Employment Law Attorney
At Rubin Law Corporation, our goal is to protect employees against discrimination and unethical practices. We have a track record of negotiating successful outcomes for our clients, and we can do the same for you.
Federal law prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender, and disability. California law holds employers to a higher standard and prohibits employment discrimination against individuals who are gay, transgender, or gender non-conforming. To learn more about how an Orange CA, employment law attorney can help you deal with workplace discrimination and other unfair practices, read on.
Wrongful Termination
For the most part, employment is undertaken on an at-will basis, which means employers can terminate an employee without giving a reason, and employees can quit their jobs without providing a reason. However, if you suspect you are wrongfully terminated as a result of discrimination, you should consult an Orange, CA employment law attorney right away.
Wrongful termination is being fired for a discriminatory reason, such as age, race, or religion. Also, your employer cannot fire you for complaining about them or because you reported their illegal activities. Termination under these circumstances is considered retaliation and is against the law.
Discrimination
Federal law prohibits discrimination by race, religion, gender/sex, age, or disability. In the workplace, discrimination is categorized in two ways.
The first type alleges that an employer discriminates in personnel decisions, such as hiring, firing, and promotions. For example, an employer cannot refuse to consider applications from people of a particular race or religion. Another example is refusing to promote an employee who filed a complaint against the company.
The other type of discrimination is harassment or creating a hostile work environment. If you are the object of jokes, inappropriate comments, name-calling, or, in extreme cases, physical assault, it’s considered harassment. The law requires your employer to investigate your complaint and correct the situation.
Sexual Harassment
The “Me Too” movement has raised the collective awareness about sexual harassment. Employers are legally responsible for the prevention and resolution of any instances of sexual harassment.
Unwanted sexual advances, inappropriate or suggestive language, or requests for sexual favors are sexual harassment and constitute a hostile work environment. If you report sexual harassment in Orange County to your supervisor or the Human Resources department, your employer is required to resolve the situation.
If you reported sexual harassment and your employer failed to address your complaint, visit an Orange, CA employment law attorney for advice. We have zero tolerance for sexual harassment.
Wage and Hourly Issues
Many wage-related employment law cases involve employee misclassification. Under this practice, workers are classified as independent contractors rather than employees to save the company money.
When you’re treated as an independent contractor, your employer doesn’t have to pay for benefits, minimum wage, taxes, or workman’s compensation. You lose health benefits, pay more in taxes, and are not covered by unemployment insurance. Not only is that illegal, but it’s also unfair. An Orange CA, employment law attorney will make sure you get everything you’re entitled to under fair employment rules.
Whistleblower Retaliation
If you act in good faith and report illegal or criminal activity being committed by your employer, they are prohibited from discriminating against you or retaliating in any way. If you experience retaliation, you may be able to sue your employer.
Executives and Professionals
You’ve worked hard and finally made it to the top of your profession. Your employment likely includes a contract that spells out the working relationship between you and your employer. Whenever you receive a contract as part of your job, be sure to consult an Orange, CA, employment law attorney before you sign it. We can help you understand the terms of the contract and identify clauses that may not be in your best interest. You can ask for changes to your agreement, as you make sure you request them before you sign.
Entertainment Industry Contracts
When you work in the entertainment industry, you must understand your contract. While many people think of the industry as all glamour and excitement, some considerations are unique to this business. Depending on your role in the industry, your contract may specify when and where you work, special considerations, or travel requirements. We know what to look for while reviewing entertainment contracts and can help you get the best deal while minimizing the chances of a future employment dispute.
If you believe your rights are being violated or you’re being discriminated against, speak to an attorney at Rubin Law Corporation. We will prosecute employers who violate your rights and conduct their businesses contrary to discrimination law.
Consult an Orange County, CA Employment Law Attorney Today
Protect yourself from discriminatory and unlawful practices. Contact an Orange, CA, employment law attorney today to learn more about how Rubin Law Corporation can help.
About Our Law Firm
When there are serious problems at work, they affect your entire life. With over 25 years of experience in helping Orange County clients get the justice and the damages that they deserve, Rubin Law Corporation is ready and eager to help you in your harassment, disability, or wrongful termination lawsuit.
Rubin Law Corporation gives exceptional, individualized attention to each client and their concerns. We pride ourselves on maintaining high ethical standards as we represent employees in wage and hour cases, disability discrimination cases, and other violations of federal and California state law. We understand that facing wage disputes, harassment, or discrimination at work can be emotionally distressing.
Call 213-224-9347 to speak to an employment lawyer about your California employment claims, wrongful termination claims, wrongful employment practices, unpaid wages claims, or a harassment case. We care about workers’ rights under California employment law in Orange County and have helped clients in a variety of sectors, from large hospitals and major retailers to Fortune 500 companies.
About The Lawyer
Rubin Law Corporation is an employment law firm that has been helping clients in Newport Beach with their wrongful termination, workplace discrimination, harassment, and whistleblower retaliation cases for decades. Mr. Steven M. Rubin, the founder of Rubin Law Corporation, is an active member of Consumer Attorneys of Los Angeles, California Employment Lawyers Association, Los Angeles County Bar Association, and the National Employment Lawyers Association.
Mr. Rubin built his employee rights law firm by successfully representing clients and developing individualized, strategic approaches to each client’s needs. He is a graduate of Brown University, where he was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa, the oldest and most prestigious academic honor society in the US. He attended the USC Law Center and graduated in 1979.
How Will Our Orange County Employment Lawyer Prove the Employer’s Liability?
At Rubin Law Corporation, we understand that proving an employer’s liability in employment law cases requires robust evidence for the type of claim being pursued. Our experienced California employment lawyers employ a strategic approach, gathering compelling evidence to build a strong case against employers to recover maximum compensation.
Wrongful Termination
Proving wrongful termination in California requires demonstrating that an employer violated the law or breached an employment contract. Our attorneys will collect:
- Employment Contracts: To establish whether termination violated any terms of a written or implied agreement.
- Termination Letters: To analyze the stated reasons for termination and identify inconsistencies or pretexts.
- Internal Communications: Emails, texts, or memos that reveal discriminatory motives or retaliation tied to the termination.
- Performance Reviews: To counter claims of poor performance if termination was based on alleged incompetence.
- Witness Testimonies: Statements from coworkers who can corroborate wrongful practices or discriminatory intent.
Discrimination
To prove workplace discrimination, we will gather evidence showing that the employer’s actions were motivated by bias against a protected characteristic, such as race, gender, religion, or age:
- Direct Evidence: Offensive remarks, slurs, or explicit communications demonstrating discriminatory intent.
- Comparative Evidence: Information showing unequal treatment between similarly situated employees from different protected classes.
- HR Records: Complaints or reports of discrimination filed by the employee or others.
- Pattern of Discrimination: Employment records show a pattern of discrimination, such as consistently overlooking qualified employees from a specific group, demographic, or ethnicity for promotions.
Sexual Harassment
Proving sexual harassment often hinges on demonstrating a hostile work environment or quid pro quo harassment. To build the case, we will collect:
- Text Messages, Emails, and Voicemails: Evidence of inappropriate or harassing comments.
- Photos or Videos: Documentation of any inappropriate gestures, actions, or physical evidence.
- Witness Testimonies: Statements from coworkers who observed the harassment or its effects.
- HR Complaints: Records of any formal complaints or the employer’s failure to take corrective action.
- Employer Policies: To examine whether the employer failed to enforce anti-harassment policies or conduct training.
Wage and Hour Violations
California’s strict wage and hour laws protect employees from being underpaid or overworked. To prove violations, we will gather:
- Timesheets and Pay Stubs: To compare recorded hours against wages paid and detect discrepancies.
- Work Schedules: Evidence showing unpaid overtime or violations of rest and meal break requirements.
- Employer Policies: Documentation of illegal wage practices, such as misclassification of employees as independent contractors.
- Testimonies: Statements from other employees who have experienced similar violations.
Whistleblower Retaliation
Proving whistleblower retaliation requires showing that the employer took adverse action because the employee reported illegal activity. Our lawyers will collect the following:
- Internal Complaints or Reports: Documentation proving the employee reported unethical or illegal practices.
- Adverse Action Records: Termination letters, demotion notices, or performance reviews that followed the whistleblowing incident.
- Timing Evidence: A timeline showing a close connection between whistleblowing and adverse action.
- Witness Testimonies: Statements from colleagues supporting claims of retaliation.
Severance Pay Violations
Employers in California are obligated to honor severance agreements. To prove violations, we will collect:
- Severance Agreements: To confirm the employer breached the terms of the agreement.
- Payment Records: Evidence showing unpaid or insufficient severance pay.
- Communications: Emails or letters showing the employer’s refusal to honor the agreement.
- HR Policies: To determine whether the employer followed internal severance procedures.
Discrimination Against Senior Executives
Senior executives are not immune to workplace discrimination despite their high-ranking roles. The evidence we collect includes:
- Employment Contracts and Policies: To examine whether terms disproportionately impact executives from specific groups or fail to comply with California’s anti-discrimination laws.
- Pay and Promotion Records: Comparative data to highlight wage disparities or systemic exclusion from leadership opportunities based on protected characteristics.
- Internal Communications: Emails, memos, or verbal statements demonstrating discriminatory motives or biases by board members, HR teams, or other executives.
- Medical Records (as Necessary): To show whether an executive with a medical condition faced discriminatory treatment, including denial of accommodations.
- Witness Testimonies: Statements from colleagues or subordinates who observed discriminatory practices or overheard biased remarks.
Employment Violations in the Entertainment Industry
Our employment lawyers will collect compelling evidence to address violations such as wrongful termination, wage theft, or discrimination against entertainment industry workers, including on-screen talent and behind-the-scenes crew.
- Employment Agreements: Contracts that may have been breached, including those for actors, directors, writers, or crew.
- Union Agreements and Guidelines: To ensure compliance with collective bargaining agreements specific to the entertainment industry.
- Payroll Records: To identify wage theft, unpaid overtime, or misclassification of employees as independent contractors.
- Set Schedules and Time Logs: Evidence of overworking or failure to comply with mandatory rest and meal break requirements.
- Internal Communications: Emails, texts, or production notes exposing discriminatory remarks or retaliatory practices by directors, producers, or studio executives.
At Rubin Law Corporation, our California employment lawyers are dedicated to securing justice for wronged employees. With years of experience and substantial resources, we ensure that every piece of evidence is utilized to hold employers accountable. Call us to schedule your free consultation today.
What Does an Orange County Employment Lawyer Do?
When you have faced workplace discrimination or harassment, an employment lawyer looks into your case and determines which laws apply to your circumstances. During your initial consultation, we determine if you have a valid claim and explain your rights to you. There are many different deadlines depending on your circumstances, and it can be confusing to determine which agency you need to file your complaint with. Our attorneys at Rubin Law Corporation ensure that you meet every obligation necessary. We investigate your claim, verify evidence, and build a strong employment litigation strategy.
Your employer will have a team of attorneys representing them who may try to intimidate you. However, we have stood up for the rights of employees at major hospitals, retailers, and Fortune 500 companies. We provide aggressive representation for our clients while remaining compassionate and empathetic toward their stress and frustration. We make the process as smooth as possible while fighting for their justice.
Employment Law and Rights
Various state and federal laws apply to different cases, such as the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA), Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and others. We explain which state and federal laws apply in your case.
How Do I Know If I Have a Case?
The only way to know whether you have a valid claim is to speak to an experienced attorney. A consultation with an Orange County employment lawyer is confidential and free of obligation. Call 213-224-9347 to schedule your consultation today.
What Settlement Could I Get?
Call us today to find out how much you could receive in your settlement. You could receive punitive damages for the disregard of your rights by your employer, reinstatement to your position, back pay, lost wages and loss of benefits, damages for emotional distress, and damage to your reputation or damages for future lost earnings.