Discrimination Lawyers For Employment in California

California is widely known for its progressive and employee-centric employment laws. As one of the most legally protective states in the United States, it offers various safeguards against workplace discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and other violations of employee rights. The state has long been at the forefront of creating and implementing laws that ensure equal opportunities in the workplace, protect vulnerable employees, and hold employers accountable for unfair practices.

Despite these legal protections, many employees still face discrimination or other forms of unfair treatment at work. These injustices are often difficult to prove, especially when the discriminatory behavior is subtle or hidden. It is in these circumstances that expert legal representation is crucial. At Setareh Law, we specialize in defending the rights of employees facing discrimination, providing the knowledge and resources necessary to navigate California’s complex legal system.

What is Workplace Discrimination?

Workplace discrimination refers to the unfair treatment of employees or job applicants based on characteristics such as race, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or other protected categories. This can manifest in various ways, including unfair hiring practices, wage disparities, lack of promotions, unjust firings, or harassment. California law prohibits such practices through both state and federal protections, primarily through the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other related statutes.

Discrimination can take many forms:

Our firm proudly represents workers across the entire state of California, from major metropolitan hubs to rural communities. We have extensive experience handling cases in Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Diego County, the Bay Area, the Central Valley, and beyond.

Cities: Los Angeles, Long Beach, Glendale, Pasadena, Irvine, Anaheim, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ontario, San Diego, Chula Vista, Oceanside, Escondido, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Fremont, Sacramento, Bakersfield, Stockton, and hundreds more.

Hiring Discrimination: Denying an individual a job based on a protected characteristic.
Pay Discrimination: Offering unequal pay for equal work based on race, gender, or other protected characteristics.
Promotion Discrimination: Failing to promote an employee due to their protected status.
Hostile Work Environment: Creating an environment where offensive or discriminatory conduct is frequent, hostile, and makes the workplace unbearable.

The Legal Framework for Workplace Discrimination in California

California boasts one of the most protective legal frameworks for employees in the United States. The laws are specifically designed to promote fairness in the workplace by prohibiting discrimination and retaliation. The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) stands as one of the most comprehensive state laws, providing broad protections against discrimination and harassment for employees.

FEHA: This law prohibits discrimination in hiring, firing, promotion, and compensation decisions. It covers a wide range of protected categories, such as race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and disability. FEHA also protects employees from retaliation for asserting their rights under the law. In 2025, California expanded FEHA to address intersectional discrimination cases where an employee experiences discrimination based on a combination of factors, such as race and gender.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: A crucial federal law that offers similar protections to FEHA, Title VII prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, and religion. Employers with 15 or more employees are required to comply with Title VII.
The California Family Rights Act (CFRA): This law provides job protection for employees needing to take time off for medical or family reasons, ensuring that workers are not discriminated against when they take time off for events such as pregnancy, illness, or to care for a family member.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): The ADA prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities and requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities.

These laws not only prohibit discrimination but also mandate specific remedies when violations occur, including reinstatement, back pay, and compensatory damages for emotional distress.

Why Legal Representation is Crucial in Workplace Discrimination Cases

Workplace discrimination claims are often difficult to prove without the assistance of an experienced employment lawyer. Discriminatory acts can be subtle, and employers may deny the allegations or claim that their actions were based on non-discriminatory reasons. An employment lawyer specializing in workplace discrimination cases can:

Help Gather Evidence: Discrimination claims require solid evidence, such as emails, witness testimonies, and documentation proving that the employee was treated unfairly due to a protected characteristic. An attorney will help collect this evidence.
Navigate Complex Legal Procedures: Filing a discrimination claim involves several steps, including submitting paperwork, meeting deadlines, and filing with the appropriate agencies, such as the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Legal representation ensures that all steps are followed properly.
Negotiate Settlements: Many workplace discrimination cases can be settled out of court. An experienced lawyer will negotiate with the employer to secure a fair settlement. This may include compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and other damages.
Litigate Your Case: If a settlement cannot be reached, an employment lawyer will represent you in court. This involves preparing legal documents, filing complaints, conducting discovery, and advocating for your rights in front of a judge.

Common Types of Workplace Discrimination

There are several common types of discrimination that occur in the workplace. Below are detailed explanations of these forms of discrimination and how they manifest in the workplace:

1. Wrongful Termination

Wrongful termination occurs when an employee is fired for illegal reasons, such as retaliation for asserting their legal rights or due to discrimination. While California is an “at-will” employment state, meaning an employer can technically fire an employee at any time for any reason, this rule is not absolute. There are several exceptions that protect employees:

Retaliation: Employees cannot be fired for engaging in a legally protected activity, such as filing a harassment complaint or reporting workplace violations. Our workplace retaliation lawyers specialize in these cases.
Discrimination: Employees cannot be terminated based on their race, gender, religion, disability, or other protected characteristics.
Public Policy Violation: Employees cannot be fired for reasons that violate public policy, such as firing an employee for taking medical leave under the California Family Rights Act (CFRA).

2. Gender and Sexual Orientation Discrimination

Gender and sexual orientation discrimination involve treating employees unfairly based on their gender or sexual identity. California’s employment laws prohibit discrimination based on gender and sexual orientation, which can manifest in several ways:

Pay Inequality: Offering unequal pay for equal work based on gender.
Promotion Discrimination: Denying promotions or career advancement opportunities due to gender or sexual orientation.

Sexual Harassment: Inappropriate behavior such as unwanted sexual advances or offensive comments related to one’s gender or sexual orientation.

3. Racial and Ethnic Discrimination

Racial and ethnic discrimination occurs when an employee is treated unfairly due to their race or ethnicity. This can involve discriminatory hiring practices, racial slurs or jokes in the workplace, and unequal pay. California’s FEHA prohibits discrimination based on race and ethnicity, ensuring equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of their racial background.

4. Disability Discrimination

Disability discrimination involves treating an employee unfairly due to a physical or mental disability. Employers are required by law to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities, such as modifying work schedules or providing accessible equipment. Denying such accommodations or firing an employee due to their disability is illegal under both FEHA and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

5. Age Discrimination

Age discrimination typically affects older employees, particularly those over the age of 40. Employees cannot be denied a job, demoted, or fired based on their age. In California, FEHA and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) protect employees from age-based discrimination in hiring, promotions, and termination decisions.

6. Harassment in the Workplace

Harassment based on race, gender, disability, or any other protected characteristic creates a hostile work environment. Sexual harassment is one of the most common forms of workplace harassment and can involve unwanted sexual advances, comments, or gestures. Quid Pro Quo Harassment occurs when an employer or supervisor demands sexual favors in exchange for promotions, raises, or job security. Both forms of harassment are prohibited under FEHA and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.

When to Consult an Employment Discrimination Lawyers

If you experience any of the following situations, it’s crucial to consult with an employment lawyer:

Wrongful Termination: If you believe you were fired for illegal reasons, such as retaliation or discrimination.Visit our wrongful termination attorneys page.
Discrimination or Harassment: If you are being treated unfairly based on your race, gender, disability, or other protected characteristic.
Wage and Hour Violations: If your employer is not paying you fairly for your work or is violating wage and hour laws.
Retaliation: If you were punished or fired for asserting your legal rights, reporting illegal activity, or participating in a protected activity.

How Setareh Law Can Help

At Setareh Law, we provide expert legal representation for employees facing workplace discrimination. Our attorneys are dedicated to helping employees protect their rights and secure compensation for the harm they’ve endured. Here’s how Setareh Law can assist:

Case Evaluation: We conduct a thorough evaluation of your case to determine whether you have a viable claim. Our attorneys will review the facts, evidence, and circumstances surrounding the discrimination and provide you with an honest assessment.
Filing Complaints: Our legal team will assist you in filing complaints with the DFEH or EEOC, ensuring that all necessary paperwork is submitted correctly and on time.
Settlement Negotiation: We work hard to secure favorable settlements for our clients. Whether it’s compensation for lost wages or emotional distress, Setareh Law will fight to ensure that you receive what you deserve.

Litigation: If a settlement is not possible, Setareh Law will represent you in court, fighting for your rights and advocating for justice.

If you are given a title like “manager” but spend over 50% of your time on non-exempt tasks like stocking shelves, running a cash register, or cleaning, the same work as hourly employees, you are likely misclassified and owed years of back pay. You can get in touch with our unpaid overtime lawyer to file unpaid overtime cases against the wage and hour violations you have faced.

Why Setareh Law is the Right Choice for You

When it comes to handling workplace discrimination cases, Setareh Law stands out as a trusted partner for employees throughout California. We are committed to offering expert legal representation and compassionate support for those who have been subjected to unfair treatment at work.

Our team of experienced attorneys understands the complexities of employment law and is well-equipped to guide you through the challenges you may face when asserting your rights. Whether you’re dealing with discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, or other employment-related issues, Setareh Law is here to fight for you.

Expertise in Employment Law

Setareh Law brings years of experience and a proven track record in tackling workplace discrimination cases across California. We specialize in a wide range of employment law matters, from discrimination claims to wage disputes, and provide clients with the strong legal advocacy they need. Our attorneys are not just knowledgeable; they are continuously updated on the latest developments in employment law, ensuring we are at the forefront of legal strategies.

For example, California’s recent 2025 minimum wage increase to $16.50 and the expansion of family leave rights have created new challenges and opportunities for employees. At Setareh Law, we stay abreast of these changes, using them to shape our strategies and better serve our clients. We are experts in California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), California Family Rights Act (CFRA), and other wage and hour laws, ensuring our clients are protected under these comprehensive protections.

Our attorneys have handled a broad array of employment-related legal matters, including:

Workplace discrimination based on race, gender, age, sexual orientation, and other protected categories
Harassment claims, including sexual harassment and retaliation
Wrongful termination cases, defending employees who have been unjustly fired
Wage and hour violations, including disputes over overtime pay, meal and rest breaks, and minimum wage

We approach each case with a detailed understanding of the law, drawing on the latest precedents and legal developments to craft customized legal strategies that deliver results.

Client-Centered Approach

At Setareh Law, we understand that every client’s situation is unique. Whether you’re facing discrimination or harassment in the workplace or dealing with a wage dispute, we take the time to listen to your concerns, fully understand the facts of your case, and develop a tailored approach that addresses your specific needs. Our commitment to a client-centered approach means that we view each case as an opportunity to help you navigate your legal challenges with confidence and clarity.

We prioritize:

Clear Communication: We keep our clients informed at every step of the process, ensuring that they understand their rights, options, and the potential outcomes of their case.
Compassionate Support: Employment law issues can be emotionally taxing, especially when dealing with discrimination or harassment. Our attorneys offer compassionate guidance, understanding the toll these issues can take on your emotional well-being and professional life.
Personalized Legal Strategies: Every case is different, and we tailor our legal strategies to fit your circumstances. From investigating your claim to negotiating settlements or representing you in court, we handle each case with a focus on your best interests.

This approach has earned us the trust of countless clients who have faced challenging workplace situations. We don’t just aim for legal victories, we aim to ensure our clients feel supported and empowered throughout the process.

Setareh Law has a proven track record of success in employment law cases, having secured multi-million dollar settlements and favorable verdicts for our clients. Our victories reflect our strong advocacy and negotiation skills, which are essential when dealing with the complexities of workplace discrimination and employment-related disputes.

Some highlights of our success include:

Wrongful termination verdicts, where we successfully represented employees who were unjustly fired based on discrimination or retaliation.
Harassment claims, including sexual harassment, where we obtained significant settlements for clients who endured hostile work environments or were subjected to quid pro quo harassment.
Class action recoveries, particularly in wage and hour violations, where we have helped employees recover unpaid wages, penalties, and interest from employers who failed to comply with labor laws.

Our ability to achieve these successes stems from our aggressive approach to litigation, paired with our ability to negotiate favorable settlements when possible. We understand that many employees prefer to resolve their issues without the stress of a prolonged court battle, but we also know that some cases require strong courtroom representation. Setareh Law’s attorneys are skilled in both negotiating settlements and litigating cases in court, depending on what is best for our clients.

Proven Success

Some highlights of our success include:

Wrongful termination verdicts, where we successfully represented employees who were unjustly fired based on discrimination or retaliation.
Harassment claims, including sexual harassment, where we obtained significant settlements for clients who endured hostile work environments or were subjected to quid pro quo harassment.
Class action recoveries, particularly in wage and hour violations, where we have helped employees recover unpaid wages, penalties, and interest from employers who failed to comply with labor laws.

Cities & Counties We Serve Throughout California

Frequently Asked Questions About Workplace Discrimination in California

Q: What constitutes workplace discrimination in California?

Workplace discrimination occurs when an employee is treated unfairly based on a protected characteristic such as race, gender, disability, age, or religion. It can manifest in hiring practices, promotions, pay, firing, or harassment. California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) provides robust protections against discrimination in the workplace.

Q: What protections does California law offer against discrimination?

California offers strong protections through FEHA, prohibiting discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and more. It also provides protection from retaliation for filing complaints. Additionally, federal laws such as Title VII and the ADA offer further protection in the workplace.

Q:How do I file a workplace discrimination complaint in California?

To file a workplace discrimination complaint, you must report the issue to your employer or HR department first. If unresolved, you can file a formal complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) or the EEOC. A lawyer can help you navigate the filing process and ensure timely submission.

Q: What is the statute of limitations for filing a discrimination claim in California?

In California, you generally have one year from the date of the discriminatory act to file a complaint with the DFEH. If you wish to pursue a federal claim under Title VII, you must file with the EEOC within 300 days of the alleged discrimination. Acting promptly is crucial to protecting your legal rights.

Q: Can I be fired for filing a discrimination complaint in California?

No, California law protects employees from retaliation for reporting discrimination or participating in investigations. If you are fired or penalized after filing a discrimination complaint, it is considered retaliation, which is also illegal under FEHA. A lawyer can help you pursue legal action if retaliation occurs.

Q:How can I prove workplace discrimination?

To prove workplace discrimination, you need evidence such as emails, witness statements, performance reviews, or other documentation that shows unfair treatment due to a protected characteristic. An employment lawyer can assist in gathering and presenting this evidence to build a strong case.

Q: What types of damages can I recover for workplace discrimination?

If you win a discrimination case, you may recover back pay, emotional distress damages, punitive damages, and attorney’s fees. In some cases, reinstatement to your previous position or promotion may also be ordered. The damages depend on the severity of the discrimination and the case specifics.

Q:What are the most common forms of workplace discrimination?

Common forms of workplace discrimination include race, gender, age, and disability discrimination. Other types include sexual orientation and religious discrimination. Harassment and retaliation after filing complaints are also common forms of workplace discrimination in California.

Q:Can a single incident of discrimination lead to a lawsuit?

Yes, a single severe incident, especially if it involves direct discrimination or harassment, can lead to a lawsuit. For example, quid pro quo harassment or discriminatory firing can be grounds for a legal claim. California law protects employees from even a single instance of illegal discrimination or harassment in certain cases.

Q:How long does a workplace discrimination case take to resolve in California?

The timeline for resolving a discrimination case can vary, but many cases are resolved within 6 to 12 months. If the case goes to trial, it may take longer, depending on the complexity. Setareh Law helps streamline the process, either through settlement negotiations or litigation, to achieve timely results.

Take the Next Step

Contact an experienced California employment attorney today for a free case evaluation. Learn whether you have a valid WARN Act claim and what compensation you might be entitled to receive. You have nothing to lose and potentially significant compensation to gain.

This information is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Each case is unique, and outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances. Consult with a qualified California employment attorney to discuss your individual situation.

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