Age Discrimination Attorneys in New York

If you are 40 or older and believe your age is being used against you at work, you’re not alone—and you have legal rights. At Sanders Law Group, we protect employees from age-related bias in hiring, promotions, layoffs, training access, and more. Age discrimination isn’t just unfair—it’s illegal.

Call (800) 979-3707 or email info@sanderslaw.group for a free consultation.

Understanding Age Discrimination

Age discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or job applicant less favorably because of their age. Federal law protects workers 40 and older under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). New York law goes further by protecting workers of all ages and applying to smaller employers.

Age bias can be subtle or blatant. It often appears as a pattern of behavior—being excluded from meetings, overlooked for new opportunities, or forced into early retirement. If you feel you’re being sidelined while younger, less experienced coworkers are given priority, age discrimination could be a factor.

Examples of Age Discrimination

• You’re passed over for a promotion or raise despite strong qualifications.
• Your supervisor makes repeated comments about your age or retirement.
• Your job duties are reduced or reassigned to younger colleagues.
• You’re excluded from training or company initiatives targeting “young talent.”
• You’re laid off while younger, less experienced employees are retained.

Hostile Work Environment Based on Age

Sometimes, age discrimination creates a toxic or hostile work environment. This could include ongoing jokes about your age, derogatory labels like “dinosaur” or “old lady,” or repeated pressure to retire. These actions—whether subtle or overt—can be emotionally damaging and legally actionable.

New York law doesn’t require the behavior to be “severe or pervasive” to qualify as illegal, unlike federal law. That means you may still have a strong case even if the discrimination isn’t extreme—but persistent or unfair treatment exists.

Proving Age Discrimination

Age bias isn’t always documented, but it can often be proven through patterns and evidence. At Sanders Law Group, we help gather and present the following:

• Comparative evidence: Younger employees treated more favorably.
• Direct statements: Supervisors referencing age in decision-making.
• Timing patterns: Sudden demotion or layoff after reaching a certain age.
• Emails or memos: Suggesting age-related performance concerns without justification.
• Witness accounts: Coworkers who observed biased behavior or comments.

Your Legal Protections

• ADEA (Federal Law): Covers employees age 40+ at companies with 20+ employees.
• New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL): Covers all employees regardless of age, and applies to employers with as few as four employees.
• New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL): Offers broader protections and applies to all employers within the city.

These laws also protect against retaliation, meaning your employer cannot punish you for reporting age discrimination or assisting someone else who does.

What to Do if You Suspect Age Discrimination

If you feel you’re being treated unfairly due to age, here are steps to protect yourself:

• Start documenting comments, emails, and job actions that seem discriminatory.
• Save performance evaluations, especially if they show a positive track record.
• Note any younger employees who are receiving preferential treatment.
• Contact an experienced employment attorney to evaluate your case.

How Sanders Law Group Can Help

Our team understands the toll age discrimination takes on your career, finances, and dignity. We’re here to fight for your rights with strategic legal representation. We help by:

• Evaluating the strength of your claim
• Filing complaints with the EEOC or local human rights agencies
• Negotiating fair settlements that may include back pay, reinstatement, and emotional damages
• Litigating aggressively in court if necessary
• Reviewing and negotiating severance agreements that may contain unlawful waivers

We handle most age discrimination cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win compensation for you.

Time Limits Matter

Don’t delay. Age discrimination claims are time-sensitive. Federal ADEA complaints typically must be filed with the EEOC within 180 to 300 days. State and city laws may have longer or shorter filing periods. Missing your deadline can bar you from recovering anything.

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

If you’ve experienced age discrimination in hiring, promotion, compensation, layoffs, or workplace treatment, we’re here to help. Our attorneys represent clients across New York City, Long Island, Westchester, and beyond.

Call (800) 979-3707 or email info@sanderslaw.group to schedule your free and confidential case review.

Why Choose Sanders Law Group?

• Proven experience in age and employment discrimination claims
• Deep knowledge of federal, state, and NYC-specific employment laws
• Responsive and compassionate legal team
• Results-focused and committed to justice