A Reputation of Excellence
Davida S. Perry is the co-founding and managing partner of Schwartz Perry & Heller LLP, a preeminent law firm focusing on representing individuals in all areas of employment law, including discrimination and sexual harassment cases. Ms. Perry’s firm prosecuted employment law cases when this field of law was relatively new and has been responsible for shaping the law.
She’s passionate about the plight of her clients and the fundamental importance of their jobs. In almost every case, it’s a David and Goliath power equation, with a defenseless individual up against a company machine that marshals an army of lawyers and human resources. She prides herself on thinking outside the box, being tenacious and tough, but also compassionate. She says, “When a client says to me, ‘This is the worst time in my life and you’re the bright star,’ then I feel like I’m doing my job well.”
Ms. Perry is a proud supporter of the #metoo and #timesup movements.
Experience
Advocating fiercely for her clients for 30+ years, Ms. Perry has been a trailblazer in the field of employment law. A landmark case (Thoreson v. Penthouse Magazine and Robert Guccione) set a significant precedent that a claim can be established based on a victim's testimony alone. In addition to playing an important role in the creation of the New York City Human Rights Law, Ms. Perry was significantly involved in one of the first discrimination cases (Bracker v. Cohen) brought under this law. When the constitutionality of the law was challenged, she fought successfully to have it upheld, which paved the way for victims of discrimination working in New York City to avail themselves of one of the most protective and comprehensive human rights laws in the country. Serving as Second Chair on a sexual harassment trial (McIntyre v. Manhattan Ford), the $6.6 million award and its adjustment on appeal still stands as one of the highest awards for sexual harassment in the nation.
Ms. Perry has co-authored articles for programs sponsored by the New York State Bar Association, The National Employment Lawyers Association, and the Practicing Law Institute, among others. She has achieved an "AV" rating with preeminence by Martindale-Hubbell. For each year since 2009 to the present, Ms. Perry has been designated a New York "Super Lawyer" and a "Woman Leader In The Law.”
She has also co-authored numerous articles and publications for programs sponsored by the New York State Bar Association, the National Employment Lawyers Association, and the Practicing Law Institute. Ms. Perry has lectured on employment law for various continuing legal education providers such as Lawline. Ms. Perry is a mediator at the United States District Court, Southern District of New York and a mediator and arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association.
Legal Ratings & Distinctions
Ms. Perry holds an “AV rating with preeminence” from Martindale Hubbell, one of the oldest rating authorities worldwide. The “A” represents the highest level of legal ability and the “V” indicates “Very High” adherence to the Professional Code of Responsibility in conduct, ethics, and diligence. According to Martindale.com, the “AV” rating is a significant accomplishment — a testament to the fact that Ms. Perry’s peers rank her at the highest level of professional excellence
Ms. Perry has been listed by Thompson Reuters as a New York Metro Area “Super Lawyer” every year since 2009, was named as one of the “Top 50 Female Attorneys” in the New York Metro Area listing in 2012 and 2013, and also named a “Woman Leader in the Law” every year since 2012 by New York magazine.
