Ventura Employment Lawyer

You work hard, and you deserve to be treated fairly. But when an employer crosses the line—by firing you unfairly, denying wages, or allowing harassment—it can be a stressful and isolating experience. Your job and your livelihood may be at stake, leaving you with questions about your rights as an employee under California’s employment laws.

At Wilshire Law Firm, our Ventura employment lawyers stand up for people who’ve been mistreated at work. We’re here to listen, help you understand your rights, and fight for the justice you’re owed. Whether it’s unpaid overtime, discrimination, or wrongful termination, we know how to hold employers accountable—and we know how to win.

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California Employment Law: Stronger Protections Than Federal Law

California’s employment law provides workers with some of the most robust employee rights and protections in the U.S. No matter what your job or occupation is, you likely benefit from some of the most detailed and worker-friendly employment regulations in the country – protections that usually exceed the federal government’s minimal standards. 

Federal labor laws are a floor, not a ceiling. In California, that ceiling is significantly higher than in most other parts of the U.S. California enforces higher minimum wage standards, stricter overtime rules, mandatory rest and meal breaks, and a broader definition of protected classes under its anti-discrimination laws. 

You’re also protected by strong whistleblower laws and guaranteed job-protected leave for a variety of medical and family needs—even for events like miscarriage or failed adoption.

However, stronger employment laws don’t mean that all employers abide by them. And it doesn’t always mean obtaining justice and compensation is easy when your employer violates your rights.

Wilshire Law Firm’s experienced labor attorneys understand California’s labor codes and how they affect you and your case. Contact us today for legal guidance if you have a dispute with your employer. 

Minimum Wage in California

As of January 1, 2025, California’s statewide minimum wage is $16.50 per hour. However, some cities and counties—including Los Angeles—have set higher minimums. If your job location falls within one of those jurisdictions, you may be entitled to a higher hourly wage.

Employers must pay at least the applicable minimum wage. Failing to do so violates California labor law and could entitle you to back pay and penalties.

Overtime Pay Regulations in California

In California, non-exempt employees are entitled to overtime pay:

• Time-and-a-half for hours worked over 8 in a day or 40 in a week
• Double time for hours worked over 12 in a day
• Time-and-a-half for the first 8 hours on the seventh consecutive workday in a week and double time beyond that

Employers who fail to pay correct overtime are breaking the law. If you’re not getting paid fairly for your extra hours, your employer may owe you significant compensation.

Meal and Rest Breaks

California law doesn’t just recommend rest—it requires it. Your time and health matter, and the law requires that you get the breaks you need during your workday. Here’s what California law guarantees:

• A 30-minute unpaid meal break if you work more than 5 hours in a day
• A second 30-minute meal break if you work more than 10 hours
• A 10-minute paid rest break for every 4 hours worked

Missed meal or rest breaks must be compensated with one additional hour of pay per violation. If you’re regularly working through breaks, you may have a claim.

Anti-Discrimination and Harassment Protections

No one should have to choose between a paycheck and their dignity. Unfortunately, workplace discrimination and harassment are still a reality for many people in Ventura and across California. Whether it’s being passed over for a promotion, dealing with inappropriate comments, or enduring a toxic environment that targets who you are—discrimination in any form is illegal.

California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) is designed to protect you not just from obvious mistreatment but also from subtle, repeated patterns of bias or exclusion. If you’ve been treated unfairly based on your identity or personal circumstances, you may have a legal right to compensation and justice. California law prohibits discrimination based on:

• Race or ethnicity
• National origin or ancestry
• Religion
• Age (40+)
• Sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding)
• Gender identity or gender expression
• Sexual orientation
• Marital status
• Physical or mental disability
• Medical condition
• Military or veteran status

FEHA applies to employers with five or more employees (or just one for harassment claims). If you’ve been mistreated based on any protected trait, Wilshire Law Firm can help.

Family and Medical Leave Laws

Whether you’re welcoming a child or dealing with a medical crisis, you have the right to take time off and return to your position. Two key laws protect your right to take unpaid, job-protected leave:

• California Family Rights Act (CFRA): Applies to employers with 5+ employees. Offers 12 weeks of leave per year for:
  • Bonding with a new child
  • Caring for a sick family member
  • Recovering from your own serious health condition
• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): Federal version of CFRA for employers with 50+ employees.

Your employer must maintain health benefits during leave and reinstate you afterward.

Paid Sick Leave in Ventura

In Ventura, most employers are required to provide a minimum of 40 hours or 5 days of paid sick leave per year. This local requirement offers more generous protections than the state baseline.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Accrual: Employees earn one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked.
• Use: Paid sick leave can be used for your own illness, injury, or medical appointments—or to care for a family member dealing with similar issues.
• Carryover: Unused sick leave must carry over to the following year, up to a cap of 80 hours or 10 days, whichever is greater.
• Enforcement: These rights are enforced by the California Labor Commissioner’s Office.

Some employers may offer more generous sick leave policies, but they cannot provide less than the legal minimum.

Reproductive Loss Leave

Under a recently passed law (Senate Bill 848), California law now allows eligible employees to take up to 5 days of unpaid leave following a reproductive loss, such as a miscarriage, failed adoption, or unsuccessful IVF attempt. Employers may not retaliate against you for taking this protected time.

Protections Against Retaliation

Asserting your rights at work is protected by law—but that doesn’t stop some employers from lashing out. Retaliation can happen when you request time off, report wage theft, or speak up about workplace mistreatment. California law makes it illegal for your employer to punish you for standing up for yourself.

Retaliation isn’t always obvious. It might show up as a demotion, sudden write-ups, exclusion from meetings, shift changes, or being passed over for opportunities. These actions aren’t just frustrating—they’re against the law.

You are protected when you:

• Report discrimination or harassment
• File a wage or overtime complaint
• Request accommodations for a disability
• Take legally protected leave (like CFRA or FMLA)
• Participate in an investigation or legal proceeding

If your employer is retaliating against you, you may be entitled to compensation, and Wilshire Law Firm’s Ventura employment lawyers can help you take action.

Whistleblower Protections

Whistleblowers play a critical role in keeping workplaces safe and lawful. If you’ve reported illegal activity, unsafe practices, or fraud, California law gives you powerful protections against retaliation.

Under Labor Code sections 1102.5 and 98.6, your employer cannot fire, discipline, or harass you for speaking up. This applies whether you report wrongdoing internally or to a government agency.

Whistleblower protections cover employees who:

• Report violations of local, state, or federal laws
• File complaints about unsafe work conditions
• Testify or cooperate in investigations
• Refuse to participate in illegal acts

If your employer punishes you for doing the right thing, we’ll help you hold them accountable. Whistleblower retaliation cases are serious—and we treat them that way.

Employment Lawyer in Ventura

Common Workplace Violations

Workplace rights violations aren’t always obvious. Sometimes, they’re hidden behind vague excuses, delayed paychecks, or a pattern of unfair treatment that doesn’t feel right—but is hard to name. At Wilshire Law Firm, we help Ventura workers recognize the signs and take action when their employer breaks California labor law.

These are some of the most common employment law violations our Ventura employment lawyers handle:

• Wrongful termination (fired for illegal reasons, such as discrimination or retaliation)
• Denied or unpaid meal and rest breaks
• Failure to pay minimum wage or overtime
• Discrimination based on race, gender, disability, religion, age, sexual orientation, or other protected status
• Hostile work environment or repeated harassment
• Misclassification as an independent contractor to avoid benefits or legal protections
• Employer refusal to provide reasonable accommodations for disabilities
• Retaliation for reporting violations, requesting leave, or asserting your rights
• Retaliation for protected whistleblowing activity
• Unlawful deductions from paychecks or failure to provide wage statements
• Denial of protected family, medical, or sick leave

If something feels wrong at work, it probably is. You don’t have to prove everything on your own—our team will listen, investigate, and help you figure out the next step. Wilshire Law Firm has helped hundreds of California workers recover damages and hold their employers accountable, and we’re ready to help you, too.

How Much Is My Ventura Employment Case Worth?

The value of an employment case depends on what happened, how it impacted you, and what California law allows you to recover. No two cases are alike, and the financial toll of workplace violations can go far beyond just missed paychecks.

Compensation in an employment law case can include:

• Back pay: Wages you should have received but didn’t—whether from wrongful termination, unpaid overtime, or missed breaks.
• Front pay: Wages you would have earned in the future if you hadn’t been fired or forced to resign.
• Emotional distress damages: Compensation for the anxiety, stress, or humiliation caused by discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.
• Loss of benefits: Health insurance, bonuses, stock options, or retirement benefits you lost due to employer misconduct.
• Civil penalties: In wage and hour claims, your employer may owe you penalties in addition to unpaid wages.
• Attorney’s fees: In many employment law cases, your employer may be required to pay your legal fees.
• Punitive damages: In serious cases where the employer’s actions were willful or malicious, courts may award punitive damages to punish them and deter future violations.

While no outcome is guaranteed, our Ventura, CA employment attorneys will fight to maximize your recovery. If you’ve suffered a financial or emotional hit because your employer broke the law, we’ll work to make sure the compensation reflects the full scope of your loss.

Win with Wilshire: How Our Ventura Employment Lawyers Can Help You

Hiring the right employment lawyer can make the difference between a lowball settlement and a life-changing result. At Wilshire Law Firm, our Ventura legal team brings relentless energy, courtroom strength, and deep knowledge of California labor law to every case we take. We don’t just aim to resolve your case—we fight to maximize your compensation and restore your sense of justice.

Here’s what our Ventura employment lawyers can do for you:

• Thoroughly Investigate Your Case: We dig deep—gathering records, interviewing witnesses, analyzing communications, and documenting violations that prove your claims.
• Stand Between You and Your Employer: We take over all communication so you can breathe easier, knowing you’re protected from retaliation or pressure.
• File Administrative Complaints: We handle all filings with agencies like the EEOC, DFEH, or the California Labor Commissioner—accurately, strategically, and on time.
• Negotiate With Strength: We approach every negotiation prepared to win. Whether your case settles or goes to trial, we’re driven to secure every dollar you’re owed.
• Take Your Case to Court: If your employer won’t make it right, we’ll present your case to a judge and jury. Our team is known for winning high-stakes litigation.

We don’t back down from powerful companies. We don’t shy away from difficult cases. And we don’t settle for less than our clients deserve. If your rights were violated in Ventura, Wilshire Law Firm is ready to help you get justice—and get paid.

Areas We Serve in Ventura County

Wilshire Law Firm proudly represents workers across Ventura County, including:

• Downtown Ventura
• Oxnard
• Camarillo
• Thousand Oaks
• Simi Valley
• Ojai
• Port Hueneme
• Ventura Harbor and surrounding neighborhoods

If you live in Ventura but work in Los Angeles, we can also represent cross-county employment law matters.

Ventura Employment Law Firm

FAQs About Employment Law in California

What is the deadline for filing a claim in California?

The amount of time you have to take legal action depends on the type of employment violation you’re dealing with. Under the California Statute of Limitations, strict deadlines apply to each claim:

• Wage and hour claims: You generally have 3 years to recover unpaid wages, missed meal/rest breaks, or overtime pay.
• Discrimination or harassment claims: You have up to 3 years from the last incident to file with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH).
• Wrongful termination: The statute of limitations is typically 2 years from the date of termination.
• Retaliation or whistleblower claims: You usually have 1 to 3 years, depending on the specific law violated.

Missing these deadlines can permanently bar you from pursuing compensation. If you believe your employer violated your rights, contact Wilshire Law Firm immediately to preserve your claim.

How much does a Ventura employment lawyer cost?

You don’t pay anything upfront. At Wilshire Law Firm, we operate on a contingency fee basis. That means you only pay if we win your case. No win? No fee. It’s that simple.

Can remote or hybrid workers file employment claims?

Absolutely. Whether you work from home in Ventura or split time between locations, you’re still protected by California labor laws. That includes laws on wages, leave, harassment, expense reimbursement, and more.

Can I file a claim if I signed an employment agreement or severance package?

Yes, but it depends on the terms. Some contracts include unlawful clauses or waive rights they legally can’t. Have our attorneys review your agreement before assuming you’re out of options.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Ventura Employment Lawyer

If you’ve been wronged at work, don’t wait to seek legal guidance. We can help. 

Wilshire is a powerhouse law firm with a proven record: over $2 billion recovered for our clients and recognition by the Nation’s Top One Percent, Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and more. When you partner with us, you’re not just getting legal support—you’re getting top-tier representation grounded in compassion, professionalism, and results. We treat your case with the urgency and respect it deserves because we know what’s at stake.

Call (213) 335-2402 or fill out our quick online form to schedule a FREE consultation.

You don’t have to fight alone. We’re here to help you move forward.

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