Employment Lawyer Riverside: Protecting Workers in Southern California

When you’re dealing with illegal treatment at work, it can feel like your whole world is falling apart. Showing up for work can be intensely stressful, workplace conditions can be challenging or even hostile, and the fear that your job or career is in jeopardy always lingers. Our employment lawyer Riverside guide will give you the resources you need to address your situation and protect your rights.

Whether you’ve been wrongfully terminated, harassed, or denied fair wages, you deserve real answers and real support. At Wilshire Law Firm, our Riverside employment lawyers are here to guide you through this challenging time. 

Our Riverside Employment Lawyers help workers who are ready to take a stand for the justice they deserve – from Downtown Riverside to La Sierra, from UCR to Canyon Crest, and all across the Inland Empire.

If you are looking for a legal team that truly cares, you’ve come to the right place.

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What Sets Wilshire Law Firm Apart in Riverside?

We know the pulse of Southern California and we have a deep understanding of California employment law. Our Riverside employment attorneys have been protecting workers in Riverside and throughout California for nearly two decades. 

Our goal is not just the successful resolution of your case but your complete satisfaction as well. We believe our dedication to our clients is reflected in everything we do.

Here’s why workers in Riverside and throughout the Inland Empire trust Wilshire Law Firm:

• Results-driven, two billion-dollar team. We’ve recovered over $2 billion for our clients – not through luck, but through skill, preparation, and unwavering determination.
• Confidential and client-first. Your privacy is protected. Everything you share with us stays between us. We treat you and your case with dignity and care.
• Top-performing legal team. Our attorneys have been honored by Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, the National Association of Distinguished Counsel, and more. 
• No Win, No Fee guarantee. We work on a contingency fee arrangement, so you pay nothing for our services unless we successfully resolve your case. You pay nothing upfront or out of pocket, allowing you access to top-performing Riverside employment lawyers without any risk. 
• People-first values. We are deeply rooted in this diverse community. Compassion, empathy, and justice guide everything we do.
• Clear communication. We give you transparent legal advice in plain language. We explain your rights, your options, and every step we take.
• Respected by opponents. Insurance companies and employers know we’re not afraid to go to trial. Our reputation helps us obtain higher settlements faster. 
• Service you can feel. We return your calls. We keep you updated. We make sure you feel heard, supported, and empowered – because that’s how it should be.

We live and work by the guiding principles of Excellence, Integrity, and Teamwork. That’s what we stand for, and that’s what you get when you choose Wilshire Law Firm.

Employment Lawyer in Riverside

Top 15 Employers in Riverside, CA

Riverside is a regional hub with a strong and diverse economy. Our wide range of industries means your case may also be affected by several complex employment laws and issues. Some of the largest employers in Riverside, CA are:

• Riverside Unified School District
• County of Riverside
• University of California, Riverside (UCR)
• Riverside Community Hospital
• Riverside County Regional Medical Center
• City of Riverside
• Kaiser Permanente
• Amazon Fulfillment Center (Moreno Valley)
• March Air Reserve Base
• Alvord Unified School District
• Parkview Community Hospital
• California Baptist University
• Bourns, Inc.
• Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP)
• Pepsi Bottling Group

These employers reflect Riverside’s strength in healthcare, education, logistics, government, and more. They also reflect the complexity of workplace laws in organizations and institutions of all sizes. If you work for one of Riverside’s major employers and believe your rights have been violated, we can help.

Types of Riverside Employment Law Cases We Handle

Employment law touches nearly every part of your work life – from how you’re hired to how you’re paid, treated, and let go. At Wilshire Law Firm, we handle the full range of employment-related legal claims in Riverside and throughout Southern California. If your employer has broken the law, chances are we can help you hold them accountable.

Wrongful Termination

Fired for a reason that violates California or federal law? Whether it was because you reported misconduct or safety violations, took protected leave, refused to engage in something illegal, or another issue that triggered a wrongful termination, we can help you fight for justice.

Workplace Harassment

Ongoing abuse, bullying, or offensive behavior that affects your ability to do your job could be considered unlawful harassment. This includes racial slurs, sexual comments, intimidation, and more.

Wage & Hour Violations

Your time matters. If your employer has failed to pay minimum wage, denied you overtime, misclassified your role to avoid paying benefits, or withheld breaks, you may have a claim.

Discrimination

Employers cannot treat workers differently based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or other protected categories under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).

Retaliation

It is illegal to punish an employee for standing up for their rights. If you were demoted, fired, or treated unfairly after speaking up, you’re protected under the law.

Sexual Harassment

Unwanted sexual conduct, whether verbal or physical, should never be part of the workplace. We represent workers who have been harassed or retaliated against for not consenting to sexual advances or reporting harassment.

Misclassification & Independent Contractor Issues

Being incorrectly labeled as an independent contractor can cost you wages, benefits, and job protections. We fight for fair classification and the benefits that come with it.

Whistleblower Protection

If you exposed illegal activity or safety violations and your employer took action against you, you may be protected by California and federal whistleblower laws, such as the False Claims Act.

Family & Medical Leave Violations

Under the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) and the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), eligible employees can take leave for serious medical conditions or to care for a family member. Employers must honor these rights without penalty.

Disability Accommodations

If you have a physical or mental condition that requires workplace accommodations, your employer is legally obligated to work with you unless it causes undue hardship.

Hostile Work Environment

A workplace doesn’t have to involve physical threats to be unlawful. A pattern of discrimination, harassment, or exclusion can create a hostile environment under the law.

Employment Contracts & Severance Agreements

We review and enforce contracts, challenge unlawful non-compete clauses, and ensure severance agreements are fair and legally sound.

Non-payment of Bonuses or Commissions

If you’ve earned performance pay but your employer is delaying or refusing to pay, that could be a violation of California wage law.

Workplace Privacy Violations

Monitoring your personal communications, improper surveillance, or sharing private information without consent may give rise to legal claims.

Trade Secret & Confidentiality Disputes

Employers and employees alike rely on fair enforcement of trade secret laws. We represent workers accused of violations and those harmed by misuse of confidential information.

No matter how simple or complicated your issue may seem, we’re ready to review your case. We’ll give you honest guidance, tell you where you stand, and help you decide your next steps. At Wilshire Law Firm, we don’t back down when your future is on the line.

Riverside Employment Law Firm

Employee Rights in Riverside: What the Law Says

Riverside workers are backed by some of the strongest employee protections in the country, thanks to both California labor law and local policies, which are often more robust than federal standards. 

Whether you work in education, healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, hospitality, or another sector, your employer must follow clear rules that promote fairness, safety, and respect.

Here are key rights you have as an employee in Riverside under California law:

• Fair Pay and Minimum Wage Protections: As of January 1, 2025, California’s statewide minimum wage is $16.50/hour. However, cities and counties may set higher rates, and Riverside employers must comply with the highest applicable rate. The rate is adjusted annually according to the National Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), with a maximum increase of 3.5% per year.
• Overtime Compensation: Non-exempt workers are entitled to time-and-a-half for work over 8 hours in a day or 40 hours in a week, and double-time for hours exceeding 12 in a day or 8 on the seventh consecutive workday. (California Labor Code §510)
• Meal and Rest Breaks: Employees must receive a 30-minute unpaid meal break for shifts over 5 hours and a second meal break for shifts over 10 hours. Paid 10-minute rest breaks are required every 4 hours. (California Labor Code §512)
• Protection Against Discrimination: Under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), employers cannot discriminate based on race, gender identity, age (40+), religion, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, or military/veteran status. (Government Code §12940)
• Harassment-Free Work Environment: Employers must take proactive steps to prevent and address harassment in the workplace – even when the behavior comes from coworkers or customers. (FEHA, Government Code §12940(j))
• Family and Medical Leave: Under the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) and the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), eligible workers can take up to 12 weeks of job-protected, unpaid leave for serious health conditions, childbirth, or caregiving. (Gov. Code §12945.2 and 29 U.S.C. §2601)
• Paid Sick Leave: California’s Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act requires employers to provide at least 40 hours (or five days) of paid sick leave annually. (Labor Code §246)
• Whistleblower Protections: California Labor Code §§1102.5 and 98.6 protect workers who report unlawful behavior or refuse to participate in illegal activities from retaliation, including demotion or termination.
• Safe Working Conditions: Under Cal/OSHA standards, you have a right to a safe and healthy workplace. Employers are legally required to identify risks, provide proper safety equipment, and report serious injuries. (Labor Code §6400 and Title 8, Cal. Code of Regs.)
• Timely Final Paychecks: If you’re terminated or quit, California law requires that you receive your final paycheck promptly. If your employer delays, you may be entitled to penalties. (Labor Code §§201-203)
• Workplace Privacy and Surveillance: Employers cannot monitor personal calls or emails without consent and must inform workers if surveillance is in use. In some cases, misuse of surveillance data may lead to a privacy claim.

If you believe your employee rights have been violated, Wilshire Law Firm is here to step in, guide you through your legal options, and fight for fair treatment.

FAQs About Employment Law in Riverside, CA

What is the deadline to file a wrongful termination claim?

Most wrongful termination claims must follow the applicable California statute of limitations. Under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), you typically have three years from the date of the last discriminatory, retaliatory, or harassing act to file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD). You must obtain a right-to-sue notice before taking your claim to court.

How much does it cost to hire a Riverside employment lawyer?

At Wilshire Law Firm, we work on a contingency fee basis. You don’t pay any upfront legal fees, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. This arrangement lets you pursue your case with zero financial risk.

What if I’m undocumented? Do I still have rights?

Yes. California law protects undocumented workers in areas like wage theft, discrimination, and harassment. Immigration status does not limit your right to file a labor claim or lawsuit.

Do I have to quit to sue my employer?

No. You do not need to resign to file a claim. We can advise you and help you decide whether continuing your employment is in your best interest.

How Our Riverside Employment Lawyers Help You

When your job is on the line, you need more than legal paperwork – you need a partner who understands what’s at stake. At Wilshire Law Firm, our Riverside employment attorneys don’t just process claims – we fight for working people with compassion, strategy, and real results. 

Here’s what you can expect when you work with our Riverside employment lawyers:

• We start with you. Your story is the foundation of your case. During a free, confidential consultation, we listen closely, answer your questions, and explain what to expect.
• We build a strong case. Our team investigates thoroughly – gathering performance reviews, time records, witness statements, emails, and other critical evidence.
• We manage everything. From dealing with the appropriate state and federal agencies to negotiating settlements or preparing for trial, we handle each step so you can focus on moving forward.
• We fight for maximum compensation. We never settle for less than you deserve. We fight for every dollar owed to you, whether it’s lost wages, front pay, emotional damages, attorney’s fees, and job reinstatement when appropriate.
• We work on contingency. You pay nothing unless we win. This contingency fee model makes legal help accessible and low-risk for every client.

Employment law in California is detailed and powerful – but only if you use it. We help you do that with clarity, purpose, and care. You don’t have to do this alone. We’re here to be your legal ally from day one.

Connect with Our Experienced Riverside Employment Lawyers 

You shouldn’t have to live in fear of losing your paycheck, your job, or your dignity. If you are facing challenges that violate your rights as an employee, you have the law to protect you.

Wilshire Law Firm’s team of top-performing and results-driven employment lawyers can help you. We will take the time to understand what you are up against and what your best legal options are. When we accept a case, we handle it with urgency and the highest professional standards of skill, strategy, and respect. 

Call (951) 749-5800 today or fill out our online form to schedule a completely confidential and free consultation.

Wilshire Law Firm – Fighting for fairness. Protecting your rights. Getting results.

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