Santa Monica Employment Lawyer

When you have an employment problem in Santa Monica, like discrimination, wrongful termination, or sexual harassment, a knowledgeable Santa Monica employment lawyer is necessary to defend your rights.

At California Employment Counsel, APC, our staff has more than 30 years of experience in employment law. Together, we can assist employees in navigating the intricacies of state and local laws and regulations.

The Santa Monica legal environment is somewhat unique, with city-specific rules and close proximity to Los Angeles County courts, which can complicate employment law cases in the city. Our lawyers are knowledgeable about workplace regulations in Santa Monica and have been representing clients through claims with the California Labor Commissioner and the EEOC.

You should hire an employment lawyer for a number of reasons if you have employment issues in Santa Monica. Some local regulations and business practices are unique to Santa Monica, and when coupled with the intricacies of state and federal law, can be daunting for someone not familiar with the law. You can be certain that your case is in good hands with a skilled local attorney.

Benefits of hiring a lawyer include the following:

Local Knowledge About Santa Monica Laws

Santa Monica has some ordinances that govern business practices, some of which are employment laws, such as minimum wage, employee benefit ordinances, and workplace safety regulations. The Santa Monica Minimum Wage Ordinance provides an increase in wage rates in the city. The Santa Monica Paid Sick Leave Ordinance provides more benefits to employees.

An employment attorney from our firm can tell you how these ordinances apply to you. They can also assist in protecting your rights and making sure that you are afforded the benefits and compensation that you deserve in your employment case.

Knowledge of Local Agencies and the Santa Monica Courthouse

Your employment law case might be heard at the Santa Monica Courthouse, which is located at 1725 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA. An experienced employment lawyer can simplify the legal process, having familiarity with the local judicial system, court proceedings, and regulations.

Individualized Legal Account of Your Case

Your case may involve common employment violations like wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage theft, or retaliation. Every employment case is different. With a Santa Monica employment attorney, you can receive personalized attention. Your attorney can take the time to assess the facts of your case and advise you wisely to ensure that you get the most suitable result in your employment case.

Assistance With Complicated Legal Cases

Employment law cases can either involve allowing the CRD or EEOC to help settle the matter or taking the case to court. In 2022, the CRD received 25,961 intakes alleging civil rights violations, of which 12,457 were “right-to-sue” complaints.

An efficient attorney can help you decide on the most appropriate course of action, adhere to time limits, and make your case heard. They can be particularly helpful in addressing such complicated work-related matters as retaliation or discrimination related to age, race, gender, or disability.

Availability of Resources

A skilled Santa Monica employment attorney can often tap into a wide circle of professionals, including labor economists, doctors, and occupational health and safety professionals who can provide excellent testimony and evidence in your case. Such resources can be vital in supporting allegations of wage theft, career injury, discrimination, or harassment.

Security Against Retaliation

Your employer can retaliate against you if you report employment violations or exercise your rights in the workplace. The retaliation may take a variety of forms, including demotion, reduction in salary, or even unfair termination. An attorney can not only defend your original claim but can also protect you against any retaliatory actions.

Due to its concentration of gig economy workers, the Santa Monica area has unique legal challenges. Namely, the issue of employment classification: whether a gig worker is legally considered an employee or an independent contractor.

Under state law, specifically Assembly Bill 5 (AB 5), many workers who were previously classified as independent contractors may qualify as employees. This distinction is relevant because employees have a right to important protections and benefits, including:

• Minimum wage
• Overtime compensation
• Rest and meal breaks
• Workers compensation
• Unemployment insurance
• Anti-discrimination protections under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)

By contrast, independent contractors are frequently not provided with these rights and benefits. For gig workers in Santa Monica, like those who work for rideshare companies, deliver food, and do freelance work, misclassification can mean a loss of health benefits, retirement benefits, workplace protections, and wages.

A local employment attorney can:

• Examine your employment arrangement and clarify your status under California law
• Bring claims to court if your employer knowingly misclassifies you
• Represent you in a class action or before agencies like the California Labor Commissioner

By consulting with a legal professional, gig workers in Santa Monica have a higher chance of protecting their earnings, safeguarding their time, and securing the benefits they are entitled to. This could create some stability in today’s rapidly changing workforce.

The presence of a reliable Santa Monica job attorney can ensure sustained legal services if you have any employment concerns or legal issues in the future. Whether you’re dealing with ongoing contract negotiations or need legal advice regarding new employment laws, long-term representation can provide you with strength and solace throughout your career.

Employment law in Santa Monica can be complicated, and the local ordinances and state laws governing your rights are unique. Be it wrongful termination, harassment, or wage claims, an effective Santa Monica employment attorney can help you confidently navigate your case.

Our team at California Employment Counsel, APC, has been representing employment law cases for over three decades. We can safeguard your rights and take the time to thoroughly discuss your case. Delaying is not an option. Call us today and get the legal aid you require.