Los Angeles · Representing California employees
Workplace Discrimination
California employees are protected from discrimination based on race, sex, disability, pregnancy, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, and other protected traits.
Request a free initial consultationUnderstanding the issue
Employment discrimination concerns decisions connected to a legally protected characteristic, such as race, disability, sex, religion, or age 40 and over. California FEHA discrimination provisions generally cover employers with at least five employees; other rules and exceptions may matter.
Hiring, pay, promotion, discipline, and termination can all warrant review. Unfair treatment alone does not establish unlawful discrimination. The connection between the treatment and the protected characteristic is central.
What we review
- The decision, date, and people involved
- Comments or policies related to the protected characteristic
- Treatment of coworkers in comparable roles and circumstances
What to prepare
- Job applications, promotion notices, or disciplinary documents
- Relevant emails and messages
- Pay records, job descriptions, and names of potential witnesses
Frequently asked questions
Can a rejected job applicant request a review?
Yes. Keep the job posting, application, interview notes, and rejection message so the hiring process can be discussed.
Do I need a coworker’s confidential personnel file?
No. Describe comparisons you personally observed. Do not access private files without authorization.
Consultation and timing
Filing deadlines depend on the claim and procedure. Tell us about an approaching deadline, agency notice, or signature request when contacting us. Requesting a consultation does not extend a deadline or establish an attorney-client relationship.
This page provides general information, not advice for a specific case or a guarantee of an outcome.
Official resources
Related practice areas
Tell us what happened.
Discuss the facts and possible next steps in a free initial consultation.