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Sacramento law provides some of the strongest workplace protections in the nation but it takes an experienced attorney to help you fight for your rights.
Harassment is inappropriate or offensive conduct that is severe or pervasive enough to alter an employee’s working conditions. Harassment in the Sacramento workplace is illegal where it is based on a protected characteristic.
Harassment in the workplace occurs when harassing conduct – such as verbal abuse, intimidation, exclusion, or unwanted physical contact – creates a work environment that a reasonable person would consider hostile or abusive. This type of conduct may be based on a legally protected characteristic such as race, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or national origin, in which case the conduct is illegal.
California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) provides robust protections against harassment in all forms of employment. Under FEHA, it is unlawful for employers, supervisors, or coworkers to subject an employee to any offensive or demeaning behavior that interferes with their ability to perform their job. Even if the conduct isn’t directly tied to employment decisions – like hiring, firing, or promotions – it may still be illegal if it creates a hostile work environment and is tied to a protected category.
Examples of harassing conduct include:
When harassment occurs, it’s not just the perpetrator who may be held responsible. Employers can also face liability if they fail to prevent or address misconduct. In the case of sexual harassment, employers can also be held strictly liable if the sexual harassment was committed by an agent of the company or a supervisor. Every employer should have clear anti-harassment policies, complaint procedures, and mandatory training in place to comply with California’s employment law standards.
Our Sacramento employment lawyers regularly advise workers who are unsure whether what they’ve experienced qualifies as harassment. In many cases, these situations start subtly but escalate over time – making it critical to speak with a qualified harassment attorney who can assess your case and determine the best path forward.
Gender harassment occurs when an employee experiences unfair or offensive treatment because of their sex, gender identity, or gender expression. This type of misconduct is distinct from sexual harassment – it doesn’t necessarily involve sexual advances or comments – but it still creates an atmosphere of disrespect and inequality.
In workplaces across California, gender-based harassment might include dismissive remarks about an employee’s ability to perform certain tasks, demeaning jokes about masculinity or femininity, or exclusion from opportunities based on stereotypes. These actions, while sometimes subtle, can foster a toxic culture that undermines professional development and confidence.
Under employment law, employees are protected from any form of harassment that targets their gender or perceived gender. Employers are responsible for preventing this behavior and for taking corrective action when it occurs. Failing to address gender harassment can expose an employer to serious liability, especially if the conduct is widespread or involves supervisors.
Our employment attorneys understand that gender harassment often intersects with other forms of bias – such as discrimination based on race, sexual orientation, or age. In these cases, multiple employment protections may apply. An experienced workplace harassment lawyer can help evaluate your experience, collect evidence, and pursue the remedies available under both state and federal law.
If you’ve been marginalized, ridiculed, or passed over for advancement because of sex or gender-related bias, you have legal options. You do not have to endure a hostile environment or remain silent about misconduct. Our firm is dedicated to standing up for your rights and ensuring your voice is heard.
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A hostile work environment occurs when severe or pervasive behavior creates an atmosphere that would make it difficult for a reasonable person to perform their job. This can include ongoing jokes, intimidation, or exclusion that targets an employee based on a protected characteristic. While isolated incidents may not rise to the level of harassment under California law, persistent patterns of misconduct often do.
Examples of hostile behavior include demeaning comments, spreading rumors, or repeated ridicule related to an employee’s background, appearance, or personal life. Even subtle actions – like assigning undesirable shifts, excluding someone from meetings, or micromanaging one individual more harshly than others – can be evidence of a hostile workplace if they’re tied to a protected category.
Under employment law, both supervisors and coworkers can contribute to a hostile work environment. However, employers carry the primary responsibility for maintaining a workplace free of harassment. They can face liability if they ignore complaints, fail to investigate allegations, or retaliate against employees who report issues.
Our employment attorneys in Sacramento know that proving harassment requires demonstrating that the harassing conduct was both unwelcome and pervasive. This process often involves collecting witness statements, emails, messages, and other forms of evidence to show a pattern of mistreatment. We guide employees through every step, ensuring their claims are properly documented and that employers are held accountable under California’s strong employee protection laws.
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Pregnancy should be a time of anticipation and preparation – not fear of losing your job or being treated differently. Unfortunately, many employees still face harassment or discrimination related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.
Pregnancy harassment can take many forms. Some employees are unfairly denied promotions or assignments after revealing they are expecting. Others experience pressure from supervisors to take leave earlier than necessary or are excluded from meetings under the assumption that they will soon be unavailable. These actions are not just unethical – they can violate employment law and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).
Employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers, such as modified duties or flexible scheduling. They must also provide protected leave under the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) or the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) when applicable. Retaliating against an employee for requesting accommodations or taking leave is strictly prohibited.
A skilled harassment attorney can help employees determine whether what they experienced qualifies as unlawful pregnancy harassment. Our employment lawyers regularly handle cases involving pregnancy bias, ensuring that workers receive the accommodations and respect they are entitled to under California law.
If you were harassed, demoted, or terminated after announcing a pregnancy – or denied opportunities upon returning from maternity leave – our team can help you pursue justice. We’ll carefully assess your case, gather evidence, and guide you through the process of filing a complaint or lawsuit to protect your rights.
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The term quid pro quo means “something for something.” In the context of workplace harassment, it refers to situations where a person in authority – often a manager or supervisor – offers or threatens job benefits in exchange for personal or sexual favors. This type of misconduct is one of the most direct and damaging forms of harassment, as it exploits professional power for personal gain.
Examples of quid pro quo harassment include a supervisor promising a raise, promotion, or favorable evaluation in return for a romantic relationship or, conversely, threatening demotion or termination for refusing such advances. Under California employment law, this type of behavior is strictly prohibited. Even a single incident can give rise to serious liability for both the harasser and the employer.
Employees subjected to this conduct may also experience long-term emotional distress, anxiety, and career setbacks. That’s why it’s important to seek help from experienced employment attorneys who understand the sensitivity and complexity of these situations. Our Sacramento team can assist you in documenting incidents, reporting them internally, and pursuing appropriate legal remedies through a complaint or civil action.
A workplace harassment lawyer will ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process. If an internal investigation fails to produce results, you may be entitled to bring a claim before the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) or in civil court. In many cases, successful plaintiffs recover damages for lost wages, emotional harm, and – in some cases – punitive damages meant to deter future misconduct.
Quid pro quo harassment undermines trust and fairness in the workplace, and no employee should feel pressured or threatened in order to maintain their job. Our law firm is dedicated to ensuring that employers uphold the ethical and legal standards that protect all workers in Sacramento.
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One of the most common and emotionally damaging forms of workplace misconduct is sexual harassment. Under California law, employees are protected against any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for favors, or verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that creates a hostile or offensive work environment.
Examples of sexual harassment include unwanted touching, explicit comments, repeated romantic advances after refusal, or displaying offensive material. Harassment can also occur through digital channels such as emails, text messages, or social media. Both men and women can experience this behavior, and the harasser can be anyone – from supervisors and coworkers to clients or vendors.
When an employee reports harassment, employers are legally required to take immediate and appropriate action to investigate. If they fail to do so, they may face liability under state and federal employment law. Many victims hesitate to report out of fear of retaliation, but retaliation itself is illegal. Employers cannot demote, fire, or discipline an employee for speaking up about misconduct.
Our employment attorneys have extensive experience helping victims of sexual harassment seek justice. Whether through a formal complaint, negotiation, or litigation, we guide employees through every step of the process. If your rights have been violated, a workplace harassment lawyer can help you file a claim, gather evidence, and hold your employer accountable for creating or allowing an unsafe work environment.
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Not all mistreatment at work stems from discrimination or sexual advances. Sometimes, employees face persistent verbal abuse, intimidation, or exclusion that isn’t tied to a protected category. This is known as workplace bullying harassment, and while it may not always meet the legal definition of discrimination, it can still create a hostile workplace and lead to serious mental and emotional harm.
Examples of bullying include spreading rumors, isolating employees, assigning impossible workloads, or sabotaging someone’s professional reputation. These actions can devastate morale, productivity, and overall workplace culture. While general bullying is not yet explicitly illegal in California, state laws – such as the Fair Employment and Housing Act and AB 2053 – require employers to provide training on “abusive conduct” as part of mandatory harassment prevention programs.
Our employment lawyers encourage employees to document incidents carefully, including dates, witnesses, and the nature of the behavior. If bullying intersects with another protected category – such as gender, race, or disability – it may qualify as unlawful harassment under California law. In those cases, employees can pursue legal remedies through administrative complaints or civil lawsuits.
A skilled harassment attorney can assess your case and determine whether the conduct you experienced violates employment protections. Regardless of whether the behavior meets the legal threshold, employers still have an ethical and professional duty to create a safe, respectful work environment for all employees.
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Filing a harassment complaint can feel overwhelming, especially when the misconduct involves a supervisor or senior employee. However, understanding the legal process can empower workers to take informed action.
Typically, the process begins by reporting harassment internally, often to management or Human Resources or through an official company complaint channel. If the issue isn’t resolved – or if the company fails to act – you can file an administrative complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) or the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). These agencies investigate claims and, in many cases, issue a “Right to Sue” notice, allowing you to pursue your case in court.
Our employment attorneys and employment lawyers assist clients with each step, from filing administrative complaints to representing them in mediation or trial. Remedies for workplace harassment may include reinstatement, back pay, emotional distress damages, and attorney’s fees. In some cases, a settlement can resolve the matter efficiently, sparing employees the stress of prolonged litigation while still delivering justice and accountability.
Each harassment case is unique, requiring a careful review of facts, documentation, and witness testimony. With experienced employment attorneys on your side, you’ll have advocates who understand both the legal framework and the human impact of harassment. Our team at Matern Law Group works to ensure that every worker’s rights are protected, and that employers are held responsible for fostering respectful and lawful work environments.
If you’ve experienced harassment at work, know that you are not alone. You have strong legal protections under California law, and there are professionals who can help you assert your rights. Our workplace harassment lawyers have the experience, knowledge, and compassion to stand by your side throughout the entire process.
At Matern Law Group, we represent employees in Sacramento and throughout California who have been mistreated, intimidated, or subjected to unfair treatment. Whether your situation involves workplace bullying harassment, pregnancy bias, gender discrimination, or a hostile workplace, we can help you navigate the system and pursue justice.
Speaking with an employment lawyer early in the process can make all the difference. We’ll help you understand your options, preserve evidence, and take the necessary legal steps to protect yourself. Employers who engage in or ignore harassment can and should be held accountable under employment law.
Our law firm has built a reputation for helping employees achieve fair outcomes and lasting change. You don’t have to tolerate an unsafe or disrespectful environment any longer. Reach out to our workplace harassment lawyers in Sacramento today to schedule a confidential consultation and begin moving forward with strength and support.
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If you’ve experienced a distressing incident related to an issue like this, call us for a free case evaluation.
Legal cases can be lengthy, complicated, and confusing, but you don’t have to take on the system all by yourself. If you believe someone has violated your individual rights, or the rights of a large group of people in your community, we can help you find the right course of action.
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