Celebrating 51 Years of Practice

Start Safeguarding Your Workplace Rights As An Employee

At Jay S. Rothman & Associates, we stand by workers like you. For more than 50 years, we have defended workers across California from exploitation and abuse by their employers by holding them accountable in court. Learn how we can help you with your employer dispute and defend your rights!

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Photo of Jay S. Rothman

California Litigators Standing Up For Your Employment Rights

Our Practice Areas

Face Your Employer With Our California Lawyers

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Experience Is What Sets Us Apart

No Employment Law Case Is Beyond Our Capabilities

Employment discrimination

Including race, age, sex and all other forms of discrimination illegal under the American Civil Rights Act.

Harassment

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that harassment on the job is a form of illegal discrimination. Don’t put up with it.

Wage and hour disputes

Under state and federal law, employers are required to follow strict regulations regarding wages, overtime pay and proper classification as salaried or hourly compensation. If you have been cheated out of compensation you are owed, we are ready to help.

Wrongful termination and retaliation

California is a free-will employment state. That does not mean your employer has the right to fire you or retaliate against you for reasons that violate your civil rights.

“When you report to work every day, you don’t give up your civil rights. We make sure your employer honors your workplace rights in an environment free from discrimination.”

— Attorney Jay Rothman

Why Should You Hire Our Employment Lawyer?

How To Choose The Right Employment Law Firm

Wrongful Termination

Employers can end employment for legitimate business reasons, such as changing needs, poor performance, or misconduct. However, they cannot fire someone for discriminatory or other illegal reasons. If an employer can’t support the stated reason for termination — or uses loopholes to make it appear justified — it may be wrongful termination.

Harassment

Harassment is unwelcome conduct that makes someone feel uncomfortable at work. It can include bullying, hostility, sexual harassment, verbal abuse or cyber harassment, and it may involve supervisors, coworkers, subordinates or even third parties like clients.

Employment Discrimination

California law prohibits workplace discrimination based on gender, religion, national origin, disability and other protected traits unrelated to job performance. Discrimination can appear as unequal pay, exclusion, denied benefits or unfair favoritism.

Wage and Hour Disputes

Employees must be properly paid for their work, including overtime, bonuses, and required meal and rest breaks when applicable. Some employers misclassify workers to avoid obligations like benefits or workers’ comp. When wages or required compensation aren’t provided, employees may have grounds to pursue a claim.

Retaliation

Many employees stay silent out of fear of retaliation, such as termination or unfair treatment. The law protects workers who engage in protected activities, including asserting their rights, reporting illegal conduct, filing agency complaints, or participating in workplace investigations.

Whistleblower Protection

Whistleblowers who report fraud, legal violations, abuse or threats to public safety are protected under California law. Retaliation may include sudden negative treatment, changed duties, discipline or lost opportunities. Legal remedies may include reinstatement, back pay, or court orders to stop ongoing retaliation.

California Labor Code

The California Labor Code sets many of the rules that protect employees, including requirements for minimum wage, overtime, equal pay, and meal and rest breaks. Los Angeles also has its own minimum wage ordinance that is adjusted each year based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). As of July 1, 2024, the minimum wage in Los Angeles is $17.28 per hour.

California Fair Employment And Housing Act (FEHA)

FEHA prohibits workplace discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, including during the hiring process. In general, FEHA applies to employers with five or more employees and helps protect workers who speak up about unfair treatment.

Family And Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

FMLA allows eligible employees to take job-protected leave for qualifying medical or family reasons. It applies to state, federal, and local government employers, as well as private employers with 50 or more employees, and provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year for certain situations.

Other Key Employment Laws

Depending on the facts of your case, additional laws may come into play, including the California Wage Theft Prevention Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), and the California WARN Act.

We Fight On Behalf Of Employees To Protect Their Rights In The Workplace

Schedule Consultation With An Experienced Employment Lawyer At Jay S. Rothman & Associates