FAQ

The first step is as simple as picking up your phone to call us. We will analyze your case to determine if we are a good match for you. If so, we will invite you to become a client—with no upfront costs to you. We will then proceed to communicate with your employer (or former employer) to secure your rights. In many cases, this might require initiating a lawsuit. If it becomes necessary to initiate a lawsuit, we will follow all necessary procedures to complete that lawsuit—whether through trial or through a settlement. Most cases settle before trial.

Workplace discrimination can take many forms — and it is not always obvious. But if you are in a legally protected class and have been treated differently from other employees, you may have been subjected to discrimination. Common examples of discrimination include refusal to hire or promote, wrongful termination, exclusion from training, demotion, harassment, or other adverse employment actions.

The California Fair Employment and Housing Act protects employees from hostile and abusive working environments. Under California law, a hostile working environment is defined as one in which harassment is so pervasive and severe that it distracts the victim from performing the duties of their job. Harassment in a hostile working environment can be based on gender, ethnicity, race, religion, disability, or any other protected class.

It’s important to understand whether you are an “exempt” or “non-exempt” employee. It’s not uncommon for employers to misclassify employees as exempt to avoid paying overtime or employment-related taxes. However, there are specific criteria to determine whether an employee should be classified as exempt. Workers who fall within this category include independent contractors (those who work for themselves), many employed in white-collar or administrative jobs, and other professions specified under California law.

Under California law, employers must provide a 30-minute uninterrupted meal break to non-exempt employees for every five hours worked. The meal break may be waived on mutual consent if no more than six hours are worked in a day. It’s essential to be aware that during a meal break or a rest break, an employer must relieve the employee of all duties and may not request that they perform any job-related tasks or be on call.

If you work for an employer with five or more employees and you have a physical or mental disability, you may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act. Employers are not required to offer a reasonable accommodation if it would cause them to suffer an undue hardship.

Retaliation in the workplace occurs when an employer effectively punishes an employee for reporting an employment violation such as discrimination or harassment, or engaging in other protected activity. Retaliation can take many forms, including demotion, firing, reassignment, shift or pay reduction, or any other adverse employment action.

The amount of time you have to file an employment lawsuit in California can vary based on the type of claim you will be filing — it’s vital to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to learn which statutes of limitation may be applicable in your case. 

Both California state law and federal law offer protection to employees. Most of the time, California employment laws offer more protection and are more favorable to employees than federal employment laws. However, there are situations in which we may need to bring your claims under federal law.