Law books and gavel representing employee rights

Know your rights before you need them

New York Employee Rights Center

Plain-language guides on the laws that protect New York workers — written by employment attorney Sean O'Hara. Understanding your rights is the first step toward protecting them.

Why This Resource Exists

Most employees don't know what the law actually says until something goes wrong at work. By then, deadlines may have passed and evidence may be gone. These guides are written to give you the knowledge you need before a crisis — so you can recognize unlawful conduct, document it correctly, and understand your options.

Free guides

8 Guides for New York Workers

Harassment

Sexual Harassment at Work: What New York Law Actually Says

New York has the strongest anti-harassment laws in the country. Learn what qualifies as sexual harassment, what your employer is required to do, and what happens when they fail.

14 min read

Discrimination

Workplace Discrimination in New York: Protected Classes and Your Rights

New York law protects workers from discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, and many other characteristics. Here is what that protection actually means.

9 min read

Retaliation

Workplace Retaliation: What It Is and How to Protect Yourself

Retaliation is one of the most common employment law claims in New York. If your employer punished you for reporting discrimination, filing a complaint, or exercising a legal right, you may have a strong case.

7 min read

Termination

Wrongful Termination in New York: What 'At-Will' Employment Actually Means

New York is an at-will employment state — but that does not mean your employer can fire you for any reason. Discrimination, retaliation, and contract violations are all unlawful grounds for termination.

8 min read

Wages

Wage Theft in New York: Unpaid Wages, Overtime, and Tip Violations

New York has some of the strongest wage protection laws in the country. If your employer has shorted your pay, denied overtime, or stolen your tips, you may be entitled to double damages plus attorney's fees.

7 min read

Disability

Disability Accommodation at Work: What New York Employers Must Provide

New York employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities. Learn what qualifies as a disability, what accommodations you can request, and what to do when your employer refuses.

8 min read

Leave

Protected Leave in New York: FMLA, Paid Family Leave, and Sick Leave Rights

New York workers have some of the strongest leave rights in the country. Here is what you are entitled to — and what your employer cannot do when you take it.

7 min read

Severance

Severance Agreements in New York: What You Are Signing Away

Most severance agreements require you to waive your legal claims. Before you sign, understand what you are giving up — and whether the severance offered is fair compensation for those claims.

6 min read

Have a Specific Situation?

These guides cover the law in general terms. If you believe your employer has treated you unlawfully, contact Sean for a confidential consultation about your specific circumstances.

Request a Consultation (516) 268-3016

These guides are for general informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Reading this material does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change; consult an attorney about your specific situation.