San Diego Employment Lawyers

Wage and Hour Disputes

Under California labor law, hourly workers are entitled to overtime pay if their workday exceeds 8 hours. Employers are legally required to pay overtime, and failing to do so can result in some harsh penalties. If you’ve been deprived of overtime pay, our employment attorneys can help you file a claim, secure the compensation to which you’re entitled, and hold your employer accountable.

Wrongful Termination

While it’s true that most employment contracts are “at will,” there are some reasons that simply can’t be used as the basis for an employee’s termination. You can’t be fired for reporting misconduct, nor can you be let go because you refuse to reciprocate your boss’s sexual advances. If you suspect that your termination was unlawful, our labor lawyers will help you gather the proof that will be needed to file a successful legal action against your employer.

Bonuses & Commissions

The terms of an employment contract are binding. If yours entitles you to bonuses and commissions when certain milestones are achieved, your boss is legally required to extend that compensation to you. If you’ve been deprived of bonuses and commissions that you’re rightfully due in the course of employment, it is important to take immediate steps to hold your employer to account. Filing a legal action can force their hand and get the money you’re owed in your hands.

Vacation & PTO

PTO and vacation days are wages that, if offered by an employer in California, can’t be revoked. Nor do they expire. If you leave your place of employment, the value of any accrued vacation time must be paid to you. Employers often try to sidestep paying employees for the wages they’ve earned. Our employment attorneys know these tactics all too well – and can help you put an end to an illegal withholding of compensation you deserve.

Meal & Rest Breaks

If you’re an hourly worker, California law says that you’re entitled to meal and rest breaks. If those aren’t provided, your paycheck must reflect an extra hour’s worth of work. Unfortunately, meal and rest break violations are often front-and-center in employment matters. Our labor attorneys will help you fight to secure back pay you’re owed if your employer didn’t give you time to rest while you were on the clock.

Discrimination

Workplace discrimination is explicitly prohibited under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). It’s prohibited under Federal law, too. This means that you can’t be mistreated or deprived of opportunity because of a protected characteristic (e.g., sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, disability, marital status, age, or military status). If you believe that you’ve been the victim of discrimination at work, our employment attorneys will dig deep to gather proof and initiate legal action against your employer.

Sexual Harassment

Under California state law, all workers are entitled to be treated with dignity and respect. Sexual harassment  – either quid pro quo or repeated advances that create a hostile work environment – makes that impossible. Victims of sexual harassment in San Diego can pursue compensation for fallout – including damages for lost wages, medical expenses, and emotional distress and suffering.

Class Actions

When multiple employees are mistreated by an employer, a class action lawsuit can be a successful tool. Our law group represents employees in PAGA wage and hour class actions, as well as cases involving other egregious violations of California labor and employment law. If your employer has violated the law and you’ve suffered as a result, we might be able to help you fight for a just result.

Leaves & Accommodations

Some workers require certain accommodations to help them do their jobs. Others need time off to tend to a medical issue at home. Both California and Federal law (e.g., FEHA, FMLA, ADA) provide that employers must ensure that workers have the opportunity to take leave and have access to necessary accommodations, without repercussion or consequence. If your employer failed to provide accommodations or refused to allow you to take leave, it is important to consult our labor law attorneys. We can help you fight for what you need and protect your job at the same time.