Derek T. Smith - New York City, NY
Attorney at Derek Smith Law Group, PLLC
Employment Law Lawyers in New York City, NY
The Nelson Tower 450 7th Avenue 30th Floor New York City, NY 10123
- Free Consultation
- 1 Super Lawyers®
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31
Years
Experience
New York City Employment Law Lawyer
Updated: 08/19/2026
Reviews for Derek T. Smith
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Areas of Practice
- Employment Law
- Sexual Harassment
- Workplace Retaliation After Reporting Misconduct
- Whistleblower
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act
- Employment Discrimination
- Wrongful Termination
- Wage and Hour
- Child Sexual Abuse
Attorney Information
Overview
For nearly thirty years, I, Derek Smith, have dedicated my legal career to fighting for the rights of victims of sexual harassment and discrimination since 1995. With our offices in New York, Philadelphia, New Jersey, California, and Florida, the Derek Smith Law Group isn’t just another firm—it’s a beacon of hope for those who have faced injustice in the workplace.
My passion for this work stems from a deep understanding of the profound impact sexual harassment and discrimination can have on an individual’s life. It’s more than just an inconvenience; it can shatter confidence, damage careers, and create a toxic work environment.
That’s why I take a personal approach to every case. You’re not just a case file – you’re a person who deserves to be heard and treated with respect. We have the pleasure and honor of representing people from all different careers, from blue-collar workers to world famous celebrities.
My Journey: From Witness to Advocate
My legal journey began with witnessing firsthand the devastation caused by workplace harassment. It fueled a sense of responsibility within me – a responsibility to ensure a voice for those who are silenced, and to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.
Over the years, I’ve seen countless individuals come through my doors, each with a unique story. Some come shaken and unsure, others filled with righteous anger. But what unites them all is the desire for justice, for a sense of closure, and for a workplace free from harassment or discrimination.
A Record of Success, a Passion for Justice
Since 1995, I’ve had the privilege of helping countless individuals secure the compensation they deserve. More importantly, I’ve played a role in creating a safer, more respectful work environment for countless others. The fight isn’t just about settlements, though securing over $500 million for my clients demonstrates the power of holding companies accountable. I also hold the record for the largest emotional distress jury verdict ever to be upheld on appeal in the entire United States in an employment discrimination case.
It’s about empowering individuals to reclaim their lives, to rebuild their confidence, and to move forward with a sense of justice achieved.
Defendants also fear us because they know we are not afraid to take cases to trial if need be. Interestingly, it is our impressive track record in jury trials that causes Defendants to pay to settle your case without ever having to start the lawsuit.
My Approach: Personalized Advocacy with Unshakeable Resolve
Here at the Derek Smith Law Group, you can expect:
- Free and confidential consultations: Sharing your story can be difficult. We offer a safe space to discuss your experiences without pressure.
- In-depth case evaluation: We’ll meticulously analyze your situation to determine the strongest legal strategy.
- Compassionate and aggressive representation: I combine empathy with a tenacious fight for your rights.
- Clear communication: You’ll be kept informed every step of the way, with all your questions answered promptly.
- Relentless pursuit of justice: I won’t back down until you receive the compensation and accountability you deserve.
My Experience: Your Advantage
Over the years, I have handled a wide range of sexual harassment and discrimination cases, including:
- Quid pro quo harassment
- Hostile work environment
- Employment Discrimination
- Sexual Assault
- Civil Rape
- Retaliation for reporting harassment
- Gender discrimination
- Race discrimination
- Age discrimination
- Disability discrimination
- Wage & Hour
- Whistleblower
This extensive experience allows me to anticipate legal roadblocks and develop winning strategies tailored to your specific situation.
More Than Just Legal Expertise
While legal expertise is crucial, it’s only half the battle. I understand the emotional toll that sexual harassment and discrimination can take. That’s why I offer a level of personalized support that goes beyond the courtroom.
If you wish, we work with a network of therapists and counselors who can help you process your experience and navigate the healing journey.
Taking Back Control: Your Next Step
If you’ve been a victim of sexual harassment or discrimination in the workplace or anywhere, know this: you’re not alone. You have rights, and you deserve to be heard.
Don’t let fear or intimidation silence you. Contact the Derek Smith Law Group today for a free consultation. Together, we can navigate the legal path to justice and help you reclaim control of your life.
Let’s work together to foster safer workplaces. Call now for a free consultation at 800-807-2209.
In The Media
- $16 Million Settlement Secured by The Derek Smith Law Group on Behalf of Sexual Assault Survivor
- 15 Million Verdict Secured by Derek Smith Law Group in Child Sexual Abuse Case
- Porn Studio, Facial Abuse, Accused of Ignoring Consent and Inflicting Injuries on Models
- Drama Beyond Reality TV? Lawsuit Exposes Dark Side of The Real Housewives with Sexual Assault Claims
- Derek Smith Recognized by Best Lawyers®
- The Donna Drake Show on DEREK SMITH LAW GROUP - NYC with DEREK SMITH
- How to Fight Harassment + The $1.8M Derek Smith Law Group Philly Case That Made History
- The P. Diddy Trial: Expert Harassment Attorneys Deep Dive into the Case
- FULL LIVE EXCLUSIVE - Inside the Final Days of the DIDDY TRIAL | Attorney Derek Smith & Dawn Demaio
- LIVE EXCLUSIVE COURTHOUSE RECAP OF THE DIDDY TRIAL
Awards and Honors
Awards
Honors
- Recognized by New York Law Journal for Top Verdicts in Employment Law
- Top-Rated by SuperLawyers year after year as one of the top 5% attorneys in Employment Law
- One of the top employment & labor law attorney in New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia, with a proven record of Top Employment Law Verdicts in NY
- Judge, Robert F. Wagner National Labor and Employment Law Moot Court Competition
- Judge, Charles W. Froessel Intramural Moot Court Competition
- Obtained the Largest Emotional Distress Verdict upheld in an Employment Law Case in the entire United States
Other Sources of Feedback About Derek T. Smith
Included on the 2026 New York Metro Super Lawyers list
Past Lists
- 2025 New York Metro Super Lawyers list
- 2024 New York Metro Super Lawyers list
- 2023 New York Metro Super Lawyers list
- 2022 New York Metro Super Lawyers list
- 2021 New York Metro Super Lawyers list
- 2020 New York Metro Super Lawyers list
- 2019 New York Metro Super Lawyers list
- 2018 New York Metro Super Lawyers list
- 2017 New York Metro Super Lawyers list
- 2016 New York Metro Super Lawyers list
- 2011 New York Metro Super Lawyers list
- 2010 New York Metro Super Lawyers list
Education
Legal Education
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Dickinson School of Law of the Pennsylvania State University,
Carlisle,
Pennsylvania, 1994
J.D.
Honors: Certificat d'Etudes Politiques, Université de Droit d'Economie et des Sciences d'Aix Marseille, 1990-1991
Non Legal Education
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University of Michigan, 1991
B.A. - Faculté de Droit et de Science Politique d'Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France, 1990
Current Employment Position(s)
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Principal
Languages
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English
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French
Published Works
Articles
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Home Page
Derek Smith Law Group, PLLC focuses on employment law. Most of our legal cases involve claims and lawsuits that seek damages for sexual harassment, discrimination, and hostile work environment. -
New York City Sexual Harassment Lawyers Firm Overview
Top Rated by SuperLawyers and Newsweek. Recognized by The New York Law Journal for one of the highest New York City Discrimination Verdicts. -
Practice Areas
Besides federal laws, such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, there are many state and local employment discrimination and harassment laws that protect New York workers. -
New York City Sexual Harassment Lawyer
Our sexual harassment lawyers serve clients in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island and throughout the state of New York. We also represent employees sexual harassment cases in New Jersey, Pennsylvania & Washington D.C. -
Employment Discrimination Case Attorneys
Employment discrimination laws seek to prevent discrimination by employers based on race, sex, religion, national origin, physical disability, pregnancy, age, and sexual orientation.
Bar Admissions
- New York, 1995
- New Jersey, 1996
- Pennsylvania, 1996
- U.S. District Court Northern District of New York
- U.S. District Court Southern District of New York
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of New York
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of Pennsylvania
- U.S. District Court Middle District of Pennsylvania
- U.S. District Court District of New Jersey
- California
- Florida
- U.S. District Court Southern District of Florida
- Supreme Court of the United States of America
Specialties and Certifications
- NY Super Lawyers, NY Top Super Lawyers, 2010
- NY Super Lawyers, NY Top Super Lawyers, 2011
Other Affiliations
- New York State Bar Association, 1995 - 2014 (Member)
- New Jersey State Bar Association, 1996 - 2014 (Member)
- Pennsylvania Bar Association, 1996 - 2014 (Member)
- America Association of Justice, 1996 - 2014 (Member)
- NELA/NY National Employment Lawyers Association of New York
- New York State Trial Lawyers
- National Employment Lawyers Association; NELA
Photo
Contact
The Nelson Tower
450 7th Avenue
30th Floor
New York City, NY 10123
Phone Number: 855-281-7046
Email: Send a message
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