Sexual Harassment Lawyer in Fremont
Protecting Silicon Valley Workers Who Have Experienced Unlawful Workplace Harassment
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Fremont is one of California’s most diverse and dynamic cities, home to workers in technology, healthcare, manufacturing, education, and retail. Employees across this vibrant community have the right to work in an environment free from sexual harassment. Setareh Law Group has represented California employees for over 25 years, holding employers accountable when they violate the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) by allowing sexual harassment to poison the workplace.
If your supervisor or coworker has subjected you to unwanted touching, sexual comments, requests for favors, or retaliation for complaining, you have legal rights. This page explains how sexual harassment claims work in Fremont, what deadlines apply, and how Setareh Law Group can help you reclaim your right to a safe work environment.
Key Information for Fremont Workers Facing Sexual Harassment
- Most common sexual harassment claims in Fremont: unwanted touching in healthcare, quid pro quo demands in tech, and hostile environment harassment in manufacturing.
- Where cases are filed: Alameda County Superior Court – Rene C. Davidson Courthouse, 1225 Fallon St, Oakland, CA 94612 (serving Fremont residents).
- Statute of limitations for FEHA harassment claims: Three years to file with the Civil Rights Department (CRD) under Government Code Section 12960.
Geographic Transparency Block
Our law office is located in Beverly Hills at 420 N Camden Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, approximately 330 miles from Fremont. We represent Fremont workers through phone, video conferencing, and in person meetings at the Alameda County Superior Court 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 Alameda County in sexual harassment , discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination , and wage theft cases.
Major Employers in Fremont
Employer | Industry | Fremont Area Employees |
Tesla | Manufacturing / Technology | 10,000+ |
Washington Hospital Healthcare System | Healthcare | 3,000+ |
Fremont Unified School District | Education | 3,500+ |
Lam Research | Technology | 4,000+ |
Western Digital | Technology | 2,000+ |
What Is Workplace Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination prohibited under FEHA. It includes unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that affects employment or creates a hostile work environment.
Sexual harassment is illegal when it is based on
- Gender or sex (male, female, or any gender identity)
- Pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions
- Sexual orientation
- Gender identity and gender expression
Sexual harassment does not have to be directed at you personally. Witnessing harassment of others can also affect your work environment. A sexual harassment lawyer in Fremont can help you determine whether the conduct you experienced qualifies as illegal harassment.
California Definition of Sexual Harassment
California law provides even broader protections than federal law. Under FEHA, sexual harassment is explicitly prohibited and defined more expansively.
How California differs from federal law
- FEHA applies to employers with just 1 employee for harassment claims
- California has a longer 3 year deadline to file claims
- FEHA allows recovery of emotional distress and punitive damages without caps
- California law requires mandatory sexual harassment prevention training
A sexual harassment lawyer in Fremont can help you understand which laws apply to your situation.
Types of Workplace Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment can take many forms. Understanding the different types can help you recognize whether you are experiencing harassment.
Physical harassment
- Unwanted touching, groping, or physical contact
- Blocking movement or invading personal space
- Assault or attempted assault
Verbal harassment
- Sexual jokes, comments about someone’s body
- Questions about sexual history or preferences
- Requests for sexual favors
- Sexually degrading names or slurs
Non verbal harassment
- Displaying sexually explicit images, posters, or screensavers
- Lewd gestures or facial expressions
- Sending sexually explicit emails, texts, or images
Environmental harassment
- A workplace saturated with sexual content
- Pervasive sexual conversations among coworkers
- An atmosphere that is hostile to one gender
A sexual harassment lawyer in Fremont can help you identify the type of harassment you are experiencing. For more information, see our workplace harassment guide .
Steps to Take If You Are a Victim of Workplace Sexual Harassment
If you are experiencing sexual harassment in your Fremont workplace, taking certain steps can help protect your legal rights.
Tell the offender to stop
If you feel safe doing so, clearly state that the behavior is unwelcome. Say no firmly. You do not need to be polite. A single clear statement can be important evidence.
Keep records of everything
Document dates, times, locations, what was said or done, and the names of any witnesses. Save emails, texts, photos, and any other evidence. Save copies outside of work.
Provide your boss or HR with a written complaint
Report the harassment in writing. Keep a copy for yourself. Your employer cannot take corrective action if they do not know about the harassment.
Go through your company’s resolution process
Follow your employer’s complaint procedure. This shows you gave the employer a chance to address the issue.
File a report with a government agency
File a complaint with the Civil Rights Department (CRD) within three years of the harassment. The CRD will investigate, mediate, or issue a right to sue notice.
Contact a lawyer to learn more about your rights
A sexual harassment lawyer in Fremont can evaluate your situation for free and explain your legal options.
File a lawsuit against your employer
If you receive a right to sue notice from the CRD, you have one year to file a lawsuit in court.
What If You Didn't File a Complaint About the Sexual Harassment?
Many workers fear retaliation and do not report harassment. You may still have a claim even if you never filed an internal complaint.
When reporting may not be required
- The harassment was so severe that your employer should have known about it
- The harasser was a supervisor or high level official
- You feared retaliation and your fear was reasonable
- Your employer has a history of ignoring complaints
A sexual harassment lawyer in Fremont can help you determine whether you can pursue a claim without an internal complaint.
Legal Protections Against Sexual Harassment
California has some of the strongest sexual harassment laws in the country. Multiple laws protect Fremont workers.
California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)
FEHA explicitly prohibits sexual harassment. It applies to all employers with 1 or more employees. FEHA requires employers to take reasonable steps to prevent and correct harassment. The full text of the law is available at California Government Code Section 12940 .
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act
Federal law prohibits sexual harassment as a form of sex discrimination. It applies to employers with 15 or more employees.
California mandatory training requirements
Employers with 5 or more employees must provide sexual harassment prevention training to supervisors every two years. Employers with 5 or more employees must also train non supervisory employees every two years.
Statute of Limitations for Sexual Harassment Claims
Sexual harassment claims have strict deadlines. Missing your deadline permanently bars you from suing your employer.
Deadlines for harassment claims
- FEHA claim with the CRD: 3 years from the last harassing act under Government Code Section 12960
- Lawsuit after right to sue notice: 1 year from the date the CRD issues a right to sue notice
- Federal Title VII claim: 300 days to file with the EEOC
The deadline to file a federal charge with the EEOC‘s charge filing page is 300 days from the last harassing act. Do not wait to contact a sexual harassment lawyer in Fremont.
What Damages Can You Recover for Sexual Harassment?
California law allows sexual harassment 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 including all wages, bonuses, health insurance, and retirement contributions
- Front pay for future lost wages
- Emotional distress damages for anxiety, depression, humiliation, and loss of sleep
- Punitive damages to punish your employer for malicious or oppressive conduct
- Attorney fees and court costs which your employer pays if you win
- Injunctive relief requiring your employer to change its policies
- Reinstatement to your former position
Setareh Law Group has recovered over one billion dollars for California workers, including millions in sexual harassment cases. The Workplace Fairness industries with most harassment page notes that manufacturing and healthcare rank among the top industries for harassment reports. See our average sexual harassment settlements page.
Local Resources for Sexual Harassment in Fremont
Fact 1 The Alameda County Superior Court Rene C. Davidson Courthouse at 1225 Fallon St, Oakland, CA 94612 handles civil employment cases for Fremont and all of Alameda County.
Fact 2 The nearest DLSE Labor Commissioner office for Fremont workers is located at 1515 Clay St, Suite 401, Oakland, CA 94612, approximately 20 miles from Fremont.
Fact 3 Fremont has a large technology and manufacturing workforce with over 50,000 workers in these sectors. Technology and manufacturing workplaces report sexual harassment at significant rates. The UC Berkeley support for survivors page provides confidential support resources for victims in the broader Bay Area.
Why Choose Setareh Law Group for Your Fremont Sexual Harassment Case
- Over one billion dollars recovered for California workers since 1999, including sexual harassment, hostile work environment, and retaliation 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.
- Licensed in all California federal courts, including the Northern District of California which covers Fremont.
- Spanish speaking staff available. Hablamos Español.
- Contingency fee means you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win or settle your case.
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: Sexual Harassment Lawyer In Fremont
What kind of lawyer do I need for workplace harassment?
You need an employment lawyer who specializes in sexual harassment cases under FEHA and Title VII. A sexual harassment lawyer in Fremont can help you.
Can I bring a sexual harassment claim if I still work for the company?
Yes. You do not need to be fired to file a sexual harassment claim. Many employees file claims while still working.
Is it hard to prove harassment?
Proving harassment requires evidence, but an experienced lawyer can help you gather documentation, witness statements, and other evidence to build your case.
Can I sue a former employer for sexual harassment?
Yes. You can file a claim against a former employer for harassment that occurred during your employment, as long as you file within the statute of limitations.
What is the difference between quid pro quo and hostile work environment?
Quid pro quo involves demands for sexual favors in exchange for job benefits. Hostile work environment involves pervasive offensive conduct that creates an abusive workplace.
What should I do if I am being sexually harassed at work?
Document everything, save evidence, report to HR in writing, and contact a sexual harassment lawyer in Fremont for a free consultation.
Can my employer retaliate against me for reporting harassment?
No. Retaliation for reporting sexual harassment is illegal under Government Code Section 12940(h).
How long do I have to file a sexual harassment claim in California?
Three years from the last harassing act under Government Code Section 12960.
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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