PRACTICE AREAS

Discrimination

Protecting the rights of employees who have been discriminated against in the workplace

The State of California prohibits discrimination on race, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, age, or medical condition. Discrimination in the workplace based on any of those factors can include:

• Termination or being forced to quit

• Being denied a promotion or benefits

• Being subjected to a pattern of offensive, unfair, or inappropriate conditions

• Harassment

Sexual Harassment

Protecting the rights of employees who have been sexually harassed in the workplace

Federal and State laws protect employees from sexual harassment in the workplace, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. It is unlawful for a supervisor or co-worker to subject you to unwanted sexual advances. This can include:

• Unwelcome physical contact

• Suggestive physical or verbal acts

• Physical or verbal advances/propositions

• Making sexual orientation or gender-related comments

• Displaying sexual orientation or gender-related conduct

Whistleblower Retaliation

Protecting the rights of employees who report illegal business practices

Under California law, employees are protected for reporting illegal and/or fraudulent activity in the workplace. That means it is illegal for employers to retaliate, fire, demote, or discriminate against whistleblowers. Unfortunately, many employees who expose their employer’s illegal or fraudulent business are still victims of retaliation.

Whistleblowers may report illegal activities such as:

• Tax evasion

• Overbilling for services that were not performed

• Receiving bribes or kickbacks

• Insurance fraud

• Money laundering

• Workplace health or safety concerns

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) violations

• Tax fraud