Torrance Employment Lawyer

When your workplace rights are violated in Torrance, you deserve more than just a fair shot – you deserve justice. Whether you’re dealing with wrongful termination, discrimination, or unpaid wages, Wilshire Law Firm is ready to help. 

California has some of the strongest legal protections for employees in the U.S., but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to obtain the justice and compensation you deserve. 

Our award-winning legal team has been fighting for workers across Los Angeles County for nearly two decades. We have a proven track record of securing life-changing results and verdicts for our clients. 

If you’re searching for a Torrance Employment Lawyer, our experienced employment attorneys at Wilshire Law Firm are here to guide, protect, and fight for you.

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Employment Law in Torrance: Know Your Rights

From the hills near Walteria to the business corridors along Hawthorne Boulevard, If you live or work in Torrance, your workplace rights are protected by some of the strongest employment laws in the nation. 

California employment laws are meant to ensure that employers treat workers like you fairly and lawfully on the job. 

Unfortunately, employers sometimes cut corners or outright ignore their responsibilities to their employees. When that happens, the experienced Torrance employment lawyers at Wilshire Law Firm can help you.

Our top-performing attorneys are deeply familiar with the legal framework that governs workplaces across California. We break down the most critical areas of employment law so you can understand your rights and know when to take action.

Minimum Wage and Overtime Protections

California guarantees some of the highest wage standards in the country. As of January 1, 2025:

• The statewide minimum wage is $16.50 per hour.
• Fast food workers must earn at least $20.00 per hour under Assembly Bill 1228.
• Other California cities and counties have minimum wage higher than the state minimum 

If you’re a non-exempt employee in Torrance, you’re also entitled to:

• Time-and-a-half pay for any hours worked over 8 in a day or 40 in a week
• Double pay for hours worked beyond 12 in a single day
• Compensation for the 7th consecutive day of work in a workweek

Some employers in Torrance attempt to avoid these obligations by misclassifying workers, “rounding” timecards, or asking employees to work off the clock. If you suspect your paycheck isn’t reflecting your true hours, our California wage and hour attorneys at Wilshire Law Firm can investigate and help recover what you’re owed.

Anti-Discrimination and Harassment Laws

The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act protect you from being treated unfairly at work based on certain characteristics. These laws prohibit employers from discriminating based on:

• Race or ethnicity
• Gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation
• Age (over 40)
• Religion
• National origin
• Disability or medical condition
• Marital status or pregnancy

Harassment and discrimination can take many forms: inappropriate jokes, unequal pay, skipped promotions, or termination based on bias. You don’t have to endure it. The Wilshire Law Firm employment lawyers in Torrance hold employers accountable for creating or allowing toxic environments.

Leave Protections for Health and Family Reasons

California law gives eligible employees time off to care for themselves and their loved ones without fear of losing their jobs. Under the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) and the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), you may be entitled to up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for:

• Your own serious medical condition
• Caring for a spouse, child, parent, or domestic partner
• Bonding with a new child (birth, adoption, or foster care)

Under the Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act, you also accrue paid sick leave. In most cases, you’re eligible to earn at least one hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked. 

If your employer penalized you for taking lawful time off or denied your request outright, our employment lawyers at Wilshire Law Firm will fight to protect your job and restore your rights.

Whistleblower Protections

California protects employees who speak up about illegal or unethical behavior at work. This includes reporting:

• Health and safety violations
• Wage theft or fraud
• Discrimination or harassment
• Violations of state or federal laws

If you blew the whistle and faced demotion, termination, or harassment as a result, you may have a retaliation claim. The experienced whistleblower attorneys at Wilshire Law Firm in Torrance can help you file a complaint and pursue justice without fear of further retaliation.

Protections Against Retaliation

California Labor Code 1102.5 makes it illegal for employers to retaliate against employees who:

• File a complaint (internally or with a government agency)
• Participate in a workplace investigation
• Testify in a legal proceeding
• Request or take protected leave

Retaliation can be overt – like being fired the day after filing a complaint – or more subtle, such as being reassigned, demoted, or passed over for projects. If you’ve been punished for doing the right thing, our Torrance-based employment lawyers at Wilshire Law Firm will help you build a strong case and demand accountability.

Whether you’re navigating leave laws, questioning your paycheck, or enduring mistreatment, our legal team is here to help. At Wilshire Law Firm, we don’t just file cases – we fight for real change that protects you and future employees from workplace abuse.

Employment Lawyer in Torrance

Common Employment Law Violations in Torrance

Workplace violations can be subtle or blatant. Either way, they can seriously impact your job, your health, and your finances. If you suspect something is wrong, it’s time to speak with the employment law team at Wilshire Law Firm. Here are some of the most common issues we handle:

Wrongful Termination

Our Torrance employment attorneys regularly help clients who were fired unfairly. You cannot be terminated for your race, gender, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, or for taking protected leave. You also cannot be let go for reporting harassment, safety violations, or wage theft.

Wage and Hour Violations

As of January 2024, California’s minimum wage is $16 per hour statewide – and $20 for many fast-food workers. If your employer fails to pay overtime, misclassifies your role, or withholds tips, our team at Wilshire Law Firm can help you reclaim what you’re owed.

Workplace Discrimination

Discrimination isn’t always obvious. Sometimes it’s hidden in denied promotions, unequal pay, or sudden negative performance reviews. If you’ve been treated differently because of who you are, our Wilshire Law Firm employment lawyers in Torrance will fight for accountability.

Harassment

Whether it’s sexual harassment, bullying, or constant inappropriate comments, harassment violates your rights. The employment law team at Wilshire Law Firm works to protect clients from hostile work environments and hold perpetrators accountable.

Retaliation

It is illegal for your employer to demote, fire, or discipline you for speaking up. Our Torrance retaliation attorneys help protect whistleblowers and others who are punished for doing the right thing.

Leave Denials

If you’ve been denied protected leave under CFRA or FMLA – whether to care for a sick loved one, bond with a newborn, or recover from illness – our team at Wilshire Law Firm can help you seek legal relief.

Unique Workplace Issues in Torrance, California

Torrance is a diverse and economically active city, with industries ranging from aerospace and automotive to retail and healthcare. The largest employers in Torrance include the following companies:

• American Honda Motor Company
• Torrance Memorial Medical Center
• Honeywell Aerospace
• Del Amo Fashion Center
• Torrance Unified School District
• Providence Health Systems Torrance Memorial Hospital
• Robinson Helicopter Co. Inc
• L3 Electron Devices, Inc. (Stellant Systems)
• Torrance Refining Company LLC
• City of Torrance
• Hi-Shear Corporation (Lisi)
• Howmet Fastening Systems (formerly Alcoa Global Fasteners, Inc)
• Phenomenex, Inc
• Motorcar Parts of America, Inc.
• Moog Inc.
• PBF Energy
• Pelican Products

Our employment lawyers at Wilshire Law Firm understand the labor issues that are common across these industries, including understaffing, forced overtime, lack of proper employee accommodations, and misclassification.

Many workers in Torrance also face issues unique to immigrant and multilingual workforces. Whether you’re a caregiver in Southwood, a retail associate near Madrona Marsh, or a contractor near Lomita Boulevard, your rights matter. Our legal team is experienced in representing individuals across all employment sectors and backgrounds.

Damages Available in Employment Law Cases

When you’ve suffered a workplace violation, financial recovery can help you move forward. Damages in employment law cases vary based on the situation, but common forms include:

Lost wages and benefits

If you were fired, demoted, or otherwise lost income due to your employer’s actions, you may be entitled to recover the full amount of wages and benefits you should have earned. This includes back pay, lost bonuses, commissions, healthcare benefits, and retirement contributions.

Future lost income

If your ability to work or earn in the future has been affected – whether due to a tarnished reputation, industry stigma, or long-term health issues stemming from workplace stress – you may be eligible for compensation for anticipated future earnings.

Front pay

In some cases, returning to your previous position may not be possible due to a hostile environment or company closure. Courts may instead award front pay, which covers wages and benefits you would have received moving forward, had you remained employed.

Reinstatement of employment

For certain wrongful termination or retaliation cases, the court may order your former employer to reinstate you in your previous role or an equivalent one. This remedy can restore your job status, pay, and benefits.

Compensation for emotional distress

The emotional toll of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation can be severe. You may be entitled to damages for anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, humiliation, or loss of enjoyment of life caused by your employer’s actions.

Interest on unpaid wages

If you’re awarded unpaid wages or benefits, you may also be entitled to interest accrued during the time those payments were wrongfully withheld.

Liquidated damages

In wage and hour claims, you may be entitled to liquidated damages equal to the amount of unpaid wages. These damages are available under California Labor Code when an employer’s violation was not made in good faith; that is, if the employer can’t prove its error was honest and reasonable.

Statutory penalties

California law imposes automatic penalties in certain situations. For example, if an employer fails to provide final pay within the required timelines after separation, you may be eligible for waiting time penalties under Labor Code § 203 – often calculated as your daily pay rate for up to 30 days.

Legal fees

California employment law often allows for recovery of attorney’s fees and court costs if your claim is successful. This helps ensure workers can pursue justice without worrying about legal expenses.

Punitive damages

In cases where your employer’s conduct was especially reckless, malicious, or intentional, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the behavior and discourage future violations.

Our team of Torrance, CA employment lawyers at Wilshire Law Firm will work to maximize every type of compensation available. We take the time to understand how your employer’s misconduct has impacted your health, finances, and future – and we’ll fight for a resolution that reflects the full scope of harm you’ve suffered.

Torrance Employment Law Firm

What a Wilshire Law Firm Employment Lawyer Can Do for You

When your job and livelihood are at stake, your future can seem bleak and uncertain. You don’t have to go through this alone or settle for anything less than you deserve. Our legal team at Wilshire Law Firm provides full-service legal support from your first consultation to case resolution. Here’s what we offer:

• A free, confidential case review
• Personalized legal strategy based on your unique situation
• Thorough documentation and evidence collection
• Filing complaints with the EEOC, CRD (formerly DFEH), or Labor Commissioner when appropriate
• Direct negotiations with your employer’s legal team
• Representation in mediation, arbitration, or trial

Employment law is complex. Deadlines, paperwork, and employer pushback can create barriers to justice. That’s why having a knowledgeable, responsive attorney from Wilshire Law Firm in your corner makes a huge difference.

How Long Do I Have to File an Employment Claim in Torrance?

Strict deadlines apply to most employment claims. Missing a deadline could prevent you from recovering compensation. Here’s a general breakdown:

• Discrimination, harassment, or retaliation: 3 years to file with California Civil Rights Department
• Wage theft or unpaid overtime: 3 years to file with the California Labor Commissioner
• Wrongful termination: Generally 2 years from the date of firing
• Whistleblower retaliation: 2 years from the retaliatory act

Let the Torrance-based employment attorneys at Wilshire Law Firm track and manage all filing deadlines while you focus on your well-being.

How Much Does a Torrance Employment Lawyer Cost?

At Wilshire Law Firm, we believe legal help should be accessible to everyone regardless of their financial situation. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis. Under this arrangement, you will have:

• No hourly fees
• No upfront payments
• No charge for our services unless we win your case

We don’t get paid until you do. That means our interests are aligned, and we’re invested in your success every step of the way. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file a claim if I signed an employment agreement?

Yes. Signing a contract does not waive your legal rights under California law. Our employment attorneys can review your contract and explain your options.

I’m labeled a contractor. Do I have employee rights?

You might. Many companies misclassify workers to avoid paying benefits. If you were treated like an employee (set schedule, supervisor oversight, etc.), you could still have rights.

Are remote workers protected?

Yes. If you’re working from home in Torrance, California law still applies. You’re entitled to paid breaks, expense reimbursement, and protection from discrimination.

Can I sue even without witnesses?

Yes. Many cases rely on emails, text messages, internal complaints, or your own testimony. Our attorneys will help you build a case using all available evidence.

How much can I recover for emotional distress?

That depends on the details. Factors like anxiety, humiliation, sleep disruption, and impact on personal relationships all play a role. Our team at Wilshire Law Firm works with mental health professionals to help support your claim.

Why Choose the Wilshire Law Firm Employment Lawyers in Torrance?

Not all law firms are the same. At Wilshire Law Firm, we bring:

• Results: Over $2 billion recovered for clients
• Dedication: Personalized attention for every case and lawyers who truly care about you and your case
• Experience: More than a decade fighting for California workers
• Reputation: Recognized by Super Lawyers, Best Law Firms, and The National Trial Lawyers
• Diversity: A multilingual, multicultural team that reflects the people we serve

At Wilshire Law, you’re not just a case file. You’re someone who deserves to be heard, respected, and represented with strength. That’s our commitment to you.

Talk to a Torrance Employment Lawyer at Wilshire Law Firm Today

Don’t let your employer silence you. If you’ve been treated unfairly at work, it’s time to speak up – and we’re ready to help you every step of the way.

Call Wilshire Law Firm at (213) 335-2402 today or fill out our secure contact form to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you reclaim your voice, protect your future, and get the justice you deserve.

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