The California employment lawyers at Wilshire Law Firm believe employees deserve a safe and respectful working environment. If your rights as an employee have been violated and your employer hasn’t taken steps to correct it, we’ll stand up and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Start a free and confidential case review with our California labor & employee rights lawyers today. Call us 24/7 at (800) 493-0916.
California Labor & Employee Rights Guide
- How Our California Labor Lawyers Work To Protect Your Rights
- Employers Must Follow California Labor Laws
- Our Employment Law Attorneys Navigate Complex California Lawsuits
- Our Employee Attorneys Handle These Types of Employment Law Claims
- Free Case Review with an Experienced Employment Law Firm
- Frequently Asked Questions About Employment Law
- More Helpful Resources
How Our California Labor Lawyers Work To Protect Your Rights
Fear often silences the victims of employee rights violations. The threat of retaliation can loom large, casting shadows over families, careers, and livelihoods. At Wilshire Law Firm, we’re here to dispel those shadows and empower your voice. Our legal experience and financial resources become your shield and sword. We negotiate on your behalf, allowing you to pursue justice without fear of repercussion. Our team meticulously gathers the critical evidence needed to build your case, including:- Internal correspondence between you and your employer
- Statements and testimony from coworkers or witnesses
- Detailed notes of illegal behavior by your employer
- Employee handbooks, contracts, and past performance reviews
- Pay stubs and other pertinent work records
Employers Must Follow California Labor Laws
Since 2020, California has taken bold steps to reshape the employment landscape, addressing longstanding issues and emerging challenges. These new laws aim to level the playing field and protect workers’ rights in unprecedented ways:- Independent Contractor Reclassification: A game-changer for the gig economy, requiring companies to reclassify many contractors as employees, granting them access to benefits and protections.
- Enhanced Job Equality: New guidelines to foster a more inclusive and fair workplace for all.
- PTSD Support for First Responders: Streamlined workers’ compensation process, recognizing the unique mental health challenges these crucial workers face.
- Hairstyle Anti-Discrimination: Protecting workers’ right to cultural expression and identity in the workplace.
- Minimum Wage Increase: Boosting financial security for California’s workforce.
- COVID-19 Worker Protection: Swift action to safeguard employees during the pandemic.
Our Employment Law Attorneys Navigate Complex California Lawsuits
The deadline for filing an employment claim – known as the statute of limitations – varies depending on the type of complaint filed and which administrative agency your complaint is directed toward. Here is a breakdown of how long you have to file a complaint depending on the nature of the case:- Union employees have six (6) months to file claims for breaches of Collective Bargaining Agreements and unfair union representation.
- You have one (1) year to file an administrative complaint of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing.
- There’s a one (1) year window from receiving your Right to Sue Notice to file a discrimination, harassment, or retaliation lawsuit.
- One (1) year is the limit for filing claims for certain Labor Code penalties.
- You must file defamation lawsuits within one (1) year.
- Most wrongful termination or retaliation claims have a two (2) year deadline.
- You have two (2) years to sue for breach of an oral contract.
- You must file claims for outrageous workplace conduct causing emotional distress within two (2) years.
- There’s a three (3) year window to file claims for unpaid wages or overtime.
- Fraud lawsuits have a three (3) year statute of limitations.
- You have four (4) years to sue for breach of a written employment contract.
Our Employee Attorneys Handle These Types of Employment Law Claims
Wilshire Law Firm’s highly experienced personal injury lawyers understand the unique challenges that employee rights victims face—the loss of livelihood, the alienation from friends, the uncertain future. From administrative complaints to civil trials (and everything in-between), Wilshire Law Firm knows how to tilt the legal scales in YOUR favor, no matter how big the employer. Our California employment law firm handles the following employment cases on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no fees unless you win.Wrongful Termination Lawyers
Even at-will employers must adhere to all applicable laws and public policies when hiring and firing employees. California protects employees from being fired based on their race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic that is legally protected from discrimination at the state or federal level. Employees who engage in whistleblowing are similarly protected and may not be terminated for bringing forward a claim of unlawful or unethical conduct. [LEARN MORE: Wrongful Termination Attorneys]Workplace Retaliation Lawyers
Retaliation occurs when an employee engages in a legally protected act and suffers an adverse employment action. Employees are protected from termination (including constructive wrongful termination), demotion, or any other adverse action under Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) statutes passed by the federal government, along with the State of California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). [LEARN MORE: Retaliation Attorneys]Work Harassment Lawyers
California’s FEHA gives workers the right to a workplace free of verbal, physical, sexual, and other abusive behaviors, including quid pro quo and hostile work environment harassment. Workplace conduct is legally considered harassment when it is:- Offensive
- Unwelcome
- Severe
- Creates an intimidating or hostile work environment
Work Discrimination Lawyers
Laws and statutes such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protect employees from workplace discrimination based on sex, race, national origin, religion, and many other protected statuses. Common acts of workplace discrimination include denying pay raises, promotions, or benefits to certain protected conditions, as well as paying employees with similar qualifications different salaries based on a protected status. [LEARN MORE: Workplace Discrimination Lawyers]Unpaid Wages Attorneys
California and federal laws require employers to pay employees for their work, but some businesses are nevertheless guilty of withholding that money. Using tactics like rest and meal break violations, employee misclassification, and bonus pay adjustments, employers sometimes attempt to avoid wage and hour obligations. You can remedy this breach through a class action lawsuit. [LEARN MORE: Unpaid Wages Lawyers]Leave of Absence Lawyers
When a California worker requires time off to attend to pressing family matters or medical concerns, California laws protect them. The California Family Rights Act (CFRA) and the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) require employers to grant time off from work without the employee suffering an adverse employment action as a result. Pregnancy, disability, medical, military, workers’ compensation, and even leave for jury duty are all forms of work leave that are legally protected. [LEARN MORE: Leave of Absence Attorneys]Free Case Review with an Experienced Employment Law Firm
Not all legal representation is created equal. Wilshire Law Firm stands out with our award-winning team of 50 attorneys and 400 legal professionals, boasting a track record of success in even the most challenging employment law cases. Our experience has secured over one billion dollars in damages for employee rights victims. We approach each case with a personalized touch, tailoring our strategies to your unique circumstances while consistently delivering optimal results. At Wilshire Law Firm, we believe in aligning our success with yours. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis—you only pay if we win your case. With our unparalleled legal expertise, extensive resources, and top-tier talent, we’re uniquely positioned to help employees secure the justice they deserve. Ready to take the first step? Contact us 24/7 at (800) 493-0916 or through our online form for a FREE, confidential case consultation. Let Wilshire Law Firm be your advocate in the fight for employee rights.Frequently Asked Questions About Employment Law
Can I Sue My Employer and Still Work There?
In most cases, employees wait to sue their employer until after they’ve parted ways. However, some choose to move forward with the claim while still working for the offending company. The latter is a risky and potentially contentious move. Still, some choose to go this route if they hope to strong-arm their employer into treating them better or correcting the situation before termination.What Damages Can I Seek from My Employer?
California takes a firm stance against labor and employment law violations. When businesses are found liable for workplace harassment, discrimination, or other illegal employment actions, the consequences are severe—and rightfully so. As a victim, you may be entitled to significant compensation, including:- Lost Wages: Recoup earnings lost due to unfair treatment or termination
- Lost Benefits: Recover the value of health insurance, retirement contributions, and other benefits
- Diminished Earning Capacity: Compensation for long-term impact on your career trajectory
- Emotional Distress: Acknowledgment of the psychological toll of workplace injustice
- Punitive Damages: Additional penalties to deter future misconduct by employers
- Attorney Fees: Coverage of legal costs associated with pursuing your claim