Our History Our sole mission is to stand with you in your fight against workplace discrimination.

Our History

Learn More About Schwartz Perry & Heller LLP

Our firm dates back to 1949 when Murray Schwartz hung up his shingle to start his own law practice. Mr. Schwartz, who had served as an anti-aircraft gunner in the Pacific in World War II, was only six months out of law school when he quickly realized that he had to forge his own path and began his own practice. Over the ensuing decades, Mr. Schwartz earned a reputation as a prominent general practice attorney in New York City, handling cases of all matters and representing high-profile clients like Mickey Mantle and The Guardian Angels.

In the 1980s, Mr. Schwartz entered into the newly-formed field of employment law. His daughter, Davida S. Perry, joined as an attorney in 1991 and the firm was renamed Schwartz & Perry LLP in 1994. The firm quickly became known as leaders in employment law, with a trilogy of landmark cases that still shape the field in New York City.

First, the firm represented the plaintiff in Thoreson v. Penthouse, a case that received national recognition and was one of the first cases that showed the significance of sexual harassment in the workplace. The plaintiff was awarded $4 million in punitive damages, though that award was ultimately reduced by the appellate courts based on the applicable statute in 1992. Second, the firm handled Bracker v. Cohen in 1994, which affirmed the constitutionality of the New York City Human Rights Law, which is intended to be the broadest human rights law in the country. We remain proud that this firm successfully defended the validity of a law that has protected the rights of so many New Yorkers. Third, in 1997, in McIntyre v. Manhattan Ford, the firm obtained a historic $6.6 million jury verdict in a sexual harassment and retaliation case. At the time, it was the largest amount awarded to a single plaintiff in a sexual harassment case in the United States.

Since that time, the firm has continued to be at the forefront of employment law in New York. We have enjoyed numerous seven-figure verdicts and appellate victories, which are accomplishments that few firms in New York City can match. It is difficult to look at any court decision in New York addressing employment law that does not include a reference to a case that we have handled. In the current era of the #metoo movement, Schwartz Perry & Heller has been assisting victims of such discrimination for decades.

Brian Heller joined the firm in 2001 and quickly became a part of our core mission to represent our clients with the highest levels of skill and experience. He became a partner in 2007 and the firm is now named Schwartz Perry & Heller LLP.

Sadly, Mr. Schwartz passed away at the age of 90 in 2015, but we remain proud to carry on his mission to help our clients combat workplace discrimination. We have a proven track record of ability and are passionate about helping those who feel powerless and victimized restore their dignity.

Committed to Protecting Your Rights

What Else Sets Us Apart?
  • 100+ Years of Collective Experience
  • Personalized & Compassionate Service
  • Award-Winning Legal Counsel
  • A Track Record of Success
    Always available, conscientious and extremely knowledgeable.

    “Outstanding lawyer. Always available, conscientious and extremely knowledgeable. Excellent at following-up both with his clients and with opposing counsel. Regardless of the size of the case, Brian ...”

    - N.W.
    I trusted them entirely.

    “I received the most compassionate and professional assistance from SP&H. I felt that Mr. Heller truly cared about me and the situation I was in. He was able to be my voice during a difficult time. He ...”

    - A.M.
    Their integrity, personal attention, and knowledge are superior.

    “Schwartz, Perry & Heller, LLP are the most skilled Lawyers for your discrimination case in the Tri-State area. Their integrity, personal attention, and knowledge are superior. They won my case and can ...”

    - D.K.
    Caring, smart, highly skilled negotiators

    “Davida Perry and Brian Heller are very caring, attentive and highly skilled negotiators who gave me expert representation to win my negotiation and achieve my goals.”

    - D.
    He was nothing but professional and incredibly responsive. I can't recommend him enough.

    “Brian was extremely helpful and responsive it helping me review my first ever separation agreement. He was able to explain the legalese in a way that allowed me to understand the risks I could be ...”

    - Former Client

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