Sexual Harassment Lawyers for State & Local Government Employees

Alan Lescht and Associates represents state and local government employees in DC, Maryland, and northern Virginia in sexual harassment cases.

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:

• DC government employees: You must file a sexual harassment complaint with your agency within 45 days. After that, you may file a complaint with the EEOC and/or the DC Office of Human Rights.  You may also file a lawsuit in DC Superior Court or federal district court.
• Maryland state and local government employees: 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 state and local government employees: In most cases, the only option for Virginia state and local government employees is to file a charge with the EEOC. After that, you may file a lawsuit in federal district court.

Sexual harassment cases have short deadlines.  DC government employees must usually file a complaint with their agency within 45 days of the date the sexual harassment occurs.  Maryland and Virginia government employees may be required to file a complaint within as little as 180 days.

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 state and local government employees in DC, Maryland, and northern Virginia in the following sexual harassment matters:

• EEOC charges
• DC agency EEO complaints
• 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 state and local government employees in Washington, DC, Maryland, and northern Virginia.