When your rights are denied by a business, a landlord or the government
Equal treatment is the law
Federal, state and city laws protect people from being shut out, treated worse, or harmed because of who they are, and from abuse of power by government officials. When those rights are violated, the law can require the wrongdoer to change its practices and to compensate the people it harmed.
Our civil rights practice
- ADA and disability access: inaccessible businesses, websites, apps and services
- Housing and public accommodation discrimination: landlords, stores, restaurants and other businesses open to the public
- Workplace discrimination and harassment: hiring, pay, promotion, firing and accommodation
- Police abuse and false arrest: claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and state law
The laws that apply
The Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Housing Act, Title VII and 42 U.S.C. § 1983 at the federal level; the New York State Human Rights Law and the New York City Human Rights Law, which are broader than federal law in many ways; and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination. Different laws have different deadlines, so it is important to act promptly.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as a civil rights violation?
Being denied housing, service, a job or equal access because of a protected trait such as race, national origin, religion, sex, disability or age, or having your constitutional rights violated by a government official.
How long do I have to bring a civil rights claim?
It depends on the law. Many New York claims allow three years, New Jersey LAD claims allow two years, and some claims against government agencies require a notice of claim within 90 days. Speak with a lawyer quickly.