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
Are There Best Practices for Employers to Avoid Discrimination Issues?
It can be a relief when employers understand they can use best practices to avoid discrimination issues. As Benjamin Franklin said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” and this holds true for businesses that want to avoid discrimination litigation.
Not every business is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) laws. Businesses with 15 or more employees are subject to Title VII laws and businesses with 20 or more employees are subject to Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) laws. However in New York, employees with four or more employees are subject to New York Anti-discrimination laws.
Best Practices
The EEOC outlines best practices for HR professionals and employers to follow that encompass:
General work atmosphere
Recruitment/hiring/promotion
Terms, conditions and employment privileges
Harassment
How Prevalent Is Sexual Harassment in the Workplace?
As an employer, being knowledgeable about sexual harassment and the types of challenges you can potentially face is to your advantage. With proper insight, you can take preventative measures against having harassment arise in your work environment.
EEOC Study on Sexual Harassment
In 2015, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) received an estimated 28,000 charges that alleged sexual harassment from employees who worked for private employers or state or local government employers.
Of all the harassment charges filed, the greatest percentage (45%) was based on sex.
Other discrimination harassment incidents broke down percentage-wise as follows:
What Should You Include in an Employee Handbook?
Employee handbooks are a proactive measure for businesses to protect employee’s rights and also provide the business with legal protection.
Employee Handbook Sections
The Small Business Administration (SBA) provides useful information about writing employee handbooks. Companies should consider including the following sections:
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