Gainesville Sexual Harassment Lawyer

You Deserve a Safe and Respectful Workplace. We Can Help.

No one should have to endure sexual harassment to earn a living. It is illegal, wrong, and deeply damaging. At Massey & Duffy, PLLC, we provide a safe, confidential space for you to share your story and understand your legal rights. Gainesville attorney Michael O. Massey is a powerful advocate for victims, committed to holding harassers and employers accountable and securing the justice you deserve.

What is Sexual Harassment? It's More Than You Think.

Sexual harassment is not just unwanted physical touching. It can be any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that affects your employment. We handle all types of sexual harassment claims:

Abuse of Power (Quid Pro Quo)

This is when a supervisor or someone in a position of power demands sexual favors in exchange for job benefits. Examples include:

  • Hinting at a promotion or raise if you "go out with them."

  • Threatening your job or giving you a bad review if you reject their advances.

  • Offering you better assignments or hours in exchange for sexual conduct.

A Pervasive Hostile Work Environment

This occurs when sexual conduct is so severe or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work atmosphere. This can include:

  • Persistent, unwelcome sexual jokes, comments, or innuendos.

  • Displaying sexually explicit images or materials.

  • Inappropriate questions about your personal or sexual life.

  • Unwanted touching, cornering, or invasion of your personal space.

  • Harassment based on your sexual orientation or gender identity.

CRITICAL ADVICE: Before You Quit Your Job, Talk to Us.

Enduring harassment can make you feel like quitting is your only option. Please speak with an attorney first. Quitting your job can sometimes make it more difficult to win your case and recover the full compensation you deserve unless you can prove the environment was legally "intolerable." We can advise you on the best strategic steps to protect both your well-being and your legal rights.

We Are Your Shield Against Retaliation

Fear of retaliation is the number one reason victims stay silent. It is illegal for your employer to punish you for rejecting advances, reporting harassment, or participating in an investigation. If you have been fired, demoted, or disciplined after speaking up, you may have a strong retaliation claim. We fight back aggressively against such unlawful conduct.

Why Choose Massey & Duffy to Be Your Advocate?

Fighting a sexual harassment case requires legal skill, strategic thinking, and genuine compassion. Michael Massey's background provides a powerful advantage.

1. An Insider's Knowledge of the Federal Courts
As a former judicial clerk for a Chief Judge in the U.S. District Court, Michael gained a rare understanding of how federal judges scrutinize sexual harassment cases. He knows how to build a case that is designed to be compelling and credible.

2. A Reputation for Being Trial-Ready
We prepare every case with the thoroughness required for a trial. This sends a powerful message to employers that we will not accept lowball settlement offers. They know we are prepared to fight, and that reputation leads to better results for you.

3. A Strategic Approach to Proving Your Case
With multiple Book Awards in Evidence and Civil Procedure, Michael excels at gathering and presenting the evidence needed to win. We meticulously document incidents, preserve electronic communications, and identify witnesses to build an undeniable case on your behalf.

Securing Justice and Reclaiming Your Future

A successful legal claim can provide the resources you need to heal and move forward. We fight for maximum compensation, which can include:

  • Lost Wages (Back Pay and Front Pay): Income you lost due to the harassment.

  • Emotional Distress Damages: For the profound anxiety, depression, and psychological harm.

  • Punitive Damages: To punish the employer for egregious or reckless conduct.

  • Attorneys' Fees and Costs: We seek to make the employer pay your legal fees.

Take the First Step in a Safe, Confidential Setting

You are not alone, and what happened was not your fault. Contact Massey & Duffy, PLLC today to schedule a strictly confidential consultation. We will listen, we will believe you, and we will explain your options.