Workplace Discrimination Lawyer in Santa Rosa
Helping Santa Rosa employees challenge discrimination based on race, gender, age, or disability.
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Santa Rosa is the largest city in Sonoma County, home to a diverse workforce spanning healthcare, wine country hospitality, retail, education, and government. Workers in this beautiful region face workplace discrimination every day based on race, age, disability, pregnancy, and other protected characteristics. Setareh Law Group has represented California employees for over 25 years, holding employers accountable when they violate the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and discriminate against workers in Santa Rosa and throughout Sonoma County.
If your employer has treated you unfairly, denied you opportunities, harassed you, or fired you because of who you are or a protected characteristic, you have legal rights. This page explains how workplace discrimination claims work in Santa Rosa, what deadlines apply, and how Setareh Law Group can help you fight for justice against employers who break the law.
Key Information for Santa Rosa Workers Facing Discrimination
- Most common discrimination claims in Santa Rosa: age discrimination in healthcare, disability discrimination in hospitality, and pregnancy discrimination in retail.
- Where cases are filed: Sonoma County Superior Court 600 Administration Dr, Santa Rosa, CA 95403.
- Statute of limitations for FEHA claims: Three years to file with the Civil Rights Department (CRD) under California Government Code § 12960.
Our Office Location Serving Santa Rosa Remotely
Our law office is located in Beverly Hills at 420 N Camden Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, approximately 400 miles from Santa Rosa. We represent Santa Rosa workers through phone, video conferencing, and in‑person meetings at the Sonoma 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 California in workplace discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, and wage theft cases. You can verify his bar status through the State Bar of California attorney search.
Major Employers in Santa Rosa
Employer | Industry | Santa Rosa Area Employees |
Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa | Healthcare | 2,500+ |
St. Joseph Health Santa Rosa | Healthcare | 2,000+ |
Santa Rosa City Schools | Education | 1,800+ |
City of Santa Rosa | Government | 1,200+ |
Jackson Family Wines | Hospitality / Wine | 1,000+ |
What Is Workplace Discrimination Under California Law?
Many workers in Santa Rosa experience discrimination but do not know it is illegal. Under FEHA – California Government Code § 12940 – employers cannot make employment decisions based on protected characteristics. Unlike federal law, FEHA applies to employers with five or more employees. The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) is the state agency that enforces FEHA.
Protected characteristics under FEHA include
- Race, color, and national origin including ancestry and accent
- Religion or religious dress and practices
- Age of 40 and over
- Physical or mental disability including medical conditions
- Gender, gender identity, and gender expression
- Sexual orientation
- Pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions
- Marital status
- Military and veteran status
If your employer treated you unfairly because of any of these characteristics, you may have a discrimination claim. A workplace discrimination lawyer in Santa Rosa can help you understand your rights. For more information, see our employment discrimination attorney and anti-discrimination laws in California pages.
Types of Discrimination Prohibited in California
Discrimination can take many forms. It does not have to be intentional to be illegal. Some types of discrimination are obvious, but many are subtle.
Examples of unlawful discriminatory practices include
- Refusing to hire someone because of their race, age, or disability
- Paying an employee less than coworkers of a different gender for substantially similar work
- Denying a promotion to a qualified employee because of their pregnancy or family status
- Firing an older worker and replacing them with someone younger
- Assigning undesirable shifts or locations based on national origin
- Excluding someone from meetings or training because of their religion
- Harassing someone because of their sexual orientation or gender identity
- Retaliating against someone for reporting discrimination
A workplace discrimination lawyer in Santa Rosa can help you determine whether the treatment you experienced qualifies as illegal discrimination.
Age Discrimination in Santa Rosa Workplaces
Santa Rosa has a significant population of workers over age 40, particularly in healthcare and government sectors. Age discrimination is one of the most common claims filed in Sonoma County. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) provides federal protections for workers age 40 and older.
Signs of age discrimination include
- Your employer makes comments about you being too old, not tech savvy, or ready for retirement
- You are passed over for promotion in favor of a younger, less qualified worker
- You are targeted for layoffs while younger workers with less seniority keep their jobs
- Your performance reviews become negative after years of positive reviews
- You are pressured to retire or offered buyout packages that younger workers are not offered
Under FEHA, workers age 40 and older are protected from age discrimination. A workplace discrimination lawyer in Santa Rosa can help you pursue an age discrimination claim. See our age discrimination in the workplace and age discrimination attorney pages.
Disability Discrimination in Sonoma County
Santa Rosa employers in healthcare, hospitality, and retail often face disability discrimination claims. Under FEHA, employers must provide reasonable accommodations for workers with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides similar federal protections.
Examples of disability discrimination include
- Refusing to hire someone because of a disability that does not affect their ability to do the job
- Firing an employee after they disclose a disability or request accommodation
- Denying a reasonable accommodation such as ergonomic equipment, modified schedule, or leave
- Failing to engage in the interactive process to discuss possible accommodations
- Harassing an employee because of their disability or medical condition
Reasonable accommodations may include
- Modified work schedules or part time arrangements
- Ergonomic equipment such as standing desks or specialized chairs
- Additional breaks or time off for medical appointments
- Reassignment to a vacant position
- Leave under CFRA or FMLA
If your employer denied you a reasonable accommodation or fired you because of your disability, you should speak with a workplace discrimination lawyer in Santa Rosa immediately. See our ADA accommodations at work and disability discrimination lawyer pages.
Pregnancy Discrimination in the Workplace
Pregnancy discrimination remains a significant problem in Santa Rosa workplaces. Under FEHA and the California Family Rights Act (CFRA), employers cannot discriminate against employees who are pregnant or who have recently given birth.
Examples of pregnancy discrimination include
- Firing a woman after she announces her pregnancy
- Denying light duty or modified work assignments that are offered to other temporarily disabled workers
- Refusing to hold a job open for an employee on pregnancy disability leave
- Demoting an employee after she returns from pregnancy leave
- Making negative comments about pregnancy or maternity leave
Under CFRA (Government Code § 12945) , employers with five or more employees must provide up to four months of pregnancy disability leave and reinstatement rights. A workplace discrimination lawyer in Santa Rosa can help you enforce these rights. See our pregnancy discrimination lawyer and wrongful termination during pregnancy pages.
Race and National Origin Discrimination
Santa Rosa has a diverse workforce including significant Latino, Asian, and other communities. Race and national origin discrimination remain persistent problems.
Examples of race and national origin discrimination include
- Paying Latino workers less than white workers for the same job
- Assigning workers of certain races to less desirable shifts or locations
- Enforcing English only policies that are not job related
- Making offensive comments about someone’s accent, skin color, or cultural background
- Failing to promote qualified workers of certain races
- Harassing workers based on their perceived immigration status
Gender Discrimination and Sexual Harassment
Gender discrimination includes unequal pay, denial of opportunities, and different treatment based on gender stereotypes. Sexual harassment is a form of gender discrimination.
Examples of gender discrimination include
- Paying women less than men for substantially similar work
- Excluding women from meetings or career development opportunities
- Assuming certain jobs are for men or women only
- Denying promotions to women while promoting less qualified men
Examples of sexual harassment include
- Unwanted touching or physical contact of a sexual nature
- Sexual jokes, comments about someone’s body, or questions about sexual history
- Requests for sexual favors in exchange for job benefits
- Sending sexually explicit emails, texts, or images
- Creating a hostile work environment through pervasive sexual conduct
What Should You Do If You Are Being Discriminated Against?
If you are experiencing discrimination in your Santa Rosa workplace, taking certain steps can help protect your legal rights.
Steps to take if you are being discriminated against
- Document everything. Write down dates, times, locations, what was said or done, and the names of any witnesses.
- Save all evidence. Keep emails, text messages, photos, and any other evidence of discrimination. Save copies outside of work.
- Report the discrimination to HR or a supervisor in writing. Keep a copy of your complaint for your records.
- File a complaint with the Civil Rights Department (CRD) within three years of the discrimination.
- Contact a workplace discrimination lawyer in Santa Rosa for a free confidential consultation.
You do not need to have proof before calling a lawyer. A lawyer can help you gather evidence and determine the best path forward.
Can You Be Fired for Reporting Discrimination?
No. Retaliation for reporting discrimination is illegal under Government Code Section 12940(h). Your employer cannot fire you, demote you, cut your hours, or harass you for complaining about discrimination.
Protected activities include
- Reporting discrimination to HR or a supervisor
- Filing a complaint with the CRD or EEOC
- Participating in an investigation of discrimination
- Asking for a reasonable accommodation
- Telling a coworker about your discrimination complaint
If your employer retaliates against you for any of these activities, you have a separate retaliation claim in addition to your discrimination claim. A workplace discrimination lawyer in Santa Rosa can help you pursue both claims.
What Damages Can You Recover in a Discrimination Case?
California law allows discrimination 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
- Front pay which covers future lost wages if you cannot return to your former job
- Emotional distress damages providing compensation for anxiety, depression, humiliation, and loss of sleep
- 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
Setareh Law Group has recovered over one billion dollars for California workers, including millions in discrimination and harassment cases.
Local Resources for Discrimination Victims in Santa Rosa
Fact 1: The Sonoma County Superior Court at 600 Administration Dr, Santa Rosa, CA 95403 handles civil employment cases for Santa Rosa and all of Sonoma County. The courthouse is located in downtown Santa Rosa near the county government center.
Fact 2: The nearest DLSE Labor Commissioner office for Santa Rosa workers is located at 50 D St, Suite 120, Santa Rosa, CA 95404. This office investigates wage claims, retaliation complaints, and labor code violations.
Fact 3: Sonoma County has a large hospitality and wine industry workforce with over 50,000 workers employed in tourism, wineries, and related businesses. These industries see higher than average rates of discrimination and harassment complaints.
Why Choose Setareh Law Group for Your Santa Rosa Discrimination Case
- Over one billion dollars recovered for California workers since 1999, including discrimination, harassment, 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. These are third party recognitions you can verify.
- Licensed in all California federal courts, including the Northern District of California which covers Santa Rosa.
- 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: Workplace Discrimination Lawyer in Santa Rosa
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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