818.253.1599
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 Practice Focus
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 retaliation — 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:
Wrongful Termination
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.
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.
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.
Every employment law case is unique...
whether an attorney is needed depends on the circumstances. If you are experiencing any of the issues described above, you may benefit from speaking with an employment attorney to understand your rights and possible options.
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.
Wrongful Termination
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.
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.
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.
Contact us to submit basic information about your situation for a free, confidential case evaluation. There is no charge and no obligation. 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 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
As of July 1, 2026, the minimum wage in the City of Los Angeles is $18.42 per hour. This is higher than California’s statewide minimum wage of $16.90 per hour, effective January 1, 2026. Certain occupations in California are subject to higher minimum wages, including covered fast food restaurant employees and certain healthcare workers.
The Los Angeles minimum wage applies to covered employees who perform at least two hours of work within the geographic boundaries of the City of Los Angeles. Employees covered by the Los Angeles Minimum Wage Ordinance are generally entitled to at least the applicable city minimum wage for all hours worked. Certain employees may be entitled to a higher minimum wage under other state or local requirements.
Minimum wage requirements are subject to change. This FAQ was last updated on Aug. 13, 2026. For the most current statewide minimum wage information, check the California Department of Industrial Relations website. For current Los Angeles minimum wage information, check the City of Los Angeles Office of Wage Standards.
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].
Testimonials
What Los Angeles Says About Our Employment Lawyers
Professional Affiliations & Honors
Proudly Affiliated with Professional Legal Organizations
Certifications
Our Certifications Reflect Our Dedication to Employment Law
Why Choose
Colby Law Firm
Aaron Colby is a California wrongful termination 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" give him an edge. Aaron brings his practical, focused, and relentless approach to helping employees protect their rights. A top-rated attorney for employment litigation, he is recognized as a Super Lawyer on the Southern California Super Lawyers list by Thomson Reuters (2023 - 2027).
Aaron Colby
Lead Attorney and Founder Colby Law
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Get Damages If I Win My Employment Case?
In California, you may be able to recover damages if you win an employment case, but what may be available depends on the specific facts of your situation.
In general, damages may include compensation for lost wages or benefits, emotional distress, and, in some cases, additional amounts intended to address particularly harmful conduct. The types and amount of damages can vary depending on the nature of the claim and the circumstances involved.
Some cases are resolved through a court decision, while others may be resolved through a settlement between the parties.
Because damages can vary widely based on the details of a case, speaking with an employment attorney who is experienced with California labor laws and representing employees may help you better understand what may apply to your situation.
Do I Need An Employment Lawyer To File An Employment Law Claim?
In most cases, you are not legally required to have an employment lawyer to pursue an employment law claim in California. However, many individuals choose to work with one because of the complexity involved.
Handling a claim on your own may involve interpreting employment laws, tracking deadlines, gathering and presenting evidence, and managing communications with your employer or opposing counsel. Employment claims involve complex legal standards, procedural requirements, and timelines that can be difficult to navigate without legal training.
An employment lawyer brings experience in assessing the facts of a situation, interpreting how the law may apply, managing deadlines and procedural requirements, gathering and presenting evidence, handling communications and negotiations, and identifying potential legal options.
Whether legal representation is appropriate can depend on the nature of the claim and the specific facts involved.
How Do I Know If I Have An Employment Law Claim?
Whether you have an employment law claim depends on the specific facts of your situation and whether your rights were violated under applicable law.
In general, employment claims often involve issues such as discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, unpaid wages, or retaliation. If you experienced treatment that feels unfair, inconsistent, or tied to a protected activity or characteristic, it can raise legal concerns depending on the circumstances.
Determining whether a situation qualifies as a legal claim involves evaluating the facts, the timing of events, and how the law applies to your situation. Speaking with an experienced employment lawyer can help assess your situation and identify potential legal options.
Can I File An Employment Claim After Quitting My Job?
In California, you may be able to file an employment claim after quitting your job, depending on the specific facts of your situation.
In general, claims after resignation may involve situations where the decision to leave was connected to unlawful conduct, such as harassment, discrimination, retaliation, or unsafe working conditions. In some cases, this is referred to as “constructive discharge,” which involves working conditions becoming so difficult that a reasonable person would feel they had no real choice but to resign.
Determining whether a situation qualifies involves evaluating the circumstances leading up to the resignation and how the law applies to those facts. Speaking with an experienced employment lawyer can help assess your situation and identify potential legal options.
How Do I Find An Employment Lawyer In Los Angeles?
Finding the right employment lawyer in Los Angeles starts with identifying attorneys who focus on employment law and represent employees in workplace-related claims.
You can review law firm websites, read client reviews, and use directories or referral services offered by organizations such as the State Bar of California. These resources help confirm an attorney’s background, areas of focus, and licensing status.
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 exclusively represent employees across California in matters including wrongful termination, discrimination, retaliation, and wage disputes. We offer a free case evaluation and a “no win, no fee” policy so individuals can access high-quality legal representation.