Discriminated Against at Work in Los Angeles? How to Choose the Right Employee-Side Lawyer

Los Angeles has one of the most diverse workforces in the country, and California has some of the broadest anti-discrimination protections to match. Here is how those protections work, and how to pick the right advocate when an employer ignores them.

Your Rights as a California Employee Under FEHA

California employees have rights under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). The law protects you in several ways:

• Freedom from discrimination in hiring, firing, pay, promotion, and job assignments at employers with five or more employees
• Reasonable accommodation for disability, and for religious beliefs and practices in many situations
• Freedom from harassment based on a protected characteristic, at employers of any size
• Protection from retaliation for complaining about discrimination or taking part in an investigation
• The right to file with the Civil Rights Department and, in most cases, bring a lawsuit

LFECR's glossary gives a concise summary of how FEHA claims move through the Civil Rights Department.

When Different Treatment Is Based on a Protected Characteristic

Employment discrimination can be based on a protected characteristic under FEHA, such as race, national origin, religion, age 40 and over, disability, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity. It is rarely announced. More often, it shows up as a pattern that only makes sense when you look at who was treated differently and why.

For a short definition, see LFECR's glossary entry on workplace discrimination.

What a Strong Discrimination Lawyer Actually Does

1. Listens to the whole story. Identifies which protected characteristics are involved and whether several overlap.
2. Builds the evidence. Gathers comparators, performance history, emails, and witness statements.
3. Protects deadlines. Tracks the Civil Rights Department and EEOC filing windows.
4. Spots related claims. Retaliation, failure to accommodate, harassment, or leave violations.
5. Resolves or litigates. Negotiates, and takes the case to court or arbitration when needed.

Why LFECR Is Our Pick: A Burbank Firm That Handles Discrimination Claims for Employees Only

Lawyers for Employee and Consumer Rights handles workplace discrimination claims and represents employees exclusively, never employers. Its Burbank headquarters sits in Los Angeles County, and the firm serves the rest of California as well.

An employee-only firm has one set of interests in a discrimination case: yours.

Timing Matters

The clock starts with the discriminatory act. FEHA complaints generally must be filed with the Civil Rights Department within three years, and a lawsuit generally must follow within one year of a right-to-sue notice. Federal EEOC charges generally must be filed within 300 days in California. Talk to a lawyer before any of these deadlines approach.

LA Law Online publishes general educational information about California employment law. This article is an editorial recommendation, not legal advice or an objective ranking, and it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Outcomes depend on specific facts. Consult a qualified California employment attorney about your circumstances.