Long Beach Workplace Discrimination Lawyer

Expert Long Beach Workplace Discrimination Attorney

We spend a substantial portion of our time at our jobs and should be provided with a respectful work environment. Unfortunately, many of us may encounter workplace bias at some point in our careers. If you have faced workplace discrimination, a skilled Long Beach workplace discrimination lawyer from The Law Office of Briana Kim can help you.

The Law Office of Briana Kim, P.C., attentively represents clients in Long Beach who have received unfair work treatment. With years of experience in employment law, we leverage our knowledge to secure adequate compensation.

Work Discrimination in California Explained

Workplace discrimination happens when an employee is treated unfairly or denied career opportunities because of personal characteristics like age, gender, race, religion, disability, pregnancy, or national origin.

It also includes retaliation against employees who speak up about misconduct or those who assert their workplace rights. Discrimination can take many forms, from demotion and reduced hours to harassment, termination, or a hostile work environment.

Under California law, employees are afforded various protections, including the right to a work environment free from discrimination. Though not all negative actions carried out by someone at work constitute discrimination, you can determine whether discrimination at work has occurred by asking who is involved, what actions were taken, and why they were taken.

Legal Framework for Workplace Discrimination Cases

Understanding the legal protections available to employees is key to addressing workplace discrimination. California state and federal laws provide ways to get help, but knowing where to start and what laws, processes, and remedies are available to protect you can make all the difference. Some of these laws include:

• The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) safeguards employees against discrimination in hiring, promotion, pay, termination, and workplace conditions.
• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) offer additional protections and remedies.
• Complaints can be submitted to the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) within three years of the discriminatory act or to the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) within 300 days.
• Employees could be eligible for reinstatement, back pay, emotional distress damages, punitive damages, and changes to workplace policies to prevent future violations.

By understanding these paths to relief, employees can make informed decisions to protect their rights and seek justice. Working with an experienced attorney, like the team at Briana Kim, PC, helps ensure complaints are properly filed, deadlines are met, and all available remedies are pursued.

Who Can Perpetuate Discrimination

A supervisor or manager may subject an employee to discrimination. You may also face workplace discrimination at the hands of a colleague who is in your same department or by another employee with whom you may not work directly.

Workplace discrimination can also be perpetrated by a client. However, it is the employer’s responsibility to respond appropriately to any discriminatory act against their staff.

Recognizing Workplace Discrimination

Workplace discrimination can be subtle, and it’s not always obvious when it’s happening. Recognizing the signs early on can give you the chance to take action before the situation escalates. Some common types of workplace discrimination include:

• Pregnancy discrimination. The denial of accommodations, promotion, or continued employment because of pregnancy or childbirth
• Disability discrimination. The failure to provide reasonable accommodations because of physical or mental disabilities
• Age discrimination. Bias against employees over 40
• Race, gender, and religion, which includes harassment, unequal pay, or hostile work environments because of race, gender, or religious beliefs
• Retaliation. The punishment of employees for reporting discrimination or participating in investigations
• Harassment. Persistent unwelcome conduct that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment

A hostile work environment can be created by clients, coworkers, supervisors, managers, or employers.

At Briana Kim, PC, our Long Beach workplace discrimination attorney helps employees recognize when they’re being discriminated against and explains their legal options so they can pursue the remedies they deserve under both California and federal workplace discrimination laws.

Types of Discrimination

Workplace discrimination can include receiving lower pay for the same work, being assigned menial tasks, or being passed over for opportunities or promotions you may otherwise be qualified for or entitled to.

Enduring workplace harassment because of your protected characteristics, and facing retaliation for reporting your employer for bias, can also constitute workplace discrimination.

Reasons for Discrimination

It is illegal for an employer to discriminate against you because of certain protected characteristics, including:

• Race or color
• Religious beliefs
• National origin
• Age
• Sex
• Marital status
• Pregnancy
• Sexual orientation
• Gender Identity
• Disability
• Military status

If your employer has allowed you to be subjected to bias at work from a supervisor, a colleague, or a client due to one of the above reasons, you have protections under the law.

Options Available When Facing Discrimination at Work

Unfair treatment at work can become demoralizing and often leads to economic loss and emotional distress. If this happens to you, you should be aware of your options.

Talking With Your Employer

Your first available option is to discuss your concerns with your company’s human resources department. They may help you assess your current situation and determine available solutions. Any discussions with HR may be part of your employment record and can be helpful if you file a complaint with the Civil Rights Department (CRD) or Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) later on.

Filing a Complaint

Sometimes speaking with your employer may not be sufficient to prevent workplace discrimination. In this case, you may resort to filing a complaint with the EEOC or the CRD. Once the department receives your complaint, it should proceed with an investigation.

Your employer has an opportunity to respond to the complaint, and the necessary authorities may decide to award you any financial compensation due to the bias you experienced. They may also require your employer to pay additional damages and civil penalties.

What Evidence Can Help Prove Workplace Discrimination?

Workplace discrimination is not always proven through a direct statement. In many cases, employees must rely on emails, messages, performance reviews, scheduling records, or other documents that show how the employer made their decision. Notes created soon after each incident can also preserve details that may otherwise be forgotten.

Evidence may also come from how other workers were treated. For example, a claim may be stronger if employees outside the same protected class received lighter discipline, better assignments, or more chances to correct similar conduct. Available witnesses who heard biased remarks or saw unfair treatment may also support the employee’s account.

Timing inconsistencies can be important as well. A sudden firing after a complaint, a shifting explanation for a demotion, or a reason that conflicts with the employee’s record may raise questions about the employer’s true motives. Under California law, discrimination must be a substantial reason for the adverse action, but it does not have to be the only reason.

Filing a Legal Claim Against Your Employer

In certain cases, it may be more appropriate to file a claim against your employer directly. To do this, you should request a right-to-sue letter from the Civil Rights Department or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

If you receive approval to move the case forward, your attorney will file with the Los Angeles County Superior Court. There, the matter will be heard before a jury or an arbitrator to resolve.

Process of Filing a Workplace Discrimination Case

Filing a workplace discrimination case can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to expect can make the process much easier. By understanding each step, employees can protect their rights and make sure important deadlines aren’t missed. Those steps include:

1. Document and keep detailed records of discriminatory acts, messages, and the names of witnesses. Write down what happened as soon as possible, including the date, location, and people involved. Save relevant records. You should also record the names of anyone who witnessed the conduct or heard the statements. If they are available and willing to speak out, their statements can prove valuable.
2. Report internally to HR or management while maintaining evidence of your complaint. Follow your employer’s complaint policy when possible and consider making the report in writing so there’s a record of it. Keep a copy of the complaint and any response you receive. Continue documenting what happens afterward, especially if you experience discipline, reduced hours, or other forms of retaliation.
3. Submit your complaint to the CRD or EEOC within the specified deadlines. In most California employment cases, you have a strict three-year deadline to file a claim. The EEOC has an even tighter deadline. An attorney can help you determine which agency to file with and make sure you meet the filing deadline.
4. The agency then investigates your workplace discrimination case, gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses. If the CRD or EEOC accepts the complaint for investigation, the employer may be asked to provide a written response and supporting records. The investigator may also interview available witnesses, request additional documentation, and ask you to respond to the employer’s explanation.
5. Many cases are resolved through private mediation or settlement before trial. These discussions may address compensation, employment records, and changes to workplace practices. Mediation is typically voluntary, and a neutral mediator does not decide which party is right. They simply facilitate a discussion to help the parties reach an agreement to resolve the matter.
6. If resolution isn’t possible, our team can represent you in court. Before bringing certain discrimination claims, you may need to obtain a right-to-sue letter from the CRD or EEOC. In 2025, the CRD received 16,924 of these requests. The Law Office of Briana Kim, P.C., can prepare the case, gather additional evidence, and challenge the employer’s defense to help you recover compensation and reach a resolution.

Continue preserving evidence while the investigation continues. Employees who speak truthfully about their employer in these investigations cannot be retaliated against.

At Briana Kim, PC, our experienced team guides Long Beach employees through every step of the process while providing personalized support and focused advocacy.

Hire a Workplace Discrimination Lawyer: How We Can Help

Working with a Long Beach workplace discrimination lawyer may provide added relief throughout your workplace discrimination case. These are some of the ways they can help:

• Reviewing Case-Specific Information. They can assess the facts of your case and the pieces of evidence available, and they can inform you of an adequate legal course of action.
• Assisting With Procedural Matters. An attorney can shed light on the steps you must take to properly file your complaint with the relevant authorities to avoid any delays and increase the chances of success.
• Providing Strong Representation. If your claim goes in front of a jury, a skilled employment law attorney can offer vigorous legal representation to ensure you receive the optimal resolution to your case.

The Law Office of Briana Kim, P.C., can help you understand whether the conduct you experienced may support a discrimination claim. Our team can preserve evidence, meet filing deadlines, negotiate with your employer on your behalf, and pursue compensation through pre-filing negotiations or litigation. We provide focused, attentive representation while helping you make informed decisions.

FAQs

How Much Can You Get for Workplace Discrimination?

How much you can get for workplace discrimination depends on your individual situation. If you file a claim against an employer, there is no specific amount you may be entitled to.

Pursuing a claim with the Civil Rights Department or the EEOC can lead to compensation for out-of-pocket expenses incurred throughout the process and damages for emotional distress. Compensation following a win in civil court can include any lost wages, damages for emotional distress, and even punitive damages.

How Much Does an Employment Lawyer Cost in California?

The cost of an employment lawyer in California depends on several factors. An attorney’s fee may be influenced by their years of practice and the complexity of your case.

Some attorneys may charge an upfront fee, while others may charge an hourly rate. In certain cases, a fee is assessed based on the compensation awarded. It is recommended that you consult with an attorney to learn more about their fees.

Is It Worth Filing a Claim for Workplace Discrimination?

Filing a claim for workplace discrimination can be worth it, depending on the individual case. If you have suffered from bias in your job, and it has affected your work and mental and emotional health, it is recommended that you file a claim if there is sufficient evidence. By filing a claim against an employer, you may also contribute to creating a healthier work environment for future employees.

Should I Tell My Employer I Filed an EEOC Complaint?

You do not have to tell your employer if you filed an EEOC complaint or a complaint with California’s Civil Rights Department. The agency should provide your employer with a notice of the complaint and an opportunity to respond.

You are protected from facing retaliation after filing a workplace discrimination complaint. You can contact the relevant agency if your employer has retaliated against you for filing a claim.

Get Legal Consultation for Workplace Discrimination Cases

It may feel daunting to go against your employer. You are not alone. Hire a workplace discrimination lawyer to help you file a complaint against your employer and ensure you are well-compensated for what you have undergone.

When you work with Briana Kim, PC, you can rest assured that your case will receive the compassionate attention it deserves. We are a boutique law firm based in Long Beach with extensive experience in employment law. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about how we can help. We speak Korean.

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Long Beach, CA 90802

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La Palma, CA 90623