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Discrimination Law Firm Call for Assistance from Our Attorneys in Orange County, San Bernardino, & Riverside County

Every worker is different, which often means that supervisors, managers, and employers may feel differently about the various employees they work with. If these personal opinions affect the treatment of workers, however, the result may be favoritism and prejudice, which can lead to illegal dismissals and discrimination…even if it is unconscious on the part of the employer. Regardless of intent, workplace discrimination of any kind is generally illegal under federal and California employment law. The discrimination lawyers at Kesluk, Silverstein, Jacob, & Morrison, PC have decades of experience defending the workplace rights of employees in many industries.

The Support You Need, When You Need It

If you believe you are experiencing discrimination at work anywhere in California, then contact our firm today. A highly qualified employment discrimination attorney from our law firm can investigate your claims and explain your legal options in a free initial consultation. If you have a case, we can represent you in negotiations or in the courtroom so you can be sure your best interests are protected. To get started, reach out and schedule your consultation today.

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If You Face Workplace Discrimination, Call Our Discrimination Lawyers Now

Many people know immediately if discrimination takes place, whether it is an employer giving a suspicious reason for firing somebody or attacking a legally protected class (race, gender, religion, etc.). Some discrimination, though, can be much more subtle, and it helps to understand the difference between treatment that is unfair and treatment that is illegal under state and/or federal law. This is why we always recommend reaching out to an experienced workplace discrimination attorney who can help you determine if discrimination occurred and, if it has, how best to resolve the situation.

When you work with Kesluk, Silverstein, Jacob, & Morrison, your first meeting is always free. We’ll get to know the details of your experience and give you a completely risk-free opportunity to ask us questions and explore your options. Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, which means that you won’t pay anything unless we deliver the successful outcome you deserve. To get started, please contact our discrimination law firm in Los Angeles County at (310) 997-4431.

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Common Examples of Discrimination in the Workplace

Discrimination takes many forms. In general, the term “discrimination” refers to any differential treatment that is based either solely or partially on certain traits or conditions that are unrelated to your actual job performance. This can include anything like ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, or sex. At the end of the day, state and federal law dictates that all employees deserve equitable treatment while part of an organization and a dignified exit in the event of their firing.

California employment law prohibits most kinds of workplace inequities, including:

  • Age discrimination
  • Disability discrimination
  • Gender identity discrimination
  • Institutional discrimination
  • National origin discrimination
  • Pregnancy discrimination
  • Racial discrimination
  • Religious discrimination
  • Sex and gender discrimination
  • Sexual orientation discrimination
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Understanding Disparate Treatment

An act of discrimination can be described as anything that causes an employee to receive disparate treatment and/or a disparate impact from the rest of their peers. Slurs, offensive jokes, comments, or other actions against workers in protected classes, for example, would constitute unlawful discrimination. 

Additionally, discrimination can include any conduct that creates an intimidating and/or offensive working environment or affects performance levels.

  • “Disparate treatment” describes any action taken by an employer or fellow employee against a person based on the attributes listed above.
  • “Disparate impact” describes a scenario in which company policy excludes certain individuals from job opportunities or promotions.
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Which Laws Make Discrimination Illegal?

Federal and California state laws prohibit many different kinds of discrimination. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) oversees and enforces federal regulations that outlaw discrimination in the workplace. 

Federal laws apply to all companies with at least 15 employees and prohibit discrimination based on:

  • Race
  • Color
  • National origin
  • Religion
  • Sex
  • Pregnancy
  • Disability
  • Age
  • Genetics
  • Citizenship status
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California Employment Law

California employment law is much more expansive. State laws, including the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), apply to all businesses with at least five employees. These regulations prohibit the same kinds of discrimination as federal law (apart from citizenship status).

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Federal Employment Law

Discrimination Protection

Under federal law, employees are protected from discrimination if the employer has 15 or more employees. (We should also note that under CA law, employees are protected from discrimination if the employer has five or more employees.) 

Harassment Protection

Employees are protected from harassment under CA law, even if there is only one employee. Independent contractors are also protected from harassment by statute. Many independent contractors, however, are improperly classified and are really employees protected by all employment laws.

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Types of Illegal Discrimination

Both state and federal laws also protect whistleblowers from discrimination in the workplace. Therefore, an employer cannot dismiss or demote an employee for whistleblowing any potentially illegal activities. 

California law also makes it illegal for employers to discriminate against workers based on:

  • Marital status
  • Sexual orientation
  • Gender identity
  • Medical conditions, including HIV/AIDS
  • Political affiliations and/or activities
  • Military history or status
  • Status as a victim of a crime such as domestic violence, assault, and/or stalking

What Do I Do if I’ve Been Wrongfully Terminated?

Employees who are subject to unlawful termination, discriminatory treatment, and/or workplace harassment may be able to recover lost wages and the value of other benefits, both past and future, through an employment lawsuit. You also may be able to collect general damages, including compensation for emotional distress, pain and suffering, punitive damages, and attorney fees.

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Why Call Kesluk, Silverstein, Jacob, & Morrison?

For more than 30 years now, our firm has been delivering legal hammer blows to companies and corporations on behalf of workers who have been mistreated, harassed, discriminated against, or wrongfully terminated. With a reputation for delivering settlements to our clients that fly above and beyond their expected outcomes, our firm is built on a practical, no-nonsense approach to employment law. When you work with our firm, you’ll enjoy access to a robust team of experienced attorneys and the resources required to avoid compromise.

If you believe you’ve been subjected to unlawful discrimination in the workplace, you deserve support and guidance as you navigate the legal process and hold your former employers accountable. We’re here to offer you a legal framework built on decades of experience and an impressively deep well of expertise. If you’d like to learn more about the details of your potential case, we recommend reaching out to schedule a totally free, no-risk consultation at our Los Angeles law offices. We’ll work with you to help you earn the compensation you deserve.

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Workplace Concerns? Our Lawyers Provide Answers in Free Case Reviews

A divisive or hostile work environment hurts productivity and negatively impacts the well-being of all employees, and employers should always take proactive measures to ensure equity and defend the workplace rights of all employees. This includes ensuring that the company or business is free of workplace discrimination. 

If your employer fails in this duty, you may be able to collect compensation through an employment lawsuit. If you have faced discrimination of any kind, contact an employment discrimination attorney at our law firm to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. You have rights as a worker, and we will defend them, no matter what it takes.

Defining Workplace Discrimination

Modern labor law began in 1941 with the Fair Employment Act, an executive order that prohibited racial discrimination in employment. Since then, labor and employment laws have expanded to protect employees from wrongful termination and discrimination based on gender, religion, national origin, age, and disability.

Our discrimination lawyers have handled hundreds of discrimination cases. Even with the widespread legal protection that employees have, there is still a high amount of discrimination in the workplace. If you’ve been discriminated against, you deserve to work with a team that brings expertise and experience to the table in equal measure.

Am I Being Discriminated Against at Work?

Discrimination laws govern how an employer or potential employer can interact with you. Discrimination can occur even if you are not yet an employee of the company. Being turned away from an interview, for example, or having your application declined because of reasons other than your qualifications, can potentially constitute unfair pre-employment treatment.

Discrimination can occur in a number of forms. It includes, but is not limited, to:

  • Biased recruiting, interviewing, and hiring
  • Unfair or unequal benefits during employment
  • Unfair transfers, promotions, and firings
  • Harassment
  • Threats
  • Withholding of pay, benefits, and opportunities
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What Are the Workplace Retaliation Laws for Discrimination?

Laws also protect employees from discrimination based on their participation in certain activities. An employer cannot fire you or refuse promotion if you:

  • Complain about discrimination
  • Threaten to file a discrimination complaint
  • Protest or picket against a discriminatory act done by the employer
  • Take part in or cooperate with an investigation by the EEOC
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Discrimination Law FAQ

What should I do if I face discrimination at work in California?

Are independent contractors protected from workplace discrimination in California?

What should I do if I face discrimination at work in California?

If you encounter discrimination in your California workplace, you have the right to seek legal recourse. Initially, you may report the issue internally to your employer's human resources department. If the situation is not resolved, or if you face retaliation, you can file a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) or the EEOC. An employment discrimination attorney can guide you through the process, help protect your rights, and potentially assist you in recovering damages for lost wages, emotional distress, and other related costs.

Are independent contractors protected from workplace discrimination in California?

In California, independent contractors are protected from harassment by statute. However, it's important to note that many individuals classified as independent contractors may actually be employees under the law and are therefore entitled to broader protections against discrimination. If you're an independent contractor and believe you've been subjected to discrimination or harassment, it's advisable to consult with an employment attorney to understand your rights and determine if you may be misclassified as an independent contractor.

Delivering the Defense You Deserve Experienced Disability Discrimination Attorneys in Los Angeles

If you feel as though you’ve been discriminated against by your employer or former employer, reach out to Kesluk, Silverstein, Jacob, & Morrison today and schedule your risk-free initial appointment. We’ll give you the opportunity to meet with a highly experienced discrimination lawyer at our welcoming Los Angeles office space who can help you determine whether or not you have a case and begin planning a legal strategy that sees you earning the compensation you deserve…if not more. To get started working with a firm that has spent 30 years earning a reputation as one of the most effective discrimination law firms in Los Angeles, reach out to Kesluk, Silverstein, Jacbon, & Morrison to set up your initial consultation today.

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