Do you offer a free consultation for startups?

Yes. The Rhodes Law Firm offers a free initial consultation — no obligation, no pressure.

What legal services do you offer for startups and entrepreneurs?

We offer corporate formation, contract drafting, outside general counsel, IP protection, regulatory compliance, and investor agreement support for startups in Louisiana and nationally.

Do you handle divorce and child custody cases in Louisiana?

Yes. The Rhodes Law Firm provides compassionate family law representation including divorce, legal separation, child custody, child support, spousal support, and adoption throughout Louisiana.

How much does a family law attorney cost in New Orleans?

The Rhodes Law Firm offers a free initial consultation so you can understand your options before making any financial commitment. Contact us at (504) 475-0975 to get started.

Where is The Rhodes Law Firm located?

The firm is based in New Orleans, Louisiana and serves clients statewide and nationally.

How do I contact The Rhodes Law Firm?

Call (504) 475-0975 or schedule a consultation at therhodeslawfirm.com.

What is sexual harassment under federal law?

Under Title VII, sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that occurs when: (1) submission to sexual conduct is made a condition of employment (quid pro quo harassment); or (2) sexual conduct is so severe or pervasive that it creates a hostile work environment. Both types are illegal and actionable under Title VII.

What is a hostile work environment?

A hostile work environment based on sex exists when unwelcome sexual conduct is severe or pervasive enough to alter the conditions of employment and create an abusive working environment. Courts consider: frequency of the conduct; severity; whether it was physically threatening or humiliating; and whether it unreasonably interfered with work performance. A single extremely severe incident (such as sexual assault) can constitute a hostile work environment.

Does the harassment have to be physical?

No. Sexual harassment can be verbal (sexual comments, jokes, propositions), visual (displaying sexually explicit images), or physical (unwanted touching). The key is that the conduct is unwelcome, based on sex, and either creates quid pro quo terms or is severe or pervasive enough to create a hostile work environment.

What should I do if I'm being sexually harassed at work?

1) Keep a private log: dates, times, what was said or done, witnesses; 2) Report the harassment through your employer's complaint procedure — this is usually required before you can sue and creates a record; 3) Preserve any evidence (emails, texts, voicemails); 4) Consult an employment attorney promptly; 5) If not resolved, file an EEOC charge within 300 days of the harassment. Do not resign if you can avoid it.

Can I be sexually harassed by someone of the same sex?

Yes. Title VII prohibits same-sex sexual harassment, as the Supreme Court held in Oncale v. Sundowner Offshore Services (1998). Title VII also protects against harassment based on sexual orientation and gender identity under the Supreme Court's decision in Bostock v. Clayton County (2020).

What if my employer does nothing after I report harassment?

An employer is liable for a hostile work environment when it knew or should have known of the harassment and failed to take prompt, effective remedial action. If you reported harassment through proper channels and nothing changed — or things got worse — you likely have a strong claim. Document the complaint, the employer's response (or lack thereof), and any subsequent harassment or retaliation.

How long do I have to file a sexual harassment EEOC charge?

In Louisiana, you have 300 days from the last act of harassment to file an EEOC charge. For ongoing harassment, the clock runs from the most recent act — but do not rely on this tolling. File as soon as possible. After filing, you must wait for the EEOC process and a right-to-sue letter before filing in federal court.

Can I be fired for reporting sexual harassment?

No — that is illegal retaliation under Title VII. Reporting sexual harassment is a protected activity, and terminating or otherwise punishing an employee for making that report is per se illegal. If you were fired, demoted, or harassed after reporting, you have both a harassment claim and a retaliation claim.

What damages are available in a sexual harassment case?

Damages include back pay, front pay, compensatory damages (emotional distress, pain and suffering), punitive damages (for egregious employer conduct), and attorney's fees. Damages caps under Title VII apply based on employer size ($50,000–$300,000). Claims may also be brought under state law for additional remedies.

Employment Law — Confidential

Sexual Harassment Attorney — Louisiana

Hostile Work Environment · Quid Pro Quo · Title VII · Confidential Consultations

Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. It includes quid pro quo harassment (conditioning employment benefits on sexual conduct) and hostile work environment harassment (sexual conduct so severe or pervasive that it alters the conditions of employment). Employees in Louisiana must file an EEOC charge within 300 days. All consultations are confidential. Call (504) 475-0975.

Written & Reviewed By

Jonathan M. Rhodes

Attorney at Law — The Rhodes Law Firm

Practice Areas: Employment Law — Sexual Harassment · Last Updated: September 26, 2026

Serving: Orleans Parish, Jefferson Parish, St. Charles Parish, Louisiana

Two Types of Sexual Harassment Under Federal Law

Quid Pro Quo Harassment

"Something for something" — a supervisor conditions a job benefit (hire, promotion, raise, continued employment) on submission to sexual conduct. A single incident is sufficient. The supervisor must have actual authority to take the employment action.

Hostile Work Environment

Sexual conduct so severe or pervasive that it creates an abusive working environment. Can be by a supervisor, coworker, or even a customer. The employer is liable if it knew or should have known and failed to act. Report through proper channels to preserve your claim.

Speak With a Sexual Harassment Attorney — Confidential

All consultations are strictly confidential. Jonathan M. Rhodes provides compassionate, aggressive representation for Louisiana employees. Free consultation.

Schedule a Consultation (504) 475-0975

Related Employment Law Resources

Workplace Discrimination

Sex discrimination broadly.

Workplace Retaliation

Fired for reporting harassment.

EEOC Claims

Filing a harassment charge.

Employment Law Hub

All employment law services.

Sexual Harassment in Louisiana — FAQ

Protect Your Workplace Rights

All consultations are confidential. 300-day EEOC deadline applies. Free initial consultation.

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