Los Angeles Employment & Consumer Law Firm

It’s no secret that California has some of the most worker-friendly employment laws in the United States. California law and applicable Los Angeles city and county regulations protect employees’ rights to fair treatment and lawful pay. Employers who violate those protections may face legal liability.

However, some employers may mistakenly believe that these laws do not apply to their business. Our Los Angeles employment law firm works to hold employers accountable and help employees pursue the compensation, benefits, and fair treatment available under the law.

At Matern Law Group, PC, our Los Angeles employment lawyers help workers understand their rights and evaluate options for addressing unlawful workplace practices.

Contact our Los Angeles employment law firm if you have experienced workplace harassment, discrimination, wrongful termination, or interference with protected leave. Call 310-987-4226 for a free consultation.

What Does Employee Discrimination Mean Under Los Angeles Employment Laws?

Employment discrimination occurs when an employer treats a worker unfavorably because of race, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or another legally protected characteristic.

Eligible employees may also have rights to job-protected medical or family leave under laws such as the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) and the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Eligibility, qualifying reasons, and employer coverage requirements determine which protections apply.

Depending on the workplace’s location and other coverage requirements, Los Angeles employers may also be subject to local minimum wage, paid sick leave, and other employment protections.

Discrimination can take many forms, including:

• Refusing to hire someone because of race, gender, or another protected characteristic.
• Making promotion decisions based on age or sexual orientation.
• Paying an employee less because of disability, religion, or another protected characteristic.
• Denying protected leave for discriminatory reasons.
• Harassing an employee because of gender identity, pregnancy, or another protected characteristic.
• Firing an employee because of pregnancy, a related medical condition, or national origin.

Federal, state, and local protections that may apply include:

• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
• The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA).
• The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).
• The California Family Rights Act (CFRA).
• The Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
• Applicable Los Angeles minimum wage and paid sick leave ordinances.

These laws have different eligibility and coverage requirements. If you have experienced employment discrimination, an attorney can review your circumstances and explain your options. Contact our Los Angeles employment attorneys to discuss your concerns.

Workplace Harassment

Unlawful workplace harassment may involve verbal abuse, unwanted sexual advances, threats, or other conduct based on a legally protected characteristic. FEHA protects employees against harassment based on characteristics such as race, religion, disability, sex, and gender identity. Whether conduct creates an unlawful hostile work environment depends on its severity or pervasiveness and the surrounding circumstances.

If you experience workplace harassment, consider documenting what happened and reviewing your employer’s reporting procedures. An employment attorney can help you evaluate your options, including concerns about an employer’s response or retaliation.

What Does an Employment Law Firm Do?

Our Los Angeles employment law firm represents individuals who have experienced discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, retaliation, and other employment-law concerns. We can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, and pursue negotiations or litigation when appropriate. If you have been wronged at work, contact us.

Our attorneys can help with:

• Reviewing the facts to evaluate potential legal claims.
• Explaining your legal options.
• Gathering and organizing relevant evidence.
• Negotiating with employers or their legal representatives.
• Representing you in court or arbitration when appropriate.

When to Contact a Los Angeles Employment Lawyer

Consider contacting our law firm if:

• You have experienced workplace harassment or discrimination.
• You have been fired or pressured to resign under circumstances that may violate the law.
• You have been denied leave that you believe is legally protected.
• You are considering a claim against your employer.
• You need advice about a severance package or separation agreement.

Filing deadlines vary by claim and agency. California FEHA employment complaints generally must be filed with CRD within three years of the alleged unlawful act. Federal EEOC deadlines follow different rules and are often shorter. For a FEHA lawsuit, you generally must first file a CRD complaint and obtain a right-to-sue notice. An attorney can assess the requirements and deadlines that apply to your circumstances.

Employment Class Actions

Class actions can allow employees affected by similar workplace practices to pursue claims collectively when legal requirements for class treatment are met. Potential cases may involve wage violations or discriminatory policies. Filing a lawsuit does not automatically establish a class action; court certification is required to litigate claims on a classwide basis.

If you believe the same unlawful practice has affected multiple employees, an attorney can evaluate whether individual claims, a class action, or another legal approach may be appropriate.

How Can Matern Law Group Help?

Matern Law Group is committed to protecting the rights of Los Angeles employees. Our attorneys and support staff provide personalized attention, explain the legal process, and work to hold employers accountable for unlawful practices.

Depending on the facts and applicable law, an employment discrimination or harassment lawsuit may help you:

• Hold an employer accountable for unlawful conduct.
• Seek compensation for lost wages, benefits, and emotional distress.
• Address discriminatory or harassing workplace practices.
• Pursue changes intended to prevent future violations.

If you have experienced unlawful employment practices in Los Angeles, contact Matern Law Group, PC for a free consultation. Call 310-987-4226 or complete our online form to discuss your situation.