Civil Litigation

Employment and Labor Law

Most people get one employment case in their life, and they are up against an employer who has been through dozens. We have spent decades on that terrain — and, early on, on both sides of it, which is a large part of why we can tell you realistically what a case is worth.

We represent employees and public workers in

Wrongful termination and constructive discharge
Discrimination and harassment under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (Government Code section 12940) and Title VII, including race, national origin, ancestry, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, religion, and sexual orientation
Retaliation and whistleblower claims, including Labor Code section 1102.5
Failure to accommodate a disability and failure to engage in the interactive process
Wage and hour claims — unpaid overtime, meal and rest period violations, unpaid final wages, and misclassification
Public safety officer discipline and administrative appeals under the Public Safety Officers Procedural Bill of Rights (Government Code section 3300 and following)
Administrative proceedings before public agencies, and writ petitions challenging agency decisions
Severance agreement review and negotiation

Experience on both sides

Partner Kevin W. Harris began his career representing public safety officers in employment and administrative matters, then handled workers’ compensation defense, and has spent the three decades since representing employees and public workers against employers, agencies, and county governments. Knowing how the other side evaluates a file is not an academic point — it is the difference between a demand that gets taken seriously and one that gets filed away.

Deadlines are short

FEHA claims generally require an administrative complaint with the California Civil Rights Department and a right-to-sue notice before you can file suit. Claims against public entities carry their own short claim-presentation deadlines, often measured in months. If you have been fired, demoted, disciplined, or pushed out, get advice early rather than after a deadline has quietly run.

If you are not a U.S. citizen

California labor protections apply regardless of immigration status, and retaliation based on immigration status is itself unlawful. We handle immigration law in the same office, so those questions can be answered honestly and in one place.

Talk to an employment lawyer

We represent employees and public workers in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies throughout California.

This page is general information about California and federal law and is not legal advice. Every case turns on its own facts. Speak with an attorney about your situation.