Colonie, NY Employment Law Attorneys

Tired of Being Disrespected at Work? Our Colonie Employment Law Attorneys Are Ready to Fight for You

If you’ve been mistreated at work, whether it’s discrimination, wage theft, or unfair discipline, you know how overwhelming it feels. Our employment law attorneys in Colonie, NY stand ready to defend your rights and restore your peace of mind. You deserve to work without fear or frustration.

At Horn Wright, LLP, we support people who feel powerless when they should be protected. We combine legal skill with empathy for your situation. Whether you’re working at Wolf Road shops, a Mooers Avenue factory, or city offices near Albany Shaker Road, we know what’s at stake.

We’ve helped Colonie-area workers challenge violations and recover lost wages, rightful promotions, and respect. When you team up with us, you get more than representation, you get fierce advocates on your side.

Feeling Shut Out, Overworked or Underpaid? We’re Here to Change That

You might be dealing with discrimination, retaliation for reporting abuse, or a hostile work environment. Maybe your employer is violating wage laws or refusing breaks. Whatever the problem, the first step is understanding your rights.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act protects you from discrimination based on race, sex, religion, national origin, or color. New York Executive Law § 296 goes even further, covering categories such as gender identity, age, military status, and familial status. Both laws prohibit not only direct bias but also workplace policies that disproportionately harm protected groups.

Under Labor Law § 201-d, New York also prohibits discrimination based on lawful off-duty conduct, including reproductive health decisions and political affiliation. We use these layered protections to create strong, detailed claims that hold employers to account.

We believe transparency matters. We lay out what we will do. We give you realistic expectations. Most importantly, we listen to how your situation has affected your life. Then we build a case that is both legally sound and personally meaningful.

When Your Workplace Turns Hostile, You Don’t Have to Stay Quiet

A workplace becomes hostile when racist or sexist comments aren’t addressed or when people are excluded because of their identity. You don’t necessarily need a single explosive moment. Persistent micro-aggressions, exclusion from projects, or unequal standards can create a toxic environment.

Suppose you’re repeatedly interrupted in meetings or your work is constantly overlooked. That builds frustration and harm. When the behavior shows a pattern and affects your ability to work, it becomes actionable under Title VII and Executive Law § 296(1)(h), which specifically targets workplace harassment that alters employment conditions.

We also rely on NYS Department of Labor enforcement guidance, which holds that employers must create a work environment free from harassment under their general duty obligations. These laws give us the leverage to hold employers accountable even when they claim the behavior wasn’t “serious enough.”

We do more than note your feelings. We collect:

• Emails, texts, and notes that show bias or exclusion
• Records of supervisor meetings where discriminatory treatment occurred
• Comparison of how other employees are treated for the same performance

These records help us show not just how you feel, but how your workplace fails to treat you fairly.

If They Took Your Time and Pay, We’ll Help You Take It Back

Are you working overtime but only getting paid for a standard 40 hours? Are you missing breaks? Has your employer docked pay or required off-the-clock tasks? These issues are more common than most believe, particularly in retail, factories, and service jobs.

Federal law under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), 29 U.S.C. § 207, requires one-and-a-half times your regular rate for all hours over 40 in a week. New York Labor Law § 663 also allows for recovery of unpaid wages plus liquidated damages—essentially doubling what you're owed for violations that weren’t corrected.

Labor Law § 191 and § 193 also prohibit employers from delaying paychecks or making unauthorized deductions. If your employer failed to provide timely pay or shorted you on commissions or bonuses, we build a detailed claim using these statutes to recover every dollar.

We review your pay stubs and schedules to calculate exactly what you’re owed. We contact your employer, secure records, and demand owed wages including liquidated damages. If they refuse, we file claims or lawsuits. Every minute shows a missed opportunity. We ensure you’re compensated.

In many cases, wage violations happen to groups of people. We can represent an individual or seek class action for multiple workers. Collective action increases pressure and brings bigger settlements. We work with labor and community organizations to build stronger claims for groups working at the same location or under the same policy.

Speaking Up Shouldn’t Cost You Your Job or Your Dignity

When you speak up about pay violations, discrimination, safety concerns, or harassment and then face demotion or discipline, that unlawful retaliation can be as damaging as the original problem. New York and federal laws both protect employees from retaliation, even if that retaliation is subtle.

Title VII prohibits retaliation against anyone who files a discrimination complaint or participates in an investigation. Likewise, Executive Law § 296(7) bars retaliation in New York, and Labor Law § 740 offers whistleblower protections for employees reporting illegal activities, workplace health hazards, or law violations.

These laws create a legal shield for you. If your employer acts against you for asserting your rights, we include a retaliation claim in your case. Retaliation often increases your damages and strengthens your position in negotiations.

Maybe you called HR or submitted a wage complaint and suddenly stopped getting shifts. Maybe your raise disappeared. Suddenly your workload increases without explanation. Those signals hurt your career and your financial security. We document those actions and make them part of your claim.

What It Takes to Win a Case and Get the Respect You Deserve

We begin with a listening session—online or in-person. You share what has happened, when, and to whom. We collect relevant papers: pay stubs, schedules, reviews, written complaints, email threads, and HR responses.

Then we match your situation to the law. Is this discrimination under Title VII? Is it a wage violation under FLSA? Is your employer retaliating? We draft a demand letter or file claims under the appropriate statute. We deal directly with employers, mediation services, or courts—whatever gets you relief.

The process often involves claims before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the New York State Division of Human Rights. For wage claims, we may file with the New York Department of Labor under Labor Law § 661 or go directly to court under § 663. These pathways help us secure relief through administrative or judicial means.

The legal process can feel daunting. We explain:

• Your options—negotiation, mediation, or court
• Timeline based on similar cases
• Expenses and potential compensation

You decide what risks and goals matter most. We handle the legal muscle behind your directions.

The Questions You’re Scared to Ask—Answered Honestly

How long do I have to act?
For discrimination claims under Title VII you have 300 days. Through New York state under Executive Law § 297(5), you have up to three years. Wage claims can be filed up to six years under Labor Law § 198(3).

Can I file multiple claims at once?
Yes. It is common to file discrimination and wage claims together when problems overlap. This gives your case more power and helps secure comprehensive recovery.

Will this cost me my job?
It is illegal for your employer to fire, demote, or cut your hours in retaliation for asserting legal rights. If that happens, we include it in your claim under both Labor Law § 740 and Title VII. Our team will support you and push to prevent future retaliation.

We Know Colonie Workers Because We’ve Stood With Them Before

Colonie feels like home, and we treat every client like family. From retail staff near the mall to public service workers in Albany suburb offices, we know the landscape and the challenges.

We have a record of success. Workers recover unpaid wages, salary gaps, promotions, and respect in their jobs. We have taken cases to mediation, NYSDHR, the Department of Labor, and local courts, and won. Every test of the law matters.

But what sets us apart is our human approach. We answer your questions, return your calls, and explain confusing legal terms. You will feel supported and heard. You will feel like you matter.

When You’re Ready to Stand Up, We’re Ready to Stand With You

Employment law is about people, not paperwork. We are not interested in churning cases. We care about your life. If you are ready to work with an empathetic, reliable team that delivers real results, we are here.

Our firm is recognized among the top in America for employee-side work. When you want to hire one of the best law firms in America for workplace justice, give us a call. You deserve strong legal protection—not empty promises.

Call our Colonie office now and let our employment law attorneys fight for you.