Marjorie Mesidor

Practice Areas

Employment Discrimination

Sexual Harassment

Sexual Abuse

Career

In the arena of employment law, where the scales of justice often feel precariously balanced between the might of corporations and the rights of individuals, Marjorie Mesidor stands as a titan. A fierce advocate, a master strategist, and a compassionate counselor, Mesidor has carved out a formidable reputation as one of New York's most successful employment discrimination attorneys. Her career is not merely a collection of case files; it is a testament to a relentless pursuit of workplace equity, underscored by a staggering record of achievement: the successful prosecution of over 440 cases to completion, culminating in an extraordinary $75,000,000 in settlements and verdicts for her clients. This figure is more than a number; it represents restored dignity, validated truths, and the financial security for hundreds of individuals whose careers and lives were upended by unlawful discrimination.

As a Founding Partner at Mesidor, PLLC, a firm renowned for its dedicated focus on employee rights, Mesidor is at the helm of a powerful legal engine. Her leadership is defined by a combination of unyielding tenacity and profound empathy. She understands that behind every claim of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation is a human story of injustice. It is this understanding that fuels her meticulous approach to litigation. She does not simply argue the law; she chronicles the human cost of corporate misconduct, weaving together compelling narratives that resonate with judges, juries, and even the most hardened defense attorneys. Her command of the courtroom is legendary—a dynamic blend of sharp legal acumen, eloquent persuasion, and an unshakeable belief in her clients' cause.

Mesidor's journey to becoming a legal powerhouse was forged in the demanding landscape of New York City and its surrounding boroughs. From the outset of her career, she demonstrated an innate talent for litigation and a deep-seated passion for civil rights. She honed her skills in the trenches, taking on complex cases that other attorneys might have deemed too challenging. She quickly learned that victory in employment law requires more than just knowing the statutes; it demands an intricate understanding of human psychology, corporate dynamics, and the subtle, often insidious ways discrimination manifests. She became a student of the unspoken, an expert in deciphering the coded language of bias and exposing the pretextual justifications for wrongful termination, demotion, or a hostile work environment.

Her expertise spans the full spectrum of employment discrimination law. She has championed the rights of employees facing discrimination based on race, gender, age, religion, national origin, and disability. She has been a particularly stalwart defender against the pervasive evils of sexual harassment, securing justice for countless individuals who have endured unthinkable abuse and misconduct. Her work in this area has been both pioneering and impactful, helping to shape how these sensitive and complex cases are litigated. She has fearlessly taken on powerful executives and large corporations, holding them accountable for fostering toxic work cultures and failing to protect their employees.

When a case does proceed to trial, Mesidor is in her element. Jurors are captivated by her ability to distill complex legal concepts into clear, understandable, and morally compelling arguments. She is a master storyteller, using opening statements to frame the narrative and closing arguments to deliver a powerful call for justice. Her cross-examinations are precise and devastating, skillfully dismantling the defense's arguments and exposing inconsistencies in witness testimony. This trial advocacy is not just for show; it is the engine that has driven many of the multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements that contribute to her staggering $75,000,000 record.

This monumental figure in settlements and verdicts is a direct reflection of her ability to accurately value a case and her refusal to accept lowball offers that do not fully compensate her clients for their economic and emotional damages. She understands the profound financial and psychological toll that discrimination takes—the lost wages, the derailed career trajectory, the anxiety, the depression, and the loss of self-worth. She fights for every dollar, ensuring that settlements and verdicts are not just symbolic victories, but instruments of substantive relief that allow her clients to rebuild their lives. Whether it is a seven-figure verdict in a high-profile sexual harassment case or a hard-fought settlement for a worker denied reasonable accommodations, Mesidor’s financial results demonstrate a consistent ability to maximize outcomes for those she represents.

Beyond her own practice, Marjorie Mesidor is a recognized leader in the legal community, dedicated to elevating the practice of employment law and mentoring the next generation of advocates. Her role as former President of the National Employment Lawyers Association of New York (NELA/NY), the local affiliate of the nation's largest bar association for employee-rights attorneys, places her at the forefront of legal advocacy and education. In this capacity, she has been instrumental in shaping legislative initiatives, promoting best practices among plaintiff-side attorneys, and ensuring that the voice of the worker is heard in the halls of power. She is a frequent lecturer and panelist at legal conferences and seminars, where she shares her insights on trial strategy, jury selection, and the nuances of litigating discrimination cases.

Her colleagues and adversaries alike describe her with a consistent set of superlatives: brilliant, prepared, relentless, and ethical. She is known for her professionalism and integrity, even in the most contentious of legal battles. She is a formidable opponent, but one who commands respect for her unwavering commitment to the principles of justice and her zealous advocacy on behalf of her clients.

In an era where workplace dynamics are constantly evolving, with new challenges arising from the gig economy, remote work, and a heightened awareness of systemic bias, Marjorie Mesidor’s work has never been more vital. She is not just reacting to the legal landscape; she is actively shaping it. Her cases often set precedents and push the boundaries of existing protections, forcing employers to re-evaluate their policies and practices. She is a powerful force for change, using the tool of litigation to create more equitable and inclusive workplaces for all.

The legacy of Marjorie Mesidor is being written in the lives she has changed. It is seen in the single mother who was able to keep her home after being fired for her pregnancy. It is reflected in the career of the executive of color who was vindicated after being passed over for promotion due to his race. It is felt in the sense of peace for the administrative assistant who found justice after enduring months of sexual harassment. The 440-plus successfully concluded cases are not just statistics; they are stories of resilience and vindication. The $75,000,000 is not just money; it is a measure of justice delivered.

In Marjorie Mesidor, clients find more than just an attorney; they find a champion. They find a warrior who will stand with them, fight for them, and guide them through the darkest moments of their professional lives. She is a beacon of hope for the wronged and a formidable adversary for the wrongdoer. Her career is a masterclass in the art of advocacy, a powerful reminder that one dedicated individual can indeed bend the arc of the moral universe toward justice, one case at a time. Her name is synonymous with excellence, her record is a testament to her impact, and her work continues to redefine what is possible in the fight for civil rights in the American workplace.

Professional Memberships

New York University Labor and Employment Advisory Board

Cornell Center for Innovative Hospitality Labor and Employment Relations, Employee Representative Advisory Board

Board of Ethics of the Town of Brookhaven

Languages Spoken

English

French

Haitian Creole

Italian

Education

Awards