Merrick Rossein

Merrick Rossein is a Professor at CUNY Law School, where he served as Acting Dean (1994–95) and teaches courses on employment discrimination, employment law, and trial practice. He specializes in civil rights, labor law, and sexual harassment prevention. His career includes roles as Director of Training at the National Employment Law Project, Acting Director of the NYC Mayor’s Bureau of Labor Services, and Commissioner of the NYC Equal Employment Practices Commission.

Education:

• B.A., Alfred University
• M.P.A., Wagner School of Public Policy, New York University
• Antioch Law School (founding class)

Research & Litigation: Rossein has litigated landmark cases such as EEOC v. Sage Realty Corporation (first federal sexual harassment case before the EEOC) and Leibovitz v. New York City Transit Authority, earning praise for his expertise in discrimination law. His work focuses on racial, gender, LGBTQIA+, and disability discrimination.

Awards & Recognition:

• Fellow, College of Labor and Employment Lawyers
• ABA Scholar-in-Residence (inaugural)

Consulting & Advocacy: He advised the U.S. DOJ on sexual harassment Consent Decrees, the World Bank on harassment policies, and governments in South Africa and the UK. He developed NYC’s first affirmative action plan and led reforms in the NYC Fire Department’s hiring practices.

Arbitration & Mediation: Rossein serves on the American Arbitration Association’s panels and has been an expert in age discrimination cases in the UK and Maryland.