Lakewood Employment Lawyer

Top-Rated Lakewood Employment Attorney

Lakewood employees should not have to tolerate unpaid wages, illegal retaliation, workplace harassment, discrimination, or other unlawful practices in the workplace. When an employer violates California employment law, the affected worker has the right to file a complaint or negotiate a settlement before filing a claim with the court. Lakewood employment lawyer Briana Kim, can investigate the situation, gather supporting evidence, and determine what legal options you have.

When an employer violates California employment law, the affected worker has the right to file a complaint or negotiate a settlement before filing a claim with the court. Employment disputes can be difficult to handle without an attorney’s guidance, especially when your employer has their own legal team backing it up.

Why Hire an Employment Lawyer?

Your Lakewood employment attorney can review the facts, identify possible violations, and explain which deadlines or filing requirements may apply. A lawyer can also gather records, interview available witnesses, and calculate the value of unpaid wages or other losses. An attorney knows what evidence these cases require and how to obtain it.

With the California Civil Rights Department investigating 4,077 employment investigations in 2024 alone, an attorney can help you contend with a system looking into numerous claims. Legal representation can also reduce the pressure of dealing directly with your employer.

They can handle pre-filing negotiations, filings with the CRD, and court proceedings while protecting you from unfair settlement terms or other abuses. Hiring an employment lawyer doesn’t guarantee a successful result, but it does position you with a clear strategy going forward.

Common Types of Employment Law Cases

California employment disputes can involve an employee’s pay, treatment at work, protected leave, termination, and other aspects of their work life. The Law Office of Briana Kim, P.C., represents workers in various types of claims, including:

• Wrongful termination
• Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) violations
• Employee misclassification to avoid overtime pay
• Leave of absence violations
• Retaliation
• Sexual harassment or sexually inappropriate actions
• Wage and hour violations
• Whistleblower claims for fraud or other illegal practices
• Disability discrimination
• Severance agreements
• California Family Rights Act (CFRA) violations

Your attorney can review the circumstances of your dispute, identify possible violations, and determine the right path forward. They can help you file a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the CRD, negotiate with your employer, or represent you in the Los Angeles County Superior Court.

California Employment Laws

Throughout the country, the EEOC received 88,531 reports of discrimination in 2024, along with tens of thousands of other claims. While federal law applies to California as well, the state has its own employment laws to protect workers from abuse and unethical behavior in the workplace.

There is a great deal of overlap between state and federal laws, but California often takes these protections a step further. Laws that protect employees in California include:

• Fair Employment and Housing Act. FEHA prohibits workplace discrimination, harassment, and retaliation because of protected characteristics such as race, disability, sex, age, and religion. Most discrimination protections apply to employers with five or more workers.
• Wage and hour laws. Employers must follow the state’s rules on minimum wage, overtime, employee classification, and meal and rest breaks. Most nonexempt employees earn overtime after eight hours in one workday and must receive timely and uninterrupted breaks.
• California Family Rights Act. Eligible employees may receive up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave for their own serious health condition, family care, or bonding with a new child.

A Lakewood employment lawyer can review your case and help you understand how state and federal law may apply to your case. Depending on the circumstances, they can also assist you with filing a claim with the appropriate agency or negotiating a settlement on your behalf before filing.

FAQs

What Should I Do If I Face Discrimination in the Workplace?

If you’re facing discrimination in the workplace, it’s important to document each incident, including dates, statements, witnesses, emails, and changes to your duties. Review your employer’s complaint policy and report the conduct in writing to human resources or a designated manager if possible.

If necessary, you can file a complaint with the CRD or EEOC, but they have strict filing deadlines. An attorney can review the evidence, protect you against retaliation, and explain your options.

Can I File a Claim Against My Employer for Emotional Distress in California?

Yes, you can file a claim against your employer for emotional distress, but only if that psychological harm stems from illegal conduct. Even then, the conduct typically must be extreme or outrageous, not merely ordinary workplace discipline or termination.

Evidence to prove your emotional damages can include medical records, therapy notes, witness testimony, and your own account. It’s wise to consult an attorney to understand if your case could qualify for compensation.

How Expensive Is It to File a Claim Against Your Employer?

How expensive it is to file a claim against your employer depends on how you pursue the case. Filing a complaint with the CRD or the EEOC is free, so there’s no expense on your end going that route.

Taking the matter before a jury could come with filing fees, service costs, and other related expenses. You may also have to consider the cost of your attorney and what fee structure they follow.

Should I Hire an Employment Lawyer?

You should hire an employment attorney because these cases typically include complex laws and specific filing procedures. If you choose to represent yourself, know that opposing legal teams, government agencies, and the courts aren’t going to give you a free pass if you make a mistake.

Hiring an attorney gives you access to experienced legal guidance and support. They can handle all aspects of your case on your behalf.

Call The Law Office of Briana Kim, P.C., for Your Employment Case

When you go to work, you expect to do your job, engage with your coworkers, and go home. When you’re exposed to illegal actions in the workplace, it threatens the status quo.

The Law Office of Briana Kim, P.C., is a boutique employment law firm representing workers in Lakewood and throughout Southern California. Whether you’ve experienced discrimination, sexual harassment, CFRA violations, or any other illegal conduct in the workplace, you need experienced legal assistance to help you pursue compensation and resolution.

Contact our office today to discuss your case and learn more about our legal services. We work with California employees to hold their employers accountable for misconduct and illegal behavior.

Lakewood Employment Lawyer Reviews

Locations

249 East Ocean Blvd, Ste 814
Long Beach, CA 90802

6 Centerpointe Dr, Ste 700,
La Palma, CA 90623