$15.0M
Recovery for employees denied legally required meal and rest breaks.
Employment
San Diego Sexual Harassment Attorneys
Were you harassed at work in San Diego? At Wilshire Law Firm — an award-winning, nationally recognized team — we help California workers hold employers accountable under FEHA and Title VII. Contact us 24/7 for a free case review with a legal professional — there are no fees unless you get paid.
- $3B+RECOVERED
- 7X"BEST LAW FIRM" AWARDS
- 24/7AVAILABILITY & SUPPORT
- 500+LEGAL PROFESSIONALS
Understanding Your Sexual Harassment Case
Explore essential resources on your rights, your options, and what to expect — everything you need to navigate the legal process, all in one place.
Sexual harassment is unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that is severe or pervasive enough to create a hostile work environment or that is tied to an employment decision. California law recognizes two primary forms: quid pro quo harassment, where job benefits are linked to sexual demands, and hostile work environment harassment. Protections under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) are broad — some harassment claims apply to employers with as few as one employee, and coverage extends to independent contractors and unpaid interns. Harassers can be supervisors, coworkers, clients, or third parties.
California workers can pursue several types of sexual harassment and related claims. These commonly include a hostile work environment created by comments, jokes, or offensive conduct; unwanted physical contact or advances; requests for sexual favors linked to job benefits; digital harassment through text, email, or messaging platforms; an employer's failure to investigate complaints; and retaliation after reporting harassment. If you are unsure which claims apply to you, a legal professional can review your situation during a free case review.
San Diego workers are protected by both California's FEHA and Title VII of the federal Civil Rights Act. FEHA prohibits harassment and requires employers to take reasonable steps to prevent it, and employers with 50 or more employees must provide regular harassment prevention training. Workers can file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD). In sectors that define San Diego's economy — defense, biotechnology, and tourism — security clearance concerns and professional hierarchies can discourage reporting, but the law protects your right to come forward.
In most California cases, you generally have three years from the last act of harassment to file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD), and then one year to file a civil lawsuit after receiving your right-to-sue notice. Deadlines can differ when a government entity is the employer. Because missing a filing deadline can end your claim, it is best to speak with a legal professional early. Employment law overview →
Wilshire Law Firm is an award-winning, nationally recognized team that helps San Diego workers understand their rights and the steps involved in pursuing a claim. Our attorneys investigate what happened, gather evidence, handle communications with the employer, and build your case for the strongest possible recovery — all with personalized attention. We work on contingency, so there are no fees unless you get paid. Learn more about the workplace claims our San Diego employment lawyers handle.
Meet Our Sexual Harassment Attorneys
Nationally-Recognized Powerhouse, Fighting for the Justice You Deserve
Our award-winning attorneys have recovered billions for clients while taking on insurance companies and major corporations.
John G. Yslas, Esq.Senior Partner, Chair of the Employment Wage & Hour Class Action Department
Mary Lee Caruso, Esq.Senior Partner
Tyler J. Woods, Esq.Senior Partner
Arrash Fattahi, Esq.Partner
Benjamin Haber, Esq.Partner
Nicol Hajjar, Esq.Partner
Diego Aviles, Esq.Junior Partner
Jeffrey Bils, Esq.Junior Partner
Emily Borman, Esq.Junior Partner
Jose Maria D. Patino, Jr., Esq.Junior Partner
Christina M. LeJunior Partner
William M. Pao, Esq.Junior Partner
Eugene Zinovyev, Esq.Junior Partner$12.0M
Recovery for employees denied legally required meal and rest breaks.
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Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Each case is unique and evaluated on its own facts.
How Do I Know If I Have a Sexual Harassment Claim in San Diego?
You likely have a claim if you experienced unwelcome sexual conduct that was severe or pervasive, or if job benefits were tied to sexual demands. California's FEHA and federal Title VII protect employees, independent contractors, and unpaid interns from both hostile work environment and quid pro quo harassment. Key evidence includes messages, emails, witness accounts, and any complaints you made to your employer. Because filing deadlines with the California Civil Rights Department generally run from the last act of harassment, contact Wilshire Law Firm for a free case review.
Start Your Free Sexual Harassment Case Review
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Record breaking results
Winners of #1 Settlements in California
Our attorneys have recovered billions of dollars, including some of the biggest settlements in California.
17#1 Settlements in California, 2022–2024*
TopVerdict #1TopVerdict.com #1 settlements
1–1 of 17
#1 Truck v. Pedestrian Accident Settlement
2024
#1 Multi-Vehicle Accident Settlement
2024
#1 Equipment Malfunction Settlement
2024
#1 Car v. Stationary Object Collision Settlement
2024
#1 Bus v. Passenger Accident Settlement
2024
#1 Whistleblower Retaliation Settlement
2023
#1 Underinsured Motorist Settlement
2023
#1 Slip & Fall Accident Settlement
2023
#1 Negligent Security Settlement
2023
#1 Ladder Accident Settlement
2023
#1 Hotel Premises Liability Settlement
2023
#1 Car v. Car Collision Settlement
2023
#1 Bicycle Accident Settlement
2023
#1 Pregnancy Discrimination Settlement
2022
#1 Age/Disability Discrimination Settlement
2022
#1 Wrongful Termination Settlement
2022
#1 Meal & Rest Breaks Settlement
2022
*#1 settlements in California have been awarded by TopVerdict.com. Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
Sexual Harassment FAQs
Our Most Frequently Asked Questions
We've answered the most common ones below. If yours isn't here, call us — we're available 24/7.
California's FEHA prohibits sexual harassment, covering both quid pro quo conduct and a hostile work environment created by severe or pervasive unwelcome behavior. These protections apply to employees at businesses of any size.
In San Diego's defense, biotechnology, and tourism sectors, security clearances and steep professional hierarchies can discourage workers from reporting harassment. FEHA protects these employees, and reporting harassment is a protected activity regardless of rank.
In most cases you have three years from the last act of harassment to file with the California Civil Rights Department. Because exceptions can apply, confirm the deadline for your situation without delay.
No. Retaliation for reporting harassment or opposing unlawful conduct is prohibited under California law. A termination or demotion after your complaint may create a separate retaliation claim. Workplace retaliation →