Westchester County Race Discrimination Lawyer

Westchester County Lawyers Helping Victims of Workplace Racial Misconduct

We represent workers alleging race discrimination in Westchester County, and we never defend employers or corporations. Race discrimination occurs when an employer makes employment decisions based on your race rather than your performance or merit. This is called disparate treatment. 

Moreover, race discrimination can also occur when an employer has facially neutral policies that wind up having a disparate impact on certain employees due to their race. If you believe that you have been harmed by race discrimination in Westchester County, you should contact the Westchester County race discrimination lawyers at Phillips & Associates, PLLC. We are dedicated to fighting for workers' rights.

Race Discrimination Under State & Federal Laws

Both the New York State Human Rights Law and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibit race discrimination.

Federal and state case law may provide different forms of relief for race or color discrimination, and each legal path has its own procedures. A federal claim generally requires a timely charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). 

State-law claims don’t necessarily require administrative action before a lawsuit, but they are also subject to time limits. You should consult a race discrimination attorney in Westchester County as soon as possible after you realize that you have been subjected to race discrimination.

Employer-Size Coverage Under State & Federal Law

New York law applies to private employers regardless of employee count. Its former four-employee minimum was removed for claims filed on or after February 8, 2020. Title VII generally applies to employers with 15 or more employees. Employer size is only one factor in determining which laws and procedures may apply, so working for a small employer doesn’t necessarily prevent you from pursuing a race discrimination claim.

Common Forms of Race Discrimination

Race discrimination is closely related to color discrimination. It can arise when an employer takes adverse action against an employee or job applicant because of their race, racial characteristics, perceived race, or the race of a spouse. 

Discriminatory employment decisions may include:

• Refusal to hire
• Termination or layoffs
• Failure to provide bonuses
• Failure to promote

Racial harassment is a form of race discrimination. A hostile work environment may arise when coworkers, supervisors, customers, or clients subject an employee to race-based conduct such as:

• Derogatory remarks or racial slurs
• Racist cartoons, gestures, or images
• Physical violence

For example, if you’re Black and your supervisor calls you the n-word, or you find a noose on your desk, the conduct may create an actionable hostile work environment under state or federal law. Our Westchester County race discrimination attorneys can advise you on the appropriate legal action.

You should report racial harassment according to the grievance procedures specified in your employment handbook. Employers are supposed to take corrective steps when coworkers or supervisors harass an employee. An employer generally must know or have reason to know about the harassment to be held accountable for failing to correct it.

Most race discrimination lawsuits allege disparate treatment or intentional mistreatment. However, seemingly neutral employment policies can affect workers differently based on race. If a policy isn’t justified by business necessity, it may support a disparate impact race discrimination lawsuit.

Deadlines for New York Race Discrimination Claims

Filing deadlines depend on the law, type of claim, and circumstances. In New York, a Title VII charge generally must be filed with the EEOC within 300 days of the alleged discriminatory act. After receiving an EEOC right-to-sue notice, a worker generally has 90 days from receipt to file a lawsuit under that law.

For conduct occurring on or after February 15, 2024, a complaint to the New York State Division of Human Rights generally must be filed within three years of the alleged unlawful discriminatory practice. A court action under the New York State Human Rights Law also generally has a three-year limitations period. Some claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1981, a federal law addressing race discrimination in contractual relationships, can have a four-year limitations period and don’t require an EEOC charge before suit. Since the correct deadline depends on the legal claim, prompt review from a racial discrimination attorney in Westchester County is important.

Remedies for Workplace Race Discrimination

The damages you may be able to recover depend on the circumstances and the law governing your claim. They may include back pay, reinstatement or front pay, and compensatory damages. Particularly egregious discrimination may support punitive damages under Title VII and, for private employers, under the New York State Human Rights Law.

Discuss Your Case with a Racial Discrimination Lawyer in Westchester County

Our employment attorneys have recovered over $360 million for our clients. Phillips & Associates, PLLC is ranked by Chambers and Partners in the 2026 Chambers USA Guide for Labor and Employment and Mainly Plaintiffs in New York. We’re also recognized in Best Law Firms 2026 and The Best Lawyers in America 2026 for Litigation, Labor and Employment. Our documented results include a $2,200,000 result for race discrimination and retaliation as well as other successful cases. While prior results don’t guarantee a similar outcome, they demonstrate our team's dedication and skill.

Have you faced racial discrimination at work in Westchester County? Call us at (866) 229-9441 or through our online form for a free, confidential consultation. We charge no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. We represent clients in Yonkers, Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, and White Plains.