Alice Goldman Reiter

Representative Cases

Barco Mercado v. United States

Along with co-counsel the ACLU, NYCLU and Make the Road New York, successfully obtained a preliminary injunction on behalf of immigrants detained by ICE at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan, requiring the government to remedy inhumane and unconstitutional conditions of confinement and to provide the detained individuals access to counsel.

Jane Doe v. City of New York

Along with Housing Works, Inc. and Brooklyn Legal Services, representing transgender client who was repeatedly sexually assaulted and abused in NYC’s shelter system and forced to share rooms with men.

Demski et al. v. City of New York

Represented two sexual assault survivors in systemic lawsuit against the NYPD for its discriminatory failures to adequately and properly investigate reports of sexual assaults in violation of the New York City Human Rights Law. Resolved claims in landmark settlement, which included extensive injunctive relief and $1.025 million in monetary compensation from the City of New York. Read additional news coverage of the settlement.

In re Andrew Cuomo

Represented three women whose sexual harassment complaints against then-Governor Andrew Cuomo were substantiated by multiple government investigations and ultimately contributed to his resignation. Brittany Commisso’s lawsuit against New York State was resolved in 2025.

In re Fair Housing Justice Center, Inc. (“FHJC”)

Have represented FHJC and numerous individuals in state and federal court actions challenging housing practices that discriminate on the basis of disability, race, and source of income, including multiple lawsuits seeking to hold developers and architects to account for failing to design and construct new residential properties in compliance with the Fair Housing Act and state and local anti-discrimination laws. Routinely pursue cutting-edge cases based on new laws and theories, including based on NYC’s Fair Chance in Housing Act. For example:

• Fair Housing Justice Center v. JDS Development LLC et al.: Obtained landmark settlement on behalf of a non-profit civil rights organization dedicated to eliminating housing discrimination and strengthening the enforcement of fair housing laws in a case alleging widespread violation of the accessibility requirements of the federal Fair Housing Act and the New York City Human Rights Law at the American Copper Buildings, a pair of luxury residential rental towers in Manhattan.  The agreement required extensive retrofitting of widespread barriers to access, a $2.9 million monetary payment, and other injunctive relief.  When the owners failed to complete the retrofitting by the deadlines the firm brought an enforcement action and obtained an additional $800,000 in damages.
• Fair Housing Justice Center v. Ulster Savings Bank: Represented Fair Housing Justice Center and individuals following two-year investigation in injunctive and damages litigation against Ulster Savings Bank for racially discriminatory lending practices.

Sexual Assault and Abuse

Successfully represented hundreds of survivors of sexual abuse and assault, through both litigation and by resolving their claims amicably, including victims preyed upon by doctors, teachers, priests, family members, and other powerful individuals. For example:

• Obtained more than $200 million and other forms of relief, including requiring investigations, for survivors of childhood sexual abuse at different institutions who were abused by doctors, teachers, administrators, and/or coaches;
• Successfully litigated and mediated multiple actions in federal court on behalf of women who suffered sexual assaults at work and outside of work, by both supervisors and co-workers, and were then retaliated against when it was reported;
• Obtained settlements from security company and landlord after woman was raped in her own home.

Employment Discrimination and Retaliation

Successfully represented dozens of individuals in litigation and negotiations who, on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, age, religion, and/or sexual orientation, suffered harassment, discrimination, and/or retaliation in the workplace. For example:

• Represented numerous plaintiffs – all women who worked non-traditional jobs in the field and were subjected to discrimination and retaliation in their male-dominated workplaces – in EEOC proceedings and federal court litigation, obtaining both money damages and broad injunctive relief that required the Company to change its policies.

Redistricting Litigation

Represented the New York Senate in defense of the congressional, Senate, and Assembly district lines that were enacted in 2022 following the release of the results of the 2020 Census. Argued the case on appeal to the Appellate Division on April 20, 2022.  Read extensive coverage of the lawsuit in the New York Times.

2020 Presidential Election

Participated with national team of lawyers advising state attorneys general on constitutional and state-law issues regarding election administration, ballot canvassing and counting, recounts, and election contests.