You wake up every morning, go to work, and do what’s expected. But something isn’t right. Your paycheck is short. Your boss keeps making uncomfortable comments. Or maybe you were fired right after you reported a safety concern.

You’re not overreacting. You might be facing a serious employment law issue. Employees across Torrance and greater Los Angeles deal with unfair treatment every day, often without knowing they have options. If your rights were violated, a skilled employment attorney can help you take the next step and fight back.

At Employee Law Group, we don’t represent corporations. We represent people. Our team focuses exclusively on state and federal employment laws, fighting for workers who’ve been underpaid, harassed, wrongfully terminated, or forced to work in hostile conditions. Here’s what you need to know to protect your rights and get the justice you deserve.

Understanding Your Rights as a California Employee

California gives workers more protections than many other states; but it’s still an at-will employment state. That means your employer can fire you at any time for any reason, but they cannot fire you for illegal reasons, such as discrimination or retaliation.



Here’s what you’re legally entitled to as a worker in California:

At-Will Employment vs. Wrongful Termination

You can be fired without warning in California. But if the reason has to do with your race, gender, pregnancy, age, or if it’s retaliation for something you reported, it may be wrongful termination. You may also have a case if you were let go after taking protected medical leave or asking for an accommodation due to a disability.

Your employer may try to frame the termination as performance-based, but a skilled employment law attorney can spot red flags and help prove that the termination wasn’t lawful.

Wage and Hour Violations

It’s against the law for your employer to avoid paying you fairly. Common wage and hour violations include:

• Not paying overtime after 8 hours/day or 40 hours/week
• Skipping meal or rest breaks
• Misclassifying you as “exempt” or an independent contractor
• Delayed or missing final paychecks

These are more than workplace annoyances. They’re violations of labor laws, and you may be entitled to back pay, penalties, and damages. If you're not being paid fairly, an employment lawyer can help.

Discrimination and Harassment at Work

Under California and federal law, your employer cannot discriminate based on protected characteristics, including:

• Race or color
• National origin
• Religion
• Sex or gender identity
• Age (40+)
• Disability
• Pregnancy
• Sexual orientation

Harassment can come from a manager, co-worker, or even a client. If your employer doesn’t take steps to stop it, they’re legally responsible. Being exposed to a hostile work environment every day can destroy your confidence, affect your health, and ruin your career. You don’t have to accept that.

Medical Leave and Reasonable Accommodations

You have the right to take job-protected leave under FMLA and CFRA for health issues, family emergencies, or childbirth. You also have the right to ask for reasonable accommodation if you have a disability.

If your employer denies your request or punishes you for taking leave, it may be a violation of employment law. A lawyer can review your situation and help determine whether you have a case.

Why You Shouldn’t Handle This Alone

Employment law cases involve overlapping rules from the state, federal agencies like the EEOC, and court precedent. If you try to go it alone, a small mistake (like missing a filing deadline or submitting an incomplete complaint) can cost you your case.

An experienced employment lawyer knows how to interpret employment agreements, spot violations, and fight back against corporate legal teams. Without one, you may get ignored or worse, offered a low settlement that barely covers your losses.

What a Employee Rights Lawyer Can Do for You

Whether you're dealing with workplace discrimination, wrongful termination, harassment, or a contract dispute, employment laws can be complex and intimidating. Hiring an experienced employment lawyer ensures you have a professional advocating for your rights every step of the way.

Here’s how they can help:

1. Evaluate Your Legal Options in a Free Consultation

Most employment lawyers offer a free initial consultation to understand your situation. During this meeting, they will:

• Review the facts of your case
• Explain your rights under federal and California employment laws
• Determine whether you have grounds for legal action
• Outline potential next steps and timelines

This consultation gives you clarity and helps you make informed decisions moving forward.

2. Handle Complex Filings with the EEOC or California Civil Rights Department

Filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or California Civil Rights Department (CRD) can be overwhelming without legal guidance.

Your lawyer can:

• Prepare and file the necessary paperwork on your behalf
• Ensure all deadlines are met
• Help you present a strong and coherent claim
• Communicate with the agencies throughout the process

Mistakes in filing can delay or even derail your case, so legal assistance is crucial.

3. Gather Supporting Evidence and Witness Testimony

Proving an employment violation requires solid documentation and credible evidence.

A lawyer will:

• Help you collect key employment records, emails, performance reviews, and contracts
• Interview co-workers and supervisors for witness testimony
• Work with experts if needed to strengthen your case

The right evidence can make or break your claim, especially when going up against a large employer.

4. Negotiate for Lost Wages, Reinstatement, or Compensation

Before heading to court, many employment disputes are resolved through settlement negotiations.

Your lawyer will:

• Accurately calculate damages such as lost wages, emotional distress, and punitive damages
• Negotiate directly with the employer or their legal team
• Advocate for fair terms, whether it’s reinstatement, severance, or a financial settlement

Their experience ensures you don’t settle for less than you deserve.

5. Represent You in Mediation, Arbitration, or Court

If a resolution can’t be reached informally, your lawyer will represent you in:

• Mediation, a facilitated negotiation with a neutral third party
• Arbitration, where a decision is made by a private judge (often required in employment contracts)
• Litigation, if the case proceeds to trial in state or federal court

They’ll build a compelling case, manage all court filings, and advocate for your rights throughout the process.

Why Legal Support Matters

Employment law issues often involve power imbalances and emotional stress. Whether you're facing discrimination, sexual harassment, wrongful termination, or a breach of contract, having the right legal representation can make all the difference in protecting your future and securing the justice you deserve.

What to Do If You Think Your Rights Were Violated

If you suspect that you've been mistreated at work (whether through discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or wrongful termination) it’s important to act strategically.

Here’s how to protect your rights from the start:

1. Document Everything

Save all relevant emails, texts, performance reviews, timesheets, write-ups, and any communication that could support your claim. Keeping a written timeline of events will also help your case.

2. Report the Issue to HR

Give your Human Resources department a chance to resolve the issue, but proceed carefully. Always keep notes or copies of what was said, who you spoke to, and when.

3. Don’t Quit Prematurely

Resigning might feel like the right thing to do emotionally, but quitting without legal advice can hurt your chances of making a successful claim. Let a lawyer assess your situation first.

4. Schedule a Legal Consultation

A short conversation with an employment lawyer can clarify your rights and help you make an informed decision. Many firms offer free consultations.

How to Choose the Right Employment Attorney

Not all lawyers are equally qualified to handle employment cases. Here's what to look for when choosing legal representation:

• Specializes in Employment and Labor Law - Avoid general practice firms. Look for attorneys who exclusively focus on employee rights.
• Experience With Cases Like Yours - Whether it’s sexual harassment, wage theft, wrongful termination, or discrimination, your attorney should have a track record in similar cases.
• Free Consultations Available -  This allows you to understand your legal standing without financial risk.
• Contingency-Based Fees - Look for a firm that only gets paid if they win your case, no upfront fees required.
• Local Knowledge and Strong Reviews - Choose someone with experience in Torrance, Los Angeles, or your specific area, and check reviews to see how they’ve helped others.
• Membership in Trusted Legal Associations - Membership in organizations like the National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA) or California Employment Lawyers Association (CELA) reflects a commitment to ongoing legal education and advocacy.

Make sure they’re a member of a professional group like the National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA) or California Employment Lawyers Association (CELA).

The Employee Law Group Difference

At Employee Law Group, we focus exclusively on representing employees. Our mission is to level the playing field for workers facing injustice.

Here's what sets us apart:

• We only represent employees in employment disputes
• Offices in Torrance and Sacramento for local support
• Use AI tools to speed up case review without cutting corners
• Experienced in arbitration, court trials, and class actions
• Known in the legal community for helping workers get results

Step-by-Step Guide: Starting Your Claim

 Navigating an employment dispute can be stressful, but you don’t have to go through it alone.

Here’s how our process works:

• Contact Us – Schedule your free consultation by phone or online.
• Case Evaluation – We’ll review your situation and explain your legal rights.
• File Your Claim – We help you submit the proper paperwork to the right agency or court.
• Build Your Case – We gather evidence, interview witnesses, and construct a compelling argument.
• Pursue a Resolution – We negotiate a fair settlement or represent you in trial, if necessary.
• Get Results – You receive compensation or, in some cases, reinstatement to your job.

FAQs

Conclusion: Protect Yourself Before It’s Too Late

If you’ve been treated unfairly at work, you don’t have to figure this out alone. Employee Law Group is here to help you level the playing field and take back your power. Whether it’s discrimination, wrongful termination, harassment, or unpaid wages, we have the experience and focus to get results.

Schedule your free consultation today. Let’s talk about what happened and what you can do next.