Central Coast Employment Law
Justice for the Hands That Feed, Build, and Heal.
Have you been wrongfully terminated? Are you getting harassed, discriminated against, or retaliated against at work? Are you not getting paid what you should?
Facing wrongful termination, retaliation, harassment, discrimination or wage theft at work is incredibly painful and can leave you feel isolated and powerless. It’s not just about losing income; it’s about being treated unfairly and having your rights and dignity trampled on. I know it’s overwhelming and you might not know where to start, but understanding the law, and finding an employment lawyer who understands your situation can make a huge difference. They can help you fight back, stand up for your rights, and work towards getting the justice and closure you deserve.
You’re not alone in this.
What are California’s laws against harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and wrongful termination?
California has strong laws to protect employees from harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and wrongful termination. Knowing your rights is empowering, so here’s a brief overview.
California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) is a key piece of legislation. It prohibits workplace harassment and discrimination based on protected characteristics like race, gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, and more. This means your employer can’t treat you unfairly or create a hostile work environment because of who you are.
Retaliation is also illegal. If you report harassment or discrimination, unethical, or illegal conduct, your employer can’t punish you for standing up for yourself. This includes things like demotion, pay cuts, or worse assignments. FEHA and the Labor Code ensure you have the right to speak out without fear of retaliation.
Wrongful termination is another serious issue. In California, you can’t be fired for discriminatory reasons or in retaliation for asserting your rights. If you’re let go for reporting harassment, discrimination, or other illegal practices, that’s wrongful termination.
If you think you have been wrongfully terminated, retaliated against, harassed, or discriminated against, an employment lawyer can help.
What are California’s wage and hour laws?
In California, wage theft is a serious issue. It happens when your employer doesn’t pay you the money you’re rightfully owed. This could mean not paying you the minimum wage, not giving you overtime pay, or even denying you proper meal and rest breaks.
First off, the minimum wage in California is higher than the federal minimum. It can vary by city or county, so it’s important to check the local rate where you work. Your employer must pay you at least this minimum amount per hour. If you’re salaried you must make at least 2x this rate per hour.
Overtime is another key area. In California, if you work more than 8 hours in a day or more than 40 hours in a week, you’re probably entitled to overtime pay. This is usually one and a half times your regular rate of pay. If you work more than 12 hours in a day, the rate goes up to double time for those extra hours.
Meal and rest breaks are also protected by law. If you work more than 5 hours a day, you’re entitled to a 30-minute meal break, which should be unpaid if you’re fully relieved of duties. If you work more than 10 hours, you should get a second meal break. Additionally, for every 4 hours worked, you should get a 10-minute paid rest break.
If your employer isn’t following these rules, they’re breaking the law, and you have the right to take action. You can talk to an employment lawyer who can help you understand your rights and get the pay you deserve.
Remember, these laws are here to protect you. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to seek help. You deserve to be treated fairly at work!
Should I hire an employment lawyer?
Whether it’s harassment, discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination, or wage theft, these problems can be incredibly stressful and isolating. Trying to handle it all on your own can feel overwhelming, but hiring an employment lawyer can make a big difference.
Employment laws are complicated and vary widely. An experienced lawyer knows the ins and outs of these laws and can guide you through the process. They can help you understand your rights, gather the necessary evidence, and build a strong case. This is crucial because each type of claim requires specific proof and procedures.
Having a top employment lawyer also means you have someone to advocate for you. They can negotiate with your employer on your behalf, aiming for a fair settlement. If your case goes to court, they’ll represent you and present your case persuasively to the judge or jury. This professional support can significantly increase your chances of a favorable outcome.
Moreover, having a lawyer shows your employer that you’re serious about defending your rights. This can sometimes lead to quicker and better resolutions. And many employment lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay if you win your case, making it more accessible financially.
In short, an employment lawyer can provide you with the expertise, support, and advocacy you need to navigate this challenging time. You deserve to be treated fairly, and a good lawyer can help ensure that happens.
Meet Central Coast Employment Lawyer
John McCarthy
Central Coast employment lawyer, John F. McCarthy represents California employees in termination, discrimination, wage and hour, and other employment cases.
Have you been fired or discriminated against in the workplace?
Is your employer trying to get rid of you?
Are you being harassed but afraid to tell anyone?
Is your employer treating you badly because of Race, Gender, Age or Sexual Orientation?
Do you want to ask an employment lawyer if you have a case?
Get a free case evaluation from a locally grown, nationally known, award-winning attorney today.
Our Roots Run Deep on the Central Coast
John was born and raised on the Central Coast, and it’s where he and his family chose to call home.
Top-rated employment attorney, serving the Central Coast counties of Santa Cruz, San Benito, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and beyond.
- Locally Grown - Nationally Known -
John is from our local community, but he’s made a name for himself nationally. Growing up on the Central Coast, he’s become known across the country for his compassionate guidance and tireless pursuit of justice.
He stands up for people dealing with workplace harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and wrongful termination. He takes on corporate misconduct and unfair practices. He’s fighting for all of us.
That’s why the American Bar Association has recognized him. His perfect 10.0 Avvo rating says it all. Plus, he's been honored by SuperLawyers.
What people are saying:
Favorite Results
$30,000,000
Some other lawyer tried to settle it for $5,000,000
$500,000
Was told by multiple lawyers had no case.
$2,500,000
Lost on summary judgment. Won on appeal. Jury awarded punitive damages.
$400,000
Was told by prior lawyer to settle for $10,000.
Employment Lawyer on a Contingency Fee
Contingency Fee Makes it Easy
(No Win – No Pay)
Employment attorneys often take on workplace cases for little or no money upfront. They do this because very few employees have the financial resources to fund a legal battle against an employer that often has vast resources and deep pockets.
Using a contingency fee arrangement (no win – no pay) – levels the playing field, empowering a lone victimized worker to take on the biggest private-sector or state or federal employer. Labor law attorneys are eventually paid by court-ordered fees and/or a “contingency fee” agreement which is a percentage of any recovery. If there is no recovery, then there are no charges.
Free Case Evaluations
If you have been the victim of wage theft, or harassed, discrimination against, retaliated against, or suffered a wrongful termination, an award-winning attorney is just a click away. Get your fast, free, confidential case evaluation today.