Employment Law Attorneys in the Bronx, NY

At Brown Kwon & Lam, we protect workers' rights in the Bronx community. Our legal team is experienced in employment law, offering representation to individuals facing workplace injustices such as unpaid overtime, sexual harassment, age discrimination, pregnancy discrimination, and unpaid commissions. Whether you are an employee in retail, hospitality, healthcare, or another industry, we are here to deliver the advocacy you deserve.

Located near the heart of the Bronx, our employment law attorneys understand local workers' unique challenges and fight tirelessly to promote fairness and accountability in the workplace.

Facing discrimination, harassment, unpaid wages, or retaliation, speak with our experienced employment attorneys in the Bronx now. Complete our online form or call (212) 295-5828 to schedule your free consultation! Hablamos español.

Why Clients Choose Brown Kwon & Lam

Brown Kwon & Lam proudly serves the Bronx community with integrity and professionalism. Our experienced employment law attorneys take a client-centered approach, working side by side with you to build a strong case tailored to your needs. If you are facing workplace injustices, do not wait. 

When you contact us about an employment issue, we listen carefully to your story, ask focused questions about your workplace, and outline practical options that fit your goals. Throughout your case, we stay accessible by phone and email, provide clear updates about what is happening, and explain each step in plain language so you do not feel overwhelmed by the process. Our firm is committed to guiding Bronx employees through difficult decisions with steady support, from the first consultation through resolution.

How Employment Laws Protect Bronx Workers

When something goes wrong at work, it can be hard to know whether what you are experiencing is simply unfair or actually unlawful. Employment laws at the federal, New York State, and New York City levels work together to protect many Bronx workers from discrimination, harassment, and wage violations. Understanding these protections can help you decide whether to seek legal guidance and what steps might come next.

Workers in the Bronx may have claims under laws such as the New York City Human Rights Law, the New York State Human Rights Law, and the Fair Labor Standards Act, in addition to other federal statutes. Depending on the issue, your matter might involve agencies like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the New York State Division of Human Rights, or the New York City Commission on Human Rights, as well as courts located in the Bronx or in Manhattan. We take time to explain which laws apply to your situation, what deadlines may be involved, and whether it makes sense to start with an agency filing, a demand letter, or a lawsuit.

Because we have represented both employees and employers, we know how companies often respond when a complaint is made or a charge is filed. We use that perspective to help you anticipate possible reactions, weigh settlement and litigation options, and choose a path that aligns with your goals. Our role is to provide clear, candid guidance so you can move forward with a realistic plan rather than feeling uncertain about your rights.

Pursuing Justice for Overtime Violations 

Many workers in the Bronx are entitled to overtime pay when they work over 40 hours a week. Unfortunately, employers sometimes avoid paying overtime, misclassifying employees, or pressuring them to work off the clock. If you have been denied the wages you are legally owed, our attorneys can help you pursue justice and recover your unpaid overtime.

Overtime issues often arise in Bronx workplaces where staffing is tight, and employees are expected to “pitch in” without extra pay, such as in restaurants, home health agencies, warehouses, and small businesses. We can help you understand how federal and New York wage and hour laws apply to your role, whether you are paid hourly, salaried, or by day rate. By reviewing your pay records, timesheets, and job duties, we work to identify patterns of underpayment and explain what back wages, liquidated damages, or penalties may be available in your situation.

Common signs of unlawful overtime practices include:

• Being told to work “off the clock” while still expected to complete tasks before or after your recorded shift.
• Receiving the same paycheck even when you work more than 40 hours a week.
• Being labeled as “exempt” or a “manager” without real managerial duties or salary requirements that match the law.
• Having hours altered on your timesheets or timekeeping system to keep reported hours under 40 per week.

Defending Against Sexual Harassment

No one should have to tolerate sexual harassment in the workplace. Whether you are facing unwanted advances, inappropriate comments, or a hostile work environment, Brown Kwon & Lam will work to protect your rights. Our team advocates for Bronx workers, helping them hold employers accountable and promoting a safe, respectful workplace for all.

Sexual harassment can take many forms, from repeated jokes and comments to pressure for dates, offensive images, or retaliation after you report a problem. In New York City, employees are protected even if the harassment is not “severe or pervasive,” which gives many Bronx workers broader protections than under federal law alone. We can walk you through options such as reporting to human resources, filing with an administrative agency, or pursuing a lawsuit, and we take care to discuss the potential risks and benefits of each path so you can move forward with confidence.

Examples of conduct that may amount to sexual harassment include:

• Unwanted physical contact, such as touching, grabbing, or attempts to hug without your consent.
• Sexual comments or jokes directed at you or made regularly in your presence.
• Requests for dates or sexual favors tied to promotions, scheduling, or other job benefits.
• Displaying offensive images or sending inappropriate messages by text, email, or social media.

Fighting Age Discrimination

Discrimination based on age is unlawful under both federal and state law. Sadly, many older employees in the Bronx face unfair treatment, missed promotions, or wrongful termination due to their age. At Brown Kwon & Lam, we take a strong stance against age discrimination, helping experienced workers pursue justice without fear of retaliation.

Age discrimination can be subtle, such as being passed over for training opportunities, receiving sudden negative evaluations after years of solid performance, or hearing comments about bringing in “fresh energy” or “new faces.” It can also be direct, including layoffs that disproportionately impact older workers. We help clients gather documentation, understand how laws like the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and New York State Human Rights Law may apply, and evaluate whether patterns in the workplace suggest systemic bias that should be challenged.

Older workers should watch for these potential warning signs:

• Being replaced by significantly younger employees with similar or less experience after a demotion or termination.
• Hearing repeated remarks about retirement, energy level, or being “set in your ways.”
• Losing key responsibilities or high-visibility projects without a clear performance-based reason.
• Experiencing sudden changes in performance reviews or discipline after many years of stable evaluations.

Protecting Against Pregnancy Discrimination

Pregnancy should be a time of excitement, not stress about your career. If your employer has denied reasonable accommodations, reduced your hours unfairly, or treated you differently because of your pregnancy, we are here to help. Our attorneys advocate for pregnant employees in the Bronx, fighting for equal treatment and justice.

In New York City, employers generally must consider reasonable changes such as modified schedules, light duty, or temporary adjustments to physical tasks when pregnancy or related conditions make work harder. We help you document requests you have made, responses you received, and any changes to your pay or assignments. By comparing your experience to the treatment of other employees, we can assess whether your employer may have violated city or state protections and advise you on the next steps to protect both your job and your health.

Situations that may signal pregnancy discrimination include:

• Negative schedule or pay changes soon after disclosing your pregnancy.
• Refusal to consider reasonable adjustments to physically demanding tasks when you provide medical information.
• Exclusion from meetings, projects, or opportunities based on assumptions about your commitment.
• Pressure to take leave early or not return after childbirth when you want to keep working.

Resolving Unpaid Commission Disputes

Many Bronx employees rely on commissions as part of their income. When employers fail to pay commissions owed, it can significantly affect workers and their families. Our firm holds employers accountable, helping you recover unpaid commissions and promoting fair treatment.

Commission disputes can arise over how sales are credited, when commissions are considered “earned,” and whether payment is still due after you leave a job. We review offer letters, commission plans, emails, and pay statements to clarify what was promised and whether your employer followed its own rules. Because New York law has specific requirements for written commission agreements, we also look at whether your employer complied with those rules and discuss which forums and remedies may be available to help you seek the money you are owed.

Some common commission problems we see include:

• Changing commission formulas without clear written notice or agreement.
• Delaying payment of earned commissions until after a salesperson leaves the company.
• Refusing to pay on closed deals by reassigning accounts or redefining “credit” for sales.
• Failing to provide a written commission plan that matches what was described during hiring.

Speak with a seasoned employment law lawyer now by calling (212) 295-5828. We help workers pursue justice for wrongful termination, wage violations, harassment, and other workplace disputes in the Bronx.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Know If I Have an Employment Law Claim?

You may have an employment law claim if you experienced workplace discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, wage violations, or denial of legally protected leave. In The Bronx, employees may be protected by federal, New York State, and New York City laws. An employment law attorney can review your documents, workplace communications, and employment history to determine whether your rights may have been violated and discuss your legal options.

Can I Be Fired for Reporting Harassment or Discrimination?

Laws at the federal, state, and city levels generally prohibit employers from retaliating against workers who make good faith complaints about unlawful conduct. Retaliation can include termination, demotion, reduced hours, or other negative changes in the workplace. If you are concerned about reporting an issue, speaking with a lawyer before you complain can help you understand your options and how to document any response from your employer.

What Should I Bring to an Initial Consultation About a Workplace Issue?

Bring any records related to your employment, including offer letters, employment agreements, employee handbooks, performance evaluations, emails, text messages, pay records, and disciplinary notices. A timeline of important workplace events can also be valuable. An employment law attorney in the Bronx can use these materials to assess your concerns, identify relevant legal issues, and provide guidance tailored to your circumstances and goals.

Call (212) 295-5828 to discuss your concerns with an experienced Bronx employment law attorney. We are ready to advocate for your rights.