Sexual Harassment Lawyers for Employees in DC, Maryland & Virginia

Alan Lescht and Associates represents private sector employees in sexual harassment cases in Washington, DC, Maryland, and northern Virginia.

What is sexual harassment?

Sexual harassment is a type of sex discrimination that involves unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, such as sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and touching.  It can range from explicit requests for sexual favors to constant sexual jokes and innuendo.  Too often, sexual harassment goes unreported because victims fear retaliation.

There are several different forms of sexual harassment.  Sexual harassment may result in an adverse employment action, such as non-selection for a job, demotion, denial of promotion, or termination of employment.  However, sexual harassment may be illegal even if there is no adverse employment action; this is called hostile work environment.  Quid pro quo sexual harassment occurs when an employer gives an employee something, such as a raise or a promotion, if the employee submits to the unwelcome sexual advances, demands, or conduct.

What are my rights?

You have the right to feel safe at work.  Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a federal law that prohibits sexual harassment by covered employers, including private sector employers who have 15 or more employees.  It is also illegal for employers to retaliate against employees who complain about sexual harassment.  State and local governments may have their own anti-harassment laws, such as the DC Human Rights Act.

Your options for pursuing your rights depend on where you work:

• Washington, DC: You can file a complaint with the EEOC and/or the DC Office of Human Rights. You may also file a lawsuit in either DC Superior Court or federal district court.
• Maryland: You may file a complaint with the EEOC, the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights, and/or a similar local agency. You may also file a lawsuit in either Maryland state court or federal district court.
• Virginia: In most cases, the only option for employees who work for a Virginia employer is filing a charge with the EEOC.

Sexual harassment cases have short deadlines.  Depending on where you work, you may need to take action within as little as 180 days from the date the sexual harassment occurred.

Why should I hire Alan Lescht and Associates?

One time is one too many.  If you are the victim of sexual harassment, or were retaliated against for asserting your rights, we can help.  We can determine if you have a claim for sexual harassment, explain your rights, and give you legal advice about how to seek justice against your harasser.  Alan Lescht and Associates represents private sector employees in DC, Maryland, and northern Virginia in the following matters:

• EEOC charges
• DC Office of Human Rights complaints, conciliation, and hearings
• Maryland Commission on Human Rights complaints
• Private arbitration and mediation
• State and local lawsuits
• Federal lawsuits
• Out-of-court settlement negotiations

Send us an email or call us at (202) 463-6036 to speak with an experienced employment attorney. Alan Lescht and Associates offers strategic and results-driven legal services to private sector employees in Washington, DC, Maryland, and northern Virginia.