California Employment Law
Your Employer Broke the Law. We'll Hold Them Accountable.
California provides employees with some of the most robust workplace protections in the country. The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), the California Labor Code, and the federal Title VII prohibit workplace discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wage theft, and provide remedies including back pay, reinstatement, emotional distress damages, and attorney's fees.
California is an at-will employment state, but that does not mean employers can fire you for illegal reasons. Wrongful termination, discrimination, and retaliation claims remain fully actionable under California law regardless of at-will status.
Hovssepian Law represents employees throughout California who have been mistreated by their employers. We never represent companies or employers, our sole focus is protecting workers' rights.
Employment Law Quick Facts
- 📋 Key law: FEHA, CA Labor Code, Title VII
- ⏱️ DFEH deadline: 3 years from violation
- ⚖️ Federal EEOC: 300 days from violation
- 💵 Damages: Back pay, emotional distress, fees
- 🚫 Retaliation: Illegal under Labor Code § 1102.5
- 💼 We represent employees only
What We Handle
Employment Law Cases We Take
Hovssepian Law handles a full range of employment law claims on behalf of California employees.
Wrongful Termination
California employers cannot fire you for discriminatory reasons, in retaliation for protected activity, or in violation of public policy. We pursue full reinstatement, back pay, and damages under Labor Code § 1102.5.
Workplace Discrimination
Under FEHA (Gov. Code § 12940), employers cannot discriminate based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics. We hold violators accountable.
Sexual Harassment
California prohibits both quid pro quo harassment and hostile work environment harassment under FEHA. Claims can be brought against individual harassers as well as employers who failed to prevent or correct harassment.
Retaliation
It is illegal for employers to retaliate against employees for reporting illegal conduct, filing a workers' comp claim, taking protected leave, or participating in a workplace investigation under Labor Code § 1102.5.
Wage & Hour Violations
California has strict wage laws. We handle unpaid overtime, missed meal and rest breaks, minimum wage violations, unlawful deductions, and failure to pay final wages under the California Labor Code and IWC Wage Orders.
Disability Discrimination & Failure to Accommodate
California employers must provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities under FEHA. Failure to accommodate, engage in the interactive process, or wrongful termination of a disabled employee are actionable claims.
Leave Violations (CFRA / FMLA)
The California Family Rights Act (CFRA) and federal FMLA protect employees who take medical or family leave. Interference with leave rights or retaliation for taking protected leave are serious violations we aggressively pursue.
Whistleblower Claims
California's Whistleblower Protection Act (Labor Code § 1102.5) protects employees who report suspected violations of law to government agencies or internally to management. Retaliation against whistleblowers is strictly prohibited.
What You Can Recover
Damages Available in California Employment Cases
California employment law allows prevailing employees to recover significant compensation.
Economic Damages
- →Back pay and lost wages
- →Future lost earnings
- →Lost benefits and bonuses
- →Unpaid overtime and wages
- →Missed meal and rest break penalties
- →Attorney's fees and court costs
Non-Economic Damages
- →Emotional distress and mental anguish
- →Humiliation and embarrassment
- →Anxiety, depression, and PTSD
- →Loss of enjoyment of life
- →Punitive damages (egregious conduct)
- →Reinstatement to former position
Common Questions
Employment Law FAQs
Your Employer Broke the Law. Let's Talk.
Free evaluation. We represent employees only, your interests are our only priority.