Los Angeles Employment Lawyers

Employment lawyers in Los Angeles can advocate for employees who may have experienced violations of their rights. Some of these cases involve wage and hour disputes, while others arise from claims of employment discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation, or interference with family or medical leave. Firing an employee in violation of a statute or contract may result in a wrongful termination claim. It’s not always easy to figure out the scope of your rights and how to assert them. A Los Angeles employment attorney can make a big difference in protecting your interests.

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Compare 1000+ top rated California attorneys serving Los Angeles.
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Rodney Mesriani
PREMIUM
Rodney Mesriani
Employment Lawyer Serving Los Angeles, CA
10.0Justia Lawyer Rating for Rodney Mesriani
Award-Winning California Employment Lawyer. Free Consultation!
I am a highly dedicated & skilled employment lawyer who is committed to protecting your rights and helping you secure justified compensation for your loss. Call my office today for a free consultation! Read More »
Bruce Kokozian
PREMIUM
Bruce Kokozian
Employment Lawyer Serving Los Angeles, CA
Free Consultation! Experienced & Skilled Attorney! Employee Representation!
I provide exceptional representation for employees in workplace matters. I will tirelessly pursue the justice you need and deserve! Visit my website to see client reviews and case results. Call for a free consultation. Read More »
Geoffrey C. Lyon
PREMIUM
Geoffrey C. Lyon
Employment Lawyer Serving Los Angeles, CA
Free Consultation! Experienced, Knowledgeable & Dedicated Employee Advocacy!
I am an experienced and aggressive employment law attorney. I am committed to exceptional representation for employees with legal disputes! Visit my website to see reviews and results, call for a free consultation! Read More »
Jonathon  Kaplan
PREMIUM
Jonathon Kaplan
Employment Lawyer Serving Los Angeles, CA
Experienced Employment Law attorney! Call today!
I am an experienced Employment Law attorney dedicated to helping clients in a variety of matters. Call today for a consultation to see how I can help you. Read More »
Marta M. Fernandez
PREMIUM
Marta M. Fernandez
Employment Lawyer Serving Los Angeles, CA
Call now! Experienced and professional advocate for the rights of employees.
Marta Fernandez advises employers in all aspects of labor and employment law. She represents employers in the health care sector, hospitality, transportation, retail, banking and other service industries. Read More »
Steven M. Sweat
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Steven M. Sweat
(866) 966-5240 11500 W Olympic Blvd
#488
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Free ConsultationOffers Video ConferencingVideo ConfLos Angeles, CA Employment Law Attorney with 29 years of experience
Employment, Insurance Claims, Personal Injury and Products Liability
California Western School of Law and Florida State University - Panama City campus
Steven M. Sweat is an award winning personal injury attorney based in Los Angeles, California. He is the principal founding member of Steven M. Sweat, Personal Injury Lawyers, APC. The firm has been representing the victims of negligence and wrongdoing throughout California seek compensation for personal injury and wrongful death in a variety of contexts including but, not limited to auto accidents, bicycle mishaps, boating accidents, commercial and residential property accidents including slip and trip and falls and negligent security claims, dog bites, explosions and fires, motorcycle crashes, nursing home and elder abuse, railroad collisions, sexual assault and abuse...
Brad S Kane
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Brad S Kane
(323) 697-9840 1154 S Crescent Heights Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90035
Offers Video ConferencingVideo ConfLos Angeles, CA Employment Law Attorney with 34 years of experience
Employment, Arbitration & Mediation and Business
University of California College of the Law, San Francisco
Brad S. Kane has practiced law for more than twenty years in California, Washington, and Alaska. After a decade-long career in “Big Law,” in 2001 Mr. Kane started the Kane Law Firm, a Los Angeles-based practice. Mr. Kane takes a unique, humanistic approach with clients, always keeping the client engaged in their case and counseling clients toward fair and reasonable solutions to often emotional and complex problems.

The Kane Law Firm follows Mr. Kane’s interdisciplinary approach to law and avoids the often myopic “over-specialization” or one-sided thinking caused by only representing one side to a particular kind of...
Michael Paul Ehline
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Michael Paul Ehline
Los Angeles, CA Employment Law Lawyer with 20 years of experience
(888) 400-9721 633 W 5th St
#2890
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Free ConsultationEmployment, Elder, Personal Injury and Products Liability
UWLA
Getting banged up in a Los Angeles accident can happen at any time. You could also have an injury at sea on a floating city like a cruise ship. Your injuries could occur in any other city or town in California. It may be from the neglect of some another entity, or individual's negligence. Their failure to exercise due diligence or foresight means that you are entitled to receive compensation for the injuries and other damages you incurred. Whether you're involved in an auto collision, motorcycle accident, pedestrian run down. You're emphatically urged to obtain sharp, expert legal services of...
Juan J. Dominguez
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Juan J. Dominguez
(800) 818-1818 3250 Wilshire Blvd
Suite 2200
Los Angeles, CA 90010
Free ConsultationOffers Video ConferencingVideo ConfLos Angeles, CA Employment Law Attorney with 38 years of experience
Employment, Personal Injury, Products Liability and Workers' Comp
University of California College of the Law, San Francisco
Juan J. Dominguez is a nationally recognized, award-winning, bilingual attorney. He is the founder, CEO and Managing Partner of The Dominguez Firm, LLP; a Los Angeles based personal injury, workers' compensation,and employment law practice with a legal staff of over one-hundred employees. The firm is one of the most successful and well-known injury law firms in Southern California.

In 2011, Mr. Dominguez was nominated Attorney of the Year by the Consumer Attorneys of California (CAOC). In 2013, he was honored with distinction by the Hispanic National Bar Association with the Attorney of the Year award. In 2014, the Mexican-American Bar Association...
Olivier Alain Taillieu
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Olivier Alain Taillieu
Los Angeles, CA Employment Law Attorney with 25 years of experience
(800) 818-1818 3250 Wilshire Blvd
Suite 2200
Los Angeles, CA 90010
Free ConsultationOffers Video ConferencingVideo ConfEmployment, Personal Injury, Products Liability and Workers' Comp
The George Washington University Law School
Olivier Taillieu is a distinguished and respected trial attorney. He has tried and won multiple jury trials in his prolific career, and has recovered tens of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for his clients. He is the chief trial attorney of The Dominguez Firm and handles complex and hard-fought cases.

Mr. Taillieu has been recognized by his peers as an outstanding advocate for his clients. He was one of five finalists for the prestigious CAALA Trial Lawyer of the Year Award in 2017, received the coveted nomination again in 2018, and was selected once again as one of the...
Yitz E. Weiss
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Yitz E. Weiss
Los Angeles, CA Employment Law Attorney with 18 years of experience
(213) 553-4550 355 S Grand Ave
#2450
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Free ConsultationOffers Video ConferencingVideo ConfEmployment, Business and Civil Rights
Southwestern University School of Law
Yitz Weiss is an Employment Law attorney with over a decade of experience in litigating a variety of employment law cases, including unpaid wage and overtime claims, discrimination, harassment, FEHA, Unequal Pay Act, wrongful termination, and sexual assault cases. Yitz counsels clients on pre-litigation employment disputes and represents them from the inception of a lawsuit all the way through trial and even on appeal. Yitz routinely serves as counsel in mediations, binding arbitrations and in major trials. Upon graduating with a Bachelors degree in Economics from Yeshiva University and obtaining a Degree of Rabbinic Ordination, Yitz Weiss then entered Southwestern University...
Jonathon  Kaplan
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Jonathon Kaplan
Los Angeles, CA Employment Law Attorney with 34 years of experience
(213) 553-4550 355 S Grand Ave
#2450
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Free ConsultationEmployment and Civil Rights
Duke University Law School and Duke University School of Law
Jonathon Kaplan is one of the state’s top trial lawyers, having tried dozens of significant cases involving civil rights, employment claims, wage and overtime matters, discrimination, harassment, hostile work environment, FEHA, Equal Pay Act, personal injury, product liability, consumer claims, fraud claims and business disputes. He has obtained an overwhelming number of highly successful verdicts for his clients. Jon has served as appellate counsel on many cases, resulting in published California opinions and establishing law in his areas of practice. Based on his winning track record, opposing lawyers know Jon and his law firm, Kaplan Weiss LLP, are ready, willing...
Brian D. Chase
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Brian D. Chase
Los Angeles, CA Employment Law Lawyer with 32 years of experience
(800) 561-4887 6701 Center Drive West.
14th FL.
Los Angeles, CA 90045
Free ConsultationOffers Video ConferencingVideo ConfEmployment, Personal Injury and Products Liability
Pepperdine University School of Law
Former CAOC President Former OCTLA President Former Trial Lawyer of the Year Nominee, CAALA Two time Trial Lawyer of the Year for Products Liability OCTLA Trial Attorney of the Year, CAOC 2022 Chair-Elect – OCBA Tort & Trial Section 2023 Best Law Firms in America 2023 Elite Lawyer 2023 Top 100 High Stakes Litigators® 2021 Top Plaintiff Lawyer, Daily Journal
Marie Napoli
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Marie Napoli
Los Angeles, CA Employment Law Lawyer with 33 years of experience
(844) 230-7676 5757 W. Century Boulevard
Suite 680
Los Angeles, CA 90045
Free ConsultationEmployment, Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury
St. John's University School of Law, New York University School of Law and Lewis & Clark Law School
Marie has been an attorney for over thirty years and has experience handling complex cases, including employment discrimination, civil rights, mass tort matters, personal injury, medical malpractice litigation, and pharmaceutical litigation. Marie earned her J.D. from St. John’s University Law School, her L.L.M. degree from NYU School of Law as well as an Environmental Law L.L.M. from Lewis and Clark Law School. She has worked for the New York Appellate Division, 2nd Department and has taught CLE courses on Tort and Civil Procedure at St. John’s University School of Law. As a founding partner, Marie plays an integral role in achieving...
Ron Makarem
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Ron Makarem
Los Angeles, CA Employment Law Attorney with 29 years of experience
(310) 312-0299 11601 Wilshire Blvd.
Ste 2440
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Free ConsultationEmployment and Legal Malpractice
Pepperdine University
Ron Makarem is the founder of Makarem & Associates, a top law firm located in Los Angeles, California.

Ron has been practicing law since 1995 and has obtained multi-million dollar settlements and judgments for consumer clients across the State. In 2012, Ron received the distinguished CLAY award for "Attorney of the Year" by California Lawyer Magazine for his work on a landmark California Supreme Court case. In 2007, Ron was selected as one of the "Top 20 Under 40" Attorneys in California by California's largest legal newspaper, The Daily Journal. He was selected by Super Lawyer's magazine as a "Super...
Travis Gemoets
PREMIUM
Travis Gemoets
Employment Lawyer Serving Los Angeles, CA
Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell LLP – Aggressive Advocacy for Employers
Travis Gemoets represents employers in all facets of labor and employment law, including wage/hour class actions, claims of discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, trade secrets and unfair competition. Read More »
R. Scott Brink
PREMIUM
R. Scott Brink
Employment Lawyer Serving Los Angeles, CA
Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell LLP – Advocacy in Labor & Employment Matters
Scott Brink represents employers in labor and employment law including California wage and hour law, collective bargaining, wrongful discharge litigation, and individual and class action employment discrimination. Read More »
John Jahrmarkt
Claimed Lawyer Profile
John Jahrmarkt
Los Angeles, CA Employment Law Attorney with 33 years of experience
(310) 226-7676 2049 Century Park E
#2525
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Free ConsultationEmployment, Business, Insurance Claims and Personal Injury
Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
John Jahrmarkt, Esq. is the owner and managing partner of Jahrmarkt & Associates. John has more than 20 years of experience handling all kinds personal injury claims - from complicated catastrophic injuries to garden variety "soft tissue" pain. John knows how the insurance industry works and the steps their adjusters can take to protect their profits. All of our accident and injury claims are managed by John, experienced in fighting back against any low-ball insurance offers. We have recovered a number of multi-million dollar rewards for our clients, and we have established a reputation for excellence and professionalism...
Gayle Lenore Eskridge
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Gayle Lenore Eskridge
Los Angeles, CA Employment Law Lawyer with 37 years of experience
(310) 303-3951 5901 West Century Blvd, Suite 750
Los Angeles, CA 90045
Offers Video ConferencingVideo ConfEmployment, Arbitration & Mediation, Business and Real Estate
National Univ School of Law
GAYLE L. ESKRIDGE, the principal of ESKRIDGE LAW, has been a litigation and trial attorney since 1988, representing individuals, corporations and partnerships, employees and employers, investors and developers, and municipalities. With broad litigation and trial experience, Ms. Eskridge has managed hundreds of cases and now dedicates her practice to employment, business and real estate litigation.

In addition to being a Super Lawyer from 2012 to the present, Ms. Eskridge holds an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell. An AV rating identifies a lawyer or firm with very high to preeminent legal ability. The AV rating is a reflection of expertise, experience, integrity and...
Jonathan Melmed
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Jonathan Melmed
Los Angeles, CA Employment Law Attorney
(310) 824-3828 1801 Century Park E #850
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Free ConsultationOffers Video ConferencingVideo ConfEmployment
Loyola Law School, Los Angeles

In 2015, Mr. Melmed founded Melmed Law Group P.C. to exclusively focus on complex employment litigation matters on behalf of employees. In this capacity, Mr. Melmed serves as lead counsel or co-lead counsel in dozens of individual and class action cases in California and federal courts. Melmed Law Group P.C. has assisted thousands of employees through its class action practice and is proud to continue fighting on behalf of its clients. Since its inception, Melmed Law Group P.C. has successfully litigated over 100 class actions throughout the entire state of California. Mr. Melmed’s practice was founded on the single focused mission of providing strategic aggressive...
Jonathan S. Dennis
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Jonathan S. Dennis
Los Angeles, CA Employment Law Attorney with 18 years of experience
(424) 299-4500 1875 Century Park East, Suite 700
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Free ConsultationEmployment, Business, Personal Injury and Products Liability
Loyola Law School
Jonathan Dennis was born and raised in Los Angeles, California (Oakwood HS in North Hollywood). Mr. Dennis obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Finance from the University of Southern California in 1999. In 2006, Mr. Dennis obtained his Juris Doctorate degree from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles. Mr. Dennis was admitted to the State of California Bar in 2007. Mr. Dennis also has been admitted to practice law before the United States District Court for the Central District California. Mr. Dennis’ practice emphasizes both prosecuting and defending a wide range of federal and state civil litigation...
David Bibiyan
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David Bibiyan
(310) 438-5555 1460 Westwood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90024
Free ConsultationLos Angeles, CA Employment Law Lawyer with 12 years of experience
Employment
The University of Chicago Law School
David D. Bibiyan is a Los Angeles local who received his Bachelor of Arts (BA) from UCLA and his Juris Doctorate (JD) from The University of Chicago Law School, consistently ranked one of the top 5 law schools in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

Before becoming an attorney, Mr. Bibiyan held several prestigious legal positions, including as a legal extern for The Honorable Robert N. Kwan of the United States Bankruptcy Court of the Central District of California and The Honorable Debre Katz Weintraub of the Central District of the Los Angeles Superior Court. Mr. Bibiyan also volunteered...
Mike Arias
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Mike Arias
Los Angeles, CA Employment Law Attorney with 41 years of experience
(310) 670-1600 6701 Center Dr W
14th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90045
Employment, Civil Rights, Elder and Personal Injury
Pepperdine University School of Law
Mike Arias is the founding and managing partner of Arias Sanguinetti Wang & Team LLP, with a distinguished reputation as a leader in trial law. Throughout his career, he has secured numerous groundbreaking case results, particularly in class actions and mass plaintiff cases. Perhaps his most notable achievement was his role as co-liaison counsel for the plaintiffs in the landmark University of Southern California (USC) case, representing over 700 women sexually assaulted by George Tyndall. Mr. Arias was instrumental in securing the historic $852 million settlement — the largest sexual abuse settlement in U.S. history and personal injury settlement against...
Keith J. Moten
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Keith J. Moten
(213) 943-1466 355 S Grand Ave
Ste 2450
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Free ConsultationOffers Video ConferencingVideo ConfLos Angeles, CA Employment Law Lawyer with 19 years of experience
Employment, Estate Planning, Probate and Workers' Comp
Southwestern Univ School of Law
Moten & Associates is a premier legal practice dedicated to providing expert counsel in trusts and estates and wage and hour law. With a team of seasoned attorneys, we offer personalized solutions to protect assets, ensure seamless wealth transfer, and advocate for employees and employers navigating complex wage regulations. Trusts & Estates Our firm helps individuals and families secure their legacies through comprehensive estate planning, including wills, trusts, probate administration, trust litigation and asset protection strategies. We tailor solutions to meet each client's unique needs, ensuring financial security for future generations while minimizing tax burdens and legal complications. Wage & Hour Law We...
Rosa Vigil-Gallenberg
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Rosa Vigil-Gallenberg
Los Angeles, CA Employment Law Attorney with 18 years of experience
(213) 986-8432 355 S Grand Ave
#2450
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Free ConsultationOffers Video ConferencingVideo ConfEmployment, Arbitration & Mediation and Business
University of California College of the Law, San Francisco
Ms. Gallenberg received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California Los Angeles where she double majored in Political Science and Sociology with a minor in Public Policy. Ms. Gallenberg received a Juris Doctor degree and a Civil Litigation Certificate from the University of California Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco. During law school, she received several academic excellence awards, and was a founding member and Articles Editor for the Hastings Business Law Journal. She also served as a Judicial Extern for the Honorable Judge Sanchez Gordon in the Los Angeles Superior Court (Stanley Mosk...
Carlos Gomez
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Carlos Gomez
(800) 818-1818 3250 Wilshire Blvd
Suite 2200
Los Angeles, CA 90010
Free ConsultationLos Angeles, CA Employment Law Lawyer with 15 years of experience
Employment, Personal Injury and Workers' Comp
University of Southern California Gould School of Law
Carlos A. Gómez handles all types of personal injury cases, including catastrophic car accidents, orthopedic injuries, brain injuries, wrongful death, and more. He is a successful personal injury litigation attorney at The Dominguez Firm and has recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts on behalf of accident victims who have been seriously injured.

Attorney Gomez graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles, with a BA in Political Science and History. He then attended the University of Southern California, Gould Law School, under a Merit Scholarship, where he received his Juris Doctor.

While studying law, Gómez was an executive member of...
Sa'id Vakili
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Sa'id Vakili
(800) 260-7105 3701 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1135
Los Angeles, CA 90010-2822
Free ConsultationLos Angeles, CA Employment Law Attorney with 31 years of experience
Employment, Civil Rights, Consumer and IP
Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center
For nearly 25 years, Sa'id Vakili has represented businesses and individuals in litigation matters involving complex business and contract disputes, business torts, direct and derivative shareholder disputes, intellectual property disputes, and all forms of employment claims. He has also handled a variety of serious injury tort claims including those arising under maritime and aviation law. Mr. Vakili is admitted in California, New York, New Jersey and Washington, D.C. and has handled cases in various other jurisdictions such as Florida, Nevada, Ohio, South Dakota, and Virginia through associations with local law firms in those locations. Mr. Vakili has also served...
Barbra A. Arnold
PREMIUM
Barbra A. Arnold
Employment Lawyer Serving Los Angeles, CA
Call now! Experienced advocate for the rights of employees.
Barbra Arnold represents management in labor and employment law, including discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, unfair competition, trade secrets, collective bargaining, and wage and hour law class actions. Read More »
Brian K. Andrews
PREMIUM
Brian K. Andrews
Employment Lawyer Serving Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles, CA Employment Law Lawyer with 21 years of experience
Brian K. Andrews is a conscientious, detailed-orientated, determined attorney with expertise in litigation and Personal Injury and Work related injuries. Mr. Andrews has substantial experience in complex civil litigation... Read More »
Mohamed  Eldessouky
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Mohamed Eldessouky
(562) 461-0991 145 S Spring St
Suite 850
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Free ConsultationOffers Video ConferencingVideo ConfLos Angeles, CA Employment Law Lawyer with 12 years of experience
Employment
University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law

Eldessouky Law is a bilingual firm representing English and Spanish-speaking plaintiffs in Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside county in Southern California employment law and personal injury cases. Eldessouky law is a litigation firm that protects the rights of those who've been subjected to illegal employment practices, including age and disability discrimination, hostile work environments, sexual harassment, wrongful termination, wage and hour claims, and negligence resulting injury.
Assaf Lichtash
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Assaf Lichtash
Los Angeles, CA Employment Law Lawyer with 12 years of experience
(800) 696-1206 555 W. Fifth Street, 31st Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Free ConsultationEmployment and Business
Loyola Law School, Los Angeles
Assaf is the founding attorney of Pershing Square Law Firm. His professional experience focuses on employment law and plaintiff litigation. Assaf graduated from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Israel, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in International Relations. He recieved his law degree from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, where he served as a Senior Editor of Loyola's International and Comparative Law Review. Assaf developed powerful litigation skills throughout his work at the City of Los Angeles Attorney's office, and later at a Beverly Hills employment law firm. Assaf also served as a Judicial Extern...
Marta M. Fernandez
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Marta M. Fernandez
Los Angeles, CA Employment Law Attorney with 40 years of experience
(310) 201-3534 1900 Avenue of the Stars
7th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Employment and Business
University of Southern California Gould School of Law
I am an experienced and skilled California Labor and Employment attorney. I protect the rights and interests of employers worldwide, in industries such as banking, health care, hospitality, retail, and transportation.

With 35 years of experience, I represent clients with responsiveness, determination and focus. I am dedicated to providing exceptional service and legal representation.

In addition to being named among California's Top Labor and Employment Lawyers, I have been honored as a Los Angeles Super Lawyer for over a decade.
Travis Gemoets
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Travis Gemoets
Los Angeles, CA Employment Law Attorney with 31 years of experience
(310) 785-5387 1900 Avenue of the Stars
7th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Employment and Business
University of California College of the Law, San Francisco
I represent management in Labor and Employment Law matters. Based in California, I advise employers nationwide with a wide range of legal needs.

With 25 years of experience, I bring extensive skill and knowledge to every case. I provide aggressive advocacy focused on the best possible results in labor and employment matters. Additionally, I hold the highest possible AV Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
Suzanne Natbony
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Suzanne Natbony
Los Angeles, CA Employment Law Attorney with 15 years of experience
(310) 478-6251 1925 Century Park East, Suite 2100
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Free ConsultationEmployment, Business, Health Care and IP
Southwestern University School of Law
Suzanne Natbony is a third generation lawyer, with a focus on business transactional and regulatory/compliance law, and dispute resolution. She is licensed to practice in California, with her own law practice, Solve & Win, in West Los Angeles, in addition to being a Partner at the international law firm, Aliant LLP (AliantLaw.com) and Of Counsel to Merino Yebri LLP (MYlawLLP.com) in Century City. Ms. Natbony also serves as outside General Counsel to Beverly Hills Rejuvenation Center, a multi-state medical spa franchise (BHRCenter.com), Rejuva Medical Aesthetics, a westside medical spa, For Us By Us Network, a streaming video platform, and...
Samvel Setyan
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Samvel Setyan
(213) 618-3655 2049 Century Park E #2525
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Free ConsultationOffers Video ConferencingVideo ConfLos Angeles, CA Employment Law Lawyer
Employment, Personal Injury and Workers' Comp
Loyola Law School, Los Angeles
Setyan Law, APC is a trusted law firm in Los Angeles, specializing in employment law, workers' compensation, and personal injury cases. With a commitment to providing strong legal representation, Setyan Law helps clients navigate complex legal issues, particularly those wronged by their employers or injured due to the negligence of others. Employment Law Setyan Law is dedicated to protecting employees' rights in a wide range of employment law matters. Whether you are facing wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage disputes, or retaliation, our team is ready to fight for your justice. We understand how employers can take advantage of their workers, and we...
Jual F Reyes
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Jual F Reyes
Los Angeles, CA Employment Law Lawyer with 21 years of experience
(877) 242-4410 2121 Avenue of the Stars
Suite 800
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Free ConsultationOffers Video ConferencingVideo ConfEmployment, Business, Personal Injury and Real Estate
UCLA School of Law
Mr. Reyes was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. He graduated from the University of California Los Angeles with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and obtained his law degree from the UCLA School of Law. Mr. Reyes specializes in employment law, wage and hour matters, personal injury law, real estate litigation, business litigation, and landlord/tenant matters. He is a member of the California State Bar and Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles. Mr. Reyes has been a licensed Real Estate Broker in the state of California since December of 2008. He is admitted to practice law in...
Erica L. Jansson
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Erica L. Jansson
Los Angeles, CA Employment Law Lawyer with 4 years of experience
(213) 229-7512 333 South Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Offers Video ConferencingVideo ConfEmployment, Appeals, Insurance Claims and White Collar Crime
Southwestern University School of Law
I am a litigation associate at the Los Angeles office of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher. I rejoined the firm in 2023 after completing my tenure as a judicial clerk for the Honorable Philip S. Gutierrez at the United States District Court for the Central District of California. I hold a law degree, earned summa cum laude from Southwestern Law School. Currently, I am an adjunct professor at the same institution, specifically in the Appellate Litigation Clinic. During my time in law school, I held the position of Editor-in-Chief of The Southwestern Law Review and served as Chair of the Moot Court...
Robert W. Ottinger Jr.
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Robert W. Ottinger Jr.
Los Angeles, CA Employment Law Attorney with 33 years of experience
(800) 668-7984 555 W 5th St
35th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Free ConsultationEmployment
Loyola Law School, Los Angeles
Ottinger Employment Lawyers specializes in protecting the rights of employees and fighting injustice in the workplace. For over a decade we have represented current and former employees in their pursuit of fair treatment and compensation. We challenge illegal labor practices in companies of all sizes. We help employees benefit from the rights guaranteed to them under state and federal law.

Our firm handles all aspects of employment law including:

Overtime Pay Recovery
Employment Discrimination
Retaliation
Sexual Harassment
Severance Package Negotiation
Frederick Lewis Stoker III
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Frederick Lewis Stoker III
Los Angeles, CA Employment Law Attorney with 6 years of experience
(213) 986-3430 714 W. Olympic Blvd.
Suite 805
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Free ConsultationOffers Video ConferencingVideo ConfEmployment, Business, Estate Planning and IP
Suffolk University Law School
Attorney Stoker is the principal attorney of Stoker Law Firm. He is the second youngest out of five children with three brothers and a sister which led him to thrive on competition. His mother often reminds him of when he was in elementary school telling her he wanted to be a lawyer.

While attending Suffolk, Attorney Stoker served as a fellow in the Marshall-Brennan Constitutional Literacy Project, studied international law at Lund University in Sweden, and earned a concentration in Business Law and Financial Services.

Attorney Stoker's legal career began with an internship his senior year at Merrimack with Gomez & Palumbo,...
Vincent Calderone
PREMIUM
Vincent Calderone
Employment Lawyer Serving Los Angeles, CA
California Employment Law Attorney with 32 years of experience
Calderone Law Firm, with an office located in El Segundo, California, is recognized as one of Southern California's, pre-eminent employment law litigation firms, representing clients in Los Angeles and the surrounding... Read More »
Afshin Mozaffari
PREMIUM
Afshin Mozaffari
Employment Lawyer Serving Los Angeles, CA
10.0Justia Lawyer Rating for Afshin Mozaffari
California Employment Law Lawyer with 16 years of experience
Afshin Mozaffari is the founder and principal of Mozaffari Law. Mr. Mozaffari's practice focuses on employee rights litigation, including discrimination, harassment, retaliation, disability accommodation, and wrongful... Read More »
Derek T. Smith
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Derek T. Smith
Los Angeles, CA Employment Law Lawyer with 30 years of experience
(800) 807-2209 US Bank Tower
633 West 5th Street, Suite 3250
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Free ConsultationEmployment, Civil Rights and Workers' Comp
Dickinson School of Law and University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
We are Employment Law, Sexual Harassment, Wrongful Termination, Workplace Discrimination, Wage & Hour, and Whistleblower Attorneys in New York City, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, & Miami. With decades of experience and over $200 Million recovered throughout this time, call now for free consultation. No fee unless we recover.
Julian Burns King
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Julian Burns King
(213) 214-3757 724 S. Spring Street, Ste. 201
Los Angeles, CA 90014
Free ConsultationLos Angeles, CA Employment Law Attorney
Employment
Harvard Law School
I exclusively represent workers who have faced injustice at work. My academic background and personal experiences have given me a deep understanding of the barriers to workplace equality for women and those from traditionally underrepresented groups. I am committed to dismantling these obstacles through my legal practice. I handle cases involving discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, with a focus on gender discrimination, issues related to the glass ceiling, and discrimination against pregnant workers and working parents. Over the past three years, I have secured numerous seven-figure settlements, along with hundreds of settlements ranging from the mid-to-high six figures. Before co-founding King & Siegel,...
Gerald S. Ohn
Claimed Lawyer ProfileLII SilverSocial Media
Gerald S. Ohn
Los Angeles, CA Employment Law Lawyer with 24 years of experience
(213) 946-4190 800 S Figueroa St #750
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Free ConsultationEmployment, Appeals, Business and Civil Rights
University of Michigan Law School
Admitted to the California Bar in 2001, I aggressively advocate for clients with Civil Rights, Employment, Constitutional, Personal Injury and General Civil law needs. I represent individuals, business and government entities in the State of California, the 9th Circuit, U.S. Supreme Court, as well as U.S. District Courts throughout California.

I am an accomplished attorney with proven results including settlement, trial and appellate cases. With innovative and effective litigation strategies, I aggressively pursue justice for my clients. I am dedicated to outstanding service and representation focused on the best possible outcomes.

Visit my website for more information and to see recent cases....
Rabeh M. A.  Soofi
Claimed Lawyer ProfileQ&ASocial Media
Rabeh M. A. Soofi
Los Angeles, CA Employment Law Attorney with 21 years of experience
(213) 403-0130 5670 Wilshire Boulevard
18th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Free ConsultationEmployment, Business, IP and Personal Injury
University of Notre Dame
Rabeh M. A. Soofi is the managing attorney and founder of the firm. Having spent most of her legal career at a large national lawfirm of 300+ lawyers involved in million and billion dollar disputes, Rabeh’s focus is on making world-class legal skills available to individuals in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, to offer exceptional legal services in a client-focused, cost-effective, and strategic manner. Rabeh is hired most often for her unique practice philosophy and is known among the legal community as an aggressive attorney with a no-nonsense and solutions-oriented approach to legal engagements. Rabeh’s legal work combines...
Bobby Saadian
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Bobby Saadian
Los Angeles, CA Employment Law Attorney with 17 years of experience
(833) 823-5331 3055 Wilshire Blvd, 12th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90010
Free ConsultationEmployment, Consumer, Personal Injury and Products Liability
Pepperdine University School of Law
Bobby Saadian, Esq., JD/MBA, is the Founding Partner and Managing Attorney at Wilshire Law Firm. He has spent more than a decade dedicating his practice to representing catastrophic injury victims and their families in motor vehicle accident, product liability, wrongful death, and other complex personal injury cases. Bobby has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of his clients, including eight-figure recoveries of $17.1 million and $12 million.
Bobby’s expertise has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades. Following an exhaustive peer-review process, Bobby was honored by Super Lawyers as a Southern California Rising Star from 2012 to 2017, and...
Matthew Kevin Joy
Claimed Lawyer ProfileOffers Video ConferencingSocial Media
Matthew Kevin Joy
Los Angeles, CA Employment Law Lawyer with 18 years of experience
(800) 818-1818 3250 Wilshire Blvd
Suite 2200
Los Angeles, CA 90010
Free ConsultationOffers Video ConferencingVideo ConfEmployment, Personal Injury, Products Liability and Workers' Comp
Southwestern Law School
Matthew K. Joy is a trial attorney at The Dominguez Firm. With over a decade of experience litigating difficult liability cases, Attorney Joy has helped hundreds of accident victims in California recover millions in compensation. He’s a fierce advocate of road safety and promotes the firm’s values by delivering outstanding legal representation and client service, as part of the personal injury trial team.

Matthew is known for handling complex cases involving wrongful deaths, amputations, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, paraplegic injuries, auto accidents and premises liability; as well, cases of serious accidents involving trucks, motorcycles, pedestrians, bicycles, drowning, construction and elevators;...
Hussein Saleh
Claimed Lawyer ProfileOffers Video ConferencingSocial Media
Hussein Saleh
(800) 818-1818 3250 Wilshire Blvd
Suite 2200
Los Angeles, CA 90010
Free ConsultationOffers Video ConferencingVideo ConfLos Angeles, CA Employment Law Lawyer with 14 years of experience
Employment, Personal Injury, Products Liability and Workers' Comp
Whittier Law School
Hussein Saleh is a seasoned personal injury litigation attorney at The Dominguez Firm. He handles all types of personal injury cases and has helped thousands of individuals and families obtain the compensation they deserve, representing clients against at-fault third party and negligent businesses.

Attorney Saleh graduated from California State University, Long Beach, where he received his bachelor’s degree in Finance. Thereafter, he attended Whittier Law School, where he earned his Juris Doctor.

Since an early age Attorney Hussein Saleh has wanted to help those most in need. Of Lebanese descent, he grew up in Southeast Los Angeles and witnessed the social challenges,...
Thomas M. Lee
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Thomas M. Lee
Los Angeles, CA Employment Law Attorney with 24 years of experience
(213) 251-5533 3435 Wilshire Blvd
#2400
Los Angeles, CA 90010
Free ConsultationEmployment and Immigration
Loyola Law School, Los Angeles and Occidental College
I have been dedicated to practicing immigration and employment law since 2000. My mission is to form close and honest relationships with all of my clients and to always be accessible to them whenever they have questions, need case updates, or legal assistance. Accordingly, my clients know and trust that they can reach me anytime. Having direct access to me 24/7 is one of the primary reasons why I am able to help my clients succeed in their immigration or employment law matters. If you have any questions, please send an email to thomas@thomasmlee.com Be sure to...
Jonathan Roven
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Jonathan Roven
Los Angeles, CA Employment Law Lawyer with 13 years of experience
(888) 366-5854 3580 Wilshire Boulevard
Suite 1260
Los Angeles, CA 90010
Employment and Personal Injury
Loyola Law School, Los Angeles
Jonathan Roven is a dedicated plaintiff-side employment and personal injury attorney who founded Jonny Law with a mission to fight for workers and injury victims against powerful employers and insurance companies. Based in California and Nevada, Jonathan represents clients in wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage and hour violations, and catastrophic injury cases. With a strong focus on employment law, Jonathan has successfully represented employees at all stages of litigation—from pre-litigation negotiation through trial and arbitration. He is known for aggressively pursuing justice for clients who’ve been wronged at work, including those targeted for whistleblowing, standing up to unlawful treatment, or...
Damian J. Nassiri
Claimed Lawyer ProfileLII GoldBlawg SearchSocial Media
Damian J. Nassiri
Los Angeles, CA Employment Law Attorney with 21 years of experience
(949) 375-4734 11400 W Olympic Blvd
#200
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Free ConsultationEmployment
Western State College of Law at Argosy University
Damian J. Nassiri practice focuses on employment law and medical marijuana collectives. His employment practice includes representing employees in wage & hour, overtime, wrongful termination, discrimination and sexual harassment cases. His practice also includes representing medical marijuana collectives and criminal defense in drug related cases.
Isaiah Benjamin Blady
PREMIUM
Isaiah Benjamin Blady
Employment Lawyer Serving Los Angeles, CA
Free Consultation! Aggressive Employment Law Attorney! Employee Advocacy!
I am a skilled and effective employment and labor law attorney. I provide comprehensive advocacy to protect employees' rights and interests! Visit my website for reviews and case results, or call for a free consultation! Read More »
Ron Makarem
PREMIUM
Ron Makarem
Employment Lawyer Serving Los Angeles, CA
Experienced Employment Law attorney! Call for a consultation!
I provide guidance and representation in employment law matters such as disability discrimination, pregnancy discrimination, sexual harassment, wrongful termination, and more. Call today! Read More »
Employment Laws in Los Angeles

Here's an overview of some of the main laws that protect employees in the Los Angeles area. For more specific questions about an issue in your workplace, you should make sure to consult a lawyer.


Wage Laws in Los Angeles and California

The City of Los Angeles has enacted a minimum wage ordinance for employees. This covers anyone who performs at least two hours of work in a week within the boundaries of the city and is entitled to earn the state minimum wage. It doesn't matter whether the employee is full-time, part-time, or temporary. The ordinance provides for adjustments to the minimum wage rate on July 1 of each year. On July 1, 2025, it will be $17.87 per hour. A separate minimum wage ordinance applies to certain hotel workers. The Los Angeles Office of Wage Standards enforces the minimum wage rules.

The state of California also has a minimum wage law. As of January 1, 2025, the statewide minimum wage for most employees is $16.50 per hour. The rate is adjusted annually for inflation. A higher minimum wage applies to fast food restaurant employees and healthcare facility employees. Certain types of employees are exempt from the minimum wage law, such as outside salespersons. Under the state law, as well as the city ordinance, an employer can't use tips paid to an employee as a credit toward the minimum wage. An employee who thinks that their employer has violated the law can file a claim with the Wage Claim Adjudication Unit of the California Labor Commissioner's Office.

California provides some further protections related to wages. Unless they are exempted by the law, an employee generally must receive 1.5 times their regular rate of pay for hours worked over eight hours in a workday, as well as hours worked over 40 hours in a workweek. However, an employee is entitled to receive double their regular rate of pay for hours worked over 12 hours in a workday and hours worked over eight hours on the seventh consecutive day of work in a workweek. (Some exemptions from the overtime laws include employees in executive, administrative, and professional roles.) In addition, most California workers must receive a 30-minute unpaid meal break if they work more than five hours in a day, an additional 30-minute unpaid meal break if they work more than 12 hours in a day, and a paid 10-minute rest break for every four hours that they work.

Some employees might wonder what counts as “hours worked” under California law. The Industrial Welfare Commission defines this term broadly as the time during which an employee is under the control of the employer. It includes any time that the employee is permitted to work, even if they’re not required to work. On-call or standby time at a work site falls within the scope of “hours worked,” even if the employee doesn’t actually do any tasks but simply waits for something to happen. On-call or standby time away from the work site may or may not be “hours worked,” depending on how much the employer restricts what the employee can do during that time. Travel time may be “hours worked” in some cases, although the employee’s normal commute is not.

Los Angeles workers also have certain protections under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act. The U.S. Department of Labor enforces the FLSA. However, it’s often less generous to employees than California and Los Angeles laws. For example, the federal minimum wage is much lower, and the FLSA doesn’t require meal breaks.


Employment Discrimination Laws in Los Angeles and California

People in the Los Angeles area are protected from discrimination at work based on certain protected traits. Discrimination may emerge in obvious ways like firing or refusing to hire or promote an employee, or paying them less than similar employees who don’t have that protected trait. It also can be more subtle, such as not giving an employee training opportunities or work assignments that are available to employees without the protected trait. Harassment also can be considered a type of workplace discrimination.

The City of Los Angeles has an ordinance that prohibits employment discrimination. Protected traits include race, color, ethnicity, creed, age, national origin, religion, citizenship status, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, partnership status, employment status, source of income, military status, veteran status, and primary language. If you think that an employer violated your rights under this ordinance, you can file a complaint with the General Manager of the Los Angeles Civil, Human Rights, and Equity Department.

In addition, California has an anti-discrimination law called the Fair Employment and Housing Act. It generally applies to employers with five or more employees. However, the anti-harassment provisions apply to employers of all sizes. Protected characteristics under this law include race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, age (40 and older), mental or physical disability, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, and military or veteran status. If you think that you were affected by illegal discrimination in the workplace, you can file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department. There’s a three-year deadline for these complaints.

Los Angeles employees also benefit from protections under various federal anti-discrimination laws. For example, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), and national origin. This law applies to employers with 15 or more employees. The Americans With Disabilities Act, which also applies to employers with 15 or more employees, protects against disability discrimination at work. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act shields employees who are 40 or older from discrimination based on their age. It applies to employers with 20 or more employees. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission enforces federal anti-discrimination laws.


Workplace Sexual Harassment in Los Angeles and California

Sexual harassment in a Los Angeles workplace may take physical, verbal, or written forms. It may range from inappropriate touching or obscene gestures to requests for dates or sex, sexualized comments on an employee’s appearance, or emails or texts containing explicit materials. The genders of the perpetrator and the harassed employee don’t matter.

Illegal sexual harassment comes in two main forms. First, “quid pro quo” harassment occurs when a supervisor or someone else who has authority over the employee makes certain employment actions contingent on sexual conduct. For example, if your boss says that you’ll get a promotion if you spend the night at a motel with him, this would be quid pro quo sexual harassment. Meanwhile, hostile work environment harassment occurs when the harassment creates working conditions that would be offensive to a reasonable person in the same situation as the employee.

Under both federal and California law, the conduct must be severe or pervasive to create an unlawful hostile work environment. In other words, a single incident can support a claim if it’s significant enough, while a series of more minor incidents also can support a claim even if one or two of those incidents wouldn’t be enough on their own.


Family and Medical Leave Laws in Los Angeles and California

Even the most dedicated employees may need to take time off from work for certain serious concerns. The City of Los Angeles has enacted a paid sick leave ordinance that protects all employees who work for at least two hours in a week in the city for the same employer for at least 30 days in a year. Paid sick leave may accrue at the rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, or an employer may provide at least 48 hours of paid sick leave at the beginning of each year of employment, calendar year, or 12-month period. An employee can use this leave beginning on the 90th day of their employment. They can take this leave for their own illness or for an illness of a qualifying family member. The employer can limit their use of this leave to 48 hours per year.

California also has a paid sick leave law. It generally requires an employer to provide at least 40 hours (five days) of this leave per year. Similar to the requirements under the Los Angeles ordinance, an employee must have worked for the same employer for at least 30 days in a year in California, and they can’t take paid sick leave until they’ve been employed for 90 days. An employer can provide all paid sick leave hours at the same time, or they can set up an accrual plan, which must provide at least one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours of work. Paid sick leave can be used to care for an illness of an employee or a qualifying family member, or to get a medical diagnosis, treatment, or preventative care for an employee or qualifying family member, as well as other reasons. The California Labor Commissioner’s Office enforces the paid sick leave law.

In addition, the California Family Rights Act provides unpaid but job-protected leave to eligible employees to address a serious health condition, to care for a child, spouse, domestic partner, parent, grandparent, grandchild, or sibling with a serious health condition, or to bond with a new child by birth, adoption, or foster care placement within one year of that child’s arrival. An employee can take this leave for up to 12 weeks in a 12-month period. To be eligible, they must have more than 12 months of service for an employer that has at least five employees, and they must have worked for at least 1,250 hours for that employer during the 12 months preceding the leave. Meanwhile, under a related law, an employer with at least five employees must provide up to four months of leave to an employee with a pregnancy-related disability. The California Civil Rights Department enforces these laws.

It’s worth noting that short-term disability insurance and paid family leave programs are operated by the California Employment Development Department. Short-term disability insurance provides benefits for up to 52 weeks when an employee needs to take time off from work for illness, injury, pregnancy, childbirth, or certain other situations. Paid family leave provides benefits for up to eight weeks in a 12-month period if an employee needs to become a caregiver for a seriously ill family member, as well as certain reasons related to bonding with a new child or supporting a military family member. However, neither SDI nor PFL guarantees job protection on its own.

The federal Family and Medical Leave Act also provides certain protections to Los Angeles employees. Similar to the CFRA, the FMLA provides 12 weeks of unpaid leave in a 12-month period for reasons related to a serious health condition of the employee or certain family members, or bonding with a new child. (Both the FMLA and the CFRA also provide certain leave rights related to the military service of a qualifying family member.) However, eligibility requirements for FMLA leave are stricter than those for CFRA leave. The U.S. Department of Labor enforces this law.


At-Will Employment and Wrongful Termination in California

California follows the same rule as most states in the context of firing or laying off employees. This is called “at-will employment,” which means that an employer can fire an employee for any reason or for no particular reason. An employee also can quit whenever they choose and for any reason. However, this is just a general rule, and there are key exceptions to know.

As mentioned earlier, California law doesn’t allow a business to fire a worker because they have a trait protected by anti-discrimination laws. If an employee files a good-faith claim of discrimination or harassment at work, moreover, or if they cooperate in an investigation of this type of claim, the employer can’t fire them in retaliation for doing that. An employee can’t be fired for blowing the whistle on an employer’s illegal conduct or refusing to cooperate with it, or in other situations when an important public policy protects the employee’s actions.

Some employees have contracts that limit the reasons for which an employer can fire them. They can bring a wrongful termination claim if the employer fires them outside one of these situations. A claim also might arise based on an “implied contract” that arises from written or oral assurances by the employer suggesting that an employee won’t be fired except for certain reasons. However, the law in this area is complex, so you should talk to a lawyer as soon as possible if you’re wondering about whether an implied contract may protect you.


Workers’ Compensation in California

If you get injured or ill on the job in California, you likely can get workers’ compensation benefits. These are available regardless of fault, so you don’t need to prove that your employer caused your injury. However, you can’t sue your employer if they were at fault. (If someone else caused your injury, you can bring a lawsuit against them and potentially get a broader range of damages than those available through the workers’ comp system.) You can get workers’ comp based on a single accident at work, or based on a series of repeated incidents or exposures. The program protects temporary or part-time employees as well as full-time employees.

These benefits can cover medical care needed for your recovery, as well as temporary disability benefits if you can’t do your usual job while you recover or permanent disability benefits if you don’t recover completely. You can get medical benefits even if you don’t miss time from work. You should report your injury or illness to your employer within 30 days to preserve your right to benefits. You have one year from the date of your injury to file a workers’ comp claim. Your employer cannot fire you or otherwise retaliate against you for getting injured on the job or for seeking workers’ comp benefits in good faith.


Unemployment Benefits in California

If you’re unemployed through no fault of your own, you may be able to get unemployment benefits through the state of California if you meet certain other requirements. For example, you must be able to work and available to work, and you must continue searching for work each week. You must be ready and willing to accept work right away. In some cases, you can get benefits even if you’re only partially unemployed. People who were fired due to misconduct generally aren’t eligible for unemployment benefits, and people who quit their jobs generally can’t get these benefits unless they had a good reason for leaving and made reasonable efforts to keep their job.

The weekly unemployment benefit amount for eligible employees is between $40 and $450 as of 2025. Benefits can last for up to 26 weeks. (You’ll need to go through a one-week unpaid waiting period after you file your claim before you can get benefits.) If you receive benefits, you must meet an ongoing certification requirement. This involves answering questions every two weeks to show that you are still eligible.


Major Employers in Los Angeles

According to the California Employment Development Department, some of the leading employers in Los Angeles include:

  • Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles
  • Live Nation
  • Los Angeles General Medical Center
  • Los Angeles International Airport
  • Los Angeles Medical Center
  • Los Angeles Police Department
  • UCLA Community Based Learning
  • Vision X

Surrounding cities throughout Los Angeles County also have many major employers, such as Cedars-Sinai Health System in West Hollywood, Infineon Technologies Americas in El Segundo, Sony Pictures Entertainment in Culver City, Walt Disney Company in Burbank, and Water Garden Management in Santa Monica.


Los Angeles Employment Law Resources

It’s important to hold an employer accountable for violating a Los Angeles, California, or federal law that protects your rights. A key step in many of these situations involves reporting the apparent misconduct to the agency that enforces the law that you think was violated. Here are the agencies that enforce some of the notable laws affecting Los Angeles employers and employees:

  • Los Angeles minimum wage ordinance: Los Angeles Office of Wage Standards
  • California wage law: California Labor Commissioner’s Office
  • Federal Fair Labor Standards Act: U.S. Department of Labor
  • Los Angeles employment discrimination ordinance: Los Angeles Civil, Human Rights, and Equity Department
  • California Fair Employment and Housing Act: California Civil Rights Department
  • Federal employment discrimination laws: U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
  • Los Angeles paid sick leave ordinance: Los Angeles Office of Wage Standards
  • California paid sick leave law: California Labor Commissioner’s Office
  • California Family Rights Act: California Civil Rights Department
  • Federal Family and Medical Leave Act: U.S. Department of Labor

The Division of Workers’ Compensation in the California Department of Industrial Relations oversees the workers’ compensation system in the state. The California Employment Development Department reviews claims for unemployment benefits.


Employment Law Resources at Justia

If you want to know more about some of the basic concepts in employment law, you can consult the Employment Law Center in the Justia Legal Guides. This is one of the many free resources that Justia provides in an effort to inform and empower ordinary people.

These general articles won’t provide an answer to every question that an employee might raise, though. If you want a knowledgeable response to a certain question, you can post it on our Justia Ask A Lawyer platform. You might get a response from an employment lawyer in Los Angeles or elsewhere in California. However, you should be aware that this type of exchange doesn’t make that lawyer your attorney or impose any obligations on them toward you.

Once you’ve decided that you’re ready to look for an attorney, you can explore the listings in the Justia Lawyer Directory. You’ll find that there are many options to consider, so you should take your time in thinking about who might work well for your needs.


How a Los Angeles Employment Lawyer Can Help

Workplace disputes can be extremely daunting, especially when your job, personal wellbeing, and emotional health may be at stake. Although hiring legal counsel may initially seem like an extra expense, it often proves worthwhile. An attorney can make a difference in multiple ways.

For example, they’ll have a comprehensive understanding of the laws affecting your case. These statutes, ordinances, and regulations, as well as court rulings interpreting them, can be complex and tend to often change over time. Your attorney also will handle the logistical aspects of your case, such as gathering evidence to prove the employer’s violation of your rights and the damages that you’re owed.

It’s common for a workplace dispute to end in a settlement rather than going all the way to trial. A lawyer can make sure that your employer doesn’t take advantage of you during settlement negotiations. They also can help you evaluate any settlement offers so that you can make an informed choice about whether to take an offer or keep moving through litigation. If your case does end up in a courtroom or an administrative hearing, your lawyer will be familiar with the rules that apply in these settings. They will know how to present your side of the story as persuasively as possible, while avoiding any procedural pitfalls that might trip you up if you handled the case on your own.


How to Find a Los Angeles Employment Lawyer

Finding the right attorney often isn’t a straightforward task. Even if you receive referrals from friends or family, you’ll probably end up doing your own online research at some point. Tools like the Justia Lawyer Directory can help you quickly compare attorneys, which might make your search smoother.

Since a wide range of disputes can arise in the employment context, it’s best to find a lawyer who has a history of handling cases similar to yours. For instance, if your employer failed to pay you overtime, you’ll want to find a lawyer experienced in wage and hour disputes. If you didn’t get a job because you’re descended from Mexican immigrants, you should work with an attorney who has handled employment discrimination cases.

It’s also smart to check a potential attorney’s disciplinary history with the State Bar of California. A minor slip-up may not disqualify them from your consideration, but if you see multiple or severe violations, consider it a red flag. Your lawyer’s misconduct can harm your case, so it’s not worth taking risks.

Examining the results that an attorney or firm posts on their website will show you if they have relevant experience and a history of success. Reviews from clients often shed light on their communication skills and overall professionalism. Endorsements from other legal professionals may also indicate respect within the field, which can be useful during negotiations or in court.

Many employment lawyers offer an initial meeting at no cost. Use that opportunity to explain your situation and decide if interacting with them feels comfortable. Think about whether they offer thoughtful advice and whether your personalities mesh. Ultimately, you want someone who genuinely cares about your case and treats you with the empathy that you deserve.


FAQs
  1. Am I an independent contractor just because my employer says so?

    No, your employer’s label doesn’t determine independent contractor status. Some employers misclassify workers as independent contractors to avoid complying with employment laws. In deciding whether a worker is an employee, California courts often use the ABC test. This provides that a worker is an independent contractor only if they’re free from the control and direction of the hiring entity in connection with work performance, they perform work outside the usual course of the hiring entity’s business, and they’re customarily engaged in an independently established trade, occupation, or business of the same nature.

  2. What do I do if I think that I’ve experienced discrimination at work?

    If you experience harassment or discrimination based on a protected characteristic, you should report it to your employer’s HR department or anyone else whom your employer designates to address these issues. It’s important to follow any internal complaint process provided by the employer. If this doesn’t get results, you may be able to file a complaint with the Los Angeles Civil, Human Rights, and Equity Department, the California Civil Rights Department, or the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Make sure to preserve evidence showing the discrimination, such as letters, emails, or a journal describing inappropriate comments.

  3. Does my employer need to accommodate my disability?

    Generally, yes. The California Fair Employment and Housing Act requires a business with five or more employees to provide reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities to apply for jobs and perform the essential functions of their jobs. This might involve making modest changes to the physical work space or adjusting schedules, policies, or practices. However, an employer doesn’t need to provide an accommodation that would cause an undue hardship.

  4. How much will I need to pay my employment lawyer?

    If your attorney charges fees on an hourly basis, this will depend on how long they spend on your case, which usually reflects its complexity and how far it goes into the litigation process. On the other hand, some employment lawyers handle cases for a contingency fee. You won’t pay this type of lawyer anything upfront. Instead, they’ll take a percentage of any money that they get for you, and they won’t get paid if they don’t recover anything. In certain cases, an attorney might handle a very routine matter for a flat fee. You should make sure that you understand how fees will work before signing a representation agreement.

Los Angeles Employment Legal Aid & Pro Bono Services

Bet Tzedek Legal Services
(323) 939-0506
Los Angeles, CA


Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles
(800) 399-4529
Los Angeles, CA

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