Retaliation Lawyer in Los Angeles
Standing up for LA workers punished for reporting unsafe or unlawful workplace conduct.
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Los Angeles has one of the most diverse workforces in the country spanning entertainment, healthcare, technology, logistics, retail, and professional services. Workers in these industries face retaliation every day when they speak up about discrimination, wage theft, or unsafe conditions. Setareh Law Group has represented California employees for over 25 years, holding employers accountable when they punish workers for exercising their legal rights under FEHA and the California Labor Code.
If your employer has fired you, demoted you, cut your hours, or harassed you after you reported illegal activity or discrimination, you have legal rights. This page explains how retaliation claims work in Los Angeles, what deadlines apply, and how Setareh Law Group can help you fight back against unlawful employer conduct.
Key Information for Los Angeles Workers Facing Retaliation
- Most common retaliation claims in Los Angeles: termination after reporting discrimination, demotion after requesting accommodation, and harassment after filing wage claims.
- Where cases are filed: Los Angeles County Superior Court Stanley Mosk Courthouse, 111 N Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
- Statute of limitations for FEHA retaliation claims: Three years to file with the Civil Rights Department (CRD) under California Government Code § 12960.
Our Office Location Serving Los Angeles Clients
Our law office is located in Beverly Hills at 420 N Camden Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, approximately 10 miles from downtown Los Angeles. We represent Los Angeles workers through phone, video conferencing, and in‑person meetings at the Los Angeles County Superior Court (Stanley Mosk Courthouse) or by appointment. We serve all of California from this single physical office.
Firm Background at a Glance
Setareh Law Group is an employment law firm founded in 1999 by Chaim Shaun Setareh (California Bar Number 204514), headquartered at 420 N Camden Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, representing employees throughout California in retaliation, discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and whistleblower cases.You can verify his bar status through the State Bar of California attorney search.
Major Employers in Los Angeles
Employer | Industry | Los Angeles Area Employees |
UCLA Health | Healthcare | 25,000+ |
Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles | Healthcare | 15,000+ |
City of Los Angeles | Government | 50,000+ |
Los Angeles Unified School District | Education | 60,000+ |
The Walt Disney Company | Entertainment | 20,000+ |
What Is Workplace Retaliation Under California Law?
Many workers in Los Angeles experience retaliation but do not know it is illegal. Under California Government Code § 12940(h) , employers cannot punish employees for engaging in protected activity. Retaliation is the most frequently alleged FEHA violation in California. The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) is the state agency that enforces FEHA and investigates retaliation claims
Protected activity includes any action where an employee asserts their legal rights
- Reporting discrimination or harassment to HR or a supervisor
- Filing a complaint with the Civil Rights Department (CRD) or EEOC
- Participating in an investigation of discrimination or harassment
- Requesting reasonable accommodation for a disability or religious practice
- Taking protected medical or family leave under CFRA or FMLA
- Refusing to follow an order that would result in violating the law
- Reporting wage and hour violations to the Labor Commissioner
- Filing a workers compensation claim
If your employer punished you for any of these activities, you have a retaliation claim. A retaliation lawyer in Los Angeles can help you evaluate your situation. For a broader overview, visit our workplace retaliation lawyer page.
What Actions Are Considered Retaliation?
Retaliation is not limited to firing. Any adverse action that would discourage a reasonable employee from engaging in protected activity can be retaliation. The U.S. Department of Labor also recognizes various forms of retaliation under federal whistleblower statutes.
Common forms of retaliation include
- Termination or firing
- Demotion to a lower position with less pay or responsibility
- Reduction in hours or schedule changes
- Transfer to an undesirable location or shift
- Negative performance reviews that are inconsistent with your work history
- Exclusion from meetings, training, or opportunities for advancement
- Harassment or hostile treatment by supervisors or coworkers
- Threats or warnings about your job security
- Increased scrutiny or micromanagement
- Reduction in pay or benefits
If you experienced any of these actions after engaging in protected activity, you should speak with a retaliation lawyer in Los Angeles as soon as possible. Learn more about retaliation after filing a complaint and retaliation meaning in California .
Why Do Employers Retaliate Against Employees?
Employers retaliate for many reasons. Understanding why can help you recognize retaliation when it happens.
Common reasons employers retaliate
- To silence other employees who might also report illegal conduct
- To avoid liability for discrimination or harassment claims
- To punish the employee for causing trouble or expense
- To send a message that complaining has consequences
- Because the supervisor personally dislikes the employee who complained
- To avoid paying wages or benefits the employee is owed
Regardless of the reason, retaliation is illegal. A retaliation lawyer in Los Angeles can help you hold your employer accountable.
What Protections Exist Against Employer Retaliation?
California employees have strong protections against retaliation under both state and federal law.
State law protections
- Government Code Section 12940(h) prohibits retaliation for opposing unlawful employment practices under FEHA
- Labor Code Section 1102.5 prohibits retaliation against whistleblowers who report violations of state or federal law
- Labor Code Section 98.6 prohibits retaliation for complaining about wage and hour violations
- Labor Code Section 132a prohibits retaliation for filing a workers compensation claim
Federal law protections
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prohibits retaliation for opposing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – Prohibits retaliation for requesting reasonable accommodation
- The Family and Medical Leave Act prohibits retaliation for taking FMLA leave
- The Age Discrimination in Employment Act prohibits retaliation for complaining about age discrimination
A retaliation lawyer in Los Angeles can help you understand which laws apply to your situation. For more on federal protections, see our EEOC right to sue letter page.
How Can You Prove That Your Employer Retaliated Against You?
Proving retaliation requires showing three things. First, you engaged in protected activity. Second, your employer took adverse action against you. Third, there is a causal connection between the protected activity and the adverse action.
Evidence that can prove retaliation
- Timing showing you were fired or demoted shortly after engaging in protected activity such as days or weeks rather than months
- Emails or texts from supervisors showing hostility toward your complaint
- Witness statements from coworkers who heard discriminatory comments or witnessed similar treatment
- Performance reviews that were positive before the protected activity and negative after
- Comparisons to other employees who engaged in similar conduct but were not punished
- Direct statements from supervisors admitting the retaliation
You do not need to have all this evidence before calling a lawyer. A retaliation lawyer in Los Angeles can help you gather evidence and build your case. See our what evidence do I need to sue my employer page.
What Damages Can You Recover in a Retaliation Case?
California law allows retaliation victims to recover significant damages. Unlike federal law, FEHA has no cap on emotional distress or punitive damages.
Types of compensation available
- Lost wages and benefits known as back pay including all wages, bonuses, commissions, health insurance, and retirement contributions you would have earned if not for the retaliation
- Front pay which covers future lost wages if you cannot return to your former job
- Emotional distress damages providing compensation for anxiety, depression, humiliation, loss of sleep, and other psychological harm
- Punitive damages which are additional damages to punish your employer for malicious or oppressive conduct
- Attorney fees and court costs which your employer pays if you win
- Injunctive relief which is a court order requiring your employer to change its policies or provide training
- Reinstatement meaning the court orders your employer to give you your job back
Setareh Law Group has recovered over one billion dollars for California workers, including millions in retaliation and whistleblower cases. See our average retaliation lawsuit settlement in California and wrongful termination settlements in California pages.
How Long Do You Have to File a Retaliation Lawsuit?
Retaliation claims have strict time limits. Missing your deadline permanently bars you from suing your employer.
Statute of limitations for retaliation claims
- FEHA retaliation claim: 3 years to file with the CRD under Government Code Section 12960
- Whistleblower retaliation under Labor Code Section 1102.5: 3 years from the adverse action
- Wage claim retaliation under Labor Code Section 98.6: 1 year from the adverse action
- Workers compensation retaliation under Labor Code Section 132a: 1 year from the adverse action
- Federal Title VII retaliation: 300 days to file with the EEOC
Do not wait to contact a retaliation lawyer in Los Angeles. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and deadlines pass quickly.
What Should You Do If You Are Experiencing Retaliation?
If you believe your employer is retaliating against you, taking certain steps can help protect your legal rights.
Steps to take if you are being retaliated against
- Document everything. Write down dates, times, locations, what happened, and the names of any witnesses.
- Save all evidence. Keep emails, text messages, performance reviews, and any other documents. Save copies outside of work.
- Continue to do your job well. Do not give your employer a legitimate reason to discipline or fire you.
- Report the retaliation to HR in writing. Keep a copy of your complaint.
- Contact a retaliation lawyer in Los Angeles for a free confidential consultation.
- Do not sign any severance agreement or separation document without consulting a lawyer.
You do not need to have proof before calling a lawyer. A lawyer can help you determine whether you have a valid claim. For more guidance, see our how to file an HR complaint in CA and how to document workplace retaliation page
Local Resources for Retaliation Victims in Los Angeles
Fact 1: The Los Angeles County Superior Court Stanley Mosk Courthouse at 111 N Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 handles civil employment cases for Los Angeles County. This is the largest courthouse in California and handles thousands of employment cases each year.
Fact 2: The nearest DLSE Labor Commissioner office for Los Angeles workers is located at 320 W 4th St, Suite 450, Los Angeles, CA 90013. This office investigates wage claims, retaliation complaints, and issues citations for labor code violations.
Fact 3: Los Angeles County has its own Commission on Human Relations which enforces the County Unruh Civil Rights Act and provides resources for workers who have experienced retaliation. Los Angeles also has a minimum wage of $17.28 per hour as of 2025 for most employers.
Why Choose Setareh Law Group for Your Los Angeles Retaliation Case
- Over one billion dollars recovered for California workers since 1999, including retaliation, whistleblower, and wrongful termination cases.
- 25 plus years of employment law experience. Founding attorney Chaim Shaun Setareh (Bar Number 204514) has practiced exclusively in employment law since 1999.
- Recognized by Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, and CAALA. These are third party recognitions you can verify.
- Licensed in all California federal courts, including the Central District of California which covers Los Angeles.
- Spanish speaking staff available. Hablamos Español.
- Contingency fee means you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win or settle your case. If we do not recover for you, you owe us nothing for our time.
Areas We Serve Across California
Counties: Los Angeles | Orange County | San Diego | Riverside | San Bernardino | Ventura | Santa Barbara | San Francisco | Alameda | Contra Costa | Sacramento | San Joaquin | Fresno | Kern | Stanislaus | Tulare | Monterey | Santa Clara | and every other county in the state.
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.
FAQ's: Retaliation Lawyer in Los Angeles
What is the most common sign of workplace retaliation?
Timing is the strongest evidence. If you were fired, demoted, or had your hours cut shortly after reporting discrimination or requesting leave, that timing strongly suggests retaliation.
Can I sue my employer for firing me in retaliation?
Yes. Termination for engaging in protected activity is illegal under Government Code Section 12940(h) and Labor Code Section 1102.5. A retaliation lawyer in Los Angeles can help you pursue a claim.
What damages could I recover for employer retaliation?
You can recover lost wages, emotional distress damages, punitive damages, attorney fees, and court costs. California does not cap emotional distress or punitive damages.
How do I prove my employer retaliated against me?
You need to show that you engaged in protected activity, your employer took adverse action, and there is a causal connection. Evidence of timing is often sufficient.
Can my employer retaliate against me for filing a lawsuit?
No. Retaliation for filing an employment lawsuit is illegal. If your employer punishes you for suing them, you have an additional retaliation claim.
What if my employer says I was fired for performance issues?
That is a common excuse. Your lawyer can gather evidence showing that the stated reason is false and the real reason was retaliation for your protected activity.
How long do I have to file a retaliation claim in California?
Most retaliation claims have a three year deadline. Workers compensation retaliation has a one year deadline. Contact a lawyer immediately after retaliation occurs.
Is it important to keep all my emails and communications?
Yes. Emails, texts, and performance reviews are critical evidence in retaliation cases. Save copies outside of your work computer or work phone.
Does Setareh Law Group meet clients in Los Angeles?
Yes we do. By phone, video, or in person at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse or by appointment. Our office is in Beverly Hills, approximately 10 miles from downtown Los Angeles.
Take the Next Step
Contact us today:
📞 Phone: 310-888-7771
✉️ Email: help@setarehlaw.com
🌐 Address: 420 N Camden Dr, Beverly Hills CA, 90210
Disclaimer: 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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