Columbus Gender Discrimination Lawyers

Last updated on April 6, 2026

If you believe you have been treated differently at your place of employment because of your gender, you may have a gender discrimination claim. You might also have a claim if you were denied employment because of your sexual preference or gender.

The dedicated gender discrimination lawyers at Marshall Forman & Schlein LLC in Columbus have been helping employees throughout the Columbus community for decades. With decades of combined experience, they are prepared to take on the toughest gender discrimination lawsuits.

Understanding Gender Discrimination in the Ohio Workplace

According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), sex discrimination involves unfair treatment because of the person’s gender, gender identity or sexual preference. Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as well as under the Ohio Revised Code 4112.02, discrimination based on an employee’s sex or gender is unlawful.

Where Can Sex Discrimination Occur?

There are many forms that sex and gender-based discrimination can take. Sex and gender discrimination can exist in any of the following situations related to employment:

• Applying for a job
• Getting hired for a job
• Getting fired from a job
• Specific job assignments
• Whether or not you are promoted
• Whether or not you face layoff
• Training for which you should be eligible
• Fringe benefits for which your employer says you may be eligible
• Discrimination due to pregnancy
• Being sexually harassed on the job
• Equal pay matters
• Other conditions of employment

If you have questions about filing a claim or want to learn more about whether your experiences might constitute sex discrimination or gender discrimination at work, our experienced Columbus gender discrimination attorneys can assess your possible claims.

What Should You Do If You Suspect You Are A Victim Of Gender Discrimination In Ohio?

If you suspect you have been experiencing gender discrimination in your workplace, it is important to gather any evidence to support your claim and then speak with an attorney. They can help you file the claim with either the Ohio Civil Rights Commission or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. In addition to filing with these organizations, you may also have the right to file an internal report with your company’s Human Resources department.

To file your claim, you will need to provide identifying information and a statement regarding why you believe you were discriminated against. You should also include any additional information or evidence to support your claim. Potential evidence could include:

• Email messages, text messages or social media messages
• Witness statements, pictures or videos
• Voicemail messages
• Disciplinary actions or write-ups
• Wage-related information, such as wage reduction or being passed over for raises or promotions

Your claim should clearly detail your situation and explain why you believe it constitutes gender discrimination. Any material evidence you gather, such as communication records, can support the allegations.

How Do You File a Gender Discrimination Claim in Columbus, Ohio?

Sex and gender discrimination are unlawful under both federal and state law. If you decide to file a federal claim, you will:

• File under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; and
• You will need to file your claim with the EEOC.

If you decide to file a claim under Ohio state law, you will:

• File under the Ohio Revised Code 4112.02; and
• You will need to file your claim with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC).

There are distinct time limits associated with federal and state claims. Determining where to file your claim is complicated. It is important to speak with an Ohio gender discrimination attorney as soon as possible so you can file your claim in a timely manner.

How Long Do You Have To File A Gender Discrimination Claim In Ohio?

In Ohio, the deadline for filing a gender discrimination charge depends on the agency handling the complaint:

• OCRC: Six‑month filing deadline
• EEOC: Up to 300 days

Although the EEOC’s standard limit is 180 days, Ohio’s parallel anti‑discrimination laws extend the federal window to 300 days. The filing period generally begins on the most recent discriminatory act that affected the employee’s job, pay, or working conditions.

Can Pay Equality Count As Gender Discrimination?

Yes, pay inequality can count as gender discrimination in Ohio.

Under Section 4111.17 of the Ohio Revised Code, employers cannot base wage differences on sex, gender, or other protected traits such as race, color, age, religion, or disability. Employees performing equal work are entitled to equal pay regardless of gender. However, the law allows pay variations when they are tied to legitimate, job‑related qualifications or performance, such as:

• Quantity-based pay
• Merit systems
• Seniority systems
• Wage differentials not based on protected classes

For instance, a male employee may be able to make more than a female employee, even if they do equal work, if he has a higher level of seniority at the company. In contrast, if both employees have the same level of seniority and do the same work, they should receive equal pay. Failure to adhere could qualify as gender discrimination in wages.

What Remedies Can You Recover in an Ohio Gender Discrimination Case?

The goal of a legal remedy is to return you to the financial position you would have been in if the discrimination had never happened. Here are some of the damages we can fight to recover for you:

• Back pay: Back pay includes the salary, bonuses and benefits you lost from the date of the discriminatory action until the case is resolved.
• Front pay and future losses: If you cannot return to your job or must take a lower-paying job because of the discrimination, we can seek compensation for your future income loss.
• Compensatory damages: This money is intended to compensate you for noneconomic harm, such as emotional distress, humiliation, or pain and suffering.
• Punitive damages: If an employer’s conduct was especially egregious, punitive damages are meant to punish your employer and deter future misconduct.
• Attorney fees and court costs: The employer may be required to pay the legal fees we incurred while successfully fighting for your rights.

If you have been a victim of gender discrimination, we can help you fight to recover compensation for the harm you suffered. We believe in helping people and making a difference, and that includes fighting for the financial recovery you deserve. We work hard to ensure that the compensation you receive fully addresses all the ways the discrimination impacted your life.

What Sets Our Columbus Gender Discrimination Attorneys Apart?

Choosing the right legal team is the most important step in fighting gender discrimination. Our Columbus employment law firm is deeply committed to our clients. With a narrow, dedicated focus, our lawyers exclusively practice employment and civil rights law.

Here are the unique qualifications our labor and employment attorneys bring to your case:

• We have decades of combined experience: This long history of legal practice means we have handled nearly every type of employment discrimination case imaginable. Our attorneys are highly knowledgeable about the specific state and federal laws that protect you.
• We listen to your story with genuine care and compassion: When you come to us for help, you get the chance to tell your story to someone who truly cares about your problems.
• We have a proven track record of standing up for victims: We have successfully fought against large employers and companies to hold them accountable for discrimination.
• We believe in making a difference for a small group of people: Sometimes you can’t make a big difference for a lot of people, but we can really help you and others going through a tough time.

Our focus is on helping you. We will approach your case with the professional and compassionate attitude you deserve. We will put our collective experience to work to protect your rights and fight for justice on your behalf.

Seek Advice From a Columbus Gender Discrimination Attorney

Did an employer refuse to hire you because you are a woman? Do you suspect that your current employer treated you differently because or are female or because you identify as a woman? You may be able to file a gender discrimination claim.

At Marshall Forman & Schlein LLC, an experienced Columbus gender discrimination lawyer will listen to your story and help you assess your potential claims. To schedule a confidential appointment, call our office at 614-762-9727. You can also send us a message through our website.