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Advocating for Los Angeles Employees
An employment attorney is a legal professional adept in navigating this intricate field of law. They champion employees who face issues at work, offering legal counsel, representation, and advocacy. Given the dynamic labor market and diverse workforce of Los Angeles, the role of an employment attorney takes on an added level of significance.
If an employee in Los Angeles encounters workplace difficulties such as discrimination, harassment, or wage disagreements, an employment lawyer intervenes to uphold their rights and interests. Their deep knowledge of California employment laws, as well as applicable federal employment laws, ensures that the rights of the employee are preserved and justice prevails.
At Colby Law Firm, we understand the intricacies of employment law in Los Angeles. Our team of employment lawyers has decades of combined experience representing employees and companies in complex legal disputes. We comprehend the intricacies of employment disagreements and offer a free case evaluation and a “no win, no fee” policy to ensure everyone can access the highest quality legal representation.
When you are faced with an employment dilemma, you require an attorney who is well-versed in California employment laws and can guide you through the legal maze.
Reach out to Colby Law today for a free case evaluation. You can submit your information for review, and our team will determine whether your matter falls within our practice focus. If so, we’ll follow up with next steps.
Our Specialization
When Should You Hire an Employment Attorney in Los Angeles?
If you’re an employee in Los Angeles and believe you’re being treated unlawfully in the workplace—such as facing discrimination, harassment, or a breach of contract — you may benefit from legal guidance. Workers in Los Angeles are protected by a combination of local, state, and federal employment laws. An employment attorney can help you understand how those laws apply to your situation and whether legal action may be an option.
Below are some common workplace issues that may be protected under federal, California, or Los Angeles-specific employment laws:
Harassment
Harassment includes unwanted behavior directed at someone due to protected characteristics such as race, color, religion, or sexual orientation. This can take the form of offensive jokes, physical intimidation, or demeaning comments, potentially creating a hostile work environment. While federal and California laws prohibit workplace harassment, Los Angeles reinforces these protections through the Los Angeles Municipal Code and the Los Angeles County Policy of Equity.
Discrimination
Discrimination occurs when an employer makes biased employment decisions — such as hiring, firing, promotions, or task assignments — based on protected traits rather than qualifications or performance. Beyond federal protections under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) enforces stricter regulations against workplace discrimination. Los Angeles further upholds equity policies through the Los Angeles County Policy of Equity and relevant sections of the Los Angeles Municipal Code.
Wrongful Termination & Retaliation
Wrongful termination claims in Los Angeles may involve violations of federal or California employment laws. The Los Angeles Municipal Code includes provisions against retaliation for reporting unsafe work conditions, discrimination, or other violations. If you believe that you were fired for engaging in protected activities, you may have grounds to explore a claim.
Overtime & Unpaid Wages
Federal and California labor laws set strict wage and hour requirements, including overtime regulations and minimum wage standards. Los Angeles has additional local wage requirements that employers must abide by, as outlined by the Los Angeles Wage Standards Division. If you believe that your employer is withholding overtime pay or violating wage laws, an employment attorney may be able to help recover your earnings.
Breaks & Expenses
Under California law, employers must provide required meal and rest breaks. These laws ensure that employees receive appropriate break periods during their shifts. If you believe you are being denied required breaks or reimbursements for work-related expenses, an employment attorney may be able to guide you on how to file a claim
Independent Contractors
If you’re an independent contractor in Los Angeles, you may be unsure if you’re classified correctly or entitled to additional protections. California’s Assembly Bill 5 law determines whether a worker should be classified as an employee or independent contractor, impacting benefits like overtime and legal protections. Additionally, Los Angeles also enforces the Freelance Worker Protections Ordinance, requiring written contracts for freelance work over $600 and ensuring timely payment. If you think you’ve been misclassified or unfairly compensated, a Los Angeles employment attorney may be able to help you understand your rights.
Every employment law case is unique...
and whether or not you need an attorney depends on the particular context. Nevertheless, if you’re experiencing any of the above-mentioned issues, it’s a good idea to seek advice from an employment attorney to understand your rights and investigate possible legal courses of action.
What Types of Employment Cases Does Colby Law Firm Handle?
Colby Law Firm represents employees in a wide range of employment law matters in Los Angeles and across California. Our practice includes issues covered by local, state, and federal law, with the goal of helping workers address unlawful treatment in the workplace.
The examples below highlight some common workplace issues, all of which may be protected under employment laws applicable in Los Angeles.
Workplace Violence & Harassment
Harassment includes any behavior that creates a hostile work environment, such as threats, bullying, or unwelcome conduct based on race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation. Both California and federal laws prohibit workplace harassment. Los Angeles employees are also protected under the Los Angeles County Policy of Equity, which enforces anti-harassment guidelines. If you believe you have been harassed at work, you may have grounds for legal action.
Employment Discrimination
Discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee unfairly based on race, gender, religion, disability, or other protected traits. This includes wrongful termination, denied promotions, demotions, or retaliation for reporting misconduct. In addition to federal and California protections, Los Angeles employees are covered under the Los Angeles County Policy of Equity to address workplace discrimination.
Wrongful Termination & Retaliation
Employers cannot fire employees for unlawful reasons, including discrimination or retaliation for reporting violations. Retaliation can include demotions, reduced hours, or workplace intimidation. Los Angeles employees are further protected under local regulations prohibiting employer retaliation for reporting workplace safety violations and labor law breaches. If you believe that you were wrongfully terminated or retaliated against, legal options may be available to you.
Paid Sick Leave and Vacation PTO
California has stringent laws regarding paid sick leave and vacation time. In Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Minimum Wage Ordinance (MWO) sets specific requirements for paid sick leave that employers must follow. Employers must comply with these requirements, and retaliation for using earned sick leave is prohibited. If you believe you are being denied PTO or sick leave, you may have legal options.
Reasonable Accommodation
Employers must provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities under California law. This may include modified duties, schedule adjustments, or assistive equipment. If an employer refuses to provide necessary accommodations, they may be violating employment laws, and employees may have legal options to enforce their rights.
Wage Claims & Wage Theft
Los Angeles employers must follow state and local wage laws, including minimum wage and overtime regulations. The Los Angeles Wage Standards Division enforces wage laws to protect employees from wage theft, including unpaid wages, failure to pay overtime, or withheld benefits. If you believe that your employer is violating wage laws, you may have options for legal recourse.
Rest Periods, Meal Periods, and Breaks
California has strict laws ensuring employees receive proper meal and rest breaks. In general, employers must provide a 10-minute paid rest break for every four hours worked and a 30-minute meal break for shifts longer than five hours. If you believe that your employer is failing to comply with required break laws, legal action may be warranted.
Executive Agreements
Employment contracts for executives and high-level employees must comply with California contract law. If you are facing disputes over severance, non-compete clauses, or unfair contract terms, legal representation may be able to help you resolve these issues.
Independent Contractors
California law, under AB5, sets strict criteria for classifying workers as independent contractors. Los Angeles also enforces the Freelance Worker Protections Ordinance, requiring contracts and timely payments for freelance workers. These local protections help ensure freelancers and independent contractors receive fair treatment and compensation. If you suspect misclassification, you may have legal options.
Contact us today, and we will get back to you quickly regarding your free initial case evaluation. Complete our contact form below, reach out by phone at (818) 452-1697, or email us at [email protected].
Why Choose Colby Law Firm For Defending Employment Issues In Los Angeles?
If you’re experiencing a serious issue with your employer in Los Angeles and believe your rights may have been violated, you can submit your information for a free case evaluation. Our team will review your submission to determine whether your matter aligns with our practice focus. There is no cost or obligation.
The attorneys at Colby Law Firm have extensive experience handling employment-related matters throughout California. Founding attorney Aaron Colby brings a unique perspective to the practice, having represented both companies and individuals. This background allows them to anticipate employer strategies and build informed, strategic responses on behalf of their clients.
Colby Law Firm has experience resolving employment disputes through a variety of channels, including direct negotiation, mediation, and arbitration. We take a personalized approach to each case, knowing that every situation is different and requires thoughtful, individualized attention. If you’re navigating a complex workplace issue, our team is here to help you understand your options and determine whether legal representation may be right for your situation.
Specific Employment Laws
in Los Angeles
The following employment laws are specific to Los Angeles County. Note that workers in Los Angeles are also protected by state and federal employment laws.
Minimum Wage
The minimum wage in Los Angeles is higher than the minimum wage in California. As of January 1, 2023, the minimum wage in Los Angeles is $15.96 per hour for employers with 26 or more employees and $14.95 per hour for employers with 25 or fewer employees. The minimum wage in California is $15 per hour for all employers.
Health & Safety Retaliation
Los Angeles employers are prohibited from retaliating or discriminating against employees for reporting health violations. Examples of retaliation and discrimination include termination, threatening to terminate, cutting hours, or otherwise disciplining the employee.
Health & Safety Retaliation
Los Angeles employers are prohibited from retaliating or discriminating against employees for reporting health violations. Examples of retaliation and discrimination include termination, threatening to terminate, cutting hours, or otherwise disciplining you.
Submit Your Information for a Free Case Evaluation
If you believe you’ve experienced a workplace violation, you can submit your information for a free case evaluation with Colby Law Firm. Our team will review your submission to determine whether your matter falls within our practice focus. There is no charge or obligation.
To begin the case evaluation process, you may complete our contact form, you can call us at (818) 452-1697, or email us at [email protected].
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Why Choose
Colby Law Firm
Aaron Colby is a California employment lawyer who knows how to resolve disputes. After 15 years representing companies, he started Colby Law Firm to represent employees. Aaron’s perspective and experience from being “on the other side” gives him an edge. Aaron brings his practical, focused, and relentless approach to helping employees protect their rights.
Aaron Colby
Lead Attorney and Founder Colby Law