Santa Monica Workplace Discrimination Lawyer

Discrimination in the workplace can take many forms, such as being refused a promotion due to gender or race, or being retaliated against after reporting misconduct. When you have been discriminated against in your Santa Monica workplace, you should consult with a trained Santa Monica workplace discrimination lawyer who is well-versed in state and federal laws guarding employees.

Our lawyers at California Employment Counsel, APC, bring years of combined experience representing workers across Santa Monica and Los Angeles County in multifaceted discrimination cases in the workplace. We are knowledgeable about the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, and local non-discrimination ordinances applicable in Santa Monica.

Having a good understanding of the Los Angeles County Superior Court – West District, as well as agencies like the California Civil Rights Department (CRD), our team is committed to defending the rights of employees, guarding their careers, and seeking just results on behalf of the individuals who have fallen victim to unfair employment practices.

When one is being discriminated against at work, the decision to hire a workplace discrimination lawyer is very critical. Such cases may have strict time limits, complex evidence, and complex legal standards according to the California FEHA and federal workplace discrimination laws.

Our lawyers can assist you in filing complaints at your place of work if they have a specific policy, with the CRD, or with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), as well as represent you at the Santa Monica Courthouse (1725 Main St, Santa Monica) if necessary.

We can also ensure you are not retaliated against, help negotiate settlements, and assist with getting additional support if the issue affects your health or safety. Our lawyers provide the advocacy you need that can help you defend your rights and career in the event of a workplace discrimination case.

California offers some of the most extensive employee protections in the U.S. FEHA prevents employers with five or more employees from discriminating against workers based on protected characteristics, including race, gender identity, disability, marital status, and religion. The laws governing civil rights in California were gradually extended to provide protection against harassment, discrimination, and retaliation for 18 protected characteristics.

Workers are further safeguarded by local ordinances, like the Non-Discrimination Policy implemented by the City of Santa Monica. Federal protections also exist through Title VII and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A Santa Monica workplace discrimination attorney can assist employees in uncovering discriminatory treatment and building a case to combat the misconduct.

In some cases, a discrimination report may result in retaliation by an employer. This can be in the form of negative performance reviews, demotions, being locked out of a meeting, or just wrongful termination.

Retaliation is unlawful under California law and federal law. If you suspect retaliation, a Santa Monica workplace discrimination attorney can protect your rights and help you gather the evidence needed for your retaliation case.

Discrimination in the workplace is not only an emotional and professional loss. It can also lead to severe mental and physical health effects. Discrimination can lead to stress, anxiety, depression, and even cause some physical symptoms like exhaustion, headaches, or gastrointestinal problems. These conditions may have a profound effect on your job performance and overall health.

By hiring a lawyer, you can not only be confident that your legal rights are addressed but also that your health concerns are included in your case, as it may influence any possible claim of emotional distress or physical injury on the basis of a toxic work environment.

In Santa Monica, discrimination claims in the workplace may differ greatly according to the type of employer: either a government or a non-governmental organization. Depending on the regulations, schedules, and procedures, employees in the police department are usually treated differently in comparison to those in the business sector.

Employees of government agencies might have to undergo internal grievance procedures or other specific public-sector complaint processes before filing with the CRD or EEOC.

A local discrimination attorney can explain the variation in filing processes and help overcome the legal complexities, providing the most effective approach for a successful claim.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission recovered almost $700 million in relief for approximately 21,000 individuals who were discriminated against in their workplace. At the state level, the California Civil Rights Department awarded workers up to $116.5 million for claims of discrimination, harassment, and other violations.

These administrative agencies can handle discrimination cases for workers in Santa Monica and issue right-to-sue letters if a case needs to be taken to court. Such cases often lead to awards that not only cover back and front pay and emotional distress damages, but also, in some instances, punitive damages. Punitive damages can ensure that employers are completely held accountable while discouraging similar violations in the future.

Discrimination in the workplace can endanger your career and health, no matter where you are. In Santa Monica, employees are covered by the FEHA, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, and the Non-Discrimination Policy of the City. Victims of workplace discrimination have the option to file complaints with the California Civil Rights Department or the EEOC and take their cases to court if a resolution cannot be reached.

The lawyers at California Employment Counsel, APC have decades of experience, an advanced understanding of employee discrimination rights and laws, and a track record of litigating successfully in Santa Monica and Los Angeles County. When you feel that you are being unfairly treated in your workplace, call our law firm to speak with a Santa Monica workplace discrimination lawyer who can protect and defend your rights.