Brian Heller is a partner of the firm, Schwartz Perry & Heller, LLP.
One of the preeminent trial lawyers in employment law and workplace rights in and around New York City, Brian has been first chair in multiple seven-figure verdicts on behalf of his clients and has handled matters addressing all aspects of employment law including discrimination, sexual harassment, fraudulent inducement, contractual disputes, stock options and benefits, and workplace torts.
Brian has been responsible for numerous decisions and awards on behalf of Schwartz Perry & Heller. In January 2022, Brian obtained a decision that could lead the way to ensuring a reasonable accommodation for working mothers, a group that has been hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, Brian argued a case before the Second Circuit that led to a landmark case affirming the rights of victims of age discrimination. In 2017, an appellate court affirmed a total award of $1.55 million following a 6-week jury trial that he first-chaired in a sexual harassment and retaliation case. In 2015, Brian secured his client’s right to bring a sexual harassment and retaliation claim in another appellate court victory. In 2013, Brian argued before the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in a landmark victory that reinforced the broad protections of the New York City Human Rights Law for victims of employment discrimination. Brian has testified before the New York City Counsel on a proposed amendment to expand employee rights under the New York City Human Rights Law, which was ultimately successful.
In addition to his established litigation track record, Brian negotiates severance agreements, employment contracts, non-compete and confidentiality agreements, and counsels employees who are subjected to discrimination in the workplace. He has been with Schwartz Perry & Heller since his graduation from Fordham Law School in 2001. He was made a partner of the firm in 2007 and a named partner in 2016.
Brian is frequently quoted in national and local newspapers and has appeared on various television news programs in New York City. He is a member of the Bar Association of the City of New York, where he serves on the Employment Law Committee and volunteers with the Monday Night Law program, providing pro bono legal assistance to the community. He is also a member of the National Employment Lawyers Association of New York and the New York State Trial Association. He actively lectures and publishes articles on the field of employment law for programs sponsored by the New York County Lawyers' Association, National Employment Lawyers Association, Lawline, and the Marino Institute for Continuing Legal Education, where he prepares students for the employment law portion of the bar exam required by various states.
During law school, Brian served on the Fordham Urban Law Journal and as a mediator in the Bronx Small Claims Court. He is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Pennsylvania State University.
“Most people feel they have no say in the workplace,” Brian says. “They feel that it’s best to stay silent and hope the boss leaves them alone. We help give people a voice to fight back.”
