Discrimination

Los Angeles Discrimination Lawyer

Discrimination may seem like a thing of the past, but according to the U.S.Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, it is alive and well in many workplace environments. All workers have the right to a safe environment free from discrimination, including racial discrimination, religious discrimination, age discrimination, disability discrimination, and ethnic discrimination.

Workplace discrimination is not a thing of the past. Year after year, thousands of California workers file discrimination charges with the EEOC and the California Civil Rights Department — and those filings represent only a fraction of what actually happens in workplaces, because most discrimination goes unreported. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits workplace discrimination based on race, color, sex, national origin, and religion, and California's FEHA goes much further, protecting more workers, more characteristics, and more conduct.

Types of Illegal Employment Discrimination

All employment discrimination is prohibited by state and federal law. The California Fair Employment and Housing Act makes discrimination, harassment, and retaliation illegal in the workplace. Some forms of discrimination to look out for include:

Racial or Ethnic Discrimination

Skin color, complexion, national origin, or an association with someone with different skin color or national origin are protected characteristics. Racial and ethnic discrimination in the workplace includes denying positions or promotions because of these characteristics. Unfavorable treatment can also count as discrimination in the workplace. The Law Offices of Jonathan J. Delshad can help you hold employers accountable for workplace discrimination.

Sexual Harassment and Sexual Orientation Discrimination

Sexual harassment and discrimination based on gender identity go against the laws that protect fair employment. Los Angeles discrimination lawyers have been assisting employees and former employees in reinforcing these laws in court and ending the reign of toxic work environments in the state of California. Our law firm provides a free consultation so that those who have experienced this form of harassment and all retaliation related to it can fight for their career and their dignity.

Religious Discrimination

Discrimination based on religious creed can include creating a hostile work environment for those who practice a different faith, denying promotions solely because of someone’s religious creed, or refusing to hire someone because of their faith. Job interviews should not include discriminatory questions based on faith or a difference in faith.

Representing the Workers of Southern California and Los Angeles

The Law Offices of Jonathan J. Delshad acts as a law firm for workers in all industries across Southern California and beyond. We know your job is your greatest financial asset, and you need it to survive. When your best efforts fail you and you experience discrimination, turn to us to get the top counsel you need to restore your career and income. Everyone has a right to a workplace free of discrimination, racism, sexism, or ageism.

Suppose you were discriminated against at work, violating FEHA or any other federal or state law prohibiting discrimination. In that case, you should contact the best Los Angeles discrimination lawyer to help you hold your employer accountable.

Frequently Asked Questions about Discrimination and What You Can Do

Is Preferential Treatment Illegal?

Suppose a supervisor or a manager treats someone better than the rest of their team because of their identity, color, religion, or age. In that case, this kind of preferential treatment is illegal. Preferential treatment that stems from discriminatory practices against other employees must be stopped.

Can I Sue for Damages as a 50-Year-Old IT Job Applicant?

The tech industry often favors younger applicants because they tend to have more certifications, more up-to-date knowledge about devices and software, and more ideas about how to fix or troubleshoot existing programs. But if you have the same or more certifications, more years of experience, and a proven, up-to-date record of system knowledge, you might have been discriminated against based on your age.

Who Must Follow Discrimination Laws in California?

More employers than most people realize. California's Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) — the strongest protection available to California workers — applies to employers with just five or more employees, and its prohibition on harassment applies to employers of any size, even a single employee. The federal laws are narrower: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act apply to employers with 15 or more employees, and the federal age discrimination law applies at 20 or more. The practical takeaway: even if you work for a small company, California law almost certainly protects you. Don't assume you have no rights because your employer is small.

Are There Time Limits for Filing a Discrimination Report?

Yes, and they are strict — but longer than many people fear. For claims under California's FEHA, you generally have three years from the last unlawful act to file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD), and after receiving a right-to-sue notice, one year to file your lawsuit. For federal claims, the EEOC deadline in California is generally 300 days. Some claims have shorter deadlines, and special rules apply to government employers, so do not calculate your own deadline — the safest move is to speak with an employment lawyer as soon as possible, even if you are not yet sure you want to pursue a case. Waiting can cost you claims that are strong today.

When Can I Sue My Employer for Discrimination or Workplace Harassment?

Before filing a discrimination or harassment lawsuit in California, you must first file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) — or, for federal claims, the EEOC — and obtain a right-to-sue notice. For most California employees, the CRD route is the stronger path: it covers smaller employers, more protected categories, and allows greater remedies. An experienced employment lawyer can obtain the right-to-sue notice for you, often the same day, and handle the entire process. This is one of the many reasons to involve a lawyer early rather than navigating the agency process alone.

How Can I Pay for My Lawsuit if I Don't Have a Job?

Employment discrimination can seem like an impossible thing to resolve if you’ve been wrongfully terminated and can’t afford top counsel as an organization can. Fortunately, state laws have made it so that if you have a successful case, your employer must pay your legal fees in court. Our law office will happily work with you to ensure you get the best lawyer to help you settle your case.