Douglas H. Wigdor

Practice areas

Employment Litigation: Plaintiff, Civil Rights, Employment & Labor: Employee, Employment Litigation: Defense

Focus areas

Americans with Disabilities Act, Disability, Discrimination, Employment Discrimination, Employment Law – Employee, Police Misconduct, Race Discrimination, Retaliation, Sexual Harassment, Wage & Hour Laws, Whistleblower, Wrongful Termination

It’s challenging to envision another employment attorney who possesses a comparable track record, both in the courtroom and during negotiation sessions, as Mr. Wigdor. He consistently takes cases to trial, securing numerous multi-million-dollar verdicts and earning recognition as one of the top 20 employment litigators in the United States according to Benchmark Litigation. Mr. Wigdor is a tireless advocate for victims of sexual harassment, sexual assault, race discrimination, and other workplace misconduct. His contributions to diversity and inclusion are acknowledged as a Forbes Diversity & Inclusion Contributor. He frequently represents his clients in television and radio interviews, even appearing in prominent documentaries and testifying before the UK Parliament.

In the #MeToo era, Mr. Wigdor’s pursuit of justice, decency, and substantial settlements has earned him a spot on Law360’s Titans of the Plaintiffs Bar list, recognizing him as one of the most influential plaintiffs’ lawyers in the United States. His accomplishments include securing trial verdicts, arbitration awards, and settlements that exceed $1 billion.

From Dominique Strauss-Kahn to Harvey Weinstein to the NFL, Mr. Wigdor has been at the forefront of some of the most significant sexual abuse and employment discrimination cases in the past decade. His legal career has garnered extensive media coverage, with features in The New York Times, Bloomberg Businessweek, and the London Independent, which collectively describe him as one of the nation’s most prominent litigators. His reputation is so formidable that even a former U.S. Senator for New York remarked that it’s preferable to have Mr. Wigdor on one’s side than to face him as an adversary.

City & State’s 2021 Law Power 100 list acknowledges Mr. Wigdor as a lawyer who “levies cases against some of the most powerful players in the business and political worlds—and wins.” His clients include high-profile individuals and organizations, such as victims of sexual abuse by Harvey Weinstein, the hotel maid in the Dominique Strauss-Kahn case, and former Miami Dolphins coaches Brian Flores and Steve Wilks in a historic race discrimination class action against the NFL.

Mr. Wigdor’s high-profile cases often attract international media attention. His recent representation of Brian Flores and Steve Wilks in a landmark race discrimination class action against the NFL garnered widespread coverage and support from influential figures, including President Joe Biden, Stephen Colbert, Trevor Noah, and more.

Mr. Wigdor’s extensive legal experience is frequently highlighted in both television and print media. He has made appearances on major networks and news programs, including Nightline, Good Morning America, and The Today Show, and is regularly quoted as a legal expert in leading newspapers and magazines such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal. He has also been featured in documentaries like Netflix’s “Room 2806: The Accusation” and a CNN+/HBO docuseries on Rupert Murdoch.

Recognized for his tireless advocacy against sexual harassment and discrimination, Mr. Wigdor has earned a place on The Hollywood Reporter’s Top 100 Hollywood Power Lawyers list and Billboard’s Top Music Lawyers list. His accomplishments have been further acknowledged through numerous awards, including The National Law Journal’s Elite Trial Lawyers Awards and his selection as one of Lawdragon’s Leading Plaintiff Employment Lawyers.

Beyond his legal practice, Mr. Wigdor is an accomplished lecturer, author, and contributor to Forbes Diversity & Inclusion. He frequently participates in legal forums, panel discussions, and educational events on employment-related topics. Additionally, he has served as an arbitrator on the American Arbitration Association Employment Panel, where he brings fairness and impartiality to arbitration proceedings.

Mr. Wigdor’s involvement in appellate courts and his background as a Federal Law Clerk and Assistant District Attorney underscore his commitment to justice. Before founding Wigdor LLP, he gained valuable experience at a prominent management-side labor and employment firm.

Mr. Wigdor’s exceptional legal career has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, including being named one of New York City’s most aggressive employment lawyers by The New York Times and receiving the Distinguished Leader Award from the New York Law Journal. He has consistently appeared on lists like City & State NY’s Law Power 100 and The Hollywood Reporter’s Top 100 Hollywood Power Lawyers. Chambers and Partners has ranked him as Band 1 in New York Labor and Employment, and he has been shortlisted for Labor and Employment Law Firm of the Year by Chambers USA.

Mr. Wigdor’s dedication extends to his community involvement. He has supported educational initiatives, such as establishing a scholarship for an Arts & Sciences student at Washington University and leading educational programs at Oxford University’s St Cross College. He has also contributed to important research projects and serves on advisory boards at Cornell University.

In addition, Mr. Wigdor is an active member of the Forest Hills community, participating in local committees and supporting cultural events. His philanthropic efforts have extended to international causes, such as educating Kenyan Wildlife Service Officers on evidence preservation. Furthermore, he is an engaged member of tennis clubs and has contributed to research efforts related to home health care workers.

In summary, Mr. Wigdor’s legal career is characterized by remarkable accomplishments, unwavering commitment to justice, and substantial contributions to his community and academic institutions. His achievements and recognition within the legal profession and beyond underscore his significant impact on employment law and advocacy.