Wage And Hour Lawyer in Brooklyn

Protecting Your Pay When Employers Break Wage Laws

If you suspect that your employer has not paid you all of the wages you earned, you are not alone. Many workers in Brooklyn and across New York City deal with unpaid overtime, missing hours from their checks, and confusing pay practices that do not seem fair. As a wage and hour attorney, Brown Kwon & Lam helps workers understand their rights and take action when employers do not follow the law.

We know how stressful it is when your paycheck does not match the time and effort you put into your job. You may be wondering if what is happening is legal, worried about paying your bills, and scared of what could happen if you speak up. Our employment law attorneys take the time to listen, explain your options in clear language, and help you decide on the best path forward for your situation.

Brown Kwon & Lam is a New York City-based employment law firm that has obtained millions in recoveries and favorable judgments for workers in complex employment disputes. When you reach out to us, you can speak directly with a partner about your pay concerns and get practical guidance about what to do next. To learn more, you can contact our firm for a free, confidential consultation.

For trusted legal guidance, reach out to a knowledgeable wage and hour attorney. Call (212) 295-5828 or contact us immediately to schedule your consultation.

Why Workers Turn To Brown Kwon & Lam For Wage and Hour Help

When your wages are at stake, it matters who stands beside you. At Brown Kwon & Lam, clients meet and communicate directly with the partners who handle their matters. From your first consultation through resolution, you have access to the attorney who is actually responsible for your case, not just an assistant or a rotating team.

Our firm has secured millions in recoveries and favorable judgments in employment disputes. These results reflect consistent, effective advocacy in complex situations, including cases involving unpaid wages, overtime issues, and other workplace violations. While every case is different and no outcome can be promised, this track record shows that we know how to pursue meaningful recovery when the law supports your claim.

Our attorneys bring rigorous legal training, including education at institutions such as Cornell University, along with prior federal and state court experience. This background is important in wage and hour litigation because these cases often involve detailed records, technical regulations, and, in some matters, collective or class actions. We have also represented both employees and employers, which helps us anticipate how companies often defend wage claims and plan thoughtful responses to those strategies.

We operate as a focused team, yet we hold ourselves to the level of professionalism and preparation you would expect from larger practices. We pair that with quick responsiveness, clear communication, and prompt follow-up, so you are not left wondering what is happening with your case.

Common Wage & Hour Violations In Brooklyn Workplaces

Many workers have a sense that something is wrong with their pay, but are not sure how it fits into the law. In New York, wage and hour rules come from both federal law and New York Labor Law, and employers must follow whichever protections are stronger for the worker. Violations can occur in almost any industry, including restaurants, cafes, bars, retail shops, construction sites, warehouses, home health care, and delivery services in Brooklyn.

Some of the most frequent problems involve unpaid overtime. Many workers should receive time and a half for hours worked over 40 in a workweek, yet employers sometimes pay the same hourly rate for all hours or offer a flat salary that does not meet legal requirements. Misclassification can also be an issue, for example, when a worker is called an independent contractor or exempt employee even though their job duties suggest they should be treated as a non-exempt employee who receives overtime.

Other violations relate to minimum wage and off-the-clock work. This can include asking employees to set up before their shift starts, stay late after clocking out, or work through meal breaks without pay. In restaurants and similar settings, employers may misuse tip credits, share tips with managers who are not allowed to participate, or add service charges that do not reach the staff. Small underpayments can add up over time and, in some cases, affect entire groups of workers at a single location in Brooklyn.

Even if your situation seems minor or unusual, it may still involve unlawful wage practices. A brief conversation with our team can help you understand whether the patterns you are seeing are common wage and hour issues and what options might be available to you. Our goal is to give you clarity, so you do not have to guess about your rights.

What To Do If You Think Your Employer Owes You Wages

When you suspect that you have been underpaid, taking a few careful steps can help protect your rights and strengthen any future claim. You do not have to confront your employer right away, and you do not have to figure this out alone. Gathering information and seeking legal advice early can make a meaningful difference.

Here are practical steps you can start taking:

• Collect your pay records. Save pay stubs, direct deposit records, W 2 or 1099 forms, and any written notices about your rate of pay or schedule. If you receive handwritten notes or text messages about your pay, keep copies of those as well.
• Track your hours. Write down when you start and finish work each day, including breaks, off-the-clock tasks, and time spent putting on required gear or traveling between job sites in the course of your work.
• Note your job duties. Make a simple list of what you do in a typical day. This can help an attorney determine whether your classification as salaried, hourly, exempt, or independent contractor appears consistent with wage laws.
• Avoid signing new documents without advice. If your employer asks you to sign a release, a new pay agreement, or any document about your wages, it is safer to have a lawyer review it before you sign.
• Speak with a lawyer confidentially. You can talk with an attorney from our firm even if you are still working for the employer. We treat these conversations as confidential and can discuss ways to protect your position while you explore your options.

During a consultation, we review the facts you share, help estimate the potential value of unpaid wages based on the information available, and discuss the deadlines that may apply to your situation. We would like to help you understand your choices, whether that involves an internal discussion, a claim with an agency, or a legal action. From there, you can decide what feels right for you and your family.

How A Wage and Hour Lawyer In Brooklyn Can Protect You

A wage and hour lawyer plays several roles when it comes to protecting your pay and your rights at work. At Brown Kwon & Lam, we start by learning about your work history, your schedule, and how you are paid. We then compare those facts to the requirements of federal and New York wage laws to see where your employer may not have complied.

Our attorneys often review time sheets, schedules, payroll records, and other documents to build a clear picture of what happened. When records are incomplete or confusing, we work with you to reconstruct your hours as accurately as possible. Because our partners have litigated in both federal and New York state courts and have experience with collective and class litigation, we are prepared for matters that involve multiple workers, complex pay structures, or overlapping legal claims.

We also draw on our prior representation of employers in employment disputes. That perspective helps us anticipate how companies may respond to wage allegations, what defenses they may raise, and how they might approach negotiations. With this insight, we craft careful responses that aim to move the case forward efficiently while keeping your goals in focus.

In appropriate cases, we may discuss options that include negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or filing a lawsuit. Our goal is to pursue practical, cost-conscious outcomes and avoid unnecessary delay or expense whenever possible. Throughout the process, we explain each step, answer your questions, and keep you informed so you are not left guessing about what comes next.

Deadlines, Remedies, and Where Wage Claims Are Heard

Wage and hour claims do not remain open indefinitely. Federal and New York laws set specific time limits for bringing claims, and those limits can vary depending on the facts, including whether the employer's conduct was willful. Waiting too long can reduce the period for which you can recover unpaid wages, so understanding these timelines is important.

Depending on the circumstances, workers may seek recovery for unpaid wages, unpaid overtime, and, in some cases, amounts such as liquidated damages and interest. In certain matters, laws may allow for recovery of attorneys' fees. The exact remedies that may be available depend on the laws that apply to your situation, the period of underpayment, and the evidence that can be gathered.

Wage disputes connected to work in Brooklyn can move forward in different forums. Some matters are filed in New York state courts, while others proceed in federal courts located in New York. In some situations, workers may choose to file claims with agencies such as the New York State Department of Labor. The appropriate forum generally depends on the size of your claim, the number of workers involved, the employer's location, and the legal issues in play.

Because our attorneys have practiced in both federal and state courts and have handled challenging employment law matters involving regulatory agencies, we understand how these forums operate and what they require. During a consultation, we can explain which options may fit your case and what each path could involve in terms of process and timing. This helps you make an informed decision rather than trying to navigate the system on your own.

Our Approach To Supporting Workers Through Wage Disputes

Facing a wage dispute while trying to keep up with work and family responsibilities is difficult, especially in a fast-moving place like Brooklyn. We recognize that you are dealing with real pressures, from rent and childcare to daily expenses that depend on your paycheck arriving on time and in the proper amount. Our approach is designed to support you through that pressure with structure and care.

From the first meeting, we listen closely to your story and your goals. Some clients want to correct an ongoing pay practice while remaining in their jobs, while others are focused on recovering past wages after leaving a position. We take the time to understand where you are and what outcome would help you move forward, then we tailor our strategy to reflect those realities.

Communication is central to how we work. We respond promptly to calls and emails, provide regular updates, and explain each step of the process in plain language. Our clients tell us that this clarity helps them feel more in control and less overwhelmed by legal terminology. Because partners stay engaged from start to finish, you always know who to contact with questions and what is happening with your case.

We also bring professional care and organization to every matter. Wage claims often involve detailed calculations, multiple pay periods, and coordination with agencies or courts. Our team prepares carefully so that we can present your case in a clear, disciplined way. At the same time, we approach each client with empathy and respect, recognizing that you are dealing with more than numbers on a spreadsheet. Our goal is to pair strong advocacy with a human, steady presence.

Don't hesitate—reach out to an experienced wage and hour attorney in Brooklyn now. Complete an online form to take the next step.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Know If I Have A Wage & Hour Case?

The best way to know if you have a wage and hour case is to compare what is happening at your job with what the law requires, and an attorney can help you do that. Signs that you may have a case include not receiving overtime pay when you regularly work more than 40 hours, being paid less than the minimum wage, working off the clock, or seeing managers share in tip pools that are supposed to be for staff. Misclassification is another common issue, for example, when you are paid as an independent contractor even though the company controls your schedule and work. During a consultation, we review your pay practices and job duties, then explain whether the patterns you describe match common wage violations under federal or New York law. Our goal is to give you a clear answer so you do not have to guess.

Can I Talk To You If I Still Work For My Employer?

Yes, you can talk with us even if you are still working for the employer you are concerned about. Many workers in Brooklyn contact our firm while they are still on the job because they want to understand their rights before making any decisions. We treat these conversations as confidential, and we can discuss how to gather information and protect your position while you evaluate your options. Some laws prohibit retaliation for asserting wage rights, and we can explain how those protections may apply in your situation. Speaking with a lawyer early can help you avoid steps that might harm your claim or your employment relationship.

What Should I Bring To A Consultation About Unpaid Wages?

Bringing whatever records you have will make your consultation more productive, but you do not have to have everything organized before you contact us. Helpful documents include pay stubs, direct deposit summaries, time sheets, schedules, offer letters, and any written notices about your pay rate or tips. If you receive text messages or emails about your hours or pay, saving those can also be useful. It is often helpful to write down a simple timeline of your employment, including when you started, how your schedule has changed, and any conversations you have had about pay. During our meeting, we review what you have, help identify gaps, and talk about other evidence that may be obtainable from the employer or through legal processes.

How Long Do Wage and Hour Cases Usually Take?

The length of a wage and hour matter can vary based on several factors, including how clear the records are, how your employer responds, how many workers are involved, and whether the case proceeds in court or through an agency. Some disputes can be resolved in a relatively short time through negotiation, while others that move through litigation or involve group claims may take longer. During an initial consultation, we can outline the typical stages of cases similar to yours and discuss what tends to speed things up or slow them down. Our firm focuses on honest guidance and timely results, and we work to avoid unnecessary delays while still protecting your interests.

Will I Have Direct Contact With An Attorney Handling My Case?

At Brown Kwon & Lam, clients have direct contact with the attorney who is responsible for their case. You meet with a partner at the start of your matter, and that partner stays involved through each stage, rather than handing your case off entirely to staff. We believe this direct connection helps ensure that your concerns are understood, your questions are answered, and your strategy reflects your goals. Our team supports this with prompt responses and regular updates, so you are not left waiting for information about what is happening in your wage dispute.

Can My Coworkers and I Bring A Wage Claim Together?

In some situations, coworkers who have been affected by the same pay practices can pursue their wage rights together. This may occur through collective or class actions in court or through coordinated claims with an agency, depending on the facts and the laws involved. Group claims can sometimes make it more efficient to address widespread practices, such as uniform overtime violations or tip distribution issues at a particular workplace. Our firm was founded by attorneys whose backgrounds include class actions and complex employment litigation, and we can evaluate whether a group approach may make sense for your situation. During a consultation, we can discuss how your experiences compare with those of your coworkers and what options might be available.

What Does It Cost To Have Your Firm Review My Wage Issue?

We offer free consultations to workers who have questions about their wages. That means you can speak with an attorney about your situation, ask questions, and get an initial assessment without paying for that first meeting. If we both decide to move forward, we will explain the fee structure that would apply to your matter in clear terms before you are asked to make any commitments. Our goal is to provide transparency so you understand how fees work and can decide whether moving ahead is right for you. We focus on practical, cost-effective approaches and work to align our strategy with your financial realities.

Get the support you need from our skilled wage and hour lawyer. Reach out at (212) 295-5828 now to book your initial consultation.