Newport Beach Employment Law Lawyer

Employment laws in California exist to protect workers against harassment and discrimination in the workplace. Businesses that fail to comply with these laws should be held accountable for their employees’ pain and suffering. If you believe your rights as an employee have been violated, a Newport Beach employment law lawyer can help you understand your options.

At California Employment Counsel, APC, we offer legal counsel on a variety of employment law matters, including workplace discrimination, sexual harassment, wage and hour theft, and wrongful termination. It can feel intimidating to face an employer on your own. A skilled attorney from our employment law firm can offer you the support you deserve when you have been wronged by your current or former employer.

Whether you are looking for an attorney with decades of practice litigating employment claims on behalf of Orange County workers or if you need compassionate legal support to get through the toughest aspects of your employment dispute, an attorney at California Employment Counsel, APC, can offer you this and more.

It can be intimidating to consult an attorney, and we strive to make you as comfortable as possible at each step of the process.

During an initial consultation, we discuss your case. You may be facing discrimination or harassment at the workplace. Perhaps your employer is not allowing you to utilize the benefits you are entitled to as an employee.

In many cases, our clients may be unsure if their employer is acting unlawfully. This initial conversation can help answer many of your questions and clarify whether or not you have an actionable cause to file an employment complaint.

Following an initial conversation and after evaluating any evidence you may have provided during the first meeting, we may recommend taking legal action against an employer. Oftentimes, this involves filing a claim with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)’s local Orange County office. We give you extensive instructions on how to prepare for this step and what to expect.

With our continued support, you will then be able to file a thorough complaint with the appropriate agency. Both the CRD and the EEOC encourage both parties to engage in dispute resolution, including participating in mediation. At this point, your dedicated attorney advocates on your behalf during discussions with your employer’s legal team.

If your case goes to court, we ensure that the discrimination you suffered from is clearly shown and work diligently to obtain compensation for your suffering.

No two employment dispute claims are the same. Because of Costa Mesa’s diverse industrial sectors, with businesses in farming, hospitality, and action sports, the way that laws are applied to various employers may vary. Our role is to empower Costa Mesa employees when facing unfair work practices, regardless of who they are or where they work.

Our employment law attorney offers support to Costa Mesa workers who have been affected by the following:

• Workplace discrimination, for example, receiving lower pay for the same job as another colleague with a similar work background based on your age, gender, race, religion, disability status, or other protected characteristic.
• Sexual harassment, including quid pro quo or being subjected to sexual comments, unwanted touching, or lewd gestures.
• Wrongful termination based on a protected characteristic or in violation of a contractual agreement, for instance.
• Wage and hour theft, such as paying an employee below the minimum wage in their state or county, or requiring employees to work during their rest or meal breaks.
• Denial of employment benefits, for instance, access to medical leave, attending jury duty, or paid vacation benefits that an employee may be entitled to.
• Retaliation, like terminating an employee for filing a workplace discrimination complaint, for not participating in unlawful work practices, or for acting as a whistleblower.

Unlawful work practices can fall within one or more of these categories. When an employee is affected by these and other unlawful practices at their place of work, it can disrupt their ability to work and may thus affect their mental and financial well-being.

The EEOC handles a large number of complaints from California. In 2022, for instance, they received 4,404 discrimination complaints from the state, which constituted 6% of all complaints received across the United States. 51.3% of these complaints alone were related to claims of retaliation.

Despite the protections afforded by Title VII of the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), and other labor laws at the federal and state levels, proving that an employee has an actionable claim can be challenging.

If an employer has fewer than five employees, for instance, they may not need to adhere to the policies under the FEHA. Additionally, classifying employees as independent contractors or relying on at-will employment laws can allow businesses to engage in discriminatory or retaliatory behavior against employees without repercussions.

If you are worried about facing retaliation at work for exposing unlawful employment practices, you can count on the support of a Newport Beach employment law lawyer. A seasoned attorney may recommend one of the following:

• Filing an Employment Claim. You can pursue a claim for discrimination, termination, or denial of benefits with the CRD, EEOC, or the Department of Industrial Relations to obtain compensation and hold your employer accountable.
• Joining a Class Action. When there is a clear pattern of unlawful behavior at the workplace that affects a large group of employees, a lawyer can suggest filing a class action suit or joining a class action. Taking this step can help put more pressure on an employer and may help supply stronger evidence.

In 2023, California’s CRD received 29,877 employment dispute claims, and in 2024, the EEOC awarded $469.6 million to 13,516 discrimination victims. You deserve to be heard.

Handling an employment law dispute on your own is unlikely to yield the results you deserve. It is recommended that you work with a seasoned Newport Beach employment law lawyer when you are filing a claim against your employer, whether you are affected by discrimination or a violation of your workplace benefits.

Our dedicated attorneys at California Employment Counsel, APC, have a track record of success advocating for Orange County employees in the toughest employment disputes. Learn more about your options. Contact us today. Se habla español.