Glass Ceiling Lawyer in New York

Filippatos PLLC Takes on the Glass Ceiling

In today’s workplace climate, the glass ceiling is still an unfortunate obstacle for far too many women and people of other marginalized identities trying to advance their careers. At Filippatos PLLC, we are dedicated to staunchly defending the rights of women and employees of other marginalized groups who are victims of glass ceiling discrimination.

Individuals facing the glass ceiling often feel powerless against corporate cultures that believe men (namely white men) are the only capable candidates for leadership positions in an organization.

Our founding partner Gerry Filippatos served as the principal litigator for Alison Schieffel in a glass ceiling class action case brought by the EEOC against Morgan Stanley, which resulted in a landmark settlement of $54 million in 2004.

Fighting Against Glass Ceiling Discrimination in the Workplace

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 includes protections for female employees against discrimination involving any aspect of their job, including pay, promotions, benefits, or duties.

These protections also apply to people in other marginalized categories. Federal law pertains to any company with at least 15 employees.

New York State and New York City laws expand these same protections to cover companies with as few as four employees. No matter how small an organization you work for, your rights as an employee are protected just as strongly as they are at a major corporation.

We at Filippatos PLLC are here to ensure your case is reviewed thoroughly so you may receive the compensation you deserve. Not pursuing your glass ceiling case could mean financial loss or even wrongful termination.

Signs of Glass Ceiling Discrimination

Hitting the glass ceiling might not be that obvious. However, there are signs that your promotions or progress within your organization stalled because of discrimination.

Common signs of glass ceiling discrimination include:

• Being denied a job promotion even when having a history of strong job performance and the proper qualifications
• Not being given the responsibility and visibility of handling high-volume or valuable clients
• Exclusion from meetings involving discussions of pertinent, vital department or company information
• Receiving degrading or demeaning comments based on sex or race
• Being overlooked or not included for leadership training or experience opportunities
• Being denied resources to be successful in a current position
• Not receiving comparable pay or bonus payouts to white male counterparts performing the same level of work
• Working in a company with a history of not having anyone other than white males in leadership roles

How to Address Glass Ceiling Discrimination

What should you do if you feel like you’re a victim of glass ceiling discrimination? Most companies have a Human Resources department (HR) or employee handbook outlining proper steps to take within the organization. For the strongest case, here are some critical steps to take:

• File a written complaint and follow any steps outlined by HR or the company’s guidelines
• Familiarize yourself with the amount of time you have to file a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
• Speak with a qualified and experienced glass ceiling attorney at Filippatos PLLC by scheduling a free consultation

How to File a Glass Ceiling Discrimination Claim

If you believe you have been discriminated against in the workplace because you “reached the glass ceiling,” you have the right to pursue legal action.

You should consider filing a written complaint with your supervisor or human resources department and keeping a copy for your records. Document each incident thoroughly, noting the time, date, place, and any witnesses.

You may also choose to file a glass ceiling discrimination claim with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). It is always best to obtain effective legal representation prior to filing a complaint with an administrative agency.

Discrimination claims should be filed within 180 days of the illegal action, although this deadline may be extended to 300 days in some cases. Additionally, you may file a local claim with the New York State Division of Human Rights or the New York City Commission on Human Rights.

You should always speak up about discrimination or harassment in your workplace. Once you file a formal complaint, you enjoy additional legal protections against retaliation. Remember, it is illegal for an employer to retaliate against you for filing a glass ceiling discrimination claim.

Damages to Recover from Glass Ceiling Discrimination

If you have been a victim of glass ceiling discrimination in the workplace, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and benefits, emotional distress, attorney’s fees, and punitive damages.

Filippatos PLLC is Dedicated to Protecting You Against Glass Ceiling Discrimination

If you believe you have been discriminated against at work due to a glass ceiling barrier, please do not hesitate to call 888-9-JOBLAW, or contact us. We are based in New York City but serve throughout New York, including the Greater Tri-State area of New Jersey and Connecticut, as well as Florida.

At Filippatos PLLC, we believe all individuals—from factory workers to boardroom executives—are entitled to fair pay and a workplace free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Our team of experienced NYC glass ceiling discrimination lawyers will fight hard to secure you the dignity, respect, and justice you deserve.