Sexual Harassment Attorney in Boulder

Confidential Help For Workplace Sexual Harassment

If you are dealing with unwanted conduct at work, it can be hard to know whether it is serious enough to act on or who you can talk to safely. You might be worried about your job, your reputation, and how your employer will respond. You do not have to sort through those questions on your own.

Patricia S. Bellac Law Firm is a Boulder-based employment law firm that helps people navigate workplace sexual harassment and related employment issues. For more than two decades, we have guided employees, managers, and businesses through Colorado employment law and federal discrimination law. Our goal is to give you clear information and practical options so you can decide what comes next.

Whether you are still in the job, have already reported harassment, or are considering leaving, we can talk with you confidentially about your situation. We work to understand what you want to achieve, then help you evaluate the legal and practical paths available.

Why Choose Our Boulder Employment Firm

When you are facing sexual harassment, you need more than general legal knowledge. You need a firm that understands how real workplaces operate in Boulder and Northern Colorado, and how harassment issues interact with policies, contracts, and business realities. Our team focuses on employment and business law, so harassment and discrimination concerns are central to what we do.

For over 20 years, we have advised both employees and employers in the public and private sectors. This dual perspective helps us anticipate how companies may investigate, respond to, or defend against harassment complaints. It also informs how we approach negotiations, whether the priority is stopping the conduct, preserving a position, or discussing separation and compensation.

We work with people employed by organizations such as educational institutions, technology companies, professional firms, and government entities in and around Boulder, Colorado. Our firm handles matters under Colorado employment law and under federal discrimination statutes, including laws enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. This combined focus allows us to consider all applicable protections, not just one system.

Every harassment situation is different. Some clients want to remain in their jobs and seek safer working conditions. Others are ready to move on and want to understand their legal claims before signing anything. We listen carefully and aim to design a strategy that fits your goals, whether that involves internal complaints, agency filings, negotiated resolutions, or litigation.

Call (303) 622-3883 or reach out to us online to confidentially discuss your concerns with our sexual harassment attorneys in Boulder.

What Counts As Sexual Harassment At Work

Many people are unsure whether what they are experiencing is unlawful sexual harassment or simply inappropriate behavior. The law looks at the overall pattern and impact of conduct, not only single comments. Understanding these distinctions can help you decide when to seek legal advice.

Sexual harassment often falls into two broad categories. One is a hostile work environment, which typically involves repeated or severe behavior that makes the workplace intimidating, offensive, or abusive. The other is sometimes described as quid pro quo harassment, which involves requests for sexual favors or romantic attention in exchange for job benefits or to avoid negative actions.

Examples of conduct that may contribute to unlawful harassment include repeated unwelcome comments about your body or appearance, sexual jokes or images in emails or chats, unwanted touching or physical closeness, or pressure for dates or intimacy tied to your job. Harassment can come from supervisors, coworkers, customers, or clients, and it can affect any gender or sexual orientation.

Not every rude remark or one-time incident will meet the legal threshold for a claim. Courts and agencies look at whether the behavior is severe or pervasive, and whether it interferes with your ability to do your job. Colorado and federal anti-discrimination laws, such as those enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Colorado Civil Rights Division, provide important protections. If you are unsure how your experience fits within these standards, speaking with a sexual harassment attorney in Boulder can help clarify your options.

Steps To Take If You Are Harassed

When you are living through harassment, it can feel overwhelming and isolating. Taking a few thoughtful steps can help protect both your well-being and your legal position, even if you have not decided what you want to dolong-termm.

Before you act, consider your safety and emotional health. Talking with trusted friends, family, or a counselor can be helpful as you process what is happening at work. It is also often useful to gather facts, so that memories do not fade and you have a clearer record if you decide to move forward.

If you are experiencing sexual harassment, some practical steps may include:

• Writing down dates, times, locations, and descriptions of incidents, along with names of any witnesses.
• Saving relevant emails, messages, screenshots, or notes that show what occurred or how others responded.
• Review your employee handbook or policies to understand existing complaint procedures and reporting options.
• Thinking carefully before discussing details with coworkers, to avoid misunderstandings or unwanted sharing of your information.
• Refraining from signing severance agreements, non-disclosure agreements, or settlement documents without legal review.
• Speaking with a sexual harassment lawyer confidentially to understand your rights and the potential impact of internal or external complaints.

Some people choose to report harassment internally through a supervisor or the human resources department. Others feel safer seeking legal advice first, especially if the person involved has significant power in the organization. We can talk through these choices with you so that any step you take is informed and deliberate.

How We Approach Sexual Harassment Cases

When you contact our office, our priority is to hear your story in your own words. We talk with you about what has happened, who is involved, and what you hope will change. We also discuss your employment status, any documents you have received, and whether you have already reported concerns to your employer.

During an initial consultation, we typically explain the basic legal framework that applies to harassment and retaliation in Colorado and under federal law. We may discuss how agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Colorado Civil Rights Division fit into the process, because many claims involve administrative charges before any court filing. Timelines for those steps can be strict, so it is helpful to understand them early.

Depending on your circumstances, potential paths can include continued internal communication with your employer, filing an administrative charge, or, in some cases, considering litigation in courts that serve Boulder and Northern Colorado. Harassment cases often involve related issues such as retaliation, constructive discharge, termination, or disputes about pay and benefits. Our employment law background helps us address these overlapping concerns together, rather than treating them as separate problems.

Some clients want to explore negotiated resolutions, such as improvements in working conditions or a carefully structured departure with appropriate terms. Others prefer to focus on formal claims. We work to evaluate the risks and benefits of each approach, and we keep you informed about what to expect at each stage. Throughout the matter, we strive to communicate clearly, maintain confidentiality, and respect the impact that this process has on your career and personal life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if this is sexual harassment?

If behavior at work is unwelcome, sexual in nature, and affects your ability to do your job, it may be harassment. A single comment may not be enough, but repeated or severe conduct can be. We can review your specific situation and explain how the law may apply.

Will my employer find out if I contact you?

Contacting our firm is confidential, and simply speaking with us does not notify your employer. Whether your employer learns about our involvement depends on the steps you choose to take. We can discuss options for staying anonymous and what might change if you file a formal complaint.

What if I have already reported harassment to HR?

If you already reported to human resources, we can look at what you shared and how your employer responded. Internal complaints can affect deadlines and legal options. We help you evaluate next steps, including whether to pursue an agency charge or consider other responses.

How long do I have to bring a claim?

Deadlines in harassment and discrimination matters are often measured in months, not years. Time limits for filing with agencies or courts depend on the laws involved and where you work. Because these rules are strict, it is wise to consult a sexual harassment attorney as soon as you can.

Can your firm also advise my small business on a harassment complaint?

Yes. Our firm represents both employees and employers in employment matters. If your small business receives a harassment complaint, we can advise you on policies, investigations, and responses that follow Colorado law and federal requirements. We aim to help you address concerns thoughtfully and reduce legal risk.

Talk With A Boulder Employment Attorney

Deciding what to do about sexual harassment at work is rarely simple. Speaking with a knowledgeable sexual harassment attorney can help you sort through your options, understand your rights, and plan your next steps with more confidence. You do not have to make these decisions alone.

At Patricia S. Bellac Law Firm, we bring more than 20 years of employment and business law experience to clients in Boulder and across Northern Colorado. We draw on our background in Colorado employment law and federal discrimination law to evaluate your situation in detail. Our team works to provide practical guidance that respects both your legal interests and your long-term career.

If you are looking for a sexual harassment lawyer in Boulder who will listen carefully and explain the process in clear terms, we encourage you to reach out. A confidential conversation can be an important first step toward a safer and more stable work life.

You deserve a safe workplace. Call (303) 622-3883 or reach out to us online for a confidential consultation with our sexual harassment lawyer in Boulder.