Best Employment & Labor Lawyers in California

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Jones Day
Irvine, United States

Founded in 1893
2,500 people in their team
English
Jones Day has a history of more than 125 years and a culture of client service and professionalism based on explicit shared values. These values include providing pro bono legal services, building diversity in our profession, and supporting outreach efforts around the world.Jones Day has a long...
Stradling
Los Angeles, United States

Founded in 1975
200 people in their team
English
For nearly 50 years, top companies and municipalities have counted on Stradling to have the right team and skills to meet their toughest challenges 24/7, 365 days a year.Stradling is a leading business law firm with 115 lawyers providing experienced counsel in critical transactions and disputes...
Theodora Oringher
Los Angeles, United States

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
English
Since its founding, Theodora Oringher has developed into a legal powerhouse boutique. We are regularly called upon by clients as their go-to firm for sophisticated, high-stakes litigation. We also provide sound and wise counsel to businesses on transactions and operations issues. Our client roster...
Roxborough, Pomerance, Nye & Adreani, LLP
Woodland Hills, United States

Founded in 1996
50 people in their team
English
Just the facts-Founded in 1996, RPNA is a boutique law firm dedicated to providing businesses with a broad range of legal services. RPNA advises clients through out California with offices in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, and Sacramento.Our attorneys are the authorities in business law-RPNA...
Howard & Howard Attorneys PLLC
Beverly Hills, United States

Founded in 1869
304 people in their team
English
Howard & Howard is a full-service law firm with a national and international practice that provides legal services to businesses and business owners. The firm has offices in Royal Oak, Michigan; Illinois (Chicago and Peoria); Las Vegas, Nevada; and Beverly Hills, California. From our...
Kutak Rock LLP.
Irvine, United States

Founded in 1965
500 people in their team
English
We help communities thriveDevelopment and Improvement Districts is a signature practice of Kutak Rock. More than 50 of our attorneys represent community development and other special districts of all sizes and types, from small, in-fill residential projects to large scale multi-use commercial and...
Institución Legal De California
Los Angeles, United States

Founded in 2010
10 people in their team
Spanish
English
ABOGADOS ESPECIALISTAS EN WORKERS'COMP,ACCIDENTES PERSONALES & CASOS LABORALESACCIDENTES DE TRABAJODESPIDOS INJUSTIFICADOSACCIDENTES DE AUTO O MOTOLESIONES & DOLENCIAS POR TRABAJO REPETITIVODISCRIMINACIÓN & ACOSO LABORALCasos De DUICasos De MigracionMUERTE POR ACCIDENTES &...
Fennemore Craig, P.C.
Bakersfield, United States

Founded in 1885
363 people in their team
English
For 135+ years, Fennemore has provided legal counsel to help clients thrive in a complex, evolving business and legal landscape. We deliver forward-thinking advocacy to generate value for clients and help them keep pace with the rate of change by protecting legal interests and identifying...
Rutan & Tucker lawyers
Irvine, United States

Founded in 1955
500 people in their team
English
Rutan & Tucker lawyers are experienced and highly regarded experts, delivering sophisticated and superior client service and value in a wide-range of practice areas, markets and industries. Our lawyers enjoy what they do and appreciate the opportunity to help our clients achieve their goals. We...
Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP
San Francisco, United States

Founded in 1946
2,057 people in their team
English
At Arnold & Porter, we are client-driven and industry-focused. Our lawyers practice in more than 40 practice areas across the litigation, regulatory and transactional spectrum to help clients with complex needs stay ahead of the global market, anticipate opportunities and address issues that...
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United States Employment & Labor Legal Questions answered by Lawyers

Browse our 6 legal questions about Employment & Labor in United States and the lawyer answers, or ask your own questions for free.

Can I still file a lawsuit?
Employment & Labor
Hi,Typically, you must file an EEO complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) within 180 days from the date of the discriminatory act. However, if your employer is a state or local government entity, you have 300 days to file a complaint. For proper assistance we need more details thanks.ISLAW FIRMEMAIL: info@islaw.com.pk / WEBSITE: islaw.com.pk / Whatts App No: 00923219289992
Hi, I like to get the information about my deceased sister government pension in Sind Govt.
Elder Law
Will & Testament
Employment & Labor
Hello, Her next of kin will be you and so you shall be the one to receive the benefits and her properties. You can contact us vfor assistance on the documentation and procession 
How will I be able to receive money for the way I have been treated and all my hard work at a job I just quit from from but not unemployment?
Employment & Labor
Employment Rights
which country is matter occured?

About Employment & Labor Law in California, United States

Employment and labor law in California governs the relationship between employers and employees, aiming to ensure fair treatment, non-discrimination, employee safety, and proper compensation. California is known for its employee-friendly regulations, often providing broader rights than federal law. Areas covered include minimum wage, overtime, meal and rest breaks, wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, workplace safety, and employee benefits. Both employers and employees must understand their rights and obligations under state, federal, and sometimes local laws.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

There are many situations in the workplace where legal assistance is necessary. Common scenarios include:

  • Experiencing workplace discrimination or harassment based on race, gender, disability, or other protected characteristics
  • Being wrongfully terminated, demoted, or retaliated against after reporting illegal activity or unsafe conditions
  • Receiving less than the minimum wage, improper overtime pay, or denial of meal and rest breaks
  • Negotiating employment contracts, severance agreements, or non-compete clauses
  • Facing retaliation for whistleblowing or asserting legal rights
  • Needing representation in hearings before the Labor Commissioner or other government agencies
  • Addressing issues related to leave laws, such as family, medical, or pregnancy leave
  • Dealing with misclassification as an independent contractor instead of an employee

Lawyers help interpret complex laws, evaluate facts, negotiate settlements, and represent clients in court or administrative hearings.

Local Laws Overview

California employment law is distinct in several ways. The state enforces one of the highest minimum wages in the country, which can differ by city or county. Employees are entitled to overtime pay for hours worked over eight in a day or forty in a week. Strict laws govern meal and rest breaks, and employers must provide adequate workplace accommodations for employees with disabilities or pregnancy-related conditions. California prohibits discrimination based on numerous protected categories, and retaliation against employees for lawful complaints is forbidden. There are strong protections for whistleblowers and regulations to prevent worker misclassification. The state also mandates various types of paid and unpaid leave, including sick leave, family leave, and pregnancy disability leave. Employees may enforce their rights through administrative complaints or lawsuits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum wage in California?

As of 2024, the statewide minimum wage is at least 16 dollars per hour, but some cities and counties require a higher rate. Always check local ordinances for the most current rate in your area.

Am I entitled to overtime pay?

Most non-exempt employees in California must receive overtime pay at one and one-half times their regular rate for hours worked over eight in a day or forty in a week. Double time may apply for work over twelve hours in a day or for hours over eight on the seventh straight day of work.

What meal and rest breaks am I entitled to?

Employees working more than five hours a day must receive a thirty-minute unpaid meal break. A second meal break is required after ten hours. Employees are also entitled to a ten-minute paid rest break for every four hours worked.

Can my employer fire me without a reason?

California is an at-will employment state, meaning employers can terminate employment for almost any reason or no reason at all, except if the reason is illegal, such as discrimination or retaliation.

What should I do if I believe I have been discriminated against?

If you believe you have been discriminated against due to a protected characteristic, document your experiences and contact the Department of Fair Employment and Housing or an employment law attorney for guidance.

What qualifies as wrongful termination?

Wrongful termination occurs when an employee is fired for reasons that violate the law, such as discrimination, retaliation, or refusing to perform illegal acts.

Who qualifies as an independent contractor versus an employee?

California uses the "ABC test" to determine independent contractor status. Unless an employer can demonstrate certain criteria, the worker is presumed to be an employee. Misclassification can result in legal penalties.

Do I have the right to family or medical leave?

Employees may be entitled to job-protected leave under the California Family Rights Act or the federal Family and Medical Leave Act if they meet eligibility requirements, such as working for a covered employer for at least twelve months.

What can I do if my employer retaliates against me?

Retaliation for engaging in protected activities, such as filing a complaint or reporting safety violations, is illegal. Affected employees can file complaints with state agencies or seek legal counsel to pursue remedies.

How do I file a wage claim?

Employees can file wage claims for unpaid wages, overtime, or meal and rest break violations with the California Labor Commissioner’s Office (Division of Labor Standards Enforcement). Having documentation and evidence will strengthen your case.

Additional Resources

  • California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) - enforces anti-discrimination, retaliation, and harassment laws
  • California Labor Commissioner’s Office (Division of Labor Standards Enforcement) - handles wage, overtime, and workplace complaint claims
  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA) - promotes workplace safety and health standards
  • Local city or county offices for minimum wage laws and local employment regulations
  • Legal aid organizations such as Legal Aid at Work and neighborhood legal clinics specializing in employment issues

Next Steps

If you believe your employment rights have been violated, consider the following steps:

  1. Document all relevant facts, communications, and workplace events related to your issue.
  2. Review your company's policies and procedures, and determine if internal reporting is appropriate.
  3. Consult the appropriate state or local agency for guidance or file an administrative complaint, if applicable.
  4. Contact an experienced California employment and labor attorney for advice on your specific situation. Many offer free consultations and work on contingency fees for certain claims.
  5. Stay informed about your rights and deadlines for taking action, such as statutes of limitations for filing claims.

Seeking legal assistance early can help protect your rights and lead to a more favorable outcome for your employment situation.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in California through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Employment & Labor, experience, and client feedback. Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters. Get a quote from top-rated law firms in California, United States - quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.