the case brought against his client by rehab counselor Jennifer Lastra.
Growing Concerns About Sexual Harassment in Employment Environments
New York NBC News recently reported that more than $5 million has gone into settling lawsuits brought against 70 New York employees accused of sexual harassment or gender discrimination.
In addition, half of the accused employees have been allowed to keep their jobs.
New York City’s Earned Safe and Sick Time Act
ESTA and ESSTA
The revised Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) is now called the Earned Safe and Sick Time Act (ESSTA), and it became effective on May 5, 2018.
Employers should provide all newly hired employees with a Notice of Employee Rights and also provide it to all current employees that were hired prior to June 4, 2018.
How Does ESSTA Differ from ETSA?
ESSTA differs from ESTA in mainly two ways.
Expanded Definition of Family Member
It provides a more comprehensive definition of a family member, which includes any individual who is blood related to the employee and also individuals whose close connection with the employee is equivalent to a family relationship.












