best sexual harassment lawyer

State of Washington Looks to Reinforce Workplace Harassment Laws

February 5, 2018 | by Nassiri Law

The events of 2017 surrounding Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein and the many sexual assault and harassment allegations against him are continuing to cause a ripple effect far beyond his region and industry. From people opening up a national dialogue with the #metoo movement to businesses fortifying their sexual harassment policies and training to investigations and stronger laws against predators, this past year has truly been an awakening to the pervasive inappropriate and dangerous behaviors in the workplace and the general public.

The state of Washington is among those examining proposals in response to these revelations that would bolster workplace protections in regards to sexual harassment and bullying and empower victims to come forward.

According to a report from WNPA Olympia News Bureau, among the bills under consideration by the Washington State Legislature is SB 5996, which would dismantle the practice of employers using non-disclosure agreements to restrict the abilities of employees to report misconduct in the work place. The bill outlines that such an agreement would not hold up as a protection in court for accused employers. Continue Reading ›

Poll: African-Americans, Women in IT Top Targets of Workplace Sexual Harassment

January 21, 2018 | by Nassiri Law

Workplace sexual harassment has always been a problem. But it’s just recently that we are fully learning how pervasive harassment is. We’ve all heard the anecdotes on social media and in the news. But the data paints an even clearer picture of a problem that is out of control across all walks of life.

A recent report from Comparably explores not only the scope of harassment, but also gives us a clearer picture of demographics that are most vulnerable. Women in IT at tech companies and African-Americans topped their respective charts as key targets.

Comparably polled more than 22,000 employees over a cross section of all industries. The results showed more than a quarter (26 percent) of women report having been sexually harassed at work. In tech fields, that number goes up to 28 percent of women surveyed. Continue Reading ›

Vice Media Sexual Harassment Accusations Put Spotlight on Younger Demographic

January 12, 2018 | by Nassiri Law

With the recent onslaught of sexual harassment and assault accusations across the country, ranging from Hollywood elite to politicians to top executives, awareness and reporting of incidents is at an all-time high.

While this has caused shock waves across many industries, it is also encouraging women to speak up about inappropriate behavior in the workplace, which is important as historically such actions are grossly underreported. It also is forcing employers to self-examine policies and accountability to prevent future incidents, which can only be a positive move.

One of the latest companies to come under scrutiny is Vice Media. An investigation by the New York Times revealed four settlements in the past ten years connected to sexual harassment at the company. Continue Reading ›

Influx of Cannabis Businesses Vulnerable to Sexual Harassment Incidents

December 27, 2017 | by Nassiri Law

The increase of the presence of the marijuana industry in California and states around the country has boosted economies and bolstered tax revenues. The potential for big profits has caused dispensaries and other marijuana-related businesses to pop up everywhere it has become legal.

This surge of new businesses has some potentially negative ramifications, though, mostly in regards to proper employee relations and the potential for more sexual harassment incidents.

According to a survey by New Frontier Data, 27 percent of people surveyed said they have witnessed sexual harassment in some way in the cannabis industry. And 18% said they had personally experienced harassment. Further, a third of respondents said that they knew someone who had been sexually harassed in the industry. Continue Reading ›

Griffin v. City of East Orange – Sexual Harassment Plaintiff Gets New Trial

July 12, 2016 | by Nassiri Law

Sexual harassment plaintiffs will get a new trial after the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled the trial court erroneously omitted testimony from a co-worker who testified during deposition that a supervisor instructed her to speak negatively about plaintiffs and in favor of the accused harasser.

In Griffin v. City of East Orange, the New Jersey Supreme Court determined the testimony of the co-worker, which was not allowed at trial because it was reportedly irrelevant, was in fact directly pertinent to plaintiffs’ claims for compensatory and punitive damages arising from a hostile work environment. Further, these statements, which involved hearsay, overcame hearsay exceptions because it constituted statements by a party’s agent or servant offered against the party (an exception via N.J.R.E. 803(b)(4) ).

The three accusers had alleged a supervisor created a hostile work environment through sexual harassment, quid pro quo sexual harassment and retaliation. She is seeking both compensatory and punitive damages. Continue Reading ›