Los Angeles is home to some of the largest employers in the country, and some of the most aggressive employment practices. If you work in LA County and believe your employer crossed a legal line, you are in the right place. Our firm represents employees across Los Angeles in every major area of employment law.
TL;DR
Los Angeles employees have strong protections under both California law and LA-specific ordinances. Wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wage claims are all handled by our firm, with a free consultation and no fee unless we win.
Employment claims we handle in Los Angeles
Los Angeles workers face a wide range of workplace issues. The claims we handle most include:
- Wrongful termination: fired for an illegal reason such as discrimination, retaliation, or refusing to break the law. See our guide to wrongful termination in California.
- Workplace discrimination: treated differently because of race, sex, age, disability, pregnancy, or another protected characteristic under FEHA.
- Sexual harassment: hostile work environments, unwanted advances, and retaliation for reporting.
- Wage and hour violations: unpaid overtime, missed meal breaks, misclassification, and final paycheck violations.
- Retaliation: punished for complaining about illegal conduct at work.
Each of these claims has its own rules and deadlines. A free consultation will tell you which ones apply to your situation.
Why Los Angeles employers get sued
Los Angeles County has over 10 million residents and one of the densest concentrations of employers in the state. With that density comes a steady stream of workplace violations. Common patterns we see from LA employers include:
- Performance documentation manufactured after a complaint to justify a termination
- Misclassification of workers as independent contractors, especially in the entertainment, logistics, and gig economy
- Meal and rest break violations in retail, hospitality, and healthcare
- Retaliation against employees who report wage theft or safety issues
- Discrimination in hiring, pay, and promotion, particularly in entertainment and tech
If you work in Los Angeles and something at work crossed a legal line, do not wait. Most employment claims have deadlines measured in months or a few years, not decades.
Local ordinances that add protections
Los Angeles employees enjoy protections beyond state law. The city’s Fair Work Week Ordinance requires predictable scheduling for retail workers, and the LA Minimum Wage Ordinance sets a wage floor higher than the state minimum. Employers who violate these local rules may owe additional compensation.
These local protections are in addition to, not instead of, California’s statewide protections. An attorney familiar with LA-specific rules can spot violations that a general practitioner would miss.
Courts that hear Los Angeles employment cases
Employment claims from LA County are typically filed in Los Angeles Superior Court. Depending on your area and the type of claim, your case may be heard at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse downtown, the Spring Street Courthouse, the Van Nuys Courthouse East in the San Fernando Valley, the Santa Monica Courthouse, or the Pasadena Courthouse. We handle cases across all LA County venues.
What a Los Angeles employment case can recover
- Lost wages and benefits, including back pay and future earnings
- Emotional distress damages
- Punitive damages in cases involving malice, oppression, or fraud
- Statutory penalties, including waiting-time penalties and wage premiums
- Attorney’s fees and costs, paid by the employer when you win
Because California shifts attorney’s fees to the employer in most employment cases, pursuing a claim does not require paying your lawyer out of pocket.
Frequently asked questions about Los Angeles employment claims
How long do I have to file a claim in Los Angeles?
Most FEHA claims must be filed with the California Civil Rights Department within three years. Wage claims generally have a three-year window. The deadline depends on the claim, so it should be evaluated early.
Do local LA ordinances apply to me?
If you work in the city of Los Angeles, local ordinances like the minimum wage and Fair Work Week rules may apply, depending on your industry and employer size. We evaluate both state and local protections.
Can I afford an employment lawyer in LA?
Yes. We work on contingency for most employment claims, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover. The free consultation costs nothing either.
Talk to a Los Angeles employment lawyer
If you work in Los Angeles and believe your employer violated your rights, call (747) 227-7266 or request a free consultation. A senior attorney will review your situation and tell you honestly whether you have a case. We represent employees throughout California.