The Pasadena discrimination attorneys at YMS LLP help employees stand up to unlawful treatment and pursue the justice they deserve. Call our Pasadena employment attorneys at (310) 499-0140 or reach out online to schedule a free and confidential consultation today.
Why Choose Our Pasadena Workplace Discrimination Attorneys
- Decades of Legal Experience: More than 85 years of combined experience handling complex employment litigation throughout California.
- Former Big-Firm Lawyers: Attorneys trained at nationally recognized law firms now providing focused, personal representation.
- Efficient, Client-Centered Approach: Collaborative legal strategies designed to achieve strong results while keeping costs under control.
What is Workplace Discrimination?
Workplace discrimination occurs when an employer takes adverse action against an employee or job applicant because of a protected characteristic. Discrimination can affect every stage of employment, from hiring and promotion to pay and termination. Unlawful discrimination in Los Angeles can be based on:
- Race or color
- National origin or ancestry
- Religion or creed
- Gender, sex, or gender identity
- Pregnancy or marital status
- Age (40 and older)
- Disability or medical condition
- Sexual orientation
- Military or veteran status
Sometimes, discrimination is overt, such as denial of promotion due to age or gender. In other cases, it arises from company policies that appear neutral but unfairly impact certain groups.
Legal Protections for Pasadena Employees
California provides some of the strongest anti-discrimination laws in the country. Under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) (Government Code §12940), it is unlawful for employers with five or more employees to discriminate, harass, or retaliate against workers based on protected characteristics. Additional protections include:
Equal Employment Opportunities
Employers must make hiring, promotion, and termination decisions based on qualifications—not bias.
Reasonable Accommodation
Employers must make reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs (Government Code §12940(m)).
Protection from Retaliation
Workers are protected from retaliation for filing discrimination complaints or cooperating with investigations (Government Code §12940(h)).
Equal Pay for Equal Work
The California Equal Pay Act (Labor Code §1197.5) requires equal pay for substantially similar work, regardless of gender or ethnicity.
Employees who experience discrimination may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and other damages. In severe cases, courts may also award punitive damages.
How a Pasadena Workplace Discrimination Attorney Can Help
Pursuing a discrimination claim can be overwhelming without legal guidance. A Los Angeles discrimination attorney can help by:
- Investigating the Facts: Gathering evidence such as emails, evaluations, and witness statements to support your claim.
- Filing Administrative Complaints: Preparing filings with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) or Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) within statutory deadlines.
- Negotiating Settlements: Seeking fair and efficient resolution through negotiation or mediation.
- Litigating in Court: Taking your case to trial if necessary.
- Preventing Retaliation: Acting quickly if your employer retaliates after you report discrimination. Our Los Angeles retaliation attorneys can help fight for your rights.
An experienced discrimination lawyer ensures compliance with all procedural requirements while building a strong case to increase your chances of success.
Contact Us Today
Call (310) 499-0140 or fill out our online form to schedule a free and confidential consultation with a Los Angeles employment lawyer at YMS LLP. Our attorneys will evaluate your case, explain your rights under California law, and fight for the compensation and justice you deserve.