New York Employment and Labor Law Attorneys
Protecting & Defending Businesses in the NYC Metro Area Since 1979
“The Queens Botanical Garden has been successfully represented in labor and employment-related matters by Stephen D. Hans & Associates for fifteen years, and I highly recommend this firm. The dedication, knowledge and experience that they bring to a not-for-profit employer like us is very comforting during difficult situations. They have helped us to successfully resolve difficult legal issues with their talent, negotiating skills, personal care and attention.”
Executive Director, Queens Botanical Garden
“For more than three decades, Stephen D. Hans & Associates, P.C. has served clients throughout the NYC metro area. Our many long-term client relationships attest to the trust our clients have placed in us and the high quality of legal services that we provide. The following are some examples of what our clients have to say about our law firm:*
I have personally known Stephen D. Hans for many years and I highly recommend him as an outstanding employment and labor attorney. Over the years, Stephen D. Hans & Associates has handled numerous legal matters referred by my firm with great skill, care and attention.”
– Hon. Peter F. Vallone, Sr.
Former Speaker
New York City Council
Practice Areas
Practice Areas
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
Overtime Myths in the Restaurant Industry
Overtime myths can circulate in any line of work, and the restaurant industry is no exception. Some of the most prevalent myths deal with wages and overtime. As an employer, it is vital that you don’t fall for these myths because they could lead to unnecessary disputes, lawsuits or compliance penalties.
An Employee Can Waive the Right to Overtime
Sometimes employers get the idea that if an employee is willing to work longer hours and waive overtime, it works out well for both of them. However, under the FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act) , when an employee who is not an exempt employee (not a manager, executive, etc.) works overtime (over 40 hours in a workweek), employers must pay the employee for overtime. A workweek can begin or end on any day that the employer designates.
In fact, an employee, who waived overtime, actually has the legal right to turn around and sue the employer for overtime pay.
Religious Discrimination and Undue Hardship
Religious discrimination in the workplace violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Employers must, for the most part, accommodate employees concerning their religious practices in regards to the following:
Flexible scheduling
Voluntary shift swaps or substitutions
Job reassignments
Modifications to workplace policies or practices
If a worker has to take day off for religious observance, the employer should make accommodations. Certain dress codes or grooming policies may need to be relaxed for wearing a Jewish yarmulke or Muslim headscarf, or for beards and long hair (Rastafarian dreadlocks or Sikh).
National Origin and Race Discrimination and Retaliation: EEOC Sues Long Island Company
Claims of national origin and race discrimination along with retaliation were the basis of an EEOC lawsuit brought against a Long Island Company headquartered in Massapequa, NY in August 2017.
A&F Fire Protection Co, Inc. is a sprinkler installation company that allegedly violated federal law by allowing a hostile work environment where black and Hispanic employees were routinely subjected to racial insults.
Details of the National Origin and Race Discrimination Allegations
30-30 Northern Blvd. Suite 401, Long Island City, New York 11101
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