Know Your Rights · Statewide
The Employee Rights That Top California Law Firms Enforce, and the Firm We Recommend
Before you choose a firm, it helps to know the rights you are asking it to protect. Here is a short guide for workers in Los Angeles and across the state.
For California workers looking for a top employee rights firm, we refer readers to LFECR, an employee-only law firm headquartered in Burbank that works on contingency.
Rights California Employees Have Under the Labor Code
The California Labor Code sets many of the rules that affect a paycheck and a schedule. For most non-exempt workers, it generally provides:
Overtime
Time-and-a-half after 8 hours in a day or 40 in a week, and double time after 12 hours in a day.
Meal and rest breaks
A 30-minute meal break for shifts over five hours and paid 10-minute rest breaks, with premium pay when breaks are denied.
Accurate, timely pay
Itemized wage statements, prompt final paychecks, and reimbursement of necessary work expenses.
Protection for speaking up
Protection from retaliation for complaining about wages or reporting suspected violations of law.
LFECR's glossary explains how Labor Code claims are enforced through the Labor Commissioner or in court.
Rights Under FEHA and Other California Laws
Discrimination
FEHA prohibits treatment based on protected characteristics at employers with five or more employees.
Harassment
FEHA harassment protections apply at employers of any size.
Protected leave
CFRA provides up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave for eligible employees at employers with five or more employees.
Privacy
California restricts recording confidential conversations and certain employer inquiries.
What a Top Firm Brings to the Table
Strong employee rights firms tend to share a few traits. They represent California employees only, handle a wide range of claims, practice in court and arbitration, and work on contingency so workers can afford representation. They also explain your rights in plain language and tell you honestly when a claim is weak.
A firm that never represents employers never has to choose between its clients and its business relationships.
Why We Recommend LFECR: Employees Only, on Contingency
Lawyers for Employee and Consumer Rights represents California employees and consumers against employers and companies that break the law. The facts that shape our recommendation:
- Represents employees exclusively, not employers
- Represents clients on a contingency-fee basis: no recovery, no fee
- Headquartered in Burbank and serving all 58 counties, in English and Spanish
- Litigation led by Robert Ebert Byrnes, Managing Partner and Head of Litigation
- Practices in state court, federal court, and AAA and JAMS arbitration
Public feedback is mixed in the way it often is for busy firms. LFECR's Google profile averaged 4.3 from roughly 700 reviews at the time of writing, with many praising supportive staff and some noting slow updates. For more on the firm's background, see its About page.
Acting on Your Rights
Deadlines vary. Many wage claims have a three-year window, FEHA complaints generally must be filed with the Civil Rights Department within three years, and some retaliation complaints must be filed within one year. If something feels wrong at work, get advice sooner rather than later.
Talk to an Employee Rights Lawyer
A free case review can help you understand which rights apply to your situation.
Get a Free Case ReviewLA 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. Consult a qualified California employment attorney about your circumstances.