It is unlawful to harass a job applicant or an employee because of that person’s sex. “Sexual harassment” is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature. Harassment does not have to be of a sexual nature, however, and can include offensive remarks about a person’s sex. For example, it is illegal to harass a woman by making offensive comments about women in general. Simple teasing, offhand comments, or isolated incidents that are not very serious, are not generally considered illegal. When it is illegal is when it is so frequent or severe that it creates a hostile or offensive work environment or when it results in an adverse employment decision. The harasser need not be an employee’s boss. He or she can be the victim’s supervisor, a supervisor in another area, a co-worker, or someone who is not an employee of the employer, such as a client or customer. If you are a victim of sexual harassment or an employer who is concerned about minimizing exposure or defending a sexual harassment lawsuit, we have experience in litigating sexual harassment claims.