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Finding a sexual harassment lawyer

Updated Oct 21, 2026

A sexual harassment lawyer represents people who were harassed, assaulted or retaliated against at work, school or another institution. Most work on contingency, so you pay nothing up front and they're paid a share of any recovery. The most important thing to know is that deadlines can be short. Workplace claims under federal law must start with an agency complaint within 180 or 300 days, so talk to a lawyer soon.

This site is not a law firm and doesn't provide legal advice. This guide explains how the process generally works so you can find the right help.

When to talk to a lawyer

• You were sexually harassed or assaulted by a boss, coworker, client, teacher, coach, doctor or anyone with power over you.
• You reported it and were ignored, demoted, fired, or treated worse afterward (retaliation is illegal on its own).
• An organization knew about the person's behavior and didn't act.
• You're being asked to sign a settlement, severance agreement or nondisclosure agreement.
• You're unsure whether time limits have passed. Many states have extended them, especially for sexual abuse.

Deadlines you need to know

• Federal workplace claims (Title VII): you generally must file a charge with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) within 180 days, extended to 300 days in states with their own fair-employment agency. Title VII covers employers with 15 or more employees.
• State law: many states have longer deadlines and cover smaller employers. California, for example, allows three years to file with its Civil Rights Department.
• Sexual assault and abuse lawsuits: these follow separate, often longer, time limits. Several states have opened lookback windows for old claims (for example New York, California and Maryland).
• Schools: Title IX complaints to the U.S. Department of Education generally must be filed within 180 days.

How to find a sexual harassment lawyer

1. Look for employment or sexual-abuse specialists who represent employees and survivors, not companies.
2. Use your state or local bar association's lawyer referral service. Most offer low-cost first consultations.
3. Check track records: verdicts, settlements, and cases like yours. News coverage of major cases often names the lawyers who brought them.
4. Ask about fees: contingency percentage (often 33 to 40 percent), who pays costs, and what happens if you lose.
5. Bring documentation to the first meeting: dates, messages, emails, HR complaints and responses, pay records and names of witnesses.

Questions to ask in a first consultation

• Have you handled cases against employers or institutions like mine?
• What deadlines apply to me, and when do we need to file?
• Can I sue the organization as well as the person?
• Will my name be public? Can I proceed anonymously?
• How do you get paid, and what costs could I owe?

Not ready for a lawyer?

You can tell the Hollywood Council for Restorative Justice what happened, anonymously, and choose whether you want them to follow up. For confidential emotional support, call RAINN at 800-656-4673.

Frequently asked questions

More help

• Sexual assault: what it is and what to do
• What to do after a rape
• Report anonymously to the Hollywood Council for Restorative Justice