◈ Homepage — http://www.sperberlaw.com/CONTACT US MAPS & DIRECTIONS 510-845-8844 HOME ATTORNEY PROFILE PRACTICE AREAS FAQS RESOURCES TESTIMONIALS REPRESENTATIVE CASES YOU WORKED HARD FOR YOUR REPUTATION. FIGHT FOR IT. Defamation, Libel and Slander Representing plaintiffs and defendants in defamation cases in various contexts YOU ARE ENTITLED TO A WORKPLACE FREE OF HARASSMENT. Employment Discrimination Representing employees treated differently based on race, sex, disability and more EVEN AT-WILL EMPLOYEES HAVE RIGHTS UNDER THE LAW. Wrongful Termination Fighting discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and other wrongful discharge ARE YOU RECEIVING YOUR FULL WAGES UNDER THE LAW? Unpaid Overtime Fighting misclassifications of exempt employees and other wage & hour violations YOU HAVE ENOUGH ON YOUR PLATE WITHOUT THE ADDED STRESS OF LEGAL WORRIES. Business and Civil Litigation Advice and representation for small business owners YOU WORKED HARD FOR YOUR REPUTATION. FIGHT FOR IT. Defamation, Libel and Slander Representing plaintiffs and defendants in defamation cases in various contexts YOU ARE ENTITLED TO A WORKPLACE FREE OF HARASSMENT. Employment Discrimination Representing employees treated differently based on race, sex, disability and more A SOLUTION-ORIENTED APPROACH TO THE OFTEN CONTENTIOUS FIELD OF EMPLOYMENT LAW SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT, BUSINESS LITIGATION & DEFAMATION ATTORNEY Employees in an employment dispute often feel like they have little chance of succeeding against a large employer with more resources and legal experience. But you don’t need a team of lawyers and a million dollars to vindicate your rights, and you needn’t be afraid to go up against a wealthier or more powerful party. Employment lawyer Anthony Sperber has successfully litigated against large corporations, banks, oil companies and their teams of lawyers. With experience representing employers and employees, plaintiffs and defendants, and as a mediator, we offer practical solutions to resolve your dispute effectively. Whether your case requires collaborative, creative problem-solving or aggressive representation in court, the Law Office of Anthony J. Sperber can help. Our practice includes the representation of employees in all manner of employment-related disputes, yet we also provide practical advice and assistance to small business owners in contract matters and other civil litigation. We offer a variety of billing options to best meet the needs of our clients, including hourly fees and flat rate structures and contingency fees. We also offer a free initial consultation, during which we will evaluate your situation and let you know how we may be able to help you. If we cannot help you, we will be happy to refer you to another appropriate resource, be it a government agency, referral service or other attorney. The first step is to contact our office to discuss your case. Call us at (510) 845-8844 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. CLIENT STORIES Kimberly “Mr. Sperber is the best Attorney I have ever had. He always listened to our concerns. He is very understanding and caring. I will always appreciate him for what he did for me and…” VIEW MORE Tami “Mr. Sperber was so helpful! He talked at length to me, multiple times about my difficult situation and provided much assistance about possible options. I ended up not needing an attorney yet, but if…” VIEW MORE Patrick “Mr. Sperber replied to my email very quickly and within 10 minutes of a phone call he had given me better advice than I ever expected. If I need further help, I would certainly…” VIEW MORE Amber Balakian “Mr. Sperber is one of the most skilled and intelligent attorneys in the industry. I spoke with several attorneys initially. However, I was deeply impressed by his overall knowledge and perspective of what I…” VIEW MORE William Prince “Brilliant, honest, and likable attorney with a vital and unfortunately necessary specialty in labor law. Most attorneys I have worked with are more attuned to their billable hours, than to the client’s legal issues.…” VIEW MORE Artem Andrusov “I am delighted to have found Mr. Sperber. He showed genuine understanding and human engagement right from our first contact. He is quick to respond, professional, and caring, which is a rare combination in…” VIEW MORE Roberta Laub-Rode “Mr. Sperber is a wonderful lawyer. After calling several lawyers when I was in need to urgent advice, he called me back within minutes and patiently listed to my questions and answered all of…” VIEW MORE Anonymous “Anthony really listens to what you have to say. I've tried other law firms and their consultation mostly ends if they don't have a slam dunk case. Anthony gives you a fair shot and…” VIEW MORE Alison Boden “It's extremely difficult to find an attorney you can trust and also afford. Anthony is that unicorn/needle in a haystack/pick your metaphor. This is why: He does not charge for an initial consultation to…” VIEW MORE Angela Pacheco “This firm is our family’s go-to for the various burning questions that inevitably arise from curious employment practices in the busy Bay Area. Our friends also enjoy the same quick and considerate help. We…” VIEW MORE Tia Welty “Atty. Sperber was the only one, of many attorneys I'd contacted, that actually reached out to me directly, instead of an intake clerk. He was diligent, professional, and actively listened, in order to understand…” VIEW MORE Missi Elliott “The most dedicated Law Professional in California. Mr. Sperber knows exactly what he is doing and I have full faith he can seek justice in any case. I highly recommend his business.” Mamie Lai “Top notch labor law attorney! Responsive, active listener, expert, efficient, respectful. Highly recommend him! Found him on C.E.L.A., and was so impressed by his manner and expert advice.” Ryan Stone “Anthony was responsive and helpful!” Anonymous “I hired Anthony Sperber to represent me in an employment dispute involving serious misconduct by a former employer. Anthony acted with urgency and precision from day one, filing for arbitration immediately and walking me…” VIEW MORE Edgar “Anthony’s work has been exceptional for my family. After returning to the East Bay from working in the U.S. House of Representatives, I discovered that my mother was being paid roughly half of the…” VIEW MORE Alanna “My case was unusual as it involved serious defamation by a previous employer. I searched high and low to find a lawyer who was specialized enough in this niche area of law to take…” VIEW MORE Deanna “Working with Anthony over the past two years has been an exceptionally supportive experience during one of the most difficult periods of my life. From our very first conversation—when he asked, “How are your…” VIEW MORE Albert “My family was involved in a dispute over back pay owed to my late father by his former employer. Dispite repeated requests for payment, the employer was not taking us seriously. We decided to…” VIEW MORE Kal “I cannot recommend Anthony enough. He is incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and truly cares about achieving the best possible outcome for his clients. Anthony's expertise and strategic approach were instrumental in resolving 2 of our…” VIEW MORE Colin “Mr. Sperber helped me navigate complex employer-labor laws and contracts after a VC funded SaaS (tech) job ended. While the law and contracts were ironclad, and the tech company was ruthlessly aggressive, so I…” VIEW MORE Lisa “Wise words that will help guide you in the best direction for your unique situation. I spoke to many potential employment attorneys and Mr. Sperber was the only one that took the time to…” VIEW MORE Amanda “Anthony was referred to me by a family friend who spoke very highly of him, and after hiring Anthony I have to say he exceeded my expectations! He was so easy to work with,…” VIEW MORE Rachel Wylde “I can honestly say that I was completely satisfied with Anthony's work representing me to navigate through a really stressful employment situation. I will be forever grateful to him for his wise analysis and…” VIEW MORE Philip Moody “I was referred to Anthony by a friend who had an extremely positive review of Anthony. I contacted Anthony and at all times, he was professional, knowledgeable and appropriately cautious. He delivered on everything…” VIEW MORE Nick “Anthony was very helpful in assisting me with a wage dispute. He helped me to successfully resolve the dispute with a large, publicly traded company. I was impressed with the amount of time he…” VIEW MORE Anonymous “I recently had to deal with an unfortunate situation with my employer. Thankfully I reached out to Anthony and I found him to be open, knowledgeable and extremely easy to talk with. Not only…” VIEW MORE Tara “Mr. Sperber went above & beyond, in researching and preparing for my case. He is a true expert in his field, and did everything he could to ensure a great outcome! He is very…” VIEW MORE Shanandrea “I feel as though Anthony was always responsive and honest. He made sure I understood what was going on and never made me feel as though I was bugging him with questions or my…” VIEW MORE Kimberly “Mr. Sperber is the best Attorney I have ever had. He always listened to our concerns. He is very understanding and caring. I will always appreciate him for what he did for me and…” VIEW MORE Tami “Mr. Sperber was so helpful! He talked at length to me, multiple times about my difficult situation and provided much assistance about possible options. I ended up not needing an attorney yet, but if…” VIEW MORE Patrick “Mr. Sperber replied to my email very quickly and within 10 minutes of a phone call he had given me better advice than I ever expected. If I need further help, I would certainly…” VIEW MORE Amber Balakian “Mr. Sperber is one of the most skilled and intelligent attorneys in the industry. I spoke with several attorneys initially. However, I was deeply impressed by his overall knowledge and perspective of what I…” VIEW MORE William Prince “Brilliant, honest, and likable attorney with a vital and unfortunately necessary specialty in labor law. Most attorneys I have worked with are more attuned to their billable hours, than to the client’s legal issues.…” VIEW MORE Artem Andrusov “I am delighted to have found Mr. Sperber. He showed genuine understanding and human engagement right from our first contact. He is quick to respond, professional, and caring, which is a rare combination in…” VIEW MORE AREAS OF PRACTICE WRONGFUL TERMINATION WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION DISCRIMINATION RETALIATION HARASSMENT WAGE CLAIMS BREACH OF CONTRACT CIVIL & BUSINESS LITIGATION DEFAMATION “I represent regular people who are usually up against a big company. Many mistakenly think they cannot ‘take on’ a much more powerful and wealthier party, but I have done it successfully throughout the length of my practice.”— Anthony J. Sperber, Attorney at Law SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT LAW ATTORNEY Anthony J. Sperber is the founder and principal attorney at the Law Office of Anthony J. Sperber, representing individuals and small businesses in Berkeley and the San Francisco Bay Area in the fields of labor and employment law, business litigation and defamation. Anthony Sperber is a successful litigator with experience representing both employers and employees, plaintiffs and defendants, in all manner of employment disputes and other civil litigation. VIEW ATTORNEY PROFILE GET IN TOUCH WITH US Send us an email or call 510-845-8844 for answers to schedule an appointment and discuss your case. Name Phone Email Please Tell Us About Your Concern All Fields Required By submitting this form I acknowledge that contacting the Anthony J. Sperber Law Office through this website does not create an attorney-client relationship, and any information I send is not protected by attorney-client privilege. protected by reCAPTCHA Privacy - Terms ADDRESS 1808 Sixth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710 TEL 510-845-8844 FAX 510-845-1998 EMAIL [email protected] © 2015 - 2026 Law Office of Anthony J. Sperber. All rights reserved. Custom WebShop™ law firm website design by NextClient.com. Site Map Disclaimer Contact Us LIVE CHAT Get 24/7 Real-Time Assistance. LIVE CHAT ◈ Interior Pages — 11 pages crawledBerkeley Labor & Employment Law Attorney | San Francisco Bay Discrimination & Harassment Lawyer Close Menu Home Call Email Visit Search Menu 510-845-8844 Contact Us Maps & Directions 510-845-8844 Home Attorney Profile Practice Areas FAQs Resources Testimonials Representative Cases You Are Entitled To A Workplace Free Of Harassment. Employment Discrimination Representing employees treated differently based on race, sex, disability and more Even At-Will Employees Have Rights Under The Law. Wrongful Termination Fighting discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and other wrongful discharge Are You Receiving Your Full Wages Under The Law? Unpaid Overtime Fighting misclassifications of exempt employees and other wage & hour violations You Have Enough On Your Plate Without The Added Stress Of Legal Worries. Business and Civil Litigation Advice and representation for small business owners You Worked Hard For Your Reputation. Fight For It. Defamation, Libel and Slander Representing plaintiffs and defendants in defamation cases in various contexts A Solution-Oriented Approach To The Often Contentious Field of Employment Law San Francisco Bay Area Labor and Employment, Business Litigation & Defamation Attorney Employees in an employment dispute often feel like they have little chance of succeeding against a large employer with more resources and legal experience. But you don’t need a team of lawyers and a million dollars to vindicate your rights, and you needn’t be afraid to go up against a wealthier or more powerful party. Employment lawyer Anthony Sperber has successfully litigated against large corporations, banks, oil companies and their teams of lawyers. With experience representing employers and employees, plaintiffs and defendants, and as a mediator, we offer practical solutions to resolve your dispute effectively. Whether your case requires collaborative, creative problem-solving or aggressive representation in court, the Law Office of Anthony J. Sperber can help. Our practice includes the representation of employees in all manner of employment-related disputes, yet we also provide practical advice and assistance to small business owners in contract matters and other civil litigation. We offer a variety of billing options to best meet the needs of our clients, including hourly fees and flat rate structures and contingency fees. We also offer a free initial consultation, during which we will evaluate your situation and let you know how we may be able to help you. If we cannot help you, we will be happy to refer you to another appropriate resource, be it a government agency, referral service or other attorney. The first step is to contact our office to discuss your case. Call us at (510) 845-8844 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. Client Stories Amber Balakian “Mr. Sperber is one of the most skilled and intelligent attorneys in the industry. I spoke with several attorneys initially. However, I was deeply impressed by his overall knowledge and perspective of what I…” View More William Prince “Brilliant, honest, and likable attorney with a vital and unfortunately necessary specialty in labor law. Most attorneys I have worked with are more attuned to their billable hours, than to the client’s legal issues.…” View More Artem Andrusov “I am delighted to have found Mr. Sperber. He showed genuine understanding and human engagement right from our first contact. He is quick to respond, professional, and caring, which is a rare combination in…” View More Roberta Laub-Rode “Mr. Sperber is a wonderful lawyer. After calling several lawyers when I was in need to urgent advice, he called me back within minutes and patiently listed to my questions and answered all of…” View More Anonymous “Anthony really listens to what you have to say. I've tried other law firms and their consultation mostly ends if they don't have a slam dunk case. Anthony gives you a fair shot and…” View More Alison Boden “It's extremely difficult to find an attorney you can trust and also afford. Anthony is that unicorn/needle in a haystack/pick your metaphor. This is why: He does not charge for an initial consultation to…” View More Angela Pacheco “This firm is our family’s go-to for the various burning questions that inevitably arise from curious employment practices in the busy Bay Area. Our friends also enjoy the same quick and considerate help. We…” View More Tia Welty “Atty. Sperber was the only one, of many attorneys I'd contacted, that actually reached out to me directly, instead of an intake clerk. He was diligent, professional, and actively listened, in order to understand…” View More Missi Elliott “The most dedicated Law Professional in California. Mr. Sperber knows exactly what he is doing and I have full faith he can seek justice in any case. I highly recommend his business.” Mamie Lai “Top notch labor law attorney! Responsive, active listener, expert, efficient, respectful. Highly recommend him! Found him on C.E.L.A., and was so impressed by his manner and expert advice.” Ryan Stone “Anthony was responsive and helpful!” Anonymous “I hired Anthony Sperber to represent me in an employment dispute involving serious misconduct by a former employer. Anthony acted with urgency and precision from day one, filing for arbitration immediately and walking me…” View More Edgar “Anthony’s work has been exceptional for my family. After returning to the East Bay from working in the U.S. House of Representatives, I discovered that my mother was being paid roughly half of the…” View More Alanna “My case was unusual as it involved serious defamation by a previous employer. I searched high and low to find a lawyer who was specialized enough in this niche area of law to take…” View More Deanna “Working with Anthony over the past two years has been an exceptionally supportive experience during one of the most difficult periods of my life. From our very first conversation—when he asked, “How are your…” View More Albert “My family was involved in a dispute over back pay owed to my late father by his former employer. Dispite repeated requests for payment, the employer was not taking us seriously. We decided to…” View More Kal “I cannot recommend Anthony enough. He is incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and truly cares about achieving the best possible outcome for his clients. Anthony's expertise and strategic approach were instrumental in resolving 2 of our…” View More Colin “Mr. Sperber helped me navigate complex employer-labor laws and contracts after a VC funded SaaS (tech) job ended. While the law and contracts were ironclad, and the tech company was ruthlessly aggressive, so I…” View More Lisa “Wise words that will help guide you in the best direction for your unique situation. I spoke to many potential employment attorneys and Mr. Sperber was the only one that took the time to…” View More Amanda “Anthony was referred to me by a family friend who spoke very highly of him, and after hiring Anthony I have to say he exceeded my expectations! He was so easy to work with,…” View More Rachel Wylde “I can honestly say that I was completely satisfied with Anthony's work representing me to navigate through a really stressful employment situation. I will be forever grateful to him for his wise analysis and…” View More Philip Moody “I was referred to Anthony by a friend who had an extremely positive review of Anthony. I contacted Anthony and at all times, he was professional, knowledgeable and appropriately cautious. He delivered on everything…” View More Nick “Anthony was very helpful in assisting me with a wage dispute. He helped me to successfully resolve the dispute with a large, publicly traded company. I was impressed with the amount of time he…” View More Anonymous “I recently had to deal with an unfortunate situation wi Berkeley Labor & Employment Law Attorney | San Francisco Consumer Protection & Defamation Lawyer Close Menu Home Call Email Visit Search Menu 510-845-8844 Contact Us Maps & Directions 510-845-8844 Home Attorney Profile Practice Areas FAQs Resources Testimonials Representative Cases Home / Practice Areas Practice Areas San Francisco Bay Area Labor and Employment, Business Litigation & Defamation Attorney The law practice at the Law Office of Anthony J. Sperber in Berkeley is focused on the representation of individuals and small businesses in the San Francisco Bay Area in the fields of labor and employment law, including discrimination and harassment, wrongful termination and wage and hour issues such as unpaid overtime. Other areas of focus include consumer protection, defamation and business litigation. Below is a brief summary of our major practice areas. If you have other questions, please see our page of Frequently Asked Questions , or contact our office for a free, initial consultation regarding your legal needs. Comprehensive California Employment Law Practice Discrimination and Harassment – We represent employees who have been subjected to discrimination or harassment at work. Local, state and federal laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, sex, age, disability and other factors in all aspects of employment, including hiring, firing, promotions, transfers, discipline, pay, and other terms and conditions of employment. These laws also protect workers against retaliation for complaining about discrimination, filing a lawsuit or charge with a government agency, or cooperating with an investigation. We can help you by identifying the proper venue in which to file a complaint and guiding you through the complaint process. If necessary, we can represent you in mediation and courtroom litigation to resolve the complaint and ensure that you are compensated for the harm done to you. Federal, state and local laws prohibit discrimination based on any of the following factors, among others: Race Color Religion Sex/Gender Pregnancy Disability National Origin Age Genetic Information Marital Status AIDS/HIV status Sexual Orientation Domestic Partner Status Gender Identity Wrongful Termination – We can help you if you have been fired for a discriminatory reason or in retaliation for exercising your rights. There are a host of reasons why a wrongful discharge may be illegal or against public policy. These include being fired for medical issues such as pregnancy, mental illness, or a physical disability, or for filing a workers’ compensation or disability claim. Whistleblower Protection – California and federal laws protect individuals from discrimination, harassment or termination for asserting legal claims, such as workers’ compensation, discrimination, or wage complaints. In addition, people who report unlawful activity or safety violations, whether reporting to a superior in the company or to a government agency, enjoy protected whistleblower status and may not be retaliated against in any way. If you have the courage to step forward and blow the whistle on illegal activity at your workplace, you will find in us a staunch ally on your side to make sure your rights are protected. Wage & Hour – If you work more than 40 hours in a workweek, you are entitled to overtime pay at the rate of one and one-half times your hourly rate. In California, you are also entitled to meal and rest breaks depending upon the length of your shift. If you are required to give up your break or eat at your desk, you may be entitled to compensation for unpaid wages. Many people are denied overtime because they are misclassified as exempt employees or independent contractors. Often times, these practices go on for years before they are discovered. We can help you recover unpaid overtime or other unpaid wages. However, you are limited in how far back you can go to recover lost wages, so it is important to contact an experienced labor law attorney as soon as you suspect you are being underpaid. Employment Contracts & Small Business Employer Advice – As a former small business owner himself, Anthony Sperber understands that small businesses face many of the same types of employment-related issues as large companies, including discrimination complaints, wage and hour issues, and contract disputes. We provide advice and representation to small business employers in the negotiation of employment contracts, nondisclosure agreements, and related matters. Civil Litigation Business Litigation – Disputes may arise in the course of business with competitors, customers, vendors or suppliers, and legal intervention may be necessary to resolve them. We represent small business owners in business litigation including breach of contract disputes as well as all manner of business torts, such as unfair competition, deceptive trade practices and fraud. Qui Tam and False Claims Act – Millions of taxpayer dollars are lost every year to people making fraudulent government claims, such as Medicare/Medi-Cal Fraud and Student Loan Financial Aid Fraud. Often, an employee or private citizen is in the best position to uncover the fraud. The government knows this and wants your help. Through the Federal False Claims Act and the California False Claims Act, you can bring a qui tam action on behalf of the government. Whether the government takes over the prosecution or allows you to litigate the matter, you are entitled to a share of the proceeds assessed against the guilty party – as much as thirty percent of the amount recovered. Defamation As a private individual or business, if you are defamed either orally (slander) or in writing (libel), we can help you recover money damages for the harm to your reputation and receive an appropriate apology or retraction. We have successfully litigated against newspapers, book publishers and individuals to restore our clients’ reputations. Call Today for a Free Consultation If you need legal advice or representation in an employment matter or any of the above areas, contact the Law Office of Anthony J. Sperber in Berkeley. We practice throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, and we offer a free, initial consultation during which we take the time to listen to your case and let you know how we may be of help. Call (510) 845-8844 or contact us online . Share This Page: Testimonials Amber Balakian “Mr. Sperber is one of the most skilled and intelligent attorneys in the industry. I spoke with several attorneys initially. However, I was deeply impressed by his overall knowledge and perspective of what I…” View More William Prince “Brilliant, honest, and likable attorney with a vital and unfortunately necessary specialty in labor law. Most attorneys I have worked with are more attuned to their billable hours, than to the client’s legal issues.…” View More Artem Andrusov “I am delighted to have found Mr. Sperber. He showed genuine understanding and human engagement right from our first contact. He is quick to respond, professional, and caring, which is a rare combination in…” View More Roberta Laub-Rode “Mr. Sperber is a wonderful lawyer. After calling several lawyers when I was in need to urgent advice, he called me back within minutes and patiently listed to my questions and answered all of…” View More Anonymous “Anthony really listens to what you have to say. I've tried other law firms and their consultation mostly ends if they don't have a slam dunk case. Anthony gives you a fair shot and…” View More Alison Boden “It's extremely difficult to find an attorney you can trust and also afford. Anthony is that unicorn/needle in a haystack/pick your metaphor. This is why: He does not charge for an initial consultation to…” View More Angela Pacheco “This firm is our family’s go-to for the various burning questions that inevitably arise from curious employm Berkeley Employment Law & Discrimination Attorney | San Francisco Bay Area Sexual Harassment Lawyers Close Menu Home Call Email Visit Search Menu 510-845-8844 Contact Us Maps & Directions 510-845-8844 Home Attorney Profile Practice Areas FAQs Resources Testimonials Representative Cases Home / Resources California Employment Discrimination, Wage and Hour, and Consumer Law Resources The following links and resources are provided by the Berkeley Law Office of Anthony J. Sperber for the benefit of individuals and small businesses in the San Francisco Bay Area seeking information on California labor and employment law, including disability discrimination, sexual harassment, and retaliation, as well as unpaid overtime and other wage and hour issues. We hope these resources help you find the information you are looking for. If you need to speak with an attorney, please contact our office for a free consultation. California Department of Fair Employment and Housing – DFEH is the state agency charged with enforcing California’s civil rights laws. DFEH can help if you have been the victim of unlawful discrimination at work or in housing or public accommodations, or if you have been victimized by hate violence. U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission – The EEOC is responsible for enforcing federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or employee on the basis of the person’s race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability or genetic information. The EEOC also protects people who have been discriminated or retaliated against for filing a charge or otherwise complaining about discrimination, or for participating in an employment discrimination investigation or lawsuit. City & County of San Francisco Human Rights Commission – The SF HCR enforces local ordinances against employment and housing discrimination, which cover more areas of protected persons than either California or federal antidiscrimination laws. Visit their website to file a complaint online or learn more about local antidiscrimination laws in San Francisco. ADA.gov – This website from the United States Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, offers information and technical assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act. Individuals and small businesses can access federal law and regulations on persons with disabilities, design standards for ensuring accessibility in construction or remodeling a business premises, technical assistance materials , and current enforcement activities. California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement – DLSE, the Labor Commissioner’s Office, was established under the State of California Department of Industrial Relations to adjudicate wage claims, investigate discrimination and public works complaints, and enforce California Labor Code statutes and Industrial Welfare Commission wage orders. Visit their website to file a wage claim , labor law violation , or retaliation or discrimination complaint . You can also find information here about allowable wage deductions , paid sick leave and other important wage and hour issues. California Employment Development Department – At the EDD website, you can file for unemployment or disability , or connect with resources to help you find a job . Employers can file and pay taxes online, or respond to UI or DI claims. U.S. Department of Labor , Wage and Hour Division – DOL WHD enforces federal minimum wage and overtime laws established under the Fair Labor Standards Act, as well as other federal labor laws such as the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Workers visiting the site can learn how to file a complaint , and employers can find valuable resources such as required workplace posters and fact sheets on a variety of wage and hour topics. California Public Employment Relations Board – The PERB is a quasi-judicial administrative agency charged with administering the collective bargaining statutes covering employees at California public schools and higher education institutions, state employees, and employees of local public agencies. Public employees can visit the PERB website to find out how to file an unfair practice charge (UPC) or search prior PERB decisions . California Department of Consumer Affairs – DCA was established to protect and serve California consumers while ensuring a fair and competent marketplace. The Department also protects professionals from unfair competition by unlicensed practitioners. Consumers can file a complaint against a licensee or verify a professional’s license . DCA also maintains a library of consumer publications , licensee publications and legal guides . Share This Page: Areas Of Practice Wrongful Termination Whistleblower Protection Discrimination Retaliation Harassment Wage Claims Breach of Contract Civil & Business Litigation Defamation Testimonials Amber Balakian “Mr. Sperber is one of the most skilled and intelligent attorneys in the industry. I spoke with several attorneys initially. However, I was deeply impressed by his overall knowledge and perspective of what I…” View More William Prince “Brilliant, honest, and likable attorney with a vital and unfortunately necessary specialty in labor law. Most attorneys I have worked with are more attuned to their billable hours, than to the client’s legal issues.…” View More Artem Andrusov “I am delighted to have found Mr. Sperber. He showed genuine understanding and human engagement right from our first contact. He is quick to respond, professional, and caring, which is a rare combination in…” View More Roberta Laub-Rode “Mr. Sperber is a wonderful lawyer. After calling several lawyers when I was in need to urgent advice, he called me back within minutes and patiently listed to my questions and answered all of…” View More Anonymous “Anthony really listens to what you have to say. I've tried other law firms and their consultation mostly ends if they don't have a slam dunk case. Anthony gives you a fair shot and…” View More Alison Boden “It's extremely difficult to find an attorney you can trust and also afford. Anthony is that unicorn/needle in a haystack/pick your metaphor. This is why: He does not charge for an initial consultation to…” View More Angela Pacheco “This firm is our family’s go-to for the various burning questions that inevitably arise from curious employment practices in the busy Bay Area. Our friends also enjoy the same quick and considerate help. We…” View More Tia Welty “Atty. Sperber was the only one, of many attorneys I'd contacted, that actually reached out to me directly, instead of an intake clerk. He was diligent, professional, and actively listened, in order to understand…” View More Missi Elliott “The most dedicated Law Professional in California. Mr. Sperber knows exactly what he is doing and I have full faith he can seek justice in any case. I highly recommend his business.” Mamie Lai “Top notch labor law attorney! Responsive, active listener, expert, efficient, respectful. Highly recommend him! Found him on C.E.L.A., and was so impressed by his manner and expert advice.” Ryan Stone “Anthony was responsive and helpful!” Anonymous “I hired Anthony Sperber to represent me in an employment dispute involving serious misconduct by a former employer. Anthony acted with urgency and precision from day one, filing for arbitration immediately and walking me…” View More Edgar “Anthony’s work has been exceptional for my family. After returning to the East Bay from working in the U.S. House of Representatives, I discovered that my mother was being paid roughly half of the…” View More Alanna “My case was unusual as it involved serious defamation by a previous employer. I searched high and low to find a lawyer who was specialized enough in this niche area of law to take…” View More Deanna “Working wit Disclaimer | Anthony J. Sperber Close Menu Home Call Email Visit Search Menu 510-845-8844 Contact Us Maps & Directions 510-845-8844 Home Attorney Profile Practice Areas FAQs Resources Testimonials Representative Cases Home / Disclaimer Disclaimer The information and materials on this website are provided for general informational purposes only, and are not intended to be legal advice. We attempt to provide quality information, but the law changes frequently, and varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. The information and materials provided are general in nature, and may not apply to a specific factual or legal circumstance. An attorney and client relationship should not be implied. Nothing on this website is intended to substitute for the advice of an attorney; therefore, if you require legal advice, please consult with a competent attorney licensed to practice in your jurisdiction. Share This Page: Address 1808 Sixth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710 Tel 510-845-8844 Fax 510-845-1998 Email [email protected] © 2015 - 2026 Law Office of Anthony J. Sperber. All rights reserved. Custom WebShop™ law firm website design by NextClient.com . Site Map Disclaimer Contact Us × --> Testimonials - Anthony J. Sperber Close Menu Home Call Email Visit Search Menu 510-845-8844 Contact Us Maps & Directions 510-845-8844 Home Attorney Profile Practice Areas FAQs Resources Testimonials Representative Cases Home / Testimonials Testimonials Amber Balakian Mr. Sperber is one of the most skilled and intelligent attorneys in the industry. I spoke with several attorneys initially. However, I was deeply impressed by his overall knowledge and perspective of what I was facing. I was grateful he agreed to help me. It initially seemed intimidating to pursue a case against my very large employer, but Mr. Sperber gave me the confidence to pursue it. He was very honest, patient, attentive and forthcoming throughout the entire process. I was very happy with the outcome, and appreciated all of his persistence in pursuing justice for my case. If you are looking for an attorney who has both brilliance and integrity, Mr. Sperber is that diamond in the rough. He will also make you laugh, which I appreciated given the nature of most legal situations. William Prince Brilliant, honest, and likable attorney with a vital and unfortunately necessary specialty in labor law. Most attorneys I have worked with are more attuned to their billable hours, than to the client’s legal issues. Anthony was patient, thoughtful and respectful for both my case as well as his invoicing. I hope I will never need to make another appointment at his office, but would love to meet him in Berkley’s Gourmet Ghetto, to treat him to a fine meal for a job extremely well done. Artem Andrusov I am delighted to have found Mr. Sperber. He showed genuine understanding and human engagement right from our first contact. He is quick to respond, professional, and caring, which is a rare combination in an attorney these days. I fully endorse the other positive reviews about him and highly recommend him. Roberta Laub-Rode Mr. Sperber is a wonderful lawyer. After calling several lawyers when I was in need to urgent advice, he called me back within minutes and patiently listed to my questions and answered all of them. It is clear he really cares for his clients and mostly wants everyone to have the best experience possible. I decided to hire his services and I am very happy with his product, which was done very fast and for a reasonable fee. I would highly recommend Mr. Sperber to friends and family! Anonymous Anthony really listens to what you have to say. I've tried other law firms and their consultation mostly ends if they don't have a slam dunk case. Anthony gives you a fair shot and when people need to be heard, it's the best feeling one can get. Really appreciate Anthony's mentality. Alison Boden It's extremely difficult to find an attorney you can trust and also afford. Anthony is that unicorn/needle in a haystack/pick your metaphor. This is why: He does not charge for an initial consultation to discuss your situation. Other lawyers will try and you should run quickly from them. He will work with you to figure out the best possible outcome for your situation, not try to push you into costly litigation. He is easy to talk to and has a good sense of humor. This is an underrated quality in attorneys, but it's actually important to find someone you like (especially if they're going to be in your life for several weeks/months/years). If you're reading this (and therefore in the position to be shopping for an employment lawyer), I'm sorry. That sucks. And I really recommend giving Anthony a call. Angela Pacheco This firm is our family’s go-to for the various burning questions that inevitably arise from curious employment practices in the busy Bay Area. Our friends also enjoy the same quick and considerate help. We can always count on Anthony Sperber, Esq. Tia Welty Atty. Sperber was the only one, of many attorneys I'd contacted, that actually reached out to me directly, instead of an intake clerk. He was diligent, professional, and actively listened, in order to understand my case, to which he helped me understand more law terminology. Much appreciated! Would certainly recommend him to others. Missi Elliott The most dedicated Law Professional in California. Mr. Sperber knows exactly what he is doing and I have full faith he can seek justice in any case. I highly recommend his business. Mamie Lai Top notch labor law attorney! Responsive, active listener, expert, efficient, respectful. Highly recommend him! Found him on C.E.L.A., and was so impressed by his manner and expert advice. Ryan Stone Anthony was responsive and helpful! Anonymous I hired Anthony Sperber to represent me in an employment dispute involving serious misconduct by a former employer. Anthony acted with urgency and precision from day one, filing for arbitration immediately and walking me through the entire process with professionalism and clarity. He was able to secure a fast arbitration date, which quickly led to mediation. Thanks to his strategic and confident handling of the mediation, I was able to reach a settlement under satisfactory terms on the same day. After years of deadlock with a previous attorney, Anthony resolved my case swiftly and with a great outcome. Anthony is a highly skilled and effective advocate. I’m thankful for his work and would strongly recommend him to anyone dealing with a complex employment matter. Edgar Anthony’s work has been exceptional for my family. After returning to the East Bay from working in the U.S. House of Representatives, I discovered that my mother was being paid roughly half of the legally required minimum wage. I reached out to several local attorneys, but none felt like the right fit. Then I found Anthony’s practice online. From our very first call, which lasted nearly an hour, he took the time to understand every detail of the case and agreed to represent my mother on a contingency-fee basis. The defendant dragged the litigation out for almost four years, yet throughout that long process, Anthony made what could have been an incredibly stressful experience feel manageable. He consistently kept us informed, walked us through strategy decisions, and explained each step in a way we could understand. At every point, we felt like we had a trusted family attorney in our corner. After hiring Anthony, I feel like I gained not only a strong legal representative but also a friend who genuinely cared about my mother’s well-being and our family’s peace of mind. When our case settled this year, Anthony went above and beyond the scope of our agreement by continuing to represent us until final compensation was secured. He did this not because he had to, but because that is the kind of attorney and person he is. Anthony is an outstanding attorney. If you are considering hiring him, I can wholeheartedly say that you absolutely should. Alanna My case was unusual as it involved serious defamation by a previous employer. I searched high and low to find a lawyer who was specialized enough in this niche area of law to take my case, and was fortunate enough to find Anthony. Over the nearly two years he worked on my case, there was no question I had that he left unanswered, every email and phone call were promptly replied to, but almost more importantly, he displayed a heartfelt compassion and understanding of the impact my case had made on my life and did everything he could to fight for me. Anthony made a point of explaining convoluted legal theory in such a way to make my case easier for me to understand and able to make an informed decision at the time of settlement. He is sharp as a tack and only ever inspired confidence that I had found the right attorney for the job. He gets an extra 10 bonus points in my book for having a good sense of humor and being easy to talk to as well. Highly recommend. Deanna Working with Anthony over the past two years has been an exceptionally supportive experience during one of the most difficult periods of my life. From our very first conversation—when he asked, “How Site Map | Anthony J. Sperber Close Menu Home Call Email Visit Search Menu 510-845-8844 Contact Us Maps & Directions 510-845-8844 Home Attorney Profile Practice Areas FAQs Resources Testimonials Representative Cases Home / Site Map Site Map Home Attorney Profile Practice Areas FAQs Resources Representative Cases Contact Us Blog Testimonials Maps & Directions Disclaimer Website Accessibility Share This Page: Address 1808 Sixth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710 Tel 510-845-8844 Fax 510-845-1998 Email [email protected] © 2015 - 2026 Law Office of Anthony J. Sperber. All rights reserved. Custom WebShop™ law firm website design by NextClient.com . Site Map Disclaimer Contact Us × --> Representative Cases | Anthony J. Sperber Close Menu Home Call Email Visit Search Menu 510-845-8844 Contact Us Maps & Directions 510-845-8844 Home Attorney Profile Practice Areas FAQs Resources Testimonials Representative Cases Home / Representative Cases Results From Representative Cases Employment Litigation: Sub-category: Wrongful Constructive Discharge. Facts: Chief Compliance Offer was constructively discharged when he resigned because he could not be part of unethical conduct by CEO of financial services firm. Result: $347,000 settlement shortly after initiation of litigation in Superior Court. Sub-category: Breach of Executive Employment Contract. Facts: CEO of medical device company worked for six years under a deferred compensation agreement with start-up medical device company. Result: $1.2 million settlement during arbitration proceedings (after defeating three defense motions to dismiss and prevailing on our own summary adjudication motion). Sub-category: Retaliation. Facts: Male engineer retaliated against and forced out because he complained about unsafe working conditions. Result: $2,450,000 settlement during trial. Sub-category: Age/gender discrimination. Facts: Female bartender fried because she was “too old” at age 40. Result: $425,000 settlement prior to trial. Sub-category: Disability discrimination. Facts: Female office worker fired after taking medical leave. Result: $120,000 settlement early in litigation. Defamation: Facts: Businessman libeled when his name is erroneously connected to corrupt business practices in Nigeria. Libel printed in book. Result: $600,000 settlement Facts: Businessman libeled when comic implies in book that he attempted to rape a girl during high school many years prior. Libel printed in book. Result: $62,500 payment, plus apology letter and retraction. Wage & Hour: Facts: Network engineer not paid overtime or on-call time. Result: $280,000 settlement early in litigation. Facts: Financial analyst not paid overtime or allowed breaks. Result: $67,000 trial verdict, plus attorneys’ fees and costs. Business Litigation: Facts: Gas station franchisee misled by oil company, which attempted to escape liability for improvements. Result: $990,000 settlement. Share This Page: Areas Of Practice Wrongful Termination Whistleblower Protection Discrimination Retaliation Harassment Wage Claims Breach of Contract Civil & Business Litigation Defamation Testimonials Amber Balakian “Mr. Sperber is one of the most skilled and intelligent attorneys in the industry. I spoke with several attorneys initially. However, I was deeply impressed by his overall knowledge and perspective of what I…” View More William Prince “Brilliant, honest, and likable attorney with a vital and unfortunately necessary specialty in labor law. Most attorneys I have worked with are more attuned to their billable hours, than to the client’s legal issues.…” View More Artem Andrusov “I am delighted to have found Mr. Sperber. He showed genuine understanding and human engagement right from our first contact. He is quick to respond, professional, and caring, which is a rare combination in…” View More Roberta Laub-Rode “Mr. Sperber is a wonderful lawyer. After calling several lawyers when I was in need to urgent advice, he called me back within minutes and patiently listed to my questions and answered all of…” View More Anonymous “Anthony really listens to what you have to say. I've tried other law firms and their consultation mostly ends if they don't have a slam dunk case. Anthony gives you a fair shot and…” View More Alison Boden “It's extremely difficult to find an attorney you can trust and also afford. Anthony is that unicorn/needle in a haystack/pick your metaphor. This is why: He does not charge for an initial consultation to…” View More Angela Pacheco “This firm is our family’s go-to for the various burning questions that inevitably arise from curious employment practices in the busy Bay Area. Our friends also enjoy the same quick and considerate help. We…” View More Tia Welty “Atty. Sperber was the only one, of many attorneys I'd contacted, that actually reached out to me directly, instead of an intake clerk. He was diligent, professional, and actively listened, in order to understand…” View More Missi Elliott “The most dedicated Law Professional in California. Mr. Sperber knows exactly what he is doing and I have full faith he can seek justice in any case. I highly recommend his business.” Mamie Lai “Top notch labor law attorney! Responsive, active listener, expert, efficient, respectful. Highly recommend him! Found him on C.E.L.A., and was so impressed by his manner and expert advice.” Ryan Stone “Anthony was responsive and helpful!” Anonymous “I hired Anthony Sperber to represent me in an employment dispute involving serious misconduct by a former employer. Anthony acted with urgency and precision from day one, filing for arbitration immediately and walking me…” View More Edgar “Anthony’s work has been exceptional for my family. After returning to the East Bay from working in the U.S. House of Representatives, I discovered that my mother was being paid roughly half of the…” View More Alanna “My case was unusual as it involved serious defamation by a previous employer. I searched high and low to find a lawyer who was specialized enough in this niche area of law to take…” View More Deanna “Working with Anthony over the past two years has been an exceptionally supportive experience during one of the most difficult periods of my life. From our very first conversation—when he asked, “How are your…” View More Albert “My family was involved in a dispute over back pay owed to my late father by his former employer. Dispite repeated requests for payment, the employer was not taking us seriously. We decided to…” View More Kal “I cannot recommend Anthony enough. He is incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and truly cares about achieving the best possible outcome for his clients. Anthony's expertise and strategic approach were instrumental in resolving 2 of our…” View More Colin “Mr. Sperber helped me navigate complex employer-labor laws and contracts after a VC funded SaaS (tech) job ended. While the law and contracts were ironclad, and the tech company was ruthlessly aggressive, so I…” View More Lisa “Wise words that will help guide you in the best direction for your unique situation. I spoke to many potential employment attorneys and Mr. Sperber was the only one that took the time to…” View More Amanda “Anthony was referred to me by a family friend who spoke very highly of him, and after hiring Anthony I have to say he exceeded my expectations! He was so easy to work with,…” View More Rachel Wylde “I can honestly say that I was completely satisfied with Anthony's work representing me to navigate through a really stressful employment situation. I will be forever grateful to him for his wise analysis and…” View More Philip Moody “I was referred to Anthony by a friend who had an extremely positive review of Anthony. I contacted Anthony and at all times, he was professional, knowledgeable and appropriately cautious. He delivered on everything…” View More Nick “Anthony was very helpful in assisting me with a wage dispute. He helped me to successfully resolve the dispute with a large, publicly traded company. I was impressed with the amount of time he…” View More Anonymous “I recently had to deal with an unfortunate situation with my employer. Thankfully I reached out to Anthony and I found him to be open, knowledgeable and extremely easy to talk with. Not only…” View More Tara “Mr. Sperber went above & beyond, in researching and preparing for my case. He is a true expert in his field, and did everything he could to ensure a great outcome! He is very…” View More Shanandrea “I feel as though Ant San Francisco Bay Area Employment Law Attorney | Berkeley Discrimination & Overtime Lawyer Close Menu Home Call Email Visit Search Menu 510-845-8844 Contact Us Maps & Directions 510-845-8844 Home Attorney Profile Practice Areas FAQs Resources Testimonials Representative Cases Home / Attorney Profile “I represent regular people who are usually up against a big company. Many mistakenly think they cannot ‘take on’ a much more powerful and wealthier party, but I have done it successfully throughout the length of my practice.” — Anthony J. Sperber, Attorney at Law Attorney Profile San Francisco Bay Area Labor and Employment Law Attorney Anthony J. Sperber is the founder and principal attorney at the Law Office of Anthony J. Sperber, representing individuals and small businesses in Berkeley and the San Francisco Bay Area in the fields of labor and employment law, business litigation and defamation. Anthony Sperber is a successful litigator with experience representing both employers and employees, plaintiffs and defendants, in all manner of employment disputes and other civil litigation. As a determined advocate for the rights of others who may not otherwise have a strong voice in the legal system, Anthony Sperber limits his practice to the representation of individuals and small businesses. Prior to entering law school, Mr. Sperber spent many years in the world of work, including starting and running his own business. He knows what it takes to run a business, and he also understands what it is like to feel disadvantaged in the workplace and need someone to protect your rights. Mr. Sperber is a 1998 graduate of the University of San Francisco School of Law, where he served as an Editor of the Law Review and also received the Faculty Award for Law Review Article of the Year in 1998. His other honors and achievements in law school include earning a Public Interest Law Certificate, the American Jurisprudence Award in Contracts, the Moot Court Award for Best Oral Argument (1996) and also earning a spot in the Top 10% and the McAuliffe Honor Society. Mr. Sperber has been recognized as Super Lawyer of the Year by Super Lawyers Magazine in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020. He is also rated 10.0 out of 10.0 by Avvo Ratings. Education: J.D., University of San Francisco School of Law B.A., University of California, Berkeley Admissions: California State Courts United States District Court, Northern and Eastern District of California Professional Associations/Memberships: State Bar of California* Alameda County Bar Association* Bar Association of San Francisco* Consumer Attorneys of California California Employment Lawyers Association American Bar Association* *Mr. Sperber is an active member of the Litigation and Employment Law Sections of these organizations Share This Page: Address 1808 Sixth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710 Tel 510-845-8844 Fax 510-845-1998 Email [email protected] © 2015 - 2026 Law Office of Anthony J. Sperber. All rights reserved. Custom WebShop™ law firm website design by NextClient.com . Site Map Disclaimer Contact Us × --> Maps & Directions | Anthony J. Sperber Close Menu Home Call Email Visit Search Menu 510-845-8844 Contact Us Maps & Directions 510-845-8844 Home Attorney Profile Practice Areas FAQs Resources Testimonials Representative Cases Home / Maps & Directions Maps & Directions Law Office of Anthony J. Sperber 1808 Sixth Street Berkeley, CA 94710 Phone: 510-845-8844 Fax: 510-845-1998 View on Google Maps Share This Page: Archives December 2023 Categories General Address 1808 Sixth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710 Tel 510-845-8844 Fax 510-845-1998 Email [email protected] © 2015 - 2026 Law Office of Anthony J. Sperber. All rights reserved. Custom WebShop™ law firm website design by NextClient.com . Site Map Disclaimer Contact Us × --> Contact Us | Anthony J. Sperber Close Menu Home Call Email Visit Search Menu 510-845-8844 Contact Us Maps & Directions 510-845-8844 Home Attorney Profile Practice Areas FAQs Resources Testimonials Representative Cases Home / Contact Us Contact Us Law Office of Anthony J. Sperber 1808 Sixth Street Berkeley, CA 94710 Phone: 510-845-8844 Fax: 510-845-1998 Name: Phone: Email: Message: All Fields Required By submitting this form you acknowledge that contacting this law firm through this website does not create an attorney-client relationship, and any information you send is not protected by attorney-client privilege. protected by reCAPTCHA Privacy - Terms Share This Page: Testimonials Amber Balakian “Mr. Sperber is one of the most skilled and intelligent attorneys in the industry. I spoke with several attorneys initially. However, I was deeply impressed by his overall knowledge and perspective of what I…” View More William Prince “Brilliant, honest, and likable attorney with a vital and unfortunately necessary specialty in labor law. Most attorneys I have worked with are more attuned to their billable hours, than to the client’s legal issues.…” View More Artem Andrusov “I am delighted to have found Mr. Sperber. He showed genuine understanding and human engagement right from our first contact. He is quick to respond, professional, and caring, which is a rare combination in…” View More Roberta Laub-Rode “Mr. Sperber is a wonderful lawyer. After calling several lawyers when I was in need to urgent advice, he called me back within minutes and patiently listed to my questions and answered all of…” View More Anonymous “Anthony really listens to what you have to say. I've tried other law firms and their consultation mostly ends if they don't have a slam dunk case. Anthony gives you a fair shot and…” View More Alison Boden “It's extremely difficult to find an attorney you can trust and also afford. Anthony is that unicorn/needle in a haystack/pick your metaphor. This is why: He does not charge for an initial consultation to…” View More Angela Pacheco “This firm is our family’s go-to for the various burning questions that inevitably arise from curious employment practices in the busy Bay Area. Our friends also enjoy the same quick and considerate help. We…” View More Tia Welty “Atty. Sperber was the only one, of many attorneys I'd contacted, that actually reached out to me directly, instead of an intake clerk. He was diligent, professional, and actively listened, in order to understand…” View More Missi Elliott “The most dedicated Law Professional in California. Mr. Sperber knows exactly what he is doing and I have full faith he can seek justice in any case. I highly recommend his business.” Mamie Lai “Top notch labor law attorney! Responsive, active listener, expert, efficient, respectful. Highly recommend him! Found him on C.E.L.A., and was so impressed by his manner and expert advice.” Ryan Stone “Anthony was responsive and helpful!” Anonymous “I hired Anthony Sperber to represent me in an employment dispute involving serious misconduct by a former employer. Anthony acted with urgency and precision from day one, filing for arbitration immediately and walking me…” View More Edgar “Anthony’s work has been exceptional for my family. After returning to the East Bay from working in the U.S. House of Representatives, I discovered that my mother was being paid roughly half of the…” View More Alanna “My case was unusual as it involved serious defamation by a previous employer. I searched high and low to find a lawyer who was specialized enough in this niche area of law to take…” View More Deanna “Working with Anthony over the past two years has been an exceptionally supportive experience during one of the most difficult periods of my life. From our very first conversation—when he asked, “How are your…” View More Albert “My family was involved in a dispute over back pay owed to my late father by his former employer. Dispite repeated requests for payment, the employer was not taking us seriously. We decided to…” View More Kal “I cannot recommend Anthony enough. He is incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and truly cares about achieving the best possible outcome for his clients. Anthony's expertise and strategic approach were instrumental in resolving 2 of our…” View More Colin “Mr. Sperber helped me navigate complex employer-labor laws and contracts after a VC funded SaaS (tech) job ended. While the law and contracts were ironclad, and the tech company was ruthlessly aggressive, so I…” View More Lisa “Wise words that will help guide you in the best direction for your unique situation. I spoke to many potential employment attorneys and Mr. Sperber was the only one that took the time to…” View More Amanda “Anthony was referred to me by a family friend who spoke very highly of him, and after hiring Anthony I have to say he exceeded my expectations! He was so easy to work with,…” View More Rachel Wylde “I can honestly say that I was completely satisfied with Anthony's work representing me to navigate through a really stressful employment situation. I will be forever grateful to him for his wise analysis and…” View More Philip Moody “I was referred to Anthony by a friend who had an extremely positive review of Anthony. I contacted Anthony and at all times, he was professional, knowledgeable and appropriately cautious. He delivered on everything…” View More Nick “Anthony was very helpful in assisting me with a wage dispute. He helped me to successfully resolve the dispute with a large, publicly traded company. I was impressed with the amount of time he…” View More Anonymous “I recently had to deal with an unfortunate situation with my employer. Thankfully I reached out to Anthony and I found him to be open, knowledgeable and extremely easy to talk with. Not only…” View More Tara “Mr. Sperber went above & beyond, in researching and preparing for my case. He is a true expert in his field, and did everything he could to ensure a great outcome! He is very…” View More Shanandrea “I feel as though Anthony was always responsive and honest. He made sure I understood what was going on and never made me feel as though I was bugging him with questions or my…” View More Kimberly “Mr. Sperber is the best Attorney I have ever had. He always listened to our concerns. He is very understanding and caring. I will always appreciate him for what he did for me and…” View More Tami “Mr. Sperber was so helpful! He talked at length to me, multiple times about my difficult situation and provided much assistance about possible options. I ended up not needing an attorney yet, but if…” View More Patrick “Mr. Sperber replied to my email very quickly and within 10 minutes of a phone call he had given me better advice than I ever expected. If I need further help, I would certainly…” View More Address 1808 Sixth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710 Tel 510-845-8844 Fax 510-845-1998 Email [email protected] © 2015 - 2026 Law Office of Anthony J. Sperber. All rights reserved. Custom WebShop™ law firm website design by NextClient.com . Site Map Disclaimer Contact Us × --> Berkeley Labor & Employment Lawyer | San Francisco Discrimination, Harassment & Overtime Lawyer Close Menu Home Call Email Visit Search Menu 510-845-8844 Contact Us Maps & Directions 510-845-8844 Home Attorney Profile Practice Areas FAQs Resources Testimonials Representative Cases Home / FAQs Frequently Asked Questions Berkeley Employment Discrimination Attorney Answers Frequently Asked Questions on California Employment Law If you have been subjected to discrimination or harassment at work, or if you have been denied overtime pay, you may have questions about your rights but not know where to go for help. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we encounter at the Law Office of Anthony J. Sperber, as we advise and represent workers in Berkeley and throughout the San Francisco Bay area on labor and employment law matters. Hopefully, the following FAQs will answer your questions. If you need to talk to an attorney about an employment situation that is troubling you, contact our office for a free initial consultation. Does an at-will employee have any rights? Definitely. While an at-will employee may be fired at any time for “a good reason, a bad reason, or no reason,” an at-will employee may not be fired for an illegal reason. At-will employees are protected from unlawful discrimination, retaliation for whistleblowing or other protected activity, and other causes of wrongful termination. Also, many people who think their employment is at-will actually have statutory or contractual rights of which they are unaware. What is a Right-to-Sue letter, and what does it mean? When you file a complaint with the DFEH or EEOC, they have a period of time to investigate the complaint. When that time expires, or sooner, they may issue you a Right-to-Sue letter. This means that the agency is not going to prosecute the complaint on your behalf, and you are free to file a lawsuit against your employer if you desire. Should I file my discrimination complaint with EEOC or DFEH? When both state and federal laws cover the same type of discrimination, you can file your charge with either agency. If state and federal laws both apply, the agency you file with will likely also file a dual charge with the other agency. Additionally, the City and County of San Francisco has many more classes of people protected from employment discrimination than at the state and federal levels. These include height, weight, marital status, creed, AIDS/HIV status, sexual orientation, domestic partner status and gender identity. If your complaint is based on discrimination in one of these areas, you way wish to file with the San Francisco Human Rights Commission. Talk to your employment law attorney before you file a charge to ensure that you file with the most appropriate agency for the best chances of success on your claim. Can I get my job back if I was wrongfully terminated? Possibly. There are many remedies available for a wrongful discharge, including reinstatement with back pay and interest. Can my employer fire me and replace me with a less experienced worker in order to save money on payroll? Not necessarily. If you are 40 years old or older, you may be protected from discrimination by the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) and the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). You may have an age discrimination claim that you should discuss with an experienced employment discrimination lawyer. What kinds of disability are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act? The ADA defines a disability as any physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one more major life activities. There are many elements to this legal definition, such as the meaning of “impairment,” “substantially limits,” and “major life activity.” Also, you are protected if you have a record of disability or if you are regarded as having a disability, even when you don’t. California disability law is broader than the ADA, so many impairments that would not qualify as a disability under the ADA may qualify under FEHA. What makes the workplace a “hostile environment”? A hostile workplace environment is one form of sexual harassment. It occurs when there is unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that is so severe or pervasive that it makes the workplace a hostile place to be. This can include supervisors or other workers making obscene gestures or comments, graffiti in the bathroom, posters or pornography in a break area, inappropriate touching or fondling and many other types of activities. Another type of unlawful sexual harassment is quid pro quo sexual harassment. This occurs when a supervisor tries to date or obtain sexual favors from a subordinate, and conditions favorable or unfavorable job treatment on the employee’s response. Both hostile environment and quid pro quo sexual harassment are illegal, and there are steps you can take to end them. Am I exempt from overtime if I am a salaried employee? Not necessarily. To be exempt from overtime, you must be paid on a “salary basis” (at least $455 a week), but you must also fall into a recognized exempt category, such as a professional, executive or administrative employee. Each classification has its own definition and set of criteria. Even if your boss or your job description says you are exempt, you may be misclassified. Contact our office for an evaluation of whether you are truly exempt or whether you have been wrongfully denied overtime to which you are entitled. Share This Page: Areas Of Practice Wrongful Termination Whistleblower Protection Discrimination Retaliation Harassment Wage Claims Breach of Contract Civil & Business Litigation Defamation Testimonials Amber Balakian “Mr. Sperber is one of the most skilled and intelligent attorneys in the industry. I spoke with several attorneys initially. However, I was deeply impressed by his overall knowledge and perspective of what I…” View More William Prince “Brilliant, honest, and likable attorney with a vital and unfortunately necessary specialty in labor law. Most attorneys I have worked with are more attuned to their billable hours, than to the client’s legal issues.…” View More Artem Andrusov “I am delighted to have found Mr. Sperber. He showed genuine understanding and human engagement right from our first contact. He is quick to respond, professional, and caring, which is a rare combination in…” View More Roberta Laub-Rode “Mr. Sperber is a wonderful lawyer. After calling several lawyers when I was in need to urgent advice, he called me back within minutes and patiently listed to my questions and answered all of…” View More Anonymous “Anthony really listens to what you have to say. I've tried other law firms and their consultation mostly ends if they don't have a slam dunk case. Anthony gives you a fair shot and…” View More Alison Boden “It's extremely difficult to find an attorney you can trust and also afford. Anthony is that unicorn/needle in a haystack/pick your metaphor. This is why: He does not charge for an initial consultation to…” View More Angela Pacheco “This firm is our family’s go-to for the various burning questions that inevitably arise from curious employment practices in the busy Bay Area. Our friends also enjoy the same quick and considerate help. We…” View More Tia Welty “Atty. Sperber was the only one, of many attorneys I'd contacted, that actually reached out to me directly, instead of an intake clerk. He was diligent, professional, and actively listened, in order to understand…” View More Missi Elliott “The most dedicated Law Professional in California. Mr. Sperber knows exactly what he is doing and I have full faith he can seek justice in any case. I highly recommend his business.” Mamie Lai “Top notch labor law attorney! Responsive, active listener, expert, efficient, respectful. Highly recommend