California Employment Law Attorney
Everyone who works for someone else knows that the scales of power are out of balance. If you have a good boss, that often doesn’t matter so much. However, if you have a boss willing to bend the rules and push their authority to the limit, your rights and livelihood are in very clear danger. But, you can get help.
At Jay S. Rothman & Associates, our attorneys have more than 50 years of combined experience fighting employment law battles for people across California. You do not have to take your employer’s violation of your rights for even one second. We will help you stand up and hold them accountable no matter what the circumstance. When you need someone to fight for you, turn to our team.
How We Work For You
Our number one promise to clients is straightforward, clear service. We aren’t going to hide behind dense legalese to disguise what’s going on in your case. We’ll show you exactly what the stakes are, what your chances are and how we plan to fight for you in every part of your case.
In our firm’s history, we have successfully litigated for clients in such cases as:
- Wrongful termination: We research and investigate each potential wrongful firing that our clients bring to us.
- Workplace harassment (sexual and nonsexual): It is your right as an employee to be free from harassment in any form. If your workplace is made challenging by the harassing interactions with management or colleagues, you deserve to stand up.
- Discrimination (Race, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation): Federal and state laws forbid discrimination against people on many fronts, but that does not mean employers will not still do it.
- Wage and hour disputes: You deserve to be paid for every moment you are on the clock and working, but employers use any number of tactics and misstatements of the law to ignore your rightful wages.
- Retaliation and whistleblower protection: If you stand up for yourself, you shouldn’t have to fight punishment for standing up for yourself. We will help you do that if your employer holds your rightful actions against you.
We do not take an assault on our clients rights lightly. We get the right to work pursuing compensation and demanding accountability for you.
The Myth Of At-Will States
One of the most egregious ways employers try to maintain control of employees is by the veiled threat of an “at-will state.” They may imply that they can remove any employee for any reason, because that state is at will. The truth is most states, including California, are at-will employment states. While that law does mean you can end your working relationship for any reason, that only applies to legal reasons.
If your boss seeks to fire you because you would not acquiesce to a sexual advance (sexual harassment) or help with a violation of the law (whistleblower law), or simply because he doesn’t like your religion (religious discrimination), he violates the law. You have protections. You have rights. Employers like to pretend that the law is 100% on their side, but it isn’t. We will help you show them.
What Compensation Can You Recover In An Employment Lawsuit?
Workplace violations can affect far more than your paycheck. Losing a job, enduring harassment or facing retaliation may create financial strain, emotional distress and long-term career setbacks. California employment laws allow workers to pursue compensation when employers violate their rights.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, compensation may include:
- Lost wages and future lost earnings
- Unpaid overtime or missed meal and rest breaks
- Emotional distress damages
- Compensation tied to wrongful termination
- Punitive damages in cases involving serious misconduct
- Attorney fees and legal costs
Employment claims often involve strict deadlines and complicated evidence issues. Acting quickly can help preserve emails, personnel records and witness testimony that may strengthen your case. At Jay S. Rothman & Associates, our attorneys aggressively pursue compensation while holding employers accountable for unlawful conduct.
Frequently Asked Questions About California Employment Claims
California workers often have urgent questions after experiencing workplace harassment, retaliation or wrongful termination. Understanding your rights early can make a significant difference in protecting your job, income and future legal options.
How long do I have to file an employment lawsuit in California?
The deadline depends on the type of employment claim involved. Some claims require filing an administrative complaint with the California Civil Rights Department before a lawsuit can proceed. Wage and hour claims, retaliation matters and discrimination claims may all involve different timelines. Waiting too long can prevent you from recovering compensation, so it is important to speak with an employment attorney as soon as possible.
What should I do if I am experiencing workplace harassment?
Start documenting the harassment immediately. Save emails, text messages, performance reviews and any written complaints submitted to management or human resources. Keep detailed notes regarding incidents, witnesses and dates. Reporting the conduct internally may also become important later if your employer attempts to deny knowledge of the problem. An employment lawyer can help you evaluate whether the conduct violates California or federal law.
Can I be fired for complaining about illegal activity or unpaid wages?
California law prohibits employers from retaliating against workers who report illegal conduct, wage violations or workplace discrimination. Employers also cannot legally punish employees for participating in investigations or asserting protected workplace rights. If you were demoted, disciplined or terminated after making a complaint, you may have grounds for a retaliation or wrongful termination claim.
Get Your Free Consultation From Jay S. Rothman & Associates Today
We’re aggressive. We’re ready to fight any employer that threatens you or tramples on your right to dignity and employment. Always remember that when you feel that something just doesn’t feel right with your employer, it probably isn’t. That’s when you need to call us at 855-239-0102 or send an email using this online form.