What are the laws protecting employees from discrimination and harassment in the workplace?

California has laws in place that prohibit discrimination and harassment in the workplace based on a variety of factors including race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, and disability. California's Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) is the main law that prohibits discrimination and harassment.

Can I be fired for complaining about illegal activity at my job?

California law protects employees from retaliation for complaining about illegal activity at their job, including reporting safety violations, wage and hour violations, and other forms of illegal conduct.

What are my rights as a pregnant employee in California?

California law prohibits discrimination against pregnant employees and requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees. This can include things like modified work schedules or additional bathroom breaks.

How do I file a complaint for unpaid wages or overtime?

Employees can file a complaint for unpaid wages or overtime with the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE) or through a private lawsuit.

What is the California Family Rights Act and how does it protect employees?

The California Family Rights Act (CFRA) is a state law that provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for certain family and medical reasons. This includes the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child, and the care of a spouse, domestic partner, child or parent with a serious health condition.

How does California's workers' compensation system work?

California's workers' compensation system provides medical and wage replacement benefits to employees who are injured or become ill due to their job. This includes benefits for medical expenses, lost wages, and permanent disability.

What are my rights as an independent contractor in California?

Independent contractors in California have the right to fair compensation for their work, and are protected from discrimination and harassment based on the same factors as employees. They are not entitled to the same benefits and protections employees receive, such as overtime pay and workers' compensation.

Can I sue my employer for wrongful termination?

Employees in California may be able to sue their employer for wrongful termination if they can show that they were terminated for illegal reasons, such as retaliation, whistle-blowing, or discrimination.

What are the laws surrounding meal and rest breaks in California?

California law requires employers to provide non-exempt employees with a 30-minute meal break for every 5 hours worked, and a 10-minute rest break for every 4 hours worked. Employers must also provide employees with a paid rest break for every four hours of work or major fraction thereof.

Navigating the Legal System: How a Los Angeles Employment Lawyer Can Help You in 2025

Jan 14, 2023
3 min read

Updated: May 14, 2025

The Importance of Hiring a Los Angeles Employment Lawyer for Workplace Legal Issues

Are you an employee facing legal issues in the workplace in Los Angeles? Whether you're dealing with discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination or wage and hour disputes, it can be overwhelming to navigate the legal system on your own. That's where a Los Angeles employment lawyer comes in.

An employment lawyer is an attorney who specializes in representing employees in disputes with their employers. They can help you understand your rights and guide you through the legal process. Whether you're looking to file a lawsuit, negotiate a settlement, or seek an administrative remedy, a Los Angeles employment lawyer can help you achieve the best possible outcome.

When choosing a Los Angeles employment lawyer, it's important to find someone who has experience handling cases like yours. Ask the lawyer about their experience with similar cases and the type of results they have achieved. You should also consider the lawyer's reputation, and look for reviews or testimonials from previous clients.

It's also important to find a Los Angeles employment lawyer who is ethical, vetted and with a tracking record of honest and positive results for his or her clients.

You should feel comfortable discussing your case with the lawyer and should trust that they have your best interests in mind. During your initial consultation, you can ask the lawyer about their approach to your case, and how they intend to help you achieve your goals.

In addition to representing you in court, a Los Angeles employment lawyer can also provide you with guidance and advice on how to handle workplace issues before they escalate to the point where legal action is necessary. They can also help you negotiate a severance agreement or a settlement with your employer.

If you're facing legal issues in the workplace in Los Angeles, don't hesitate to seek the help of a Los Angeles employment lawyer. They can help you understand your rights, guide you through the legal process, and work to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Common cases in Los Angeles county involving employee rights violations

There are several common employment law issues that employees in Los Angeles, California may face. Some of the most common include:

Discrimination: This includes discrimination based on race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, and disability.
Harassment: This includes sexual harassment, as well as harassment based on race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, and disability.
Wrongful termination: This occurs when an employee is terminated for illegal reasons, such as retaliation, whistle-blowing, or discrimination.
Wage and hour disputes: This includes disputes over minimum wage, overtime pay, meal and rest breaks, and other issues related to pay and working hours.
Unpaid overtime: Many employees in California are entitled to overtime pay, and some employers may try to avoid paying it.
Misclassification of employees as independent contractors: This occurs when an employer incorrectly classifies an employee as an independent contractor in order to avoid paying certain benefits and taxes.
Pregnancy discrimination: This occurs when an employer discriminates against an employee due to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) violations: This occurs when an employer interferes with an employee's rights to take leave under the FMLA or retaliates against an employee for exercising those rights.

These are some of the common employment law issues that employees in Los Angeles, California may face. It's important for employees to be aware of their rights and to seek the advice of an experienced employment lawyer if they believe they have been treated unfairly in the workplace.

In conclusion, hiring a Los Angeles employment lawyer can be a wise decision if you're facing legal issues in the workplace. They can help you navigate the complex legal system, protect your rights, and work towards achieving a favorable outcome for your case. If you're looking for a Los Angeles employment lawyer, make sure to do your research and find an attorney who is a good fit for you, and has experience handling cases like yours.

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American Bar Association–Accredited and California State Bar–Certified Lawyer Referral and Information Service

Welcome to 1000Attorneys.com, a Lawyer Referral and Information Service certified by the California State Bar and nationally accredited by the American Bar Association.

Our role is to provide unbiased and impartial lawyer referrals to members of the public.

We operate independently from the attorneys who receive referrals and do not engage in pay-to-play or advertising-based rankings.

While we focus primarily on California employment law and personal injury matters, our referral services extend to many additional practice areas throughout the state.

Each referral is based on the legal issue presented, geographic considerations, and the attorney’s licensure status, experience, and professional standing.

We recognize that every legal matter is unique and aim to connect individuals with independently licensed attorneys suited to their specific needs.

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Verifying licensure alone does not always provide sufficient insight into an attorney’s suitability for a particular legal matter.

As part of our referral process, we review publicly available licensure and disciplinary records and consider relevant experience in the practice area involved.

This due diligence is intended to help the public make more informed decisions when seeking legal representation.

Learn more about attorney discipline and public records here.

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Since 2005, we have assisted Californians in locating qualified legal representation through a structured, regulated referral process.

We recognize the challenges individuals face when navigating legal advertising, promotional claims, and online directories.

Our service is designed to provide a neutral, reliable alternative focused on public protection and informed choice.

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