Sexual Harassment Lawyer in Santa Ana
Protecting Orange County Workers Who Have Experienced Unlawful Harassment in the Workplace
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Santa Ana is the heart of Orange County, home to healthcare workers, government employees, retail staff, educators, and legal professionals. 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 Santa Ana, what deadlines apply, and how Setareh Law Group can help you reclaim your right to a safe work environment.
Key Information for Santa Ana Workers Facing Sexual Harassment
- Most common sexual harassment claims in Santa Ana: unwanted touching in healthcare, quid pro quo demands in government offices, and hostile environment harassment in retail.
- Where cases are filed: Orange County Superior Court – Central Justice Center, 700 Civic Center Dr W, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
- Statute of limitations for FEHA harassment claims: Three years to file with the Civil Rights Department (CRD) under Government Code Section 12960.
- Free confidential consultation available. Contingency fee representation.
Geographic Transparency Block
Our law office is located in Beverly Hills at 420 N Camden Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, approximately 40 miles from Santa Ana. We represent Santa Ana workers through phone, video conferencing, and in person meetings at the Central Justice Center 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 Orange County in sexual harassment , discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination , and wage theft cases.
Major Employers in Santa Ana
Employer | Industry | Santa Ana Area Employees |
County of Orange | Government | 18,000+ |
Santa Ana Unified School District | Education | 4,500+ |
Kaiser Permanente Santa Ana | Healthcare | 2,000+ |
First American Financial | Financial Services | 3,000+ |
Amazon Santa Ana | Logistics | 2,500+ |
What Is Sexual Harassment Under California Law?
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. For more information, see RAINN’s overview of sexual harassment.
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 Santa Ana can help you determine whether the conduct you experienced qualifies as illegal harassment.
The Two Main Types of Sexual Harassment
California law recognizes two main types of sexual harassment. Both are illegal and can form the basis of a claim.
Quid pro quo harassment
Quid pro quo is Latin meaning this for that. This occurs when an employer or supervisor demands sexual favors in exchange for job benefits such as a promotion, raise, or continued employment. Threats of termination or demotion for refusing sexual advances also fall into this category.
Examples of quid pro quo harassment
- A supervisor says sleep with me or you will be fired
- A manager promises a promotion in exchange for sexual favors
- An employer threatens to reduce hours if an employee refuses a date
Hostile work environment harassment
Hostile work environment harassment occurs when unwanted sexual conduct is so severe or pervasive that it creates an abusive or intimidating work environment. The conduct does not have to cause physical harm.
Examples of hostile work environment harassment
- Coworkers make sexual jokes and comments daily
- A supervisor repeatedly touches employees without consent
- Sexually explicit images are displayed in the workplace
- An employee is called sexually degrading names regularly
A sexual harassment lawyer in Santa Ana can help you understand which type of harassment you have experienced. For more information, see our workplace harassment guide .
What Qualifies as Sexual Harassment in the Workplace?
Not every inappropriate comment is illegal, but many actions cross the line into unlawful 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
Is one incident enough to file a sexual harassment claim?
Yes, a single severe incident can be enough. While most harassment involves repeated conduct, a single incident of sexual assault or explicit demand for sexual favors can create a hostile work environment.
A sexual harassment lawyer in Santa Ana can help you evaluate whether the conduct you experienced qualifies as illegal harassment.
What Should You Do If You Experience Sexual Harassment at Work?
If you are experiencing sexual harassment in your Santa Ana workplace, taking certain steps can help protect your legal rights.
Document everything
Write down dates, times, locations, what was said or done, and the names of any witnesses. Keep a detailed log of every incident. This documentation is crucial evidence.
Save all evidence
Keep emails, text messages, photos, and any other evidence of harassment. Save copies outside of work on a personal device or email account. Do not store evidence on work computers.
Tell the harasser 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.
Report the harassment to HR or a supervisor in writing
Provide a written complaint to your employer. Keep a copy for yourself. Your employer cannot take corrective action if they do not know about the harassment.
File a complaint with the Civil Rights Department (CRD)
You have three years from the last harassing act to file a complaint. The CRD will investigate, mediate, or issue a right to sue notice.
Contact a sexual harassment lawyer in Santa Ana
A lawyer can evaluate your situation for free, explain your legal options, and guide you through the process.
For more guidance, see our what to do if sexually harassed at work page.
What Compensation Can You Seek in a Sexual Harassment Case?
California law allows sexual harassment victims to recover significant damages. Unlike federal law, FEHA has no cap on emotional distress or punitive damages.
Lost wages and benefits
You can recover back pay including all wages, bonuses, commissions, health insurance, and retirement contributions you would have earned if not for the harassment.
Front pay
Front pay covers future lost wages if you cannot return to the same workplace because of hostility.
Emotional distress damages
You can recover compensation for anxiety, depression, humiliation, and loss of sleep caused by the harassment.
Punitive damages
Punitive damages are additional damages to punish your employer for malicious or oppressive conduct.
Attorney fees and costs
Your employer pays your attorney fees and court costs if you win.
Injunctive relief
The court can order your employer to change its policies, provide training, or take other corrective action.
Setareh Law Group has recovered over one billion dollars for California workers, including millions in sexual harassment cases. See our average sexual harassment settlements page.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Sexual Harassment?
Under California law, multiple parties can be held liable for sexual harassment in the workplace.
The individual harasser
The person who committed the harassment can be personally liable. This includes supervisors, coworkers, and even non employees.
The employer
Employers are automatically liable for harassment by supervisors. For coworker harassment, the employer is liable if they knew or should have known about the harassment and failed to take corrective action.
Third parties
Employers can be liable for harassment by clients, customers, or vendors if they knew or should have known about the harassment and failed to take action.
A sexual harassment lawyer in Santa Ana can help you identify all parties who may be liable. For more information, see our workplace sexual harassment lawyers page.
Can I Be Fired or Demoted for Reporting Sexual Harassment?
No. Retaliation for reporting sexual harassment is illegal under Government Code Section 12940(h). Your employer cannot fire, demote, harass, or retaliate against you for reporting harassment, participating in an investigation, or filing a claim.
Protected activities include
- Reporting harassment to HR or a supervisor
- Filing a complaint with the CRD or EEOC
- Participating as a witness in a harassment investigation
- Refusing to comply with a request to keep harassment quiet
- Telling a coworker about your harassment complaint
If your employer retaliates against you, you have a separate retaliation claim in addition to your sexual harassment claim. A sexual harassment lawyer in Santa Ana can help you pursue both claims.
How Long Do I Have to File a Sexual Harassment Claim?
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 (for a detailed legal definition, see Cornell Law School’s entry on sexual harassment)
Do not wait to contact a sexual harassment lawyer in Santa Ana. Evidence disappears and deadlines pass quickly.
How Do I Prove Sexual Harassment Occurred?
Proving sexual harassment requires evidence. Your lawyer will help you gather the evidence needed to show that harassment occurred.
Types of evidence that prove harassment
- Your own written log of incidents with dates, times, and details
- Emails or text messages showing harassing conduct
- Witness statements from coworkers who saw or heard the harassment
- Performance reviews that changed after you rejected advances
- Company records of complaints or investigations
- Testimony from other employees who experienced similar harassment
You do not need to have all this evidence before calling a lawyer. A sexual harassment lawyer in Santa Ana can help you gather evidence.
Why Choose a Local Attorney in Santa Ana?
Choosing a local attorney who understands Santa Ana and Orange County is important for your case.
Benefits of local representation
- Familiarity with the Central Justice Center courthouse procedures
- Knowledge of local employers and their legal teams
- Accessibility for in person meetings
- Understanding of Orange County’s unique workforce demographics
Setareh Law Group serves all of California remotely and in person. We meet Santa Ana clients at the Central Justice Center or by appointment.
Local Resources for Sexual Harassment in Santa Ana
Fact 1 The Orange County Superior Court Central Justice Center at 700 Civic Center Dr W, Santa Ana, CA 92701 handles civil employment cases for Santa Ana and all of Orange County. The courthouse is located in downtown Santa Ana.
Fact 2 The nearest DLSE Labor Commissioner office for Santa Ana workers is located at 28 Civic Center Plaza, Room 625, Santa Ana, CA 92701. This office investigates retaliation complaints and wage claims. You can learn more about how to file a wage claim through the Labor Commissioner’s Office.
Fact 3 Santa Ana has a large government and healthcare workforce with over 20,000 workers employed by the County of Orange and Kaiser Permanente. Public sector and healthcare workers file sexual harassment claims at higher rates than most other industries.
Why Choose Setareh Law Group for Your Santa Ana 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 Central District of California which covers Santa Ana.
- 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: Sexual Harassment Lawyer in Santa Ana
What qualifies as sexual harassment under California law?
Unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that affects employment or creates a hostile work environment.
What are some mistakes to avoid when sexually harassed?
Do not delete evidence, do not sign severance agreements without a lawyer, do not delay reporting, and do not quit without legal advice.
How can an attorney help me?
An attorney can evaluate your case, gather evidence, file agency complaints, negotiate settlements, and represent you in court.
What can be used to prove harassment?
Written logs, emails, text messages, witness statements, performance reviews, and company records.
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.
What damages can I recover in a sexual harassment lawsuit?
Lost wages, emotional distress damages, punitive damages, attorney fees, and court costs.
How do I know if I have a valid sexual harassment case?
If you experienced unwanted sexual conduct that was severe or pervasive, and it affected your work environment or employment status.
What role does the CRD play in sexual harassment cases?
The Civil Rights Department investigates complaints, mediates disputes, and issues right to sue notices.
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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