This the the Suffolk County office of the New York State Division of Human Rights, which enforces the state Human Rights Law passed in 1945. The law prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, credit, places of public accommodations and nonsectarian educational institutions based on age, race, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, military status and other specified classes. This office investigates and prosecutes complaints from local employees who believe they have lost their job, been discriminated against in the workplace or otherwise treated unfairly. It also offers classes and ongoing programs to educate the public about ongoing human rights issues in the state.
This is one of three Attorney Grievance Committees for the 10th Judicial District. Its job is to investigate complaints of unethical conduct against attorneys who are based in Suffolk or Nassau county. Chief Counsel Rita Adler leads a 20-member, court-appointed council made up of 16 lawyers and four non-lawyers who judge each case. If there is sufficient evidence, the council will prosecute attorneys for professional misconduct. Residents who feel their legal representaiton may have been dishonest or incompetant must file a written complaint. Disputes involving legal fees are generally not accepted.