Civil rights laws reflect our nation’s commitment to basic human rights and freedoms. When unlawful conduct affects an individual’s employment, unreasonably interferes with an individual’s work performance, or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment, Sanford Wittels & Heisler can help recover compensation for the victim.
Sanford Wittels & Heisler steadfastly protects the rights of those who have been subjected to discrimination under federal and state non-discrimination laws. We represent victims of sexual harassment and those who have suffered discrimination based on their race, age, disability and illness, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, or religion under federal or state law. We also represent employees who have suffered retaliation after speaking out or filing a legal complaint concerning discrimination or sexual harassment in the workplace.
We are committed to fighting discrimination:
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that occurs before employment begins, such as discriminatory hiring practices;
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during employment, such as discrimination in compensation, promotions, or other terms and conditions of employment;
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at the end of employment, such as discriminatory termination; and
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fighting retaliation against concerned workers who bravely speak out against discrimination or harassment.
Some important examples of our work can be found in the following cases:
Amy Velez, et al., v. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp.
SWH represents a class of approximately 5,600 female sales employees in gender discrimination claims against the $57 billion dollar international pharmaceuticals giant, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. These women suffered discrimination in pay, promotions to management, and in the terms and conditions surrounding pregnancy. The class was certified in the Southern District of New York in 2007, and the defendant’s motion for summary judgment was denied in 2009. The case is slated for trial in April 2010. The Novartis trial will be one of the largest class trials in the history of the United States. More
Bellifemine, et al., v. sanofi-aventis U.S.
SWH represents a class of approximately 6,000 female sales employees in gender discrimination claims against the pharmaceutical corporation, sanofi-aventis U.S. The women allege discrimination in pay and promotions. The parties have reached a class settlement, which is currently before the Court for approval. More
Wooten, et al., v. Smith & Nephew
SWH represents a class of African-Americans in race discrimination claims against Smith & Nephew, an international medical devices corporation. Our clients suffered discrimination in hiring, pay and promotions. The Court approved the settlement in November 2009. In addition to the $4 million award, the Court approved extensive non-monetary, systemic changes at Smith & Nephew. More
Menns v. Howrey
SWH recently filed a race discrimination lawsuit against Howrey LLP, the AmLaw 100 firm, alleging race and national origin discrimination against one of its attorneys. That case is now pending in D.C. Superior Court. More
Wilson, et al., v. Fairfield Resorts, Inc.
SWH represented a class of women in a sexual harassment and gender discrimination claims against Fairfield Resorts Incorporated, a major resort and timeshare company. The case was settled on behalf of all female employees at Fairfield’s Nashville, Tennessee facility in 2006, with over $5 million dollars in damages and significant modifications to Fairfield’s internal policies and procedures. More
Chapman v. Dell
SWH filed a class action gender discrimination lawsuit on behalf of high level Human Resources representatives alleging pay and promotion discrimination. The case was settled privately in 2009 with non-public terms. More
Rhodes, et al. v. Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores
David Sanford was lead counsel in a race discrimination class action suit against Cracker Barrel restaurants. The case concerned discrimination in pay and promotion, and also involved discrimination against African-American customers. The United States Department of Justice intervened in the case after 5 years of litigation and the matter settled for $8.7 million dollars. More