Jesse S. Weinstein

• Super Lawyers Rising Star Selectee, 2018-Present
• Member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
• Best of the Best Top 10 Labor Law Attorney
• The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40, 2020
• Lawyers of Distinction, Employment Law, 2021-2023
• New York State Bar Association, Committee on Veterans, Honor Roll, 2025
• Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, 2026

Jesse Weinstein is a New York City-based employment lawyer and trial attorney, and a Partner at Phillips & Associates, where he represents employees and executives in sexual harassment, discrimination, whistleblower retaliation, and high-stakes employment litigation. Jesse is known for combining strategic legal acumen with empathy and tenacity. His path to law was unconventional: after dropping out of high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving four years as an Operations Specialist. Inspired during his service, he returned to education, earning an undergraduate degree from Pace University and a law degree from American University Washington College of Law.

Jesse began his career as an Assistant District Attorney in the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office, gaining extensive trial experience as first-chair counsel in jury and bench trials, and leading complex investigations and grand jury presentations. At Phillips & Associates, he has secured nearly $40,000,000 in settlements for clients ranging from minimum wage workers to executives, including high-profile individuals in the entertainment industry, across New York City and New York State, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Jesse’s practice focuses on sexual harassment and assault, workplace discrimination, whistleblower retaliation, executive employment disputes, and complex trial litigation in state and federal courts.

Some of Jesse’s notable results include:

• A $2,000,000 settlement on behalf of an associate at a major financial institution involving claims of grooming, workplace sexual harassment, retaliation, and constructive discharge.
• A $5,250,000 settlement on behalf of a Big Law equity partner involving quid pro quo sexual harassment, whistleblower retaliation, and tortious interference.
• A $1,300,000 settlement on behalf of an HR executive against a publicly held financial institution for race discrimination and whistleblower retaliation.
• A $1,000,000 settlement on behalf of a managing director at a consulting firm who was terminated after reporting systemic unethical billing practices.
• A $1,500,000 settlement involving allegations of sexual assault and quid pro quo sexual harassment against a C-suite executive at a major New York City company.
• A $2,100,000 whistleblower retaliation settlement on behalf of an executive at a highly technical financial institution who was wrongfully terminated after raising concerns that his employer was misleading the government.
• Additional notable results include a $740,000 settlement on behalf of a Fortune 50 executive subjected to disparate treatment and tokenization on the basis of race; an $800,000 settlement on behalf of a pharmaceutical company executive wrongfully terminated based on age; settlements of $675,000, $535,000, and $400,000 against three separate major New York City financial institutions involving sexual assault and sexual harassment; and a $325,000 whistleblower settlement that resolved on the first day of trial.
• Most recently, Jesse tried a race discrimination case to unanimous verdict in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. In Pardovani v. Crown Building Maintenance Co. and Jazz at Lincoln Center, Inc. (15-CV-09065), the jury awarded $1,800,000 in damages and over $250,000 in attorneys’ fees after hearing evidence that the plaintiff was repeatedly subjected to racial slurs by non-Black supervisors.

Jesse considers himself a “shape shifter,” adapting his litigation strategy to each case through meticulous investigation, witness development, and trial-focused advocacy.

Having represented numerous clients in high-profile matters, Jesse has also been quoted in top-tier media outlets, including New York Post, CNN, AP News, NBC News, ABC News, Rolling Stone, and People Magazine, and has been invited to speak on global news networks about major employment law issues, providing clients and audiences with a nationally recognized perspective.

Beyond his litigation work, Jesse is deeply committed to mentoring newer attorneys, sharing his experience to develop the next generation of lawyers. He also prioritizes creating a positive workplace culture through leadership, emphasizing collaboration, respect, and high standards for ethical and professional behavior. A parent of two, Jesse is a passionate advocate for fair workplaces and is committed to improving conditions for future generations.