When Should You Hire an Employment Lawyer in California? 2024

An employment lawyer can help you out of many kinds of uncomfortable situations you may experience with your employer. It is important to recognize your rights under California labor laws and to recognize when you are being taken advantage of by your employers or any prospective employers. There are multiple kinds of employment disputes that a good lawyer can help you deal with. You should know when to hire an employment lawyer in California.

When to Hire an Employment Lawyer in California

Employment lawyers focus on disputes involving labor and employment regulations. Their primary role is to ensure that your rights are not infringed by losing your job. Unfortunately, this can and does happen. California’s labor laws are designed to protect employee rights. A lawyer can help you understand those laws to determine whether you have a valid case.

Some of the reasons to hire an employment lawyer in California include:

• Wrongful termination. California is an at-will state, meaning employers and employees may be separated at any time for almost any reason. However, there are some exceptions that would turn the situation into that of a wrongful termination. Examples would include being fired as a result of retaliation or discrimination.
• Wage and hour issues. California has strict laws protecting the earnings of employees. It is important that you are constantly aware of how much you are supposed to be paid, when you are supposed to be paid, and why you may not be paid.
• Workplace harassment. Being harassed in the workplace can feel overwhelming, isolating, and frustrating. Any type of behavior that makes you feel targeted because of a protected classification, or if you feel your employer is putting demands on you beyond the duties of your job, you may bring a possible claim against them.
• Workplace discrimination. Under California state law, it is illegal to discriminate against anyone in the workplace because of their pregnancy, age, skin color, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, national origin, or disability, among other protected classes. An ability to perform the roles and responsibilities of employment is independent of these classifications.
• Negotiating. Sometimes, you may feel you require some extra help negotiating your employment contract. It can be important to have an employment lawyer by your side as you are starting a new job and working on a new contract. Your lawyer can make sure you aren’t taken advantage of and that your contract is everything you want it to be.

These are just a few of the ways in which an employment lawyer can help you. Conversations with your employer or potential employer are difficult and may instill fears of retaliation, wrongful termination, and much more. While reporting these concerns to your employer is important, it may not yield results. That is where the help of an employment lawyer can ease the anxiety of such conversations and hold your employer legally accountable.

FAQs

To Whom Does California Employment Law Apply?

California employment law applies to anybody who works in California, regardless of whether they are working remotely, living in California, or working for a company out of state. These laws apply to full-time and part-time employees alike and protect most qualifying employees from being taken advantage of by their employers. It guarantees all qualifying workers certain protections and rights that cannot be infringed upon without legal recourse.

What Are the Obligations of Employers in California?

Some of the obligations of employers in California are to ensure workplace safety, fair treatment of every employee under their care, and a guarantee that they will be paid on time and in full. These rights are protected under California’s comprehensive labor laws, and if they are challenged by employers, the employee may be able to speak with an employment lawyer and bring a lawsuit against them for labor law violations.

Can I File a Wrongful Termination Claim After Being Fired in California?

Yes, you can file a wrongful termination claim after being fired in California. However, a lawyer may only decide to take your case if you have adequate cause that shows your termination was wrongful. California is an at-will employment state, which means you can be fired without reason. If your termination violates your contract or was due to discrimination, you may have a case. Speak with an employment lawyer to see if you have a solid case.

Contact California Employment Lawyer

There are many different reasons why you might need an employment lawyer. Your right to work in California is essential to supporting you and your family in meeting their daily needs. When employers take advantage of those rights to save money, increase profit margins, or otherwise exploit their workers, they are in violation of the law. While they may mask these behaviors in seemingly legal decisions, a lawyer can help ensure you are protected.

The legal team at Shirazi Law Firm, PC, knows what kind of help you need, and we are prepared to offer you legal assistance for your case. We can help build your case, gather the necessary evidence, and make sure your rights as a worker are not infringed upon. Contact us to schedule a consultation as soon as you can.