Employment Lawyer

Employment law governs the rights and obligations within the employer-employee relationship, encompassing critical areas such as wages, working hours, benefits, workplace safety, and more. It’s a vital area of law designed to protect employees from exploitation and ensure a fair work environment while helping employers understand and meet their legal responsibilities.

Our experienced team of employment and labor law attorneys in California and Nevada is dedicated to upholding your rights, whether you’re an employee facing discrimination or wrongful termination or an employer seeking compliance guidance. With extensive experience in employment litigation, our attorneys have a proven track record of successfully handling negotiations and excelling in jury trials.

Where We Operate

We proudly serve clients across major cities, with offices strategically located in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Francisco, and Las Vegas. This ensures that our legal services remain accessible to clients throughout California and Nevada. Our personalized approach guarantees tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of every case.

Why Choose Us?

• Litigation Expertise: Our attorneys specialize in resolving disputes through skilled negotiation and effective courtroom advocacy.
• Comprehensive Support: From wage disputes to workplace discrimination claims, we handle a wide range of employment law issues.
• Accessibility: Multiple office locations make it convenient for clients to seek our expert guidance.

Common Questions About Employment Law

Q: What should I do if I’m facing workplace discrimination?
A: Document incidents of discrimination and consult with an employment attorney as soon as possible. You may have legal grounds for a claim under state or federal laws.

Q: Can an employer terminate me without cause?
A: While many states, including California and Nevada, are “at-will” employment states, there are exceptions. Terminations based on discrimination, retaliation, or other unlawful reasons are prohibited.

Facing unfair treatment at work can be overwhelming, especially when your employer takes advantage of you. Having an experienced employment attorney on your side significantly increases the likelihood of receiving the compensation you deserve. Whether it’s recovering lost wages or seeking restitution for emotional distress caused by workplace injustices, a skilled attorney can make all the difference.

Compensation for Lost Wages and Emotional Distress
Employment disputes often extend beyond financial losses. Emotional distress caused by hostile work environments, wrongful termination, or harassment can take a significant toll on your well-being. An experienced employment attorney will evaluate your situation, ensure your rights are protected, and help secure the compensation you need to recover both financially and emotionally.

Why Act Now?
Delaying action can affect the outcome of your case. Employment laws often have strict timelines, so contacting a qualified attorney promptly is crucial to preserving your rights and building a strong case.

Free Case Evaluations Available
Our top-rated employment attorneys are ready to listen to your story and guide you through the legal process. Whether you are dealing with wage disputes, discrimination, retaliation, or any other workplace issue, we are here to help. Call us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your specific case.

FAQ: Employment Law Rights

Q: What can I expect when filing a workplace claim?
A: Filing a claim involves gathering evidence, documenting incidents, and working with your attorney to determine the best course of action. Your attorney will ensure you meet all deadlines and present a strong case.

Q: How much compensation can I receive?
A: The amount of compensation varies depending on factors like the severity of the misconduct, your lost wages, and the emotional impact. Your attorney will provide a tailored estimate after evaluating your case.

Understanding Employment Law: Your Guide to Workplace Rights

Employment law governs the legal relationship between employers and employees, covering a wide range of workplace rights and responsibilities. It is designed to ensure fair treatment, prevent discrimination, and establish a balanced dynamic in the workplace. This area of law can influence various aspects of employment, from hiring practices to termination policies.

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Key Areas of Employment Law

Employment law encompasses several critical factors, including:

Workplace Safety
Employers must comply with workplace safety regulations, as outlined by organizations like OSHA, to ensure employee well-being.

Wages and Compensation
Ensuring that employees are paid fairly according to state and federal regulations is a primary focus. This includes adhering to minimum wage laws, overtime pay requirements, and ensuring that deductions are lawful.

Hourly Employment
Hourly employees are often subject to specific protections, including fair scheduling, meal and rest breaks, and overtime regulations. Employers must comply with these standards to avoid penalties and maintain a fair work environment.

Discrimination and Harassment Protections
Employment law also protects against workplace discrimination based on race, gender, age, religion, disability, and other protected categories. Harassment policies are enforced to create a safe and respectful work environment.

What is a Wrongful Termination Case?

Wrongful termination arises when an employee is dismissed for unlawful motives. It is illegal to terminate an employee based on protected characteristics such as gender, race, religion, disability, or other specified traits. Moreover, breaching terms outlined in an employment contract regarding termination can also lead to a wrongful termination lawsuit. Each jurisdiction has statutes prohibiting wrongful termination, and it’s crucial to understand your state’s laws in this regard. For guidance on your state’s wrongful termination laws, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced employment law attorneys for prompt assistance.

What is a Workplace Retaliation Case? 

Retaliation unfolds when an employer seeks retribution against an employee for specific actions taken. This can encompass various negative measures such as disciplinary actions, shift reassignments, demotions, termination, pay cuts, or any other adverse actions without legal justification.

What is a Workplace Harassment Case?

 This is considered a form of discrimination where the employer’s inappropriate behavior, often sexual behavior, prevents the employee from doing their job and feeling comfortable while doing it.

What is a Workplace Discrimination Case? 

Despite the existence of numerous laws aimed at safeguarding workers against discriminatory practices, workplace discrimination continues to be a persistent issue. Every employee deserves fair treatment, yet instances of discrimination based on disability, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, or maternity status still occur. It is unlawful for an employer to take adverse action against an employee on any of these grounds, constituting illegal discrimination in the workplace.

What are Wage and Hour Disputes?

Some employers refuse to give their staff proper compensation for the hours or overtime work they’ve put in. Companies also try to illegally get more work out of their employees by not giving them the minimum amount of time off that they are owed. These are all violations of the labor law and can be fought with legal action.

What are Contract Violations and Contractor Classification Issues?

If an employer has misclassified an employee as a contractor to avoid giving them the proper benefits that they would get as a full-time employee, this is a violation of employment law and could be justification for filing a lawsuit.

What is Whistleblower Protection?

An employer cannot punish an employee who has come forward to expose the wrongdoings that are occurring within their company. The law offers whistleblower protections for employees who legally file a complaint against their employer.

What is the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA)?

The Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) is a California law that grants employees the authority to file lawsuits on behalf of themselves and others to recover civil penalties for violations of the state’s Labor Code. PAGA enables workers to hold employers accountable for labor law violations and seek redress for the harm caused.

How Much Does an Employment Attorney Cost in California?

Various California attorneys have distinct fee structures, particularly concerning employment matters. For instance, some attorneys bill on an hourly basis, charging a specific rate for each hour devoted to your case. In contrast, our California employment attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis. This arrangement enables our attorneys to cover all costs upfront, relieving you of immediate financial obligations. Instead, our fees are contingent upon obtaining a settlement or judgment, wherein we receive a predetermined percentage agreed upon retaining our services as your legal representatives.

Why Should I Hire an Employment Attorney?

If your employer has unfairly withheld financial payments from you, it’s crucial to take action. We strongly advise seeking the assistance of an experienced employment law attorney without delay. Pursuing legal action against your employer independently may result in receiving lower settlement amounts. With a skilled employment law attorney advocating for you, they can navigate the legal complexities on your behalf, aiming to maximize your compensation. Don’t hesitate to secure professional legal representation to ensure your rights are protected and justice is served.

What Rights Do Employees Have in California?

Below are some common rights that all employees are required to have in California:

• The right to be paid fairly. This includes overtime pay, paid sick leave, and minimum wage
• The right to refuse to work in unsafe work environments
• The right to know of any potential hazards in the workplace 
• Limited unpaid family leave
• Safe protection from sexual harassment
• Safe protection from wrongful termination
• Safe protection from discrimination based on race, religion, pregnancy, age, gender, sex, gender identity, national origin, ethnicity

Could I File a Lawsuit Against My Employer and Continue Working?

You could file a lawsuit against your employer and continue working for your employer. In fact, your employer cannot fire you or decrease your hours in retaliation for filing a lawsuit against them. For more information, contact our California employment and labor attorneys.

What Is the Average Payout for Wrongful Termination in California?

There is no set amount that employees get for wrongful termination cases in California, since the amount of compensation can vary widely depending on the specific circumstances of the case. 

Some factors our attorneys consider include:

1. The severity of the harm suffered by the employee
2. Employer’s conduct
3. Strength of the evidence supporting the employee’s claim.

Statute of Limitations for Employment Law Claims in California

The statute of limitations determines when the plaintiff (employee) can file their claim. Different states have different time limits. In fact, California has different time limits based on the type of employment claim.

• If the claim involves workplace harassment, discrimination, or retaliation, you must file the lawsuit within 1 year
• If the claim involves a breach of oral contract, you must file the lawsuit within 2 years after the breach
• If the claim is regarding the employer’s failure to pay the employee wages, you must file within 3 years of non-payment 
• If the claim is regarding a breach of a written contract, you must file the lawsuit within 4 years of the breach

Since employment law cases have several different complex scenarios, it can be very difficult in determining which category your claim falls under. Contact our employment law attorneys immediately to book a free no risk consultation where we could go over these different categories and figure out where your claim stands.

Employment Laws and Regulations

Other than wage and hour statutes, our attorneys also assist our clients and filing complaints with agencies such as:

• The United States Department of Labor
• The California Labor Commissioner
• The United States Equal Opportunity Commission
• The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing
• The Nevada Department of Employment

Is California an At-Will Employee State?

Yes, California is an “at-will” employment state, which means that employers can terminate employees at any time and for any reason. But the reason cannot be discriminatory or retaliatory. This goes both ways. Employees in California have the right to quit their job at any time for any reason.