Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

You Don’t Have to Tolerate It. We’re Here to Help.

Even in today’s workplaces, sexual harassment remains a serious and persistent problem — one that can derail careers, silence voices, and take an immense personal toll. Whether it’s subtle or blatant, sexual misconduct is never acceptable, and you don’t have to face it alone.

What Is Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment includes unwelcome conduct based on sex or gender, and it comes in many forms, including:

• Unwanted sexual advances or touching
• Sexually suggestive comments or jokes
• Pressure for dates or sexual favors, especially from someone in a position of power
• Offensive remarks about someone’s gender or sexual orientation
• Sexual images, texts, or emails in the workplace
• Retaliation for rejecting or reporting harassment

Sexual harassment falls under the broader category of sexual misconduct, which can also include sexual assault in the workplace. Such misconduct can come from supervisors, colleagues, clients, or even subordinates — and it can affect anyone, regardless of gender or job title.

We Specialize in Representing Professional Women

At The Prinz Law Firm, we represent professionals — including high-level executives and other accomplished women — who are navigating the deeply personal and often perilous issue of sexual harassment at work. We offer skilled, strategic, and discreet representation to protect your rights, your reputation, and your future.

As women grow their careers and rise in the ranks of their profession, the stakes of reporting harassment can seem ever more daunting. What will it mean for your professional advancement moving forward? For your reputation? For your finances? Our attorneys understand these fears. And we deeply empathize with what can feel like an impossible situation: report and be impeded in your career or don’t report and continue being harassed. That’s why we rely on our strong legal acumen and expertise to protect our clients’ varied interests and concerns. 

We have discreetly negotiated countless confidential settlements on our clients’ behalf. We have also successfully litigated and investigated many sensitive instances of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and other forms of sexual misconduct in the workplace.  

Can Only Women Be Victims of Sexual Harassment?

No. Sexual harassment can happen to anyone — regardless of gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

While women — especially women in male-dominated industries — are statistically more likely to experience sexual harassment than men, men can also be targets. LGBTQ+ workers, including nonbinary individuals, can also be harassed in connection with their identity. Harassment may come from someone of the “opposite” sex or the same sex, and it doesn’t require sexual attraction or intent to be unlawful.

What matters is whether the conduct is unwelcome, based on sex or gender, and creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive work environment — or if it involves quid pro quo harassment, such as demands for sexual favors in exchange for job benefits.

At The Prinz Law Firm, we know that harassment can be isolating, especially for those who feel they “don’t fit the mold” of a typical victim. We are committed to supporting all employees who have experienced workplace harassment, with the respect and sensitivity every client deserves.

If you’ve experienced inappropriate sexualized conduct or gender-based mistreatment at work — no matter who you are — you may have legal rights. We’re here to help you explore them.

What Should You Do if You’re Being Harassed?

If you believe you’ve experienced some form of sexual misconduct, you can help protect yourself by being proactive. While not legal advice, below are some steps that generally help individuals to advocate for themselves and feel prepared should they decide to take action.  

• Document everything
  Save emails, messages, and notes about incidents — these records can be crucial. Your future self will thank you for developing a detailed timeline should you eventually choose to report misconduct.
• Review your company’s policies 
  Become familiar with your employment handbook and any policies on what constitutes discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Also learn whether your workplace has any process for mediating workplace conflicts before they turn into full-scale disputes or harassment. 
• Report internally
  Many employers have procedures for reporting harassment internally, whether to a manager or supervisor or to human resources. Following those steps, when safe to do so, can strengthen your legal position. If you make a report verbally, make sure to follow up in writing so there is a paper trail.
• Don’t wait to get legal guidance
  You don’t have to report incidents internally before speaking to an attorney. In fact, an experienced lawyer can help you understand your options and protect yourself before taking action. 

How We Can Help

We take your concerns seriously — and we take action.

• Confidential consultations
  We offer a safe space to talk about what happened, assess your legal options, and help you determine your next steps.
• Strategic advocacy
  Whether you're seeking to negotiate a severance, stop ongoing harassment, or pursue a legal claim, we tailor our approach to your goals.
• Litigation and negotiation experience
  We’re trial-ready but also skilled negotiators. If we can resolve your matter efficiently and privately, we will — but we never hesitate to take a strong stance.
• Support for executives and professionals
  We understand the stakes for high-achieving women and other professionals whose reputations and livelihoods are on the line. We’ll fight for your rights while protecting your professional trajectory.

You Deserve a Workplace Free from Harassment

No one should be made to feel unsafe or devalued at work. If you’re dealing with sexual harassment — or if you’re not sure whether what you’ve experienced qualifies — reach out to our team.

The Prinz Law Firm is here to support you with discretion, compassion, and strength.

Our Chicago sexual harassment attorneys are here to help you take legal action. Contact us today at (312) 345-6603 to request a free intake consultation to discuss your potential matter.

Read these blogs to learn more about sexual harassment in the workplace:

• What Counts as Sexual Harassment in the Workplace?
• What To Do if You're Being Sexually Harassed?
• The Rise of Technology and Sexual Harassment
• Job Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation