Introduction to Employment Law
Navigating the complex world of employment law can feel overwhelming when you are already facing the emotional strain of discrimination, harassment, or an unfair termination. Whether you have been passed over for promotions because of your race, denied accommodations for a disability, or unjustly retaliated against for reporting illegal activity at work, it is crucial to know that you have rights. A dedicated employment law attorney can help you understand these rights, level the playing field against employers who misuse their authority, and secure the compensation you deserve. Our firm and its network of attorneys focuses entirely on advocating for employees, not employers—ensuring our loyalty and energy are directed at protecting you.
For too many workers, the power dynamics of the workplace create a sense of helplessness. You may feel that your complaints about mistreatment will only lead to more retaliation or that it might not be worth fighting back. We are here to tell you that your voice matters. Your experiences matter. With the guidance of an experienced employment law attorney, you will be empowered to stand up for yourself, hold employers accountable under workplace discrimination law, and send a message that this kind of behavior is unacceptable. Employment law can involve multiple areas of wrongdoing. An overview of just some of these areas is included below, with more in depth explanations on even more areas addressed on their own pages.
Workplace Discrimination and Harassment
Discrimination and harassment take many forms. Perhaps you have been singled out or belittled because of your race, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or age. Maybe you have felt the sting of cruel comments, exclusion from vital meetings, been transferred to a less desirable location or department, or denied promotions and opportunities for advancement. These unlawful behaviors not only undermine your professional growth but also inflict deep personal harm and emotional distress.
Under workplace discrimination law, employers are required to maintain an environment that is free from such bias. They must treat everyone fairly and without prejudice. When they fail to do so, it is often due to entrenched patterns of discrimination, systemic inequalities, or deliberate violations of the law. We understand how humiliating and disheartening it can feel to endure these conditions and how powerless you might feel against a large company with extensive resources.
Our legal team and affiliates specialize in identifying discriminatory practices, building solid cases based on federal and state laws, and pursuing justice on behalf of our clients. We have extensive experience with discrimination claims involving race, gender, pregnancy, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and more. By working with us, you gain a fierce advocate prepared to fight for your rights. We will stand by your side, investigate every avenue, and seek a resolution that acknowledges your suffering and provides meaningful redress.
Experienced Legal Support for Employment Law
Unfair Termination
Few workplace experiences are as jolting and confusing as an unfair termination. While employers can terminate employees for many reasons—even no reason at all in “at-will” employment states—termination cannot be based on illegal grounds such as discrimination or retaliation for reporting wrongdoing. If you suspect your termination stemmed from your membership in a protected class, your refusal to tolerate unethical business practices, or your cooperation with an investigation into harassment or discrimination, you may have a strong claim.
Proving unfair termination often involves examining patterns of behavior, internal communications, and performance records, as well as your employer’s response to similar situations in the past. Our team will leave no stone unturned to ensure the true motives behind your termination are exposed. When employers believe they can get away with terminating employees under false pretenses, they rely on your sense of powerlessness. We, however, will hold them accountable. We approach each unfair termination case with meticulous attention to detail and assertive legal strategies designed to achieve the best possible outcome.
Wage and Hour Disputes
It is a fundamental right to be paid fairly and on time for the work you perform. Yet, many employers skirt wage and hour laws to inflate their profits. Whether it’s refusing to pay overtime, forcing employees to work off the clock, failing to provide proper breaks, or misclassifying workers to avoid paying full benefits, these violations leave hardworking people shortchanged and undervalued.
Challenging an employer on wage and hour issues may feel daunting, especially if you fear retaliation. However, wage and hour laws are on your side, and we are prepared to assert your rights. We will carefully review your pay records, employment agreements, and company policies to identify violations. We will fight aggressively to recover every cent you are owed and secure changes in your employer’s practices so that future employees are not similarly mistreated. By partnering with an experienced employment law attorney, you can stand up to exploitative employers and achieve a resolution that respects your time, effort, and dedication.
Our Approach: Empathy Coupled with Aggressive Representation
Our team understands that what you are going through is not just a legal matter—it is a deeply personal and stressful experience. Being targeted, ridiculed, or undervalued at work can impact your confidence, mental health, and livelihood. We never lose sight of the human element behind every case. When we speak with you, we listen. We take the time to understand the full context of your experiences, your goals for the future, and the emotional weight you carry.
But while we bring empathy and compassion to our client relationships, we are relentless in our approach to your case. We know that employers often have extensive resources, well-funded legal teams, and a belief that they can simply bully the “little guy” into accepting unfair outcomes. We will not let that happen. With our firm, you have an advocate who is not afraid to push back, who knows employment law inside and out, and who will utilize every available legal tool to hold employers accountable.
We engage in thorough investigations, consult with industry experts, and prepare every case as if it will go to trial. This thorough preparation not only increases the likelihood of a favorable settlement but also ensures that, if we do need to step into the courtroom, we can do so with confidence and a carefully crafted strategy.
How Can We Help
Our experienced attorneys are well-versed in employment law and have a proven track record of handling complex discrimination cases. We offer support in the following areas:
- Case Evaluation: We analyze your situation to determine if discrimination has occurred and identify the best legal approach.
- Filing Complaints: Assistance in filing complaints with relevant bodies like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or state agencies.
- Litigation Support: If needed, we’ll represent you in court to fight for justice and compensation.
- Negotiations: Advocating on your behalf during mediation or settlement discussions.
No Fees Unless We Recover
We understand that many people hesitate to pursue employment claims because they fear legal expenses will add up, compounding the financial strain they may already be experiencing. Your job situation may be uncertain, and taking on legal costs might feel like too much of a risk.
That is why we work on a contingency fee basis: you pay no fees unless we recover money for you, and in that case the fee is paid out of the recovery, be it through a settlement or a win at trial. We believe that everyone deserves a fair shot at justice, regardless of their current financial standing. When we take your case, we invest in your success. Our motivation is aligned with yours, and we will fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you are entitled to.
If you have been subjected to workplace discrimination, harassment, wage theft, or an unfair termination, you do not have to face these challenges alone. By working with an experienced employment law attorney committed to ensuring fairness and accountability, you are taking a critical step forward. The process can feel intimidating, but with the right legal advocate in your corner, you can reclaim your dignity, your voice, and the justice the law promises you.
More Practice Areas
Employment Law FAQs
Most Common Questions
How much will this cost me?
You don’t have to worry about legal expenses unless we win your case. This ensures our focus remains on getting you fair compensation for your case.
What does employment law cover?
Employment law regulates the complex employer-employee relationship, covering rights and responsibilities such as wage regulations, discrimination protections, workplace safety, wrongful termination, and worker rights like rest and meal breaks, wage an hour issues, and overtime. Employment lawyers, with their experience in this field, navigate these issues to ensure compliance and uphold the rights and obligations of both employers and employees in the workplace.
What is an employment law attorney?
An employment law attorney specializes in state and federal employment laws, advising and representing clients in issues like HR, compliance, contracts, and disputes. Serving as advocates for employers and employees, employment lawyers offer legal guidance, assist in dispute resolution, negotiate contracts, and represent clients in legal proceedings, contributing to a fair and lawful workplace. At My Labor Rights we only represent employees in disputes with their employers.
Do I need an attorney for my employment law claim?
While some individuals resolve disputes through negotiation, situations where agreements aren’t reached often necessitate hiring an employment lawyer. Usually, an employer will bring in legal counsel as soon as there is a potential employment law claim. Individuals may seek legal representation from organizations like the California Civil Rights Department if unable to settle disputes independently. Employment lawyers specialize in handling these issues, safeguarding claimants’ rights and pursuing fair compensation when needed. A contingent fee attorney will not charge you anything unless and until there is a recovery of money.
What counts as wrongful termination in California?
While employers and terminate any at-will employee for any legal reason, employers must have a legal, non-discriminatory reason to fire an employee. If an employer fires an employee because of discrimination, unwillingness to break the law, performance of a legal obligation, the practice of a legal right, or reporting of an employer’s crimes, that would be considered wrongful termination.
How do I choose the right attorney for my employment law claim?
Navigating employment law can be challenging due to the discrepancy in resources between individuals and their employers. Finding an employment lawyer willing to take on your case despite these odds is vital. When seeking the right employment law attorney, prioritize those with a track record of representing workers, who will listen to your story, and who you feel you can trust. Additionally, choose employment lawyers who demonstrate a client-centric approach, ensuring they prioritize your needs, listen to your perspective and story, and advocate fiercely on your behalf.
What are my rights as an employee in California?
An employee in California cannot be discriminated against or retaliated against based on the following categories, according to the FEHA:
• Race (including traits associated with specific races, like hair or body structure)
• Religion
• Ancestry
• Genetic information
• Sex and gender (including pregnancy)
• Gender identity and expression
• Sexual orientation
• Marital status
• Reproductive health decisions (such as abortions or birth control)
• Medical condition (genetic characteristics, long-term illnesses)
• Disability (mental and physical)
• Age (for those over 40)
• Request for medical or family care leave
• Request for Pregnancy Disability leave
• Resisting, reporting, or helping another person report discrimination
• Criminal background (under the Fair Chance Act)
How long do I have to bring an employment law claim?
Time is of the essence. Depending on the basis for your claim, there may be steps you need to take in as little as a year. Certain claims must be brought before a state agency before they can be brought in court. Once a statute of limitations has passed, you will not be able to bring your case in court. So reach out to an employment lawyer as soon as possible to ensure the deadline to bring your case does not pass.
Why Choose Us?
01
Experienced Attorneys
Our team has years of experience in employment law and a proven track record of success.
02
Comprehensive Legal Services
From workplace discrimination to wage disputes, we cover all aspects of employment law.
03
No Win, No Fee
No Win, No Fee means you only pay us if we successfully recover compensation on your behalf. This approach ensures we are fully committed to fighting for justice in your employment case.