Paternity Leave Retaliation Lawyer in NYC
New fathers in New York have the legal right to request paternity leave to bond with their children. Unfortunately, some employers view men who take leave as “less committed” and punish them with retaliation. This is unlawful.
At Phillips & Associates, we represent fathers who have been fired, demoted, or denied opportunities after requesting paternity leave or when you return from Paternity leave. Retaliation for exercising your legal rights is illegal under both state and federal law.
What Is Paternity Leave Retaliation?
Retaliation occurs when an employer takes negative action against you for asserting your right to paternity leave. Common examples include:
- Being denied promotions or raises after requesting time off
- Negative comments like “real men don’t take leave”
- Being reassigned to less desirable roles or shifts
- Sudden pay cuts, fewer hours, or exclusion from projects
- Termination after returning from leave
Even subtle changes — like being left out of meetings or career opportunities — can qualify as retaliation if they would discourage a reasonable employee from taking leave.
Your Legal Rights as a New Father
Fathers in New York are protected by:
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) – provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave without job loss.
- New York Paid Family Leave law (NYPFL) – offers paid leave benefits for bonding with a new child.
- New York State and New York City Human Rights Laws – prohibit retaliation for requesting or taking leave.
Employers cannot retaliate against you for exercising these rights.
Why Retaliation Against Fathers Happens
Retaliation often stems from stereotypes: that caregiving is a “woman’s role,” or that men who take leave are not serious about their careers. These outdated views not only harm families, they violate the law.
How Phillips & Associates Can Help
Our NYC employment retaliation lawyers can:
- Evaluate whether your employer’s actions meet the legal definition of retaliation
- Gather key evidence such as emails, HR records, or witness statements
- File complaints with the EEOC, NYS Division of Human Rights, or NYC Commission on Human Rights
- Pursue a lawsuit for reinstatement, lost wages, emotional damages, and attorney’s fees
We have recovered over $360 million for victims of workplace discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.
Take Action Today
If you were retaliated against for requesting or taking paternity leave, you don’t have to face it alone.
Contact Phillips & Associates today for a free, confidential consultation. You pay no attorney’s fees unless we win your case.
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$2,000,000 Sexual Harassment
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$3,375,000 Sexual Harassment
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$975,000 Sexual Harassment & Retaliation
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$5,000,000+ Gender and National Origin Discrimination
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$2,200,000 Race Discrimination & Retaliation
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$1,400,000 Religious & Sexual Orientation Discrimination
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$1,800,000 Race Discrimination
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$3,000,000 Gender Discrimination & Sexual Harassment
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$5,000,000+ Sexual Harassment and Quid Pro Quo
Why Clients Trust Us
Championing Your Rights With Unmatched Success & Compassion
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$360M+ Recovered for 9,500+ Employees Like You
We have the power to take on the country’s largest employers.
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11 Attorneys Named to Super Lawyers
Recognition that makes employers take you seriously — Super Lawyers and U.S. News Best Law Firms.
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Every Case Is Reviewed by a Senior AttorneyYou get experience on your side from day one.
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Trusted by the National MediaOur attorneys are regularly asked to comment by NBC, the WSJ, and the NY Post.
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Pay Nothing Unless We WinYour consultation is free, and you pay only if we recover for you.
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One of the Largest Plaintiff Law Firms Representing Employees
Awards and Recognition
Independent legal rating organizations have recognized the firm and its attorneys for their work in labor and employment law. Phillips & Associates is ranked by Chambers and Partners in the 2026 Chambers USA Guide, Labor and Employment, Mainly Plaintiffs in New York, is recognized in Best Law Firms 2026, is listed in The Best Lawyers in America 2026 for Litigation, Labor and Employment, and has 15 attorneys recognized in Super Lawyers. Thirteen of the firm's attorneys have obtained settlements or verdicts exceeding $1 million, qualifying them for membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Recognition does not decide a case, but it reflects how clients, peers, and opposing counsel view the firm's work.
