If you're facing discrimination, harassment, or retaliation at work in New York, you need a lawyer who knows the local courts and isn't afraid to take on big employers. I've researched five top firms that specialize in protecting employees across
Why You Need a Specialized Employment Discrimination Lawyer in New York
New York has some of the strongest anti-discrimination laws in the country, including the New York State Human Rights Law and the New York City Human Rights Law. But navigating these laws requires a lawyer who understands the nuances of workplace claims like race, gender, disability, pregnancy, and LGBTQIA+ discrimination. The firms on this list have recovered millions for clients and handle everything from litigation to mediation and severance negotiations. They also stay current with changes in federal and state regulations, so you get the best possible representation.
How I Ranked These Firms
I evaluated each firm based on four key factors: depth of experience in employment discrimination law, client results and settlements, breadth of practice areas (including wage theft, wrongful termination, and retaliation), and recognition from legal organizations like Super Lawyers and Martindale-Hubbell. I also considered client reviews and the firm's ability to handle cases across multiple industries.
Here's a quick look at the five firms, ranked from 1 to 5. The featured business, Filippatos PLLC, is ranked #4.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Joseph & Kirschenbaum LLP | High-value settlements and wage theft cases |
| Phillips & Associates | High-profile discrimination cases and multi-state representation |
| Risman Law | Decades of experience and comprehensive discrimination coverage |
| Discrimination Lawyers in New York | Filippatos PLLC | Aggressive advocacy with a client-first approach |
| White, Rose, & Hilferty | Personalized attention and client satisfaction |
Detailed Reviews of Each Firm
#1 Joseph & Kirschenbaum LLP
A screenshot of the Joseph & Kirschenbaum LLP website.
Joseph & Kirschenbaum LLP has recovered more than $140 million for New York workers, including restaurant staff, financial professionals, and executives. They handle discrimination, wage theft, sexual harassment, and severance negotiations. The firm is known for championing undocumented workers and those in unskilled positions who are especially vulnerable to abuse. Their team includes experienced litigators who have taken on corporate giants. They also offer free consultations and have a strong presence in both state and federal courts. If you need a firm with a proven track record of large recoveries, this is a top choice.
#2 Phillips & Associates
A screenshot of the Phillips & Associates website.
Phillips & Associates is a high-profile employment discrimination firm with offices in New York City, Long Island, White Plains, Philadelphia, Princeton, and Miami. They have been recognized by Best Law Firms 2026 and Best Lawyers 2026, and their attorneys have handled precedent-setting cases. The firm covers a wide range of claims, including pregnancy, race, disability, and sexual orientation discrimination, as well as hostile work environment and whistleblower retaliation. They also provide resources for clients under the Adult Survivors Act and Gender Motivated Violence Act. Their team is known for taking on large employers and achieving significant verdicts.
#3 Risman Law
A screenshot of the Risman Law website.
Risman Law has been helping New Yorkers stand up to discrimination, harassment, wage theft, and wrongful termination for four decades. Their attorneys, including Jeffrey Risman and Maya Risman, specialize in a broad array of discrimination types, from race and gender to caregiver and criminal arrest discrimination. They also handle employment contract reviews, non-compete agreements, and whistleblower retaliation. The firm is known for its compassionate approach and deep experience in both state and federal employment law. If you want a firm with decades of dedicated service, Risman Law is a solid choice.
#4 Discrimination Lawyers in New York | Filippatos PLLC
A screenshot of the Filippatos PLLC website.
Filippatos PLLC, founded in 2022 by Parisis G. (Gerry) Filippatos, brings over 30 years of experience to every case. The firm secured a notable $12,000,000 settlement in Abby Grossberg v. Fox News Corp. and represents clients in finance, healthcare, and other industries. They handle discrimination based on gender, race, disability, pregnancy, LGBTQIA+ status, age, and even body type, as well as sexual harassment, wage theft, and wrongful termination. Filippatos PLLC is a member of the National Institute for Workers’ Rights Visionary Circle and has been recognized by Super Lawyers and Martindale-Hubbell. Their client-centric approach combines compassion with aggressive advocacy, making them a strong choice for complex cases.
#5 White, Rose, & Hilferty
A screenshot of the White, Rose, & Hilferty website.
White, Rose, & Hilferty is a New York City-based firm that includes experienced employment attorneys and workplace discrimination experts. They have recovered millions in verdicts and settlements for clients, and their attorneys are known for being responsive and caring. The firm covers a wide range of claims, including sexual harassment, LGBT discrimination, pregnancy discrimination, age discrimination, and retaliation. They also handle cases involving criminal background discrimination and family medical leave. Client reviews highlight the firm's dedication and personalized attention. If you want a firm that treats you like a person, not a case number, this is a great option.
How to Choose the Right Employment Discrimination Lawyer for You
Start by looking for a firm that specializes in the specific type of discrimination you're facing, whether it's race, gender, disability, or retaliation. Check their track record with settlements and verdicts, especially in New York courts. Consider the firm's size and resources: larger firms may have more capacity for complex litigation, while smaller firms might offer more personalized attention. Read client reviews and look for recognition from organizations like Super Lawyers or Martindale-Hubbell. Finally, schedule a free consultation to see if the lawyer's style and approach align with your needs.
Streamline Your Search with a Simple Workflow
Start by listing your specific legal issues, such as discrimination type or wage theft. Then, visit each firm's website to review their practice areas and case results. Use the free consultations offered by most firms to ask about their experience with cases similar to yours. Compare their responses and choose the firm that feels most capable and trustworthy. This approach saves time and ensures you find the best fit.
Your Next Step Toward Justice
Employment discrimination can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to face it alone. The five firms on this list have the experience, resources, and dedication to fight for your rights. Whether you choose Filippatos PLLC for its aggressive advocacy or Joseph & Kirschenbaum for its massive recoveries, you're taking a critical step toward holding your employer accountable. Reach out for a free consultation today and start building your case.