No Charge Unless We Win: 415-634-4117
At Matern Law Group, our San Francisco employment lawyers are dedicated to defending the rights of workers across a broad spectrum of industries. Whether you’ve faced discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, or issues with unpaid wages, our team is prepared to stand by your side. As an established law firm, we have successfully handled cases involving complex employment disputes and understand the stress and uncertainty that come with standing up to a powerful employer. Our mission is to ensure every worker feels empowered to seek justice and protect their rights through informed, compassionate, and strategic legal representation.
Employment law in California is among the most robust in the nation, offering extensive protections to workers. It governs the relationship between employers and employees, covering everything from wages and hours to leave policies, workplace safety, and equal opportunity standards. California’s laws are designed not only to prevent abuse but also to give workers the tools they need to respond when violations occur. Employment lawyers in San Francisco must navigate a legal framework that includes both state and federal laws—such as the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act—to build strong cases on behalf of clients. Whether you’re seeking clarity on your rights or facing immediate workplace challenges, knowledgeable legal guidance is essential.
Many workers experience illegal treatment without realizing it. Common workplace violations include unequal pay, discrimination, denial of lawful breaks, and improper classification under wage laws. For instance, an employer may wrongly label a worker as “exempt” to avoid paying overtime or fail to provide legally mandated rest breaks. These abuses can accumulate over weeks or months, leading to substantial financial loss. Discrimination remains one of the most frequent complaints, often tied to age, race, gender, disability, or sexual orientation. Sexual harassment, too, persists across industries and can create a hostile work environment that deters productivity and harms mental health. Understanding your legal protections is the first step toward a fairer workplace.
A skilled employment attorney offers more than just courtroom advocacy. They assess the legal merits of your claim, gather evidence, negotiate with employers, and—if necessary—take your case to trial. Whether reviewing an employment contract or preparing for mediation, your lawyer works to protect your interests at every stage. For employees facing retaliation, wrongful termination, or systemic mistreatment, having an experienced lawyer can make the difference between ongoing harm and a successful resolution. Our attorneys focus on transparency, keeping you informed of your options and helping you navigate the emotional and financial complexities that come with workplace disputes.
An employment contract defines your responsibilities, compensation, benefits, and legal protections. Yet many workers sign these documents without legal review—missing red flags that could impact their future. Ambiguous language, restrictive non-compete clauses, or vague performance expectations can be exploited by employers. If you’re entering a new job or renegotiating terms, having a lawyer review your contract ensures you’re protected. In cases of contract breaches—such as withheld bonuses or unfulfilled promotion promises—legal action may be necessary to recover losses and clarify your rights moving forward.
Unpaid wages remain a major concern in California, especially in industries that rely on hourly labor or commissions. When employers delay payment, fail to pay overtime, or miscalculate earnings, workers suffer. Even a few weeks of underpayment can create financial hardship. California labor laws mandate timely, accurate wage payment and harshly penalize employers who fail to comply. Our employment lawyers understand how to document wage violations and build compelling claims for recovery, including interest, penalties, and legal fees. Whether it’s a simple payroll mistake or deliberate wage theft, we’ll help you hold your employer accountable.
Harassment, including sexual harassment, is one of the most damaging workplace experiences. It affects job satisfaction, personal well-being, and professional development. California law prohibits any conduct that creates a hostile or abusive work environment, whether it stems from a supervisor, coworker, or client. Harassment can take many forms—verbal, physical, digital—and no one should be expected to endure it. Our lawyers take every case seriously and are committed to creating safer workplaces through diligent investigation, strong legal arguments, and respectful client communication. If you’ve reported harassment and faced retaliation, your rights have been doubly violated—and we’ll pursue every available remedy.
Bringing an employment law case forward begins with a clear, confidential consultation. We listen to your experience, evaluate the evidence, and advise on the best path forward. Depending on the situation, we may recommend direct negotiations, mediation, or formal litigation. Our firm handles a wide range of employment cases, from unpaid wages to complex discrimination and harassment claims. In many cases, early intervention results in faster resolutions, saving time and emotional distress. For more serious or systemic issues, we pursue comprehensive remedies—including reinstatement, damages, and policy changes that benefit future employees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an employment lawyer cost in California?
The cost of hiring an employment lawyer in California depends on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure. Some lawyers charge hourly rates, while others work on a contingency fee—meaning you only pay if your case succeeds. During your consultation, we’ll explain all fees clearly so you can make an informed decision. In many employment law matters, attorney fees may be recoverable if you win your case, reducing your out-of-pocket risk.
Should I tell HR I’m getting a lawyer?
Deciding whether to inform HR about hiring a lawyer depends on your workplace culture and the nature of your complaint. In some cases, notifying HR can initiate a faster resolution; in others, it may trigger defensive action. Always consult your employment attorney first. We can help you strategize the best way to protect your rights while minimizing potential retaliation.
Our dedicated team at Matern Law Group is here to support San Francisco employees facing workplace injustices. If your rights have been violated, contact us for expert legal advice. Call us today at (415) 634-4117 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation with an experienced San Francisco labor law attorney.
San Francisco law strongly protects employees from various forms of workplace harassment, including gender, pregnancy, sexual, hostile environment, quid pro quo, and bullying linked to protected categories. An experienced attorney is crucial to enforce these protections effectively.
Wrongful termination in San Francisco occurs when an employer unlawfully fires an employee due to discrimination, retaliation for protected activities, or breach of employment contracts. Employees affected by these actions have legal grounds to challenge their termination.
San Francisco law requires employers to provide hourly employees with regular, uninterrupted meal and paid rest breaks during their shifts. If an employer violates these rights, workers may be entitled to compensation.
San Francisco employees can file “qui tam” lawsuits under California’s False Claims Act to expose employer fraud involving government funds. Employees who face retaliation for whistleblowing are legally protected and can sue employers for wrongful termination.
San Francisco consumers are protected by laws against false advertising, defective products, privacy breaches, and intrusive telemarketing practices. Experienced attorneys like those at Matern Law Group can help victims pursue legal remedies for these consumer rights violations.
San Francisco environmental laws protect communities from air pollution, hazardous material dumping, and water contamination, holding violators accountable for environmental damage. Experienced attorneys, such as those at Matern Law Group, litigate to safeguard natural resources and public health.
San Francisco law strictly prohibits workplace discrimination based on factors like age, disability, gender, race, sexual orientation, hairstyle, weight, and more. An experienced attorney can help enforce these rights and secure justice for affected employees.
San Francisco employees are protected against wage theft, improper overtime practices, off-the-clock work, misclassification, and unlawful withholding of vacation pay, tips, or commissions. Employees affected by these violations may be entitled to significant compensation under California law.
San Francisco employees have strong legal rights to family, medical, disability, military, and voting leave under state and federal laws like FMLA and CFRA. Employers who deny these rights or retaliate against employees for taking protected leave may face legal liability.
Class action lawsuits allow groups to collectively seek justice in cases involving consumer fraud, civil rights, data breaches, environmental harm, pharmaceutical misconduct, product defects, workplace violations, and antitrust breaches. Successful class actions help compensate victims and address systemic problems affecting large communities.
San Francisco residents are protected by California’s strong data privacy laws, including the CCPA, against breaches that expose sensitive personal information. Victims of mass data breaches may pursue compensation individually or collectively through class-action lawsuits.
Securities fraud in San Francisco includes deceptive schemes like Ponzi, affinity, pump-and-dump, and high-yield investment scams that mislead investors through false or manipulated information. Victims can seek legal help from experienced attorneys like those at Matern Law Group to recover losses and pursue justice.
Whether you’re involved in a personal dispute or are looking for justice on behalf of a group of victims, having experienced, reputable law practitioners on your side can help restore the balance of power and protect your rights.
We understand how intimidating it can be to speak out against your employer, a large corporation, or others who may hold power over you. While legal cases can be lengthy and complicated, we will guide you through every step of the process, making sure you understand your options as we work toward the most favorable outcome.
This includes:
This includes the right to privacy, fair compensation, and freedom from discrimination. A job applicant also has certain rights even prior to being hired as an employee. Those rights include the right to be free from discrimination based on age, gender, race, national origin, or religion during the hiring process.
For example, a prospective employer cannot ask a job applicant certain family-related questions during the hiring process.
Whether you’re involved in a personal dispute or are looking for justice on behalf of a group of victims, having experienced, reputable employment lawyers on your side can help restore the balance of power and protect your rights.
Our legal team provides more than just representation. We stand as strong advocates for employees facing workplace injustices. Whether you’re addressing a personal dispute or seeking justice for a group of individuals, our San Francisco labor law attorneys are ready to fight vigorously to protect your rights and pursue the best possible outcome.
505 Montgomery Street
10th floor
San Francisco, CA 94111
Phone: (415) 634-4117
Unfair treatment in the workplace can profoundly disrupt an employee’s life, but not all unfairness is illegal. Employers hold significant power, and behaviors like discrimination, harassment, or wage theft can have devastating effects on an employee’s mental and physical well-being. At Matern Law Group, we help employees understand their rights under California law and navigate the legal system to secure the compensation and justice they deserve.
Litigation is our focus because we believe every worker should be protected under the law. Our experienced San Francisco labor lawyers work tirelessly to empower, support, and fight for each client. We are proud to represent employees from all industries and backgrounds, handling cases ranging from individual claims to collective disputes involving groups of workers who faced similar mistreatment. Whether you are familiar with the legal process or need help determining where to begin, our attorneys and staff will guide you every step of the way to achieve a favorable outcome.
At Matern Law Group, we aim to be more than a law firm — we strive to be a trusted partner in protecting your rights. If you believe you have been subjected to illegal mistreatment, don’t hesitate to reach out. We offer free consultations to help you understand your options. Everyone deserves a safe, ethical workplace, and we are here to help you fight for yours.
"*" indicates required fields
We have 8 convenient office locations in California:
Copyright © 2025. Matern Law Group, PC. All rights reserved.
Nothing on this website constitutes legal advice. Questions? info@maternlawgroup.com
