Discrimination

When employees feel that they have been refused an interview or a job, been denied a promotion, or have been terminated from a job because of their race, sex, age, religion, disability or other protected status, an employer must step in to quickly respond to allegations and defend their actions.

Investigation, mediation, and possible litigation can be a very prolonged and expensive venture.

Burden & Hansen, LLC defends public and private employers across New York State against discrimination claims arising under federal, state and local laws. We understand the potential for negative publicity inherent in such claims and act in a cost-efficient and proactive manner to resolve these claims, including through dispositive motion practice, settlement/mediation and by mounting an aggressive defense at trial or in administrative proceedings.

Our attorneys handle discrimination claims based on age, race, national origin, religion, gender, gender identification, sexual preference, familial status and other protected classifications in hiring, promotion, termination and related employment matters. We are experienced and knowledgeable in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as well as the New York Human Rights Law and other state and local anti-discrimination laws and rules. We are familiar with the tight deadlines imposed by these rules and able to respond quickly. We represent employers, owners of public and private facilities, and other governmental and non-governmental clients.

Burden & Hansen, LLC’s attorneys have extensive experience in determining the facts behind discrimination claims through tenacious investigation and discovery. Mindful of the publicity that a trial might bring, we make every effort to resolve claims through motion practice, mediation or settlement. If this is not feasible, however, we are known in courtrooms for our vigorous defense of clients.

In addition, our firm recognizes the value of a diverse and inclusive workforce in its own operations. Burden & Hansen, LLC is committed to having a strong and diverse workforce with a collective goal of providing high-quality representation to clients across a variety of practice areas. The firm has been selected for membership in the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and the National Association of Minority & Women Owned Law Firms (NAMWOLF).