◈ Homepage — http://www.slawla.com/Email: [email protected] English HOME PRACTICE AREAS CONTACT US ARTICLES Search 1 2 3 DISCOVER MORE High-quality advocacy for employee rights. No matter the size of the company you work for, our knowledgeable, dedicated, and experienced attorneys aggressively challenge companies that violate California labor laws. LEARN MORE Get A Free Consultation We are here for your queries Experience We Have 15+ Years of Combined Experience Free Consultation First Consultation Is Free We get results We Have Highly-Rated Reputation We care about you We Care About Your Family 99% Success Rate About Us The experienced and dedicated firm you can trust The bottom line is, we know what it takes to help ensure that employee’s interests and rights are protected. If legal fees are keeping you from getting the assistance you need, we offer a free legal consultation. At no cost, we’ll share our initial thoughts on your case and give you insight into our strategy. To learn more about our legal representation for employees or to schedule a consultation, don’t hesitate to contact us online or call us at 818-473-5003 today. If you’re in search of a legal remedy for your employment issues, you deserve an experienced advocate who is willing to listen to you, fight for you, and do everything in their power to get the best result possible. READ MORE Located In Los Angeles, California Located in Los Angeles, California, we offer services to people in our community in the area of employment law. Our ability to continuously deliver favorable results has contributed to the development of a reputation that portrays our firm in a positive way. Our Services What We Provide There are substantial benefits to hiring a firm that mainly practices labor and employment law exclusively representing employees throughout California. Our attorneys have a passion for representing blue-collar workers in California who need representation and a voice in the workforce. With every case, we perform an in-depth analysis of facts. We strive to provide personalized attention that is necessary to put you in a favorable position. Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation Class Action Overtime Meal and Rest Breaks Unpaid Wages Wrongful Termination Defamation Expertise In Our Practice Areas Overtime Disputes Overtime is great when offered to employees: it fattens a check that is often too small ... READ MORE Unpaid Wages When a person in Los Angeles isn't paid by an employer what he or she should have been paid... READ MORE Meal And Rest Breaks Employers may have deadlines or expectations, but whatever they are, they cannot force... READ MORE Wrongful Termination Losing a job is always a horrible experience, but when the termination was wrongful... READ MORE Discrimination, Harassment, And Retaliation No matter what another coworker, employee, or supervisor says, discrimination, harassment... READ MORE Class Action When an employer violates your rights by doing things like underpaying you, discriminating... READ MORE About us What People Say About Our Firm VIEW ALL Wonderful Sirmabekian Law Firm is wonderful. Easy to work with and an attorney you can count on to responsibly communicate in a timely manner. He solved my problem and yes, definitely I will be back! Thank you very much for your help! – G.A. Elbek Amazing Experience I had an amazing experience with Sarkis. His calm demeanor and suggestions were spot on. After previously consulting with two other lawyers it was clear he was the winner. – Edgar Get A Free Case Evaluation We are here to help you with law questions The bottom line is, we know what it takes to help ensure that our client's interests and rights are protected. QUICK LINKS Home About Us Contact Us Practice Areas Articles Blog OUR SERVICES Discrimination Lawyer Harassment Lawyer Retaliation Lawyer Class Action Lawyer Overtime Lawyer Meal And Rest Breaks Lawyer Unpaid Wages Lawyer Wrongful Termination Lawyer Defamation Lawyer RESOURCES Legal Glossary Legal Disclaimer Anti-Spam Privacy Policy Terms of Use SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER Copyright © 2026 Sirmabekian Law Firm, PC | Web Design by SmartSites ◈ Interior Pages — 20 pages crawledProfessional Employment Law Firm In California | Sirmabekian Law Firm Email: [email protected] Home Practice Areas Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Class Action Lawyer Overtime Lawyer Meal And Rest Breaks Lawyer Unpaid Wages Lawyer Wrongful Termination Lawyer Defamation Lawyer Contact Us Articles Search 818-473-5003 call us for consultation Discover More High-quality advocacy for employee rights. No matter the size of the company you work for, our knowledgeable, dedicated, and experienced attorneys aggressively challenge companies that violate California labor laws. Learn More Get A Free Consultation We are here for your queries Company This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Name * Phone * Email * Message CAPTCHA Δ Experience We Have 15+ Years of Combined Experience Free Consultation First Consultation Is Free We get results We Have Highly-Rated Reputation We care about you We Care About Your Family 99% Success Rate About Us The experienced and dedicated firm you can trust The bottom line is, we know what it takes to help ensure that employee’s interests and rights are protected. If legal fees are keeping you from getting the assistance you need, we offer a free legal consultation. At no cost, we’ll share our initial thoughts on your case and give you insight into our strategy. To learn more about our legal representation for employees or to schedule a consultation, don’t hesitate to contact us online or call us at 818-473-5003 today. If you’re in search of a legal remedy for your employment issues, you deserve an experienced advocate who is willing to listen to you, fight for you, and do everything in their power to get the best result possible. read more Located In Los Angeles, California Located in Los Angeles, California, we offer services to people in our community in the area of employment law. Our ability to continuously deliver favorable results has contributed to the development of a reputation that portrays our firm in a positive way. Our Services What We Provide There are substantial benefits to hiring a firm that mainly practices labor and employment law exclusively representing employees throughout California. Our attorneys have a passion for representing blue-collar workers in California who need representation and a voice in the workforce. With every case, we perform an in-depth analysis of facts. We strive to provide personalized attention that is necessary to put you in a favorable position. Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation If you have been treated differently in the workplace on the basis of age, gender, race, religion, national origin, or sexual orientation, you have legal recourse. This counts as discrimination against a protected status. You may even have experienced harassment on top of it or experienced other forms of harassment that can be sexual or retaliatory in nature. Employers are not allowed to take retaliatory action against an employee who has reported suspected illegal activity or non-compliance with certain policies. Class Action Are you part of a group of individuals who have suffered similar losses or injuries? This can be a workplace accident involving several employees and/or contractors, or an incident to do with a product that concerns multiple consumers. You may think that it’s not worth it or have been advised against legal action on your own because the expected compensation is low or the case is complex. However, when a group of individuals pursues a collective claim under class action because they have been similarly affected, this shifts the balance in your favor. Class actions can consist of up to hundreds and thousands of people. Overtime There are many issues regarding overtime in the United States, partly because employees above a specific job designation do not qualify for overtime. One common issue is the misclassification of employees: for instance, you are given a job title that does not correspond to your duties and responsibilities and as a result, you are not entitled to overtime pay. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FSLA), eligible employees who work over 40 hours a week are entitled to overtime pay. Another issue you may have with overtime is that your employer redistributes the number of hours you have worked into another week. If you have worked 30 hours in one week and 50 hours the next, you are entitled to 10 hours of overtime pay in the second week. Your employer cannot redistribute these 10 hours into the first week. Meal and Rest Breaks Although federal law does not mandate lunch or coffee breaks, many employees are given breaks throughout the course of their workday, especially if they are working long hours. There is a distinction between meal and rest breaks. Meal breaks last at least 30 minutes and are not compensable or counted under your working hours. Rest breaks can range anywhere between 5 to 20 minutes and are to be considered paid work time. If an employee extends his rest break without authorization from the employer and despite clear communication that it should only last for a fixed period of time, the employer has the right not to count it as part of working hours. Unpaid Wages Unpaid wages are also known as withheld wages, and there are numerous different cases including: Not paying for all services provided Misclassifying employees so that they qualify for a lower pay rate Failing to pay overtime wages Failing to adhere to minimum wage requirements Withholding of agreed-upon benefits Employees should always keep their own record of hours worked and if they notice anything amiss with their payslips, notify their employer immediately. Sometimes, it can be due to an administrative mistake instead of an unwillingness to pay. Such cases can be sorted out amicably, however, if the employer refuses to do so or deliberately withholds all or part of your pay, you have legal recourse. Wrongful Termination Wrongful termination is also known as wrongful dismissal and wrongful discharge. There can be many reasons an employee gets terminated, however, when this reason goes against the law or the legally binding contract you signed, it is considered a case of wrongful termination. Below are some reasons for firing an employee that can be deemed wrongful: In retaliation against a whistleblowing action that they have taken against the employer On the basis of a protected status such as age, gender, race, religion, or national origin Noncompliance with a work order could potentially be illegal When you were first employed, you would have signed a contract with your employer. This clearly states the valid reasons the employer can fire you. Defamation Known formally as defamation of character, defamation is an act whereby one party makes a false statement that has the effect of damaging the affected party’s reputation. A written statement is classified as libel and an oral statement as slander. However, the lines between the two have become blurred due to the rise of the Internet. The focus has shifted to the permanence of the statement: for instance, a post on social media is likely to have longer-lasting and more far-reaching effects than an oral statement. The general rule to abide by is the more permanent the statement, the more potentially harmful it is to the victimized party. Expertise In Our Practice Areas Overtime disputes Overtime is great when offered to employees: it fattens a check that is often too small ... read more Unpaid wages When a person in Los Angeles isn't paid by an employer what he or she should have been paid... read more Meal and Rest Breaks Employers may have deadlines or expectations, but whatever they are, they cannot force... read more Wrongful termination Losing a job is always a horrible experience, but when the termination was wrongful... read more Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation No matter what another coworker, employee, or supervisor says, discrimination, ha Terms of Use | Sirmabekian Law Firm Email: [email protected] Home Practice Areas Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Class Action Lawyer Overtime Lawyer Meal And Rest Breaks Lawyer Unpaid Wages Lawyer Wrongful Termination Lawyer Defamation Lawyer Contact Us Articles Search 818-473-5003 call us for consultation Terms of Use Home / Terms of Use The information provided in these pages is not legal advice, and should not be relied on as such. The content on these pages is for informational purposes only, and is meant as a starting point on your search for answers to your legal questions. The law is constantly changing and evolving. We can not guarantee that all information contained on this website is up to date at all times. Therefore, we recommend that you contact an experienced attorney in your area to guide you through your legal matter. When you speak with our attorneys and staff, everything you tell us about your case is confidential. However, we do not represent you (in court or otherwise) unless and until a retainer agreement is signed by both you and us, and a retainer is received. Nothing in this website should be taken to create an attorney-client relationship. We may offer any person a no-obligation initial consultation. This in no way obligates us to represent you or to answer any specific questions. We reserve the right to deny a consultation to anybody, for any reason. This disclaimer applies to all pages and content contained in this domain. Get A Free Case Evaluation We are here to help you with law questions contact us today The bottom line is, we know what it takes to help ensure that our client's interests and rights are protected. Quick Links Home About Us Contact Us Practice Areas Articles Blog Our Services Discrimination Lawyer Harassment Lawyer Retaliation Lawyer Class Action Lawyer Overtime Lawyer Meal And Rest Breaks Lawyer Unpaid Wages Lawyer Wrongful Termination Lawyer Defamation Lawyer Resources Legal Glossary Legal Disclaimer Anti-Spam Privacy Policy Terms of Use Subscribe To Newsletter Company This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Email Δ Copyright © 2026 Sirmabekian Law Firm , PC | Web Design by SmartSites Contact Us | Sirmabekian Law Firm Email: [email protected] Home Practice Areas Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Class Action Lawyer Overtime Lawyer Meal And Rest Breaks Lawyer Unpaid Wages Lawyer Wrongful Termination Lawyer Defamation Lawyer Contact Us Articles Search 818-473-5003 call us for consultation Contact Us Home / Contact Us Contact Us Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Feel free to call our number to speak to a representative or fill out the form below. We will get back to you as soon as possible. Name Phone Email Message CAPTCHA Δ Info 2600 W Olive Ave, Suite 549 Burbank, CA 91505 818-473-5003 [email protected] --> Get A Free Case Evaluation We are here to help you with law questions contact us today The bottom line is, we know what it takes to help ensure that our client's interests and rights are protected. Quick Links Home About Us Contact Us Practice Areas Articles Blog Our Services Discrimination Lawyer Harassment Lawyer Retaliation Lawyer Class Action Lawyer Overtime Lawyer Meal And Rest Breaks Lawyer Unpaid Wages Lawyer Wrongful Termination Lawyer Defamation Lawyer Resources Legal Glossary Legal Disclaimer Anti-Spam Privacy Policy Terms of Use Subscribe To Newsletter URL This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Email Δ Copyright © 2026 Sirmabekian Law Firm , PC | Web Design by SmartSites Defamation Lawyer | Sirmabekian Law Firm Email: [email protected] Home Practice Areas Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Class Action Lawyer Overtime Lawyer Meal And Rest Breaks Lawyer Unpaid Wages Lawyer Wrongful Termination Lawyer Defamation Lawyer Contact Us Articles Search 818-473-5003 call us for consultation Defamation Lawyer Home / Defamation Lawyer Practice Areas Discrimination Lawyer Examples of Unlawful Discrimination In The Workplace Religious Discrimination Lawyer Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer National Origin Discrimination Lawyer Age Discrimination Lawyer Gender Discrimination Lawyer Sexual Orientation Discrimination Lawyer Medical Condition Discrimination Lawyer Family Responsibilities Discrimination Lawyer Reasonable Accommodation & Interactive Process Lawyer Disability Discrimination Lawyer California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act Lawyer Harassment Lawyer Racial Harassment Lawyer Sexual Harassment Lawyer Types Of Illegal Workplace Harassment Retaliation Lawyer Retaliation & Complaints of Unpaid Wages or Labor Code Violations Lawyer Workers’ Compensation Retaliation Lawyer Overtime Lawyer Class Action Lawyer What Is A Class Action Lawsuit Lawyer Class Action Lawsuit Process Lawyer California Labor Code Section 132a Lawyer Wrongful Termination Lawyer Qui Tam Law Lawyer Violation of Implied Contract & Wrongful Termination Lawyer Whistleblower & Wrongful Termination Lawyer Wrongful Termination for Protected Political Activities Lawyer Exercising Right to Take Leave & Wrongful Termination Lawyer Aggressive Wrongful Termination for Disabilities Lawyer Compensatory Damages Lawyer Public Policy & Wrongful Termination Lawyer Meal And Rest Breaks Lawyer Unpaid Wages Lawyer California’s Laws on Independent Contractor vs. Employee Lawyer California Commissions Lawyer Paid Cash Under The Table Lawyer California’s Waiting Time Penalty Lawyer Tips & Gratuity Lawyer Vacation Pay Lawyer Sick Pay Lawyer Failure to Reimburse Reasonable Expenses Lawyer Unlawful Deductions Lawyer California’s Laws on Minimum Wages Lawyer Defamation Lawyer DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT & RETALIATION IN LOS ANGELES Lawyer Defamation refers to the publication of false statements about an individual, group, or organization. If you have been terminated by your employer based on false statements made about you by a coworker, supervisor, or manager, or you have been wrongfully accused of dishonesty, theft, or harassment, you may be able to file a lawsuit against your employer for defamation, slander or libel. When you have been damaged professionally because of character defamation, you may be entitled to recover money for damages incurred. Contact an experienced California defamation attorney from The Nourmand Law Firm so that we can evaluate your situation and aggressively fight for your rights in court. We believe in being strong advocates for all employees who have been wrongly defamed in the workplace. Examples of Defamation in the Workplace Libel and slander are some of the most harmful types of harassment that can lead to character defamation. Examples of defamation in the workplace include: Spreading malicious lies about an employee Making false statements that make the employee appear incompetent Falsely accusing an employee of stealing money California Defamation Law In the state of California, employees have the right to sue an employer for defamation if they have been terminated based on false verbal or written statements made by a supervisor, manager, or coworker. Defamation consists of both libel and slander and is defined by case law and statute. The main elements of a defamation claim are: Publication of a false statement of fact: That is false Unprivileged Has a natural tendency to injure or cause some type of “special damage” Where the defendant’s fault in publishing the statement amounted to at least negligence Recovery from Defamation A qualified and experienced defamation attorney from The Nourmand Law Firm will fight for your rights in court to preserve your character and integrity. If you have been the victim of defamation in the workplace, you may be entitled to receive compensation for the following types of damages: Compensatory damages for emotional pain and suffering Punitive damages to punish the employer Attorney’s fees Court costs Contact an experienced California defamation attorney from The Nourmand Law Firm if you have been the victim of defamation. We will aggressively fight for your rights in court to preserve your character and integrity, and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Get A Free Case Evaluation We are here to help you with law questions contact us today The bottom line is, we know what it takes to help ensure that our client's interests and rights are protected. Quick Links Home About Us Contact Us Practice Areas Articles Blog Our Services Discrimination Lawyer Harassment Lawyer Retaliation Lawyer Class Action Lawyer Overtime Lawyer Meal And Rest Breaks Lawyer Unpaid Wages Lawyer Wrongful Termination Lawyer Defamation Lawyer Resources Legal Glossary Legal Disclaimer Anti-Spam Privacy Policy Terms of Use Subscribe To Newsletter Phone This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Email Δ Copyright © 2026 Sirmabekian Law Firm , PC | Web Design by SmartSites Practice Areas | Sirmabekian Law Firm Email: [email protected] Home Practice Areas Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Class Action Lawyer Overtime Lawyer Meal And Rest Breaks Lawyer Unpaid Wages Lawyer Wrongful Termination Lawyer Defamation Lawyer Contact Us Articles Search 818-473-5003 call us for consultation Practice Areas Home / Practice Areas Expertise In Our Practice Areas Discrimination Lawyer Discrimination in the workplace is illegal under California law. This includes discrimination... read more Harassment Lawyer When a person in Los Angeles isn't paid by an employer what he or she... read more Retaliation Lawyer Retaliation is taking action that might deter someone from participating in activity... read more Overtime Lawyer Overtime is great when offered to employees: it fattens a check that is often too... read more Class Action Lawyer When an employer violates your rights by doing things like underpaying you, discriminating... read more Wrongful Termination Lawyer Losing a job is always a horrible experience, but when the termination was wrongful... read more Meal And Rest Breaks Lawyer Employers may have deadlines or expectations, but whatever they are, they cannot force you... read more Unpaid Wages Lawyer When a person in Los Angeles isn't paid by an employer what he or she... read more Defamation Lawyer Defamation is the general term for a legal claim involving injury to one's reputation caused... read more DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT & RETALIATION IN LOS ANGELES Lawyer read more Get A Free Case Evaluation We are here to help you with law questions contact us today The bottom line is, we know what it takes to help ensure that our client's interests and rights are protected. Quick Links Home About Us Contact Us Practice Areas Articles Blog Our Services Discrimination Lawyer Harassment Lawyer Retaliation Lawyer Class Action Lawyer Overtime Lawyer Meal And Rest Breaks Lawyer Unpaid Wages Lawyer Wrongful Termination Lawyer Defamation Lawyer Resources Legal Glossary Legal Disclaimer Anti-Spam Privacy Policy Terms of Use Subscribe To Newsletter Facebook This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Email Δ Copyright © 2026 Sirmabekian Law Firm , PC | Web Design by SmartSites Retaliation Attorney | Sirmabekian Law Firm Email: [email protected] Home Practice Areas Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Class Action Lawyer Overtime Lawyer Meal And Rest Breaks Lawyer Unpaid Wages Lawyer Wrongful Termination Lawyer Defamation Lawyer Contact Us Articles Search 818-473-5003 call us for consultation Retaliation Lawyer Home / Retaliation Lawyer Practice Areas Discrimination Lawyer Examples of Unlawful Discrimination In The Workplace Religious Discrimination Lawyer Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer National Origin Discrimination Lawyer Age Discrimination Lawyer Gender Discrimination Lawyer Sexual Orientation Discrimination Lawyer Medical Condition Discrimination Lawyer Family Responsibilities Discrimination Lawyer Reasonable Accommodation & Interactive Process Lawyer Disability Discrimination Lawyer California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act Lawyer Harassment Lawyer Racial Harassment Lawyer Sexual Harassment Lawyer Types Of Illegal Workplace Harassment Retaliation Lawyer Retaliation & Complaints of Unpaid Wages or Labor Code Violations Lawyer Workers’ Compensation Retaliation Lawyer Overtime Lawyer Class Action Lawyer What Is A Class Action Lawsuit Lawyer Class Action Lawsuit Process Lawyer California Labor Code Section 132a Lawyer Wrongful Termination Lawyer Qui Tam Law Lawyer Violation of Implied Contract & Wrongful Termination Lawyer Whistleblower & Wrongful Termination Lawyer Wrongful Termination for Protected Political Activities Lawyer Exercising Right to Take Leave & Wrongful Termination Lawyer Aggressive Wrongful Termination for Disabilities Lawyer Compensatory Damages Lawyer Public Policy & Wrongful Termination Lawyer Meal And Rest Breaks Lawyer Unpaid Wages Lawyer California’s Laws on Independent Contractor vs. Employee Lawyer California Commissions Lawyer Paid Cash Under The Table Lawyer California’s Waiting Time Penalty Lawyer Tips & Gratuity Lawyer Vacation Pay Lawyer Sick Pay Lawyer Failure to Reimburse Reasonable Expenses Lawyer Unlawful Deductions Lawyer California’s Laws on Minimum Wages Lawyer Defamation Lawyer DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT & RETALIATION IN LOS ANGELES Lawyer WHEN WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK THEY CAN’T GET YOU BACK There’s definitely a fear of blowback when blowing the whistle on workplace wrongdoing. Who wants to be the odd man out? But some things can’t be overlooked when they affect your entire life. Isn’t that what the Human Resources department is for? But what if you start noticing you’re being pressured for asserting yourself, or worse, have been fired or punished for exercising a protected worker’s right? Rest assured. If you’re willing to rock the boat, we’ll be your lifeline. Retaliation by an employer, staffing agency, or labor organization that stems from an employee’s protected right to complain is forbidden under both federal and state laws. In California, if adverse employment actions resulting from someone opposing practices prohibited by the Fair Employment Housing Act, it is considered retaliation. This could include filing a complaint, testifying or participating in any hearing, proceeding or investigation, conducted by a government agency.” A retaliation claim might arise if, for example, when an employer discourages or warns an employee against making a charge of discrimination, harassment, unpaid wages, or other mistreatments. Discriminating against an employee or injured worker for filing a workers’ compensation claim is also a crime under California Labor Code 132a. If an employee wants to establish the basic components of an employer retaliation case, they must prove three things: They engaged in a “protected activity” such as filing for workers comp or registering a harassment complaint with HR Experienced a negative reaction in their employment status Prove there was a direct correlation between the protected activity and the negative employment action Once these three elements have been established, the employer must justify the adverse employment action. If successful, they’re off the hook. The burden is then back on the employee and their retaliation lawyer to prove wrongdoing. Retaliation is an employment law violation. You may be entitled to damages, back pay, attorney costs, and reinstatement. If you are a victim of retaliation in the Los Angeles area, it is important to speak up. Our staff can help identify your options before making critical and possibly detrimental career decisions. You may be provided protection under the law. Our retaliation law experts take on qualified cases and run on a contingency fee basis. This means that employees only need to pay our employment law firm when we are successful in winning money for them. CALL FOR A FREE, CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION Disclaimer: The content of this website is educational in nature and should not be taken as legal advice. If you need assistance, contact an attorney who can represent your interests. Get A Free Case Evaluation We are here to help you with law questions contact us today The bottom line is, we know what it takes to help ensure that our client's interests and rights are protected. Quick Links Home About Us Contact Us Practice Areas Articles Blog Our Services Discrimination Lawyer Harassment Lawyer Retaliation Lawyer Class Action Lawyer Overtime Lawyer Meal And Rest Breaks Lawyer Unpaid Wages Lawyer Wrongful Termination Lawyer Defamation Lawyer Resources Legal Glossary Legal Disclaimer Anti-Spam Privacy Policy Terms of Use Subscribe To Newsletter Name This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Email Δ Copyright © 2026 Sirmabekian Law Firm , PC | Web Design by SmartSites Legal Disclaimer | Sirmabekian Law Firm Email: [email protected] Home Practice Areas Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Class Action Lawyer Overtime Lawyer Meal And Rest Breaks Lawyer Unpaid Wages Lawyer Wrongful Termination Lawyer Defamation Lawyer Contact Us Articles Search 818-473-5003 call us for consultation Legal Disclaimer Home / Legal Disclaimer Information found on this website is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice or legal opinion on specific facts or circumstances nor as a solicitation of legal business. We welcome the receipt of electronic mail. Please be advised, however, that the act of sending electronic mail to Sirmabekian Law Firm, or a specific attorney, does not alone create an attorney-client relationship. We will neither accept requests for legal advice nor offer specific legal advice over the Internet. You are urged to consult an experienced lawyer concerning your particular factual situation and any specific legal questions you may have. Copyright notice Sirmabekian Law Firm does not collect personally identifying information from visitors to this site unless provided by the visitor or the visitor’s browser. Sirmabekian Law Firm will not use the information provided by the visitor or the visitors’ browser nor will Sirmabekian Law Firm use the information provided through your use of this site except to respond to direct inquiries or to measure the number of visitors to and usefulness of this site. Sirmabekian Law Firm does not provide or sell any of this information to third parties. We do not currently use “cookies”, files written to the visitor’s computer that is used for record-keeping on some sites. Sirmabekian Law Firm reserves the right to change its policy in this regard at any time without advance notice. Should any new policy go into effect, Sirmabekian Law Firm will post it on this site, and the new policy will apply only to information collected after that point. Links to third-party resources Third-party resources that can be accessed with hypertext links from this Web site are not under the control of Sirmabekian Law Firm. Sirmabekian Law Firm is not responsible for the contents of any of these third-party resources. The third-party hypertext links presented on this site are provided for your convenience only. The inclusion of any link on this site does not imply any recommendation, approval, or endorsement of that site by Sirmabekian Law Firm. Get A Free Case Evaluation We are here to help you with law questions contact us today The bottom line is, we know what it takes to help ensure that our client's interests and rights are protected. Quick Links Home About Us Contact Us Practice Areas Articles Blog Our Services Discrimination Lawyer Harassment Lawyer Retaliation Lawyer Class Action Lawyer Overtime Lawyer Meal And Rest Breaks Lawyer Unpaid Wages Lawyer Wrongful Termination Lawyer Defamation Lawyer Resources Legal Glossary Legal Disclaimer Anti-Spam Privacy Policy Terms of Use Subscribe To Newsletter Facebook This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Email Δ Copyright © 2026 Sirmabekian Law Firm , PC | Web Design by SmartSites Discrimination Lawyer | Sirmabekian Law Firm Email: [email protected] Home Practice Areas Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Class Action Lawyer Overtime Lawyer Meal And Rest Breaks Lawyer Unpaid Wages Lawyer Wrongful Termination Lawyer Defamation Lawyer Contact Us Articles Search 818-473-5003 call us for consultation Discrimination Lawyer Home / Discrimination Lawyer Practice Areas Discrimination Lawyer Examples of Unlawful Discrimination In The Workplace Religious Discrimination Lawyer Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer National Origin Discrimination Lawyer Age Discrimination Lawyer Gender Discrimination Lawyer Sexual Orientation Discrimination Lawyer Medical Condition Discrimination Lawyer Family Responsibilities Discrimination Lawyer Reasonable Accommodation & Interactive Process Lawyer Disability Discrimination Lawyer California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act Lawyer Harassment Lawyer Racial Harassment Lawyer Sexual Harassment Lawyer Types Of Illegal Workplace Harassment Retaliation Lawyer Retaliation & Complaints of Unpaid Wages or Labor Code Violations Lawyer Workers’ Compensation Retaliation Lawyer Overtime Lawyer Class Action Lawyer What Is A Class Action Lawsuit Lawyer Class Action Lawsuit Process Lawyer California Labor Code Section 132a Lawyer Wrongful Termination Lawyer Qui Tam Law Lawyer Violation of Implied Contract & Wrongful Termination Lawyer Whistleblower & Wrongful Termination Lawyer Wrongful Termination for Protected Political Activities Lawyer Exercising Right to Take Leave & Wrongful Termination Lawyer Aggressive Wrongful Termination for Disabilities Lawyer Compensatory Damages Lawyer Public Policy & Wrongful Termination Lawyer Meal And Rest Breaks Lawyer Unpaid Wages Lawyer California’s Laws on Independent Contractor vs. Employee Lawyer California Commissions Lawyer Paid Cash Under The Table Lawyer California’s Waiting Time Penalty Lawyer Tips & Gratuity Lawyer Vacation Pay Lawyer Sick Pay Lawyer Failure to Reimburse Reasonable Expenses Lawyer Unlawful Deductions Lawyer California’s Laws on Minimum Wages Lawyer Defamation Lawyer DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT & RETALIATION IN LOS ANGELES Lawyer Discrimination in the workplace is illegal under California law. This includes discrimination or discriminating practices when hiring, promoting, or terminating an individual. Proving discrimination as the basis for an employee’s termination of employment or as the reason for not being hired or promoted, however, can be a difficult task. At Sirmabekian Law Firm , we prioritize these types of cases because we know the stress it can have on the person directly impacted and that person’s family. Here, we answer some of the most common questions about discrimination in California, like: What is discrimination in the workplace? What protections do employees in Los Angeles have against workplace discrimination? What's the difference between harassment in the workplace and discrimination? Do employers in California have any responsibility to prevent discrimination? How do I know if there is employment discrimination happening? Do I file a discrimination complaint with Human Resources or the EEOC first? What compensation can I get if I have been unlawfully discriminated against in the workplace? Is there a deadline to file a discrimination claim in California? Who do I contact in Los Angeles to file a discrimination lawsuit? To get more specific answers to questions you may have, continue to look at our website or contact us today at 818-473-5003 to schedule a free initial consultation. What is discrimination in the workplace? Discrimination in the workplace is unlawful discrimination that occurs in the workplace. Employment discrimination can occur in one of two basic ways: Disparate treatment where the victim may be treated differently than other employees based on certain characteristics of that person – this type of discrimination is often intentional and direct; and/or Disparate impact where the victim may experience the impact of certain company policies, practices, and rules or other systems differently than other employees based on certain characteristics – this type of discrimination is typically unintentional and indirect. To better understand these two types of employment discrimination, consider the below examples. Example 1: Testing A company requires certain groups of people to regularly take drug tests but not all employees – this is disparate treatment. A company requires all employees to take a test on skills in order to be promoted, but the test doesn’t properly consider many factors and so certain groups are eliminated from promotions – this is disparate impact, i.e. , the test was created for an efficient way to promote employees but the test itself unintentionally affects a certain group of employees. Example 2: Hiring Process A company may discard any resume or job application where the person’s name is not representative of Anglo-Americans. For example, if the person’s name is Srinivasa or Jamal, the resume may get thrown in the trash. This act during the hiring process is disparate treatment and is unlawful. A company may check an applicant’s credit report. In doing so, applicants of certain minority groups may not get hired because they come from communities historically of lower incomes and may not have had the same opportunities to build their credit histories. This practice can have a disparate impact on applicants and is unlawful. What protections do employees in los angeles have against workplace discrimination? California provides broad protections for employees against discrimination and discriminatory actions and policies. These protections are based on an employee’s: race religious creed color national origin ancestry physical disability mental disability medical condition marital status gender and gender identity sexual orientation age pregnancy childbirth or related medical conditions. These protections are in accordance with the California Family Rights Act (CFRA), the New Parent Leave Act (NPLA), and the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). CFRA applies to employers with 50 or more employees. The NPLA applies to employers with 20 or more employees. FEHA applies to all employers who employ five or more employees with few exceptions, the exceptions being: family members employed at the business (e.g., parents, children, spouse); or religious associations or corporations not organized for private profit. These protections are meant to protect employees against discrimination in the employers: hiring process; termination or discharging process; selection for training programs leading to employment; promotion; demotion; reasonable accommodation; overall management and discipline of employees; or, among other things, compensation, terms, conditions, and privileges of employment. If you experienced wrongful termination based on discrimination, this is a particular threat to your employment rights – you should seek the assistance of a wrongful termination attorney in Los Angeles to clarify your options and next steps. What's the difference between harassment in the workplace and discrimination? Even though they are quite similar with respect to the cause of the treatment, discrimination is different than harassment in the workplace. Discrimination is when someone at the place of business treats his or her employees differently on the basis of the above listed protected classes. This discriminatory treatment occurs while the person committing discrimination performs described job duties. Discrimination can impact a person’s ability to move up in the organization or take advantage of certain job-related benefits. Workplace harassment , on the other hand, occurs when a person at the place of business mistreats another person based on one of the above-listed protected classes but the harassmen Overtime Lawyer | Sirmabekian Law Firm Email: [email protected] Home Practice Areas Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Class Action Lawyer Overtime Lawyer Meal And Rest Breaks Lawyer Unpaid Wages Lawyer Wrongful Termination Lawyer Defamation Lawyer Contact Us Articles Search 818-473-5003 call us for consultation Overtime Lawyer Home / Overtime Lawyer Practice Areas Discrimination Lawyer Examples of Unlawful Discrimination In The Workplace Religious Discrimination Lawyer Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer National Origin Discrimination Lawyer Age Discrimination Lawyer Gender Discrimination Lawyer Sexual Orientation Discrimination Lawyer Medical Condition Discrimination Lawyer Family Responsibilities Discrimination Lawyer Reasonable Accommodation & Interactive Process Lawyer Disability Discrimination Lawyer California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act Lawyer Harassment Lawyer Racial Harassment Lawyer Sexual Harassment Lawyer Types Of Illegal Workplace Harassment Retaliation Lawyer Retaliation & Complaints of Unpaid Wages or Labor Code Violations Lawyer Workers’ Compensation Retaliation Lawyer Overtime Lawyer Class Action Lawyer What Is A Class Action Lawsuit Lawyer Class Action Lawsuit Process Lawyer California Labor Code Section 132a Lawyer Wrongful Termination Lawyer Qui Tam Law Lawyer Violation of Implied Contract & Wrongful Termination Lawyer Whistleblower & Wrongful Termination Lawyer Wrongful Termination for Protected Political Activities Lawyer Exercising Right to Take Leave & Wrongful Termination Lawyer Aggressive Wrongful Termination for Disabilities Lawyer Compensatory Damages Lawyer Public Policy & Wrongful Termination Lawyer Meal And Rest Breaks Lawyer Unpaid Wages Lawyer California’s Laws on Independent Contractor vs. Employee Lawyer California Commissions Lawyer Paid Cash Under The Table Lawyer California’s Waiting Time Penalty Lawyer Tips & Gratuity Lawyer Vacation Pay Lawyer Sick Pay Lawyer Failure to Reimburse Reasonable Expenses Lawyer Unlawful Deductions Lawyer California’s Laws on Minimum Wages Lawyer Defamation Lawyer DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT & RETALIATION IN LOS ANGELES Lawyer Overtime is great when offered to employees: it fattens a check that is often too small for working families to achieve their day-to-day expenses in California. But even if you aren’t living paycheck to paycheck, overtime is still welcome. Employers, however, don’t always like to pay it even though by law, they are required to do so in most situations. If you suspect you were not paid or not fully paid for overtime hours you worked, you may be entitled to file a claim or lawsuit against your employer. Here, we answer common questions about overtime that our clients have asked us, like: What are California's overtime laws? Are there any exceptions to California's overtime laws? Which workers in Los Angeles have a right to overtime pay? Can you get overtime for on-call work? What should workers do if their employer violated California's overtime laws? Who should you contact to file an overtime claim in Los Angeles? To receive more specific legal answers to your specific overtime case, contact our office to schedule a free and confidential initial consultation. Our attorneys are very familiar with the law and know how to apply it to your benefit. At Sirmabekian Law Firm, we are committed to our clients and their right to overtime pay in Los Angeles. 1.WHAT ARE CALIFORNIA'S OVERTIME LAWS? Overtime pay is meant to compensate employees who work during their “free time.” It’s also a way to make sure employers don’t force employees to work long hours and not hire new employees who – even if paid the same – may still be owed benefits, which are costly. The California Labor Code § 510 governs overtime. The statute establishes that eight hours of labor is a day’s work. It also states that: Any additional work done exceeding eight or more hours in one workday, any additional work done exceeding 40 or more hours in one workweek, and on the seventh day of work, the first eight hours that an employee worked in any one workweek, the employee shall be entitled to be reimbursed by the employer at a rate of one and a half times the regular rate of his or her pay. Any additional work done exceeding 12 or more hours in one workday, the employee shall be entitled to be reimbursed by the employer at a rate of twice the regular rate of his or her. Any additional work done, on any seventh day exceeding eight or more hours of a workweek, the employee shall be entitled to be reimbursed by the employer at a rate of twice the regular rate of his or her pay. As such, you are owed one and a half of your regular pay when you: work more than 8 hours a day; or work more than 40 hours in a workweek; or work on the 7th day of the workweek (up to 8 hours of work). But you are owed double your regular pay for any: work after the first 12 hours of the workday; or work on the 7th day of the workweek and work more than 8 hours on that 7th day. It’s important to note, too, that according to the same section of the Labor Code, the time you spend commuting to and from work – even if for overtime purposes – is not time that can be applied for overtime. EXAMPLES OF CALIFORNIA’S OVERTIME LAWS IN PRACTICE To understand what this means, here are a few examples. Example 1: You work a regular eight-hour-a-day job five days a week. In one week, you work 9 hours on two of those five days. You are owed time and a half for 2 hours. Example 2: You work a regular eight-hour-a-day job five days a week. In one week, you work 8 hours a day for 7 days. You are owed time and a half for 14 hours. Example 3: You work a regular eight-hour-a-day job five days a week. In one week, you work 1 day for 13 hours and 8 hours for the remaining 4 days. You are owed time and a half for 4 hours and double pay for 1 hour. Example 4: You work three 12-hours shifts in one workweek. In one week, you work one 14-hour day and two regular 12-hour day shifts. You are not owed overtime unless your employer has specified it. 2.ARE THERE ANY EXCEPTIONS TO CALIFORNIA'S OVERTIME LAWS? You cannot opt out of overtime pay. Your employer cannot ask that you opt out of overtime pay. Further, even if you are not authorized to perform the overtime work, you are still owed for the overtime work you performed. That said, according to California law, there are a few alternative workweek schedules not subject to the above overtime laws. These alternative workweek schedules are addressed below. FOUR 10-HOUR DAYS Four 10-hour days, where employees receive an extra day off each week is permissible under Calif. Labor Code § 511 . This alternative workweek schedule has become more popular in recent years. According to the law, if you work more than your regularly scheduled hours for the day, you are owed one and one-half times the regular rate of pay except any hours worked over 12 hours, you are owed double your regular rate of pay. For example, if you work four 10-hour days, and on one day of the week, you worked for 13 hours. You are owed one and one-half your regular pay rate for two hours and double your regular pay rate for one hour. COLLECTIVE BARGAINING According to Calif. Labor Code § 514 , employers are exempt from paying “daily overtime” to employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement where they receive a minimum of 30% more than the state minimum wage and premium pay for “overtime.” So, for example, a common work schedule established by collective bargaining is one where employees work four 9-hour days and one 8-hour day (usually Friday) and then have every other Friday off. Employees will not be paid for the extra collectively bargained hours (typically four hours) they work every other week. As another example, a common work schedule for nurses is a three 12-hour day schedule. The Class Action Lawyer | Sirmabekian Law Firm Email: [email protected] Home Practice Areas Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Class Action Lawyer Overtime Lawyer Meal And Rest Breaks Lawyer Unpaid Wages Lawyer Wrongful Termination Lawyer Defamation Lawyer Contact Us Articles Search 818-473-5003 call us for consultation Class Action Lawyer Home / Class Action Lawyer Practice Areas Discrimination Lawyer Examples of Unlawful Discrimination In The Workplace Religious Discrimination Lawyer Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer National Origin Discrimination Lawyer Age Discrimination Lawyer Gender Discrimination Lawyer Sexual Orientation Discrimination Lawyer Medical Condition Discrimination Lawyer Family Responsibilities Discrimination Lawyer Reasonable Accommodation & Interactive Process Lawyer Disability Discrimination Lawyer California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act Lawyer Harassment Lawyer Racial Harassment Lawyer Sexual Harassment Lawyer Types Of Illegal Workplace Harassment Retaliation Lawyer Retaliation & Complaints of Unpaid Wages or Labor Code Violations Lawyer Workers’ Compensation Retaliation Lawyer Overtime Lawyer Class Action Lawyer What Is A Class Action Lawsuit Lawyer Class Action Lawsuit Process Lawyer California Labor Code Section 132a Lawyer Wrongful Termination Lawyer Qui Tam Law Lawyer Violation of Implied Contract & Wrongful Termination Lawyer Whistleblower & Wrongful Termination Lawyer Wrongful Termination for Protected Political Activities Lawyer Exercising Right to Take Leave & Wrongful Termination Lawyer Aggressive Wrongful Termination for Disabilities Lawyer Compensatory Damages Lawyer Public Policy & Wrongful Termination Lawyer Meal And Rest Breaks Lawyer Unpaid Wages Lawyer California’s Laws on Independent Contractor vs. Employee Lawyer California Commissions Lawyer Paid Cash Under The Table Lawyer California’s Waiting Time Penalty Lawyer Tips & Gratuity Lawyer Vacation Pay Lawyer Sick Pay Lawyer Failure to Reimburse Reasonable Expenses Lawyer Unlawful Deductions Lawyer California’s Laws on Minimum Wages Lawyer Defamation Lawyer DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT & RETALIATION IN LOS ANGELES Lawyer When an employer violates your rights by doing things like underpaying you , discriminating against you , harassing you , or, among other things, retaliating against you for complaining about an employment matter, in many situations, you aren’t the only one. Employers who are doing these types of things often have a scheme that impacts multiple employees. Many times employers do it because their employees may have suspect legal documentation, and the employer uses this knowledge as a means to underpay or discriminate. In other cases, the employer does it just because it thinks it can. In any scenario, a class action lawsuit is important. Strength in numbers is always a factor, especially in negotiations of a settlement. But class actions also help maximize resources, particularly beneficial when the defendant is a large company. Here’s we answer some of your questions, like: What is an employment class action lawsuit in Los Angeles CA? What are the requirements for a class action lawsuit in California? What are the overall benefits of an employment-based class action lawsuit? What are the general steps of an employment class action lawsuit in Los Angeles? Who should I contact about a class action lawsuit against an employer in Los Angeles? If you believe you and your co-workers have had your employment rights violated by your employer, contact us at Sirmabekian Law Firm, PC. We provide thorough, compassionate employment law representation to our clients in the Los Angeles metro area. What is an employment class action lawsuit? A class-action lawsuit is a legal claim filed by a smaller group of people – known as the Class Representatives – filed on behalf of a larger group of people who have all been wronged or harmed in a similar way by the same defendant. An employment class action is a class action related to employment, and the wrong or harm done could involve any of the following: unpaid wages wage inequality discrimination harassment wage theft other. These are all related to an employer’s failure to perform its legal obligations or its violation of workers’ rights established by the State of California and the Federal government. What are the requirements for a class action lawsuit in california? A class-action lawsuit is unlike an individual lawsuit – there are certain requirements that must be met in order for the action to continue. The requirements of a class action in California are summarized below. Impractical . If the class is so big that it would be impractical for each individual to file his or her own claim, then it satisfies this element. To be impractical, there must be a significant number of people at the place of employment who experience the same or similar violations. Commonality . Each individual claim must have similar factual and legal questions – the court will not hear individual claims that are in addition to the shared claims. This also means, however, that one defense can apply to each individual case within the class action. One ruling must be enough to cover all the claims. Typicality . There must be class representatives who represent the class, and they must protect the interests of each individual participating in the class action. Benefits . The class action must have some value or benefit. For example, if an employer broke the law, the class action can put an end to the employer’s bad practices via an injunction. As another example, a class action may be a more efficient means to address the wage theft or discriminatory practices of an employer rather than risking several inconsistent judgments that don’t influence the employer from changing its bad practices. What are the overall benefits of an employment-based class action lawsuit? The benefits of an employment class action can be many, both for the individual participants and society-at-large. Some of the more obvious benefits include: Efficient use of resources. Time, money, talent, and other resources can be combined to do more with less and put forth a better strategy against a defendant who may already be armed with expensive lawyers. Effective use of court resources. With a class action, the court can save time, money, and other resources, too, by not have to expend the same for each individual claim. Retaliation avoidance. With only the class representative named in the complaint, all other participants are at less risk of retaliation (e.g., wrongful termination ) since the employer may not know who all is participating. Policy changes. A verdict in favor of the class may mean an end to an employer’s bad practices, meaning discriminatory or unlawful policies may be terminated or revised to be in compliance with the law. What are the general steps of an employment class action lawsuit in los angeles? Class action lawsuits are unlike individual lawsuits with respect to the overall process – the process has to account for things like certifying the class action. Below is a summary of the typic steps in a class action. Filing . A complaint is filed on behalf of the entire class. Response . The employer responds to the complaint. Discovery . Attorneys on both sides gather evidence to support their case and provide each other with the evidence, expert reports, depositions, etc. Class representatives typically help with the discovery. Certification . A certification request is filed to ask the court to approve the class action. It’s not a ruling on the case, only a determination that the above-listed requirements are satisfied. If the certification is granted, the class action proceeds. If the certification is denied, each individual can proceed with their individual lawsuits. Notification . If the class action is certified, all Meal and Rest Breaks | Sirmabekian Law Firm Email: [email protected] Home Practice Areas Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Class Action Lawyer Overtime Lawyer Meal And Rest Breaks Lawyer Unpaid Wages Lawyer Wrongful Termination Lawyer Defamation Lawyer Contact Us Articles Search 818-473-5003 call us for consultation Meal And Rest Breaks Lawyer Home / Meal And Rest Breaks Lawyer Practice Areas Discrimination Lawyer Examples of Unlawful Discrimination In The Workplace Religious Discrimination Lawyer Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer National Origin Discrimination Lawyer Age Discrimination Lawyer Gender Discrimination Lawyer Sexual Orientation Discrimination Lawyer Medical Condition Discrimination Lawyer Family Responsibilities Discrimination Lawyer Reasonable Accommodation & Interactive Process Lawyer Disability Discrimination Lawyer California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act Lawyer Harassment Lawyer Racial Harassment Lawyer Sexual Harassment Lawyer Types Of Illegal Workplace Harassment Retaliation Lawyer Retaliation & Complaints of Unpaid Wages or Labor Code Violations Lawyer Workers’ Compensation Retaliation Lawyer Overtime Lawyer Class Action Lawyer What Is A Class Action Lawsuit Lawyer Class Action Lawsuit Process Lawyer California Labor Code Section 132a Lawyer Wrongful Termination Lawyer Qui Tam Law Lawyer Violation of Implied Contract & Wrongful Termination Lawyer Whistleblower & Wrongful Termination Lawyer Wrongful Termination for Protected Political Activities Lawyer Exercising Right to Take Leave & Wrongful Termination Lawyer Aggressive Wrongful Termination for Disabilities Lawyer Compensatory Damages Lawyer Public Policy & Wrongful Termination Lawyer Meal And Rest Breaks Lawyer Unpaid Wages Lawyer California’s Laws on Independent Contractor vs. Employee Lawyer California Commissions Lawyer Paid Cash Under The Table Lawyer California’s Waiting Time Penalty Lawyer Tips & Gratuity Lawyer Vacation Pay Lawyer Sick Pay Lawyer Failure to Reimburse Reasonable Expenses Lawyer Unlawful Deductions Lawyer California’s Laws on Minimum Wages Lawyer Defamation Lawyer DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT & RETALIATION IN LOS ANGELES Lawyer Employers may have deadlines or expectations, but whatever they are, they cannot force you to work hours and hours without providing you with meal and rest breaks. As employees, you have rights. But these rights are limited by the law. At Sirmabekian Law Firm, we want our clients to understand what their rights are when those rights have been violated, and when they are entitled to compensation. Here, we provide you with answers to common questions about meal and rest breaks in Los Angeles, like: What is California's law on meal and rest breaks? Are there exceptions to California's meal and rest break law? Can an employee in Los Angeles opt-out of meal and rest breaks? Can an employee in Los Angeles get overtime for missed meals or rest breaks? Can an employer in Los Angeles force you to take or not take a meal or rest break? What should you do in Los Angeles if your employer fails to provide you with meal and rest breaks? Who should you contact in Los Angeles about violations of your right to take a meal and/or rest break? If you have more specific questions or want to get started on a case against your employer for reimbursement of meal and rest breaks, contact the Sirmabekian Law Firm today. 1.WHAT IS CALIFORNIA'S LAW ON MEAL AND REST BREAKS? In California, employers must provide meal and rest breaks when employees work a certain amount of time. Also, an employee’s meal break is separate and distinct from his or her rest break. For example, a one-hour lunch break does not mean you no longer are eligible for a 10-minute break during the first four hours and a second 10-minute break during the second four hours of your regular workday. Meal breaks are governed by Calif. Labor Code § 512 and state that: an employee working more than five hours per day is entitled to a 30-minute meal break; and an employee working more than ten hours per day is entitled to two 30-minute meal breaks. The State of California does not require an employer to pay for the 30-minute meal break, but you must be relieved of any work duties during your meal break. Rest breaks are government by Cal. Code of Regs., tit. 8, §§ 11010–11170, subs. 12 and states that an employee working four hours or more are entitled to a 10-minute rest break per every four hours of work; and the rest break should be in the middle of each 4-hour work period, when practicable; but an employee working less than three and a half hours in one day is not entitled to a 10-minute rest break. The 10-minute rest period is included in the total sum of hours you worked and is, therefore, paid time. During the rest period, you are to be relieved of any work duties, including any on-call duties you may have. Labor Code 226.7 2.ARE THERE EXCEPTIONS TO CALIFORNIA'S MEAL AND REST BREAK LAWS? Not all employees are entitled to meal and rest periods. The law typically only applies to non-exempt employees. The laws do not necessarily apply to exempt employees, independent contractors, and employees subject to collective bargaining agreements. Exempt Employees Employees who are often referred to as white-collar employees are not subject to California’s meal and rest break laws when: more than half of the employee’s work time constitutes some type of intellectual, managerial, or creative work; the employee has independence and exercises discretion while performing his or her duties; and the employee earns a monthly salary totaling a minimum of twice California’s minimum wage for full-time employment. To note, the minimum wage in: Los Angeles as of July 2019 is $14. 25 per hour for employers with 26 or more employees; Los Angeles as of July 2019 is $13.25 per hour for employers with 25 or fewer employees; California as of January 2020 is $13.00 per hour for employers with 26 or more employees; California as of January 2020 is $12.00 per hour for employers with 25 or fewer employees. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS Independent contractors differ from employees and are generally not subjected to the meal and rest break laws of California. According to Calif. Labor Code § 3353 , independent contractors are persons who perform services for a specific payment upon delivery of a specific result; and retain control over how they perform their services. COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS Should an employee be subject to a collective bargaining agreement, that agreement’s provisions on meal and rest breaks override the laws of California. Employees most commonly affected by collective bargaining agreements are those who work in the following industries: the entertainment or motion picture industry; construction work; some healthcare workers; commercial drivers and the trucking industry; the utility industry, like electrical and gas companies; and security officers. 3.CAN AN EMPLOYEE IN LOS ANGELES OPT-OUT OF MEAL AND REST BREAKS? In California, you can potentially opt-out of meal breaks, but you cannot opt-out of rest breaks necessarily. Rest breaks are already added into the total of your work hours for the day, and so if you were allowed to take them but chose not to, that is your decision and the employer will not be penalized for it. In regards to opting out of meals, you may be able to do so. You may also be able to opt for on-duty meal breaks (in some limited cases). Opt-out Of Meal Breaks When an employee does not work more than six hours in a day, the employee may be able to waive the meal break by mutual consent: both the employer as well as the employee must consent to no meal break. For example, you are a working mom who can only work 6 hours and needs to get to a child’s school in time for pick-up, so leaving a half hour early will help you. By not eating your lunch, you can make sure you get Harassment Lawyer | Sirmabekian Law Firm Email: [email protected] Home Practice Areas Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Class Action Lawyer Overtime Lawyer Meal And Rest Breaks Lawyer Unpaid Wages Lawyer Wrongful Termination Lawyer Defamation Lawyer Contact Us Articles Search 818-473-5003 call us for consultation Harassment Lawyer Home / Harassment Lawyer Practice Areas Discrimination Lawyer Examples of Unlawful Discrimination In The Workplace Religious Discrimination Lawyer Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer National Origin Discrimination Lawyer Age Discrimination Lawyer Gender Discrimination Lawyer Sexual Orientation Discrimination Lawyer Medical Condition Discrimination Lawyer Family Responsibilities Discrimination Lawyer Reasonable Accommodation & Interactive Process Lawyer Disability Discrimination Lawyer California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act Lawyer Harassment Lawyer Racial Harassment Lawyer Sexual Harassment Lawyer Types Of Illegal Workplace Harassment Retaliation Lawyer Retaliation & Complaints of Unpaid Wages or Labor Code Violations Lawyer Workers’ Compensation Retaliation Lawyer Overtime Lawyer Class Action Lawyer What Is A Class Action Lawsuit Lawyer Class Action Lawsuit Process Lawyer California Labor Code Section 132a Lawyer Wrongful Termination Lawyer Qui Tam Law Lawyer Violation of Implied Contract & Wrongful Termination Lawyer Whistleblower & Wrongful Termination Lawyer Wrongful Termination for Protected Political Activities Lawyer Exercising Right to Take Leave & Wrongful Termination Lawyer Aggressive Wrongful Termination for Disabilities Lawyer Compensatory Damages Lawyer Public Policy & Wrongful Termination Lawyer Meal And Rest Breaks Lawyer Unpaid Wages Lawyer California’s Laws on Independent Contractor vs. Employee Lawyer California Commissions Lawyer Paid Cash Under The Table Lawyer California’s Waiting Time Penalty Lawyer Tips & Gratuity Lawyer Vacation Pay Lawyer Sick Pay Lawyer Failure to Reimburse Reasonable Expenses Lawyer Unlawful Deductions Lawyer California’s Laws on Minimum Wages Lawyer Defamation Lawyer DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT & RETALIATION IN LOS ANGELES Lawyer There’s Nothing Sexy About Harassment The very idea of sexual harassment conjures up an age-old image of the all-powerful male boss quid pro-quo-ing his paycheck-dependant female underling. While gender bias and workplace harassment are still frequently perpetrated by male employees against female co-workers, times have changed. A staggering number of cases no longer fit the stereotype. Women and men face same and opposite-sex harassment from superiors and coworkers alike. The increase in transgender and transsexual workers has brought its own increase in harassment and unlawful impediments to professional advancement. Favoritism shown to employees having affairs with the boss may be considered a form of sexual or gender discrimination. If that person consistently receives favorable treatment over other employees, there may be a cause to file a complaint. Going to work is hard enough without illegal, invisible advantages. Another form of harassment in the area of bullying. This occurs when perpetrators use threats, humiliation, and intimidation to sabotage, abuse, and control their targeted victims. One person’s vindictive and vengeful behavior can expand to involve others in the company who align with the bully, voluntarily or through coercion. This not only impairs business productivity, but it also does a huge disservice to the harassed individuals whose career, reputation, and health have been significantly damaged. When Gender Needs A Defender Targeting a person with the intent to shock, aggravate, torment, or terrorize means someone is definitely engaging in harassing behavior. Just as the idea of gender equality grew out of the need for the protection of women’s rights, non-sexual harassment laws have grown out of the need to protect victims attacked on the basis of their religion, politics, ancestry, race, and any number of other factors. The laws are clear. Under California code, the Fair Employment and Housing Act prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in the workplace. To make sure employers comply with the various rules and regulations, the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) monitors and enforces obligations under the FEHA. Harassment hurts. It also violates a worker’s basic civil rights and is punishable by law. If you become the victim of sexual or non-sexual harassment in the Los Angeles area, don’t suffer in silence. Speak up. Our staff can help identify your options before making critical and possibly detrimental career decisions. You may be provided protection under the law and we can prevent an employer from engaging in ruinous retaliation. Our harassment law experts accept qualified cases on a contingency fee basis, so employees pay our employment law firm only when we win money for them. Call For a Free, Confidential Consultation Disclaimer: The content of this website is educational in nature and should not be taken as legal advice. If you need assistance, contact an attorney who can represent your interests. Get A Free Case Evaluation We are here to help you with law questions contact us today The bottom line is, we know what it takes to help ensure that our client's interests and rights are protected. Quick Links Home About Us Contact Us Practice Areas Articles Blog Our Services Discrimination Lawyer Harassment Lawyer Retaliation Lawyer Class Action Lawyer Overtime Lawyer Meal And Rest Breaks Lawyer Unpaid Wages Lawyer Wrongful Termination Lawyer Defamation Lawyer Resources Legal Glossary Legal Disclaimer Anti-Spam Privacy Policy Terms of Use Subscribe To Newsletter Company This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Email Δ Copyright © 2026 Sirmabekian Law Firm , PC | Web Design by SmartSites Blog | Sirmabekian Law Firm Email: [email protected] Home Practice Areas Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Class Action Lawyer Overtime Lawyer Meal And Rest Breaks Lawyer Unpaid Wages Lawyer Wrongful Termination Lawyer Defamation Lawyer Contact Us Articles Search 818-473-5003 call us for consultation Blog Home / Blog Posted By Sirmabekian 2026 0 Comments What Are Your Rights If You Are Accused Of Theft By An Employer? Few experiences are as jarring or as damaging to a career as an allegation of dishonesty in the workplace. No matter where you work, your reputation is your most valuable asset. When a manager or business owner levels a serious charge against you, it can feel ... Continue Reading Posted By Sirmabekian 2026 0 Comments Understanding The Wage Gap Between Hispanic And White Employees For many families across California, a hard day of work is supposed to lead to fair compensation that reflects their effort and skill. However, statistics and real-world experiences often reveal a troubling disparity in how different communities are paid for the same roles. The wage gap ... Continue Reading Posted By Sirmabekian 2026 0 Comments How To Negotiate Severance Pay: Four Steps To Take Leaving a job is a major life transition that often brings a mix of uncertainty and financial concern. Whether a position ends due to a layoff or a restructure, the final conversation about your departure is one of the most important moments of your career. Many ... Continue Reading Posted By Sirmabekian 2026 0 Comments Can Employers Withhold Pay? What Workers Should Know Waiting for a paycheck only to find it light or missing entirely creates immediate stress for any household. When you work long hours as a mechanic, field laborer, or delivery driver, you rely on every cent to cover rent and groceries. Many people wonder if their ... Continue Reading Posted By Sirmabekian 2026 0 Comments Breach Of Contract Vs. Negligence: Which Claim Applies To Your Case? When a professional relationship sours or a workplace accident occurs, getting justice often feels like a maze of legal terminology. You might know that you have been wronged, but identifying the exact legal theory to pursue is a different challenge altogether. Choosing between a breach of ... Continue Reading Posted By Sirmabekian 2026 0 Comments What Happens To Employee Rights If A Company Closes Down The sudden news that your place of work is shutting its doors can feel like the floor has dropped out from under you. For many California workers, especially those supporting families in service or labor industries, a business closure can be a personal crisis. However, even ... Continue Reading 1 2 3 … 62 63 64 Next Categories Class Action Defamation Discrimination Harrassment Labor & Employment Law Meal and Rest Breaks Other Overtime Retaliation Unpaid wages Wrongful Termination Archives 2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2018 --> Get A Free Case Evaluation We are here to help you with law questions contact us today The bottom line is, we know what it takes to help ensure that our client's interests and rights are protected. Quick Links Home About Us Contact Us Practice Areas Articles Blog Our Services Discrimination Lawyer Harassment Lawyer Retaliation Lawyer Class Action Lawyer Overtime Lawyer Meal And Rest Breaks Lawyer Unpaid Wages Lawyer Wrongful Termination Lawyer Defamation Lawyer Resources Legal Glossary Legal Disclaimer Anti-Spam Privacy Policy Terms of Use Subscribe To Newsletter X/Twitter This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Email Δ Copyright © 2026 Sirmabekian Law Firm , PC | Web Design by SmartSites Anti-spam | Sirmabekian Law Firm Email: [email protected] Home Practice Areas Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Class Action Lawyer Overtime Lawyer Meal And Rest Breaks Lawyer Unpaid Wages Lawyer Wrongful Termination Lawyer Defamation Lawyer Contact Us Articles Search 818-473-5003 call us for consultation Anti-Spam Home / Anti-Spam We have a strict policy against spamming. We forbid the sending of unsolicited bulk emails or emails of any kind in connection with the marketing of websites or attorneys. Our definition of spamming is any activity whereby you directly or indirectly transmit email messages to any email address that has not solicited such email and does not consent to such transmission. In addition, we consider it spamming to post ads in newsgroups in violation of the rules of the newsgroup, in posts that are off-topic, or in groups that do not explicitly permit ads. This goes for the placement of ads on message boards, forums, and chat rooms against the terms of participation in such sites. If you are “spammed” by anyone regarding our website, services, or any matters relating to us or our attorneys, please report this to us directly. Get A Free Case Evaluation We are here to help you with law questions contact us today The bottom line is, we know what it takes to help ensure that our client's interests and rights are protected. Quick Links Home About Us Contact Us Practice Areas Articles Blog Our Services Discrimination Lawyer Harassment Lawyer Retaliation Lawyer Class Action Lawyer Overtime Lawyer Meal And Rest Breaks Lawyer Unpaid Wages Lawyer Wrongful Termination Lawyer Defamation Lawyer Resources Legal Glossary Legal Disclaimer Anti-Spam Privacy Policy Terms of Use Subscribe To Newsletter Facebook This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Email Δ Copyright © 2026 Sirmabekian Law Firm , PC | Web Design by SmartSites Testimonials | Sirmabekian Law Firm Email: [email protected] Home Practice Areas Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Class Action Lawyer Overtime Lawyer Meal And Rest Breaks Lawyer Unpaid Wages Lawyer Wrongful Termination Lawyer Defamation Lawyer Contact Us Articles Search 818-473-5003 call us for consultation Testimonials Home / Testimonials What People Say About Our Firm Wonderful Sirmabekian Law Firm is wonderful. Easy to work with and an attorney you can count on to responsibly communicate in a timely manner. He solved my problem and yes, definitely I will be back! Thank you very much for your help! – G.A. Elbek Amazing Experience I had an amazing experience with Sarkis. His calm demeanor and suggestions were spot on. After previously consulting with two other lawyers it was clear he was the winner. – Edgar Professional This lawyer is very good, professional, and friendly my mother-in-law had a case with him and he closed her case in 4 months! His staff is very nice and very friendly we absolutely recommend him! – Jessica Gonzalez Trustworthy This is a team that promotes professionalism, support, compassion, and advocacy for their clients. They constantly kept me updated with any new changes in my case and would not give up fighting with the opposing party until they met the best settlement. If you're looking for a trustworthy, confident, and efficient law firm then look no further. – Flora Khashmanyan Strong Advocate Sarkis is a great attorney and a strong advocate for his clients. His staff is also kind and courteous and always willing to help. I highly recommend Sarkis to those who have been wronged by their employer. – James Son Get A Free Case Evaluation We are here to help you with law questions contact us today The bottom line is, we know what it takes to help ensure that our client's interests and rights are protected. Quick Links Home About Us Contact Us Practice Areas Articles Blog Our Services Discrimination Lawyer Harassment Lawyer Retaliation Lawyer Class Action Lawyer Overtime Lawyer Meal And Rest Breaks Lawyer Unpaid Wages Lawyer Wrongful Termination Lawyer Defamation Lawyer Resources Legal Glossary Legal Disclaimer Anti-Spam Privacy Policy Terms of Use Subscribe To Newsletter Phone This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Email Δ Copyright © 2026 Sirmabekian Law Firm , PC | Web Design by SmartSites Unpaid Wages Lawyer | Sirmabekian Law Firm Email: [email protected] Home Practice Areas Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Class Action Lawyer Overtime Lawyer Meal And Rest Breaks Lawyer Unpaid Wages Lawyer Wrongful Termination Lawyer Defamation Lawyer Contact Us Articles Search 818-473-5003 call us for consultation Unpaid Wages Lawyer Home / Unpaid Wages Lawyer Practice Areas Discrimination Lawyer Examples of Unlawful Discrimination In The Workplace Religious Discrimination Lawyer Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer National Origin Discrimination Lawyer Age Discrimination Lawyer Gender Discrimination Lawyer Sexual Orientation Discrimination Lawyer Medical Condition Discrimination Lawyer Family Responsibilities Discrimination Lawyer Reasonable Accommodation & Interactive Process Lawyer Disability Discrimination Lawyer California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act Lawyer Harassment Lawyer Racial Harassment Lawyer Sexual Harassment Lawyer Types Of Illegal Workplace Harassment Retaliation Lawyer Retaliation & Complaints of Unpaid Wages or Labor Code Violations Lawyer Workers’ Compensation Retaliation Lawyer Overtime Lawyer Class Action Lawyer What Is A Class Action Lawsuit Lawyer Class Action Lawsuit Process Lawyer California Labor Code Section 132a Lawyer Wrongful Termination Lawyer Qui Tam Law Lawyer Violation of Implied Contract & Wrongful Termination Lawyer Whistleblower & Wrongful Termination Lawyer Wrongful Termination for Protected Political Activities Lawyer Exercising Right to Take Leave & Wrongful Termination Lawyer Aggressive Wrongful Termination for Disabilities Lawyer Compensatory Damages Lawyer Public Policy & Wrongful Termination Lawyer Meal And Rest Breaks Lawyer Unpaid Wages Lawyer California’s Laws on Independent Contractor vs. Employee Lawyer California Commissions Lawyer Paid Cash Under The Table Lawyer California’s Waiting Time Penalty Lawyer Tips & Gratuity Lawyer Vacation Pay Lawyer Sick Pay Lawyer Failure to Reimburse Reasonable Expenses Lawyer Unlawful Deductions Lawyer California’s Laws on Minimum Wages Lawyer Defamation Lawyer DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT & RETALIATION IN LOS ANGELES Lawyer When a person in Los Angeles isn’t paid by an employer what he or she should have been paid, and unpaid wage claim can be filed. This is a legal action designed to help you get what is owed to you by your employer. The employment attorneys at Sirmabekian Law Firm help employees get the wages they are owed. We know the tactics many employers use to delay or deny wages, and we will use that knowledge and the law to resolve your unpaid wage matter. You work hard; you deserve to get paid for your labor. To understand better what it means and what you can do about your unpaid wages in Los Angeles, we answer some of the most common questions our clients have, like: How does California define unpaid wages? What tactics do employers use to delay or hide unpaid wages? Are there any occupations that experience higher rates of unpaid wages? What are your rights as an employee in Los Angeles? Do you need an employment attorney to represent your unpaid wages claim in Los Angeles? This page provides an overview of unpaid wages as well as links to pages on specific legal topics relevant to it. If you still have questions after reviewing these pages, contact our office to schedule a free and confidential consultation. 1.HOW DOES CALIFORNIA DEFINE UNPAID WAGES? Unpaid wages are what is often referred to as wage theft in California. The Labor Code § 200 , subd. (a) defines wages as including all amounts for labor performed by employees of every description, whether the amount is ascertained or fixed by the standard of task, piece, time, commission basis, or other methods of calculation. California Labor Code § 200, subd. (b) defines labor as including work, labor, or service whether performed or rendered under contract, subcontract, station plan, partnership, or other agreement if the labor to be paid for is performed personally by the person demanding payment. An employer must pay you wages earned for the labor you performed. Violating Labor Code § 200 et seq. constitutes unpaid wages and can result in statutory and civil penalties as outlined in § 210 , including a waiting time penalty – which occurs when an employer fails to provide a former employee his or her final paycheck within, for example, 14 days, and as such, the employer is liable for wages during that 14-day period. 2.WHAT TACTICS DO EMPLOYERS USE TO DELAY OR HIDE UNPAID WAGES? Employers use many different methods to deny or delay the payment of wages that are rightfully owed to employees or contractors. Some of these methods include: failing to pay wages owed to you failing to pay you minimum wage failing to pay for overtime making unlawful deductions refusing to reimburse reasonable expenses failing to pay commissions or bonuses entitled to you omitting sick pay omitting vacation pay or paid-time-off refusing to pay you tips and gratuity entitled to you paying you cash under the table classifying employees as independent contractors to avoid paying for benefits paying worker’s piece-rate that fails to satisfy California’s minimum hourly rate failing to comply with reporting time pay requirements. Unfortunately, many unsuspecting employees won’t notice that their employer has employed some of these tactics. Others may notice but may fear retaliation ( e.g. , harassment , discrimination , demotion, or termination ) or believe that they don’t have a fighting chance against a larger entity. For those of you who so much as suspect your employer may have violated the law and owes you wages, you should always consult with an experienced attorney. An experienced unpaid wage attorney will have the insight, knowledge, and skills to confirm unpaid wages, identify what the employer did to avoid paying those wages and take appropriate steps to make sure you get what’s owed to you. 3.ARE THERE ANY OCCUPATIONS THAT EXPERIENCE HIGHER RATES OF UNPAID WAGES? Make no mistake about it, each and every employee or independent contractor can experience a time when his or her wages are not paid. Many times, this is a simple accounting error that is immediately addressed. Other times the employer has taken intentional steps to avoid paying wages owed to you. In fact, according to studies conducted by UCLA Labor Center, 8 out of 10 Los Angeles workers experience wage theft. There are, however, certain demographics and certain jobs where acts of wage theft in accordance with the law are more prevalent. Demographics most often affected by unpaid wages in Los Angeles include: women mothers African-Americans Latinos immigrants lower-income workers. Examples of occupations most often affected by unpaid wages in Los Angeles include: restaurant chefs line cooks bussers construction workers security guards supermarket employees delivery persons movers warehouse workers pattern makers tailors seamstresses dressmakers home sewers health care personnel nurses agriculture laborers farmers mechanics body shop workers housekeepers truck drivers handypersons babysitters rideshare drivers. It is also important to mention that undocumented workers are routinely exploited for their labor and their questionable immigration status is used against them to intimidate and steal their wages. 4.WHAT ARE YOUR RIGHTS AS AN EMPLOYEE IN LOS ANGELES? You work hard. So, you deserve to get paid for your labor. But that’s not always the case in Los Angeles and throughout California. Employers may intentionally or unintentionally fail to properly and fully pay their employees. In some cases, it may be a matter of identifying the employer’s error, informing it of the same, and then receiving payment for the unpaid wages. In other cases, it may not go as smoothly: your employer may delay or deny your unpaid wages. When this happens Legal Glossary | Sirmabekian Law Firm Email: [email protected] Home Practice Areas Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Class Action Lawyer Overtime Lawyer Meal And Rest Breaks Lawyer Unpaid Wages Lawyer Wrongful Termination Lawyer Defamation Lawyer Contact Us Articles Search 818-473-5003 call us for consultation Legal Glossary Home / Legal Glossary ADA ADA is short for the Americans with Disabilities Act. This Act provides legal protection for people with disabilities in various aspects of life that include employment, which is covered under Title I. Qualified individuals with disabilities should be considered on par with their able-bodied peers when it comes to job applications, and to this end, reasonable accommodations should be made wherever possible (when it does not create an undue hardship or present a direct threat). This starts with the hiring process and can extend to the way a job is performed and/or the job environment, if applicable. Employers with more than 15 employees are subject to Title I of the ADA. Discrimination Discrimination refers to the treatment of or the making of a distinction towards an individual based on a group they belong to instead of their individual merit. Discrimination can be on the basis of age, race, sex, national origin, disability, pregnancy, and more. There is no one shape or size to discriminate, which can take several forms. This includes being passed over for a promotion and not being paid equally for doing the same job, right down to being excluded from social events and being the target of slurs. In some cases, discrimination can turn into harassment and result in a hostile work environment which makes the employee unable to perform their job duties. FMLA FMLA is short for the Family and Medical Leave Act. This gives employees the right to take unpaid leave for specific family and medical reasons while being covered under the health insurance they would be entitled to if they had not taken leave. Some of these reasons include taking parental leave following the birth or adoption of a child and taking leave to care for a loved one with a serious health condition. During this time, the employee’s job should remain protected and they should be able to return to work without complications when the period of leave is over. Harassment Harassment refers to a set of unwelcomed and uninvited behaviors that puts the victim in fear of their safety. In the workplace, harassment can take place for several reasons, such as discrimination or retaliation. Regardless of the motivations behind harassment, it is illegal and victims have legal recourse. Harassing behavior can include making derogatory comments or inappropriate suggestions, physically touching or blocking the victim, making unreasonable work requests, and many more. Hostile Work Environment Employers are obliged to provide a reasonably comfortable work environment for employees. However, when someone is getting harassed, humiliated, or treated in a manner that violates these workplace conditions, this can result in a hostile work environment. The result is an employee who feels overly stressed to report to work and/or is unable to perform their job duties to their full capacity. For a case of a hostile work environment to hold up, the words and actions the victim has been on the receiving end of must be discriminatory in nature. Reasonable Accommodation Reasonable accommodations refer to modifications made to the hiring process, the way a job is done, or the work environment to ensure that a person with disabilities can perform the essential functions of their job. This allows individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to perform next to their able-bodied counterparts. Reasonable accommodations do not present a direct threat or create an undue hardship on the employer, other employees, or the work environment. Some examples of reasonable accommodations include improving accessibility in a work area, providing reserved parking, allowing a flexible work schedule or remote working arrangement, making modifications to test materials, and more. Get A Free Case Evaluation We are here to help you with law questions contact us today The bottom line is, we know what it takes to help ensure that our client's interests and rights are protected. Quick Links Home About Us Contact Us Practice Areas Articles Blog Our Services Discrimination Lawyer Harassment Lawyer Retaliation Lawyer Class Action Lawyer Overtime Lawyer Meal And Rest Breaks Lawyer Unpaid Wages Lawyer Wrongful Termination Lawyer Defamation Lawyer Resources Legal Glossary Legal Disclaimer Anti-Spam Privacy Policy Terms of Use Subscribe To Newsletter Company This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Email Δ Copyright © 2026 Sirmabekian Law Firm , PC | Web Design by SmartSites Wrongful Termination Attorney | Sirmabekian Law Firm Email: [email protected] Home Practice Areas Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Class Action Lawyer Overtime Lawyer Meal And Rest Breaks Lawyer Unpaid Wages Lawyer Wrongful Termination Lawyer Defamation Lawyer Contact Us Articles Search 818-473-5003 call us for consultation Wrongful Termination Lawyer Home / Wrongful Termination Lawyer Practice Areas Discrimination Lawyer Examples of Unlawful Discrimination In The Workplace Religious Discrimination Lawyer Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer National Origin Discrimination Lawyer Age Discrimination Lawyer Gender Discrimination Lawyer Sexual Orientation Discrimination Lawyer Medical Condition Discrimination Lawyer Family Responsibilities Discrimination Lawyer Reasonable Accommodation & Interactive Process Lawyer Disability Discrimination Lawyer California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act Lawyer Harassment Lawyer Racial Harassment Lawyer Sexual Harassment Lawyer Types Of Illegal Workplace Harassment Retaliation Lawyer Retaliation & Complaints of Unpaid Wages or Labor Code Violations Lawyer Workers’ Compensation Retaliation Lawyer Overtime Lawyer Class Action Lawyer What Is A Class Action Lawsuit Lawyer Class Action Lawsuit Process Lawyer California Labor Code Section 132a Lawyer Wrongful Termination Lawyer Qui Tam Law Lawyer Violation of Implied Contract & Wrongful Termination Lawyer Whistleblower & Wrongful Termination Lawyer Wrongful Termination for Protected Political Activities Lawyer Exercising Right to Take Leave & Wrongful Termination Lawyer Aggressive Wrongful Termination for Disabilities Lawyer Compensatory Damages Lawyer Public Policy & Wrongful Termination Lawyer Meal And Rest Breaks Lawyer Unpaid Wages Lawyer California’s Laws on Independent Contractor vs. Employee Lawyer California Commissions Lawyer Paid Cash Under The Table Lawyer California’s Waiting Time Penalty Lawyer Tips & Gratuity Lawyer Vacation Pay Lawyer Sick Pay Lawyer Failure to Reimburse Reasonable Expenses Lawyer Unlawful Deductions Lawyer California’s Laws on Minimum Wages Lawyer Defamation Lawyer DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT & RETALIATION IN LOS ANGELES Lawyer Losing a job is always a horrible experience, but when the termination was wrongful, the experience is profoundly worse. You have your reputation at stake as well as your current and future financial security. California takes wrongful terminations seriously. Whether you are a lawyer who is expecting a child, a janitor with questionable immigration status, or an executive in a well-respected business – if you were wrongfully terminated, you deserve compensation for what you have suffered. At Sirmabekian Law, we represent clients throughout Los Angeles who work in various fields and have varying levels of experience. We have heard and seen it all. We know to what low levels employers will go to “get rid of” or “silence” employees who speak up, file a legitimate complaint, or otherwise do something well within their rights but that upsets the employer in some capacity. Common questions clients have had about wrongful termination in Los Angeles include: What is California's law on wrongful termination in a nutshell? What protections do California employees have? What responsibilities do employers in California have? What remedies are available to employees in California who have been wrongfully terminated? How are Wrongful Termination Claims made in Los Angeles? How long do you have to file a claim or complaint? What do employees need to prove their wrongful termination case in Los Angeles? Who should you contact in Los Angeles to discuss your wrongful termination claim today? If you believe you have been wrongfully terminated from your position, contact Sirmabekian Law today to schedule a free initial consultation. We will review your case and provide you with our initial thoughts and options. This way, you can make an informed decision about how you want to pursue your case and right the wrong that has been done against you. In the meantime, here’s an overview of wrongful termination laws in California. What is california's law on wrongful termination in a nutshell? Under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), it is unlawful for an employer to “discharge or to terminate” employees wrongfully. Other laws that may apply include California Family Rights Act (CFRA) and the New Parent Leave Act (NPLA). By wrongful, this typically means an employee is not hired, is not promoted, or is terminated due to his or her status as a protected class based on: color race religious creed national origin, ancestry medical condition physical or mental disability marital status ( e.g. , AIDS/HIV status) victim of domestic violence or stalking sex, gender gender identity, gender expression military and veteran status sexual orientation age (40 and above) genetic information pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions. FEHA codified in Cal. Gov. Code 12900 et seq . , applies to employers who have five or more employees unless these employees are the employers: parents spouse, or child. The law also does not apply to religious associations or corporations that are not organized for private profit. California laws on wrongful termination bar discrimination in all forms of business practices . This means an employer cannot: discriminate based on a protected class; and cannot maintain any of policy – even if facially neutral – that has a disproportionate effect on employees of a particular protected status (referred to as disparate impact). Discrimination cannot be applied in any: screening, applications, and interviews hiring, transferring, promoting, separating, or terminating advertisements participation in an apprenticeship or training program, union, or employee organization. working conditions, including compensation There are other reasons , too, for wrongful termination. You may have been wrongfully terminated if you were: discriminated against due to your political beliefs; or retaliated against because you are a whistleblower; or retaliated against because you complained about unpaid wages or health and safety issues or Labor Code violations; quit because the conditions were so intolerable or unsafe (known as constructive termination); or laid off via a mass layoff but were not given a 60-day notice, which is a violation of the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN Act). In any one of these situations, you deserve a remedy that results in a just and fair outcome. What protections do california employees have? California is an at-will employment state. This means – absent a contract, agreement, or an exception to a statute or policy – employers in Los Angeles and throughout California can terminate an employee for any reason and at any time. The last part is where confusion sets in. Employees think that because an employer can fire them for any reason and at any time, then it doesn’t matter if the employer did so because you just advised your supervisor you are pregnant or because you are of Mexican ancestry and your boss wants a wall built and for all Mexicans to be sent back to Mexico. But it does matter. The freedom to terminate anyone at any time is limited to a certain extent. When you belong to any one of the above-protected classes, you are protected from termination based on your status in a protected class. You are also protected if you are a whistleblower or complain about unpaid wages, poor health and safety conditions, or violations of the Labor Code. These protections are available to all employees, including: hourly employees salaried employees contract employees. What responsibilities do employers in california have? Employers are required by California law to take all necessary steps to prevent discrimination and harassment. To fail to do About Us | Sirmabekian Law Firm Email: [email protected] Home Practice Areas Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Class Action Lawyer Overtime Lawyer Meal And Rest Breaks Lawyer Unpaid Wages Lawyer Wrongful Termination Lawyer Defamation Lawyer Contact Us Articles Search 818-473-5003 call us for consultation About Us Home / About Us 99% Success Rate About Us The experienced and dedicated firm you can trust The bottom line is, we know what it takes to help ensure that employee’s interests and rights are protected. If legal fees are keeping you from getting the assistance you need, we offer a free legal consultation. At no cost, we’ll share our initial thoughts on your case and give you insight into our strategy. To learn more about our legal representation for employees or to schedule a consultation, don’t hesitate to contact us online or call us at 818-473-5003 today. If you’re in search of a legal remedy for your employment issues, you deserve an experienced advocate who is willing to listen to you, fight for you, and do everything in their power to get the best result possible. Our Mission The protection of your rights and interests in court is critical. To ensure you receive honest and fair treatment throughout the legal process, you can depend on us to stay in your corner amidst your most difficult legal issues. Advocate for Employees You, the employee, are at the heart of everything we do. You can rest assured knowing that your case is in the best of hands. World-Class Representation We pride ourselves in building a reputation based on results that employees, community, state, and beyond can attest to. Our Vision To us, a successful firm is defined by its abundance of integrity. This value coupled with years of experience equips us with the tools necessary to help you succeed. Our Commitment The bottom line is, we know what it takes to help ensure that employee interests and rights are protected. Your Success is Our Goal You can depend on us for claims such as wrongful termination, discrimination, unpaid wages, meal and rest breaks, and other labor/employment violations Living Our Value Everyday We've developed a culture of excellence through a wealth of experience, a steadfastness to integrity in all of our endeavors, and an unwavering work ethic. 1000+ Employees we represent 24hr Spanish-speaking staff 99% Success rate 10+ Years of combined experience --> Get A Free Case Evaluation We are here to help you with law questions contact us today The bottom line is, we know what it takes to help ensure that our client's interests and rights are protected. Quick Links Home About Us Contact Us Practice Areas Articles Blog Our Services Discrimination Lawyer Harassment Lawyer Retaliation Lawyer Class Action Lawyer Overtime Lawyer Meal And Rest Breaks Lawyer Unpaid Wages Lawyer Wrongful Termination Lawyer Defamation Lawyer Resources Legal Glossary Legal Disclaimer Anti-Spam Privacy Policy Terms of Use Subscribe To Newsletter Facebook This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Email Δ Copyright © 2026 Sirmabekian Law Firm , PC | Web Design by SmartSites Privacy Policy | Sirmabekian Law Firm Email: [email protected] Home Practice Areas Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Class Action Lawyer Overtime Lawyer Meal And Rest Breaks Lawyer Unpaid Wages Lawyer Wrongful Termination Lawyer Defamation Lawyer Contact Us Articles Search 818-473-5003 call us for consultation Privacy Policy Home / Privacy Policy Our law firm recognizes and respects your privacy. We want you to make the most of this Web site and to feel confident while doing so. The following discloses the information collection, use, and disclosure practices for this domain. This policy does not address information obtained offline. Or you can reach us by telephone at the number posted on this page. What personal information do we collect? When you visit the public area of this website, you remain anonymous. To the extent, you use forms, chats, and e-mail links via the Web site, or call us via phone to communicate with us or anyone affiliated with us and provide us with personally identifiable information, however, you will not remain anonymous. Because it is impossible to predict every conceivable context in which such information might be provided to us via e-mail, we can provide you no assurance that personally identifiable information you choose to provide to us via e-mail will be maintained as private. This website uses “cookies.” Cookies are small text files that are placed on a visitor’s computer hard drive that allow us and/or the host of this Web site to record how many times a user or computers within a user’s network of computers has visited the Web site, the number of times various pages of the Web site have been accessed and to track the user’s home page customization preferences. You may disable receipt of cookies using features of your Web browser that disable or turn off cookies. We do not use cookies to retrieve information that is unrelated to your visit to or your interaction with this Web site. We collect your Internet Protocol (IP) address. An IP address is a number that is assigned to your computer when you use the Internet. The IP address data that we collect does not contain any personally identifiable information about you and is used to administer our site, to determine the numbers of different visitors to the site, and to gather demographic data. However, when you submit information via this website, that information becomes identifiable and is kept on record as having come from your IP address. This information may be used to identify you on subsequent visits to this site, and to other sites associated with it, and to personalize your user experience. The non-personally identifiable data that this website collects is accessible by certain firm personnel as well as certain third-party Web site designers and personnel involved with the third-party service that hosts the Web site. We use all non-personally identifiable data that we collect internally and together with our Web site designer and host in order to improve the Web site. The information is used, for example, to evaluate what portions of the Web site are more popular than others, to determine where visitors to the site came from, and to determine how many times and how often particular pages of the site were accessed. We may use the data to prepare reports regarding Web site activity as part of the process of maintaining and improving the site. What steps do we take to protect your privacy? To the extent permitted by law, we will not sell, share, or otherwise disclose any of the information collected online without your express permission. What are the privacy policies of sites to which this website links? We provide links to third-party Web sites that we do not control. Therefore, we urge you to review the privacy policies posted on these third-party Web sites at the time you first visit such sites. We assume no obligation to review or ensure enforcement or compliance with the privacy policy of any Web site to which we link. What about children’s privacy? We do not knowingly collect personally identifiable information from any children under age 13. Is data storage and processing conducted in the united states? Regardless of where you are located, the site collects information and processes and stores that information in databases located in the United States. Can we revise this privacy policy? Due to the rapidly evolving technologies on the Internet, we may occasionally update this privacy policy. All revisions will be posted here on Web site. We, therefore, urge you to review its Privacy Policy frequently. What if I have questions about this privacy policy? Our Firm welcomes questions and comments on this website and about this policy. You are welcome to call us with your comments and questions at the number listed on this page. Get A Free Case Evaluation We are here to help you with law questions contact us today The bottom line is, we know what it takes to help ensure that our client's interests and rights are protected. Quick Links Home About Us Contact Us Practice Areas Articles Blog Our Services Discrimination Lawyer Harassment Lawyer Retaliation Lawyer Class Action Lawyer Overtime Lawyer Meal And Rest Breaks Lawyer Unpaid Wages Lawyer Wrongful Termination Lawyer Defamation Lawyer Resources Legal Glossary Legal Disclaimer Anti-Spam Privacy Policy Terms of Use Subscribe To Newsletter X/Twitter This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Email Δ Copyright © 2026 Sirmabekian Law Firm , PC | Web Design by SmartSites