Sexual Harassment

Washington, DC, Sexual Harassment Attorneys

Washington, DC, attorneys Jay Holland and Timothy Maloney have focused on employment law for nearly twenty years, representing both employees and employers. During that time they have provided clients at our firm, Joseph, Greenwald & Laake, PA, with skilled and effective representation in claims of sexual harassment in the workplace. If you would like to speak with one of the lawyers about your situation, please contact our office in Greenbelt, Maryland.

Sexual harassment in the workplace

Employers and employees are often confused about what constitutes illegal sexual harassment, a subset of sexual discrimination in the workplace. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act applies to employers with more than fifteen employees and allows an employee to bring a claim of sexual harassment if the employee has experienced one or more of the following behaviors:

• Unwelcome sexual advances
• Requests for sexual favors
• Other unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, including the display of sexual images, unwanted touching (sexual battery), and rape

In order to entitle the employee to a claim, the sexual conduct must affect the individual's employment, unreasonably interfere with the individual's work performance, or create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment. Each situation is complex and unique and interpretation of the elements of sexual harassment may rely on the quality of your legal counsel. It is important that you consult with a lawyer with experience in sexual harassment claims to provide yourself with the greatest protection available under the law.

Legal services related to sexual harassment claims

Services for employers  : If a claim of sexual harassment is made against our client, the attorneys will assist the client in conducting a thorough investigation as required by law, make a recommendation as to proper remedial action, and assist our client in resolving the claim efficiently and in line with the client's business goals through mediation, arbitration, litigation, and appeals. Mr. Holland and Mr. Maloney will also assist the employer in designing and implementing policies and procedures and training supervisors to prevent such claims in the future.

Services for employees : Our lawyers will provide guidance and advice to an employee who is experiencing sexual harassment by a coworker or supervisor, helping the employee file a claim either directly with the employer or with the appropriate agency or court. The attorneys will focus on accomplishing client's objectives, whether the employee is requesting assignment to a new supervisor or another modification in the workplace, or is pursuing maximum damages available under the law through negotiation or litigation.

Attorneys Holland and Maloney have extensive experience in appearing before state and federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commissions (EEOCs), Human Relations Commissions, Offices of Administrative Appeals, and state and county personnel boards; and in presenting and defending claims at all levels of state and federal courts in Maryland and Washington, DC.

During and after the proceedings involving sexual harassment claims the lawyers handle related issues, including claims that the employer has engaged in wrongful termination or other retaliation after an employee has filed a claim. If you would like to speak with one of the lawyers about your situation, please contact our Washington, DC, area office and arrange a consultation.