Expert Labor Law Attorney in Torrance - Get Justice Fast
By Managing Attorney - David Mallen

You show up, do your job, and expect fair treatment. But when your paycheck doesn’t add up or your manager’s behavior crosses a line, it’s hard to ignore. You try to brush it off, hoping it’ll stop, but it usually doesn’t. And deep down, you know it isn’t okay.
The good news? You’re not wrong. California labor laws are on your side, and you don’t have to deal with this alone. You just need the right attorney who knows how to protect your rights and get results fast.
In this article, you’ll learn how Employee Law Group in Torrance helps workers facing unpaid wages, discrimination, harassment, or retaliation and what steps you can take to move forward with confidence.
Understanding Your Rights as an Employee in California
Every employee in California has rights under both state and federal employment laws. These laws exist to protect you from being exploited, discriminated against, or treated unfairly at work. Knowing what you’re entitled to is the first step toward protecting yourself.
California’s Labor Code and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) make sure employers pay fairly and respect your time. The Civil Rights Act, Title VII, and the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) protect you from discrimination and harassment. Agencies like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the California Department of Industrial Relations help enforce these rules.
Key Protections Under Employment Law
It’s not enough to know you have rights. You should know exactly what those rights are and how they apply to your situation.
| Employee Protection | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Wage and Hour Laws | You must be paid for every hour worked, including overtime. Employers can’t misclassify you as an “independent contractor.” | CA Labor Code §510 |
| Discrimination Protections | You can’t be treated differently because of race, gender, age, religion, or disability. | FEHA |
| Family and Medical Leave | You may take unpaid leave for health or family reasons without losing your job. | FMLA / CFRA |
| Workplace Safety | Employers must comply with OSHA standards to keep your workplace safe. | OSHA |
In Torrance, where industries range from aerospace to retail, these protections matter more than ever. Local workers often face unpaid overtime or retaliation after reporting wrongdoing in the workplace. That’s why hiring an experienced labor attorney is critical; the laws are on your side, but employers rarely play fair without being challenged.
Common Labor Law Problems Facing Employees in Torrance

If you’ve been underpaid, harassed, or unfairly fired, you’re not alone. These are some of the most common employment and labor issues we see at our Torrance office.
Unpaid Wages and Break Violations
You deserve to be paid for every minute you work. If your employer has forced you to work “off the clock,” denied overtime, or interrupted your meal and rest breaks, that’s a labor law violation. These cases often involve wage audits, exemptions, and fair labor standards disputes.
Wrongful Termination and Severance Disputes
California is an at-will state, but that doesn’t give employers a free pass to fire workers illegally. Termination based on discrimination, retaliation, or refusing to do something unlawful violates both state and federal law. We help negotiate fair severance and file employment lawsuits when needed.
Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation
Discrimination and sexual harassment remain top employment complaints. You have the right to a workplace free from bias, and retaliation for speaking up is against the law. Our employment lawyers build cases backed by documentation, witness statements, and direct evidence.
Whistleblower Protection and Class Actions
If you’ve reported fraud, wage theft, or health and safety violations, the California Whistleblower Protection Act protects you. When an employer mistreats many employees the same way, a class action lawsuit can bring collective justice.
Leave and Accommodation Disputes
Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), employers must provide reasonable accommodations and protected leave. Firing or punishing an employee for using these rights is illegal.
How Employee Law Group Works: A Four-Step Process for Results
Getting justice shouldn’t be confusing. We’ve built a clear process that helps our clients move from frustration to resolution.
Step 1: Free Consultation and Case Review
You start by telling us your story. We listen, ask questions, and look at any documents or pay records. From there, we identify your claims under California labor law and federal statutes.
Step 2: Strategic Planning
We combine our legal experience with smart tools that help us review contracts, evidence, and timelines quickly. This helps us prepare strong arguments supported by facts and law.
Step 3: Aggressive Advocacy
Whether it’s arbitration, settlement talks, or employment litigation, we fight for the outcome you deserve. We don’t back down from employers or big corporations.
Step 4: Litigation and Trial
If a fair settlement isn’t on the table, we’re ready for court. We’ve handled complex class actions, wage and hour lawsuits, and discrimination cases across state and federal courts.
Why Choose Employee Law Group in Torrance

You have options when looking for a labor and employment attorney in Torrance. But here’s why people trust us with their most important employment matters:
- We understand the California labor system inside and out.
- We give clients direct access to real attorneys, not case managers.
- We use proven strategies to reach fast, fair outcomes.
- We’ve been recognized among the best lawyers in California for employment and labor law.
Our Torrance office isn’t just local; it’s personal. We live here, we work here, and we care about making workplaces fair for everyone.
What “Get Justice Fast” Really Means
We don’t believe in dragging cases out. Fast justice means working smart, staying proactive, and cutting through the noise.
We start every case with a focused plan. Our attorneys identify your strongest claims early, gather what we need, and push forward with negotiations or court filings. We use direct communication, not red tape, so you always know what’s happening.
Success Stories and Case Results
Real results show what’s possible when you stand up for your rights. We’ve helped workers in Torrance recover:
- Unpaid overtime and wages they were owed for years.
- Settlements for sexual harassment and wrongful termination.
- Class action victories for groups of employees mistreated by large employers.
How You Can Help Your Case Move Faster
- When clients stay involved, cases move smoother. You can help by:
- Collecting employment agreements, pay stubs, and HR communication.
- Writing down dates and details of any harassment or retaliation.
- Staying in touch with your attorney and replying quickly.
- Keeping your case private and off social media.
- Your cooperation helps us build a stronger case and shorten the time to resolution.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Labor Lawyer?
Many workers worry about cost, but you shouldn’t let that stop you. We take most cases on a no-win, no-fee basis.
Typical costs may include:
- Court filing fees
- Expert witness fees
- Document requests or depositions
We’ll discuss all possible expenses before moving forward, so there are no surprises.
Taking the Next Step

When you’ve been treated unfairly at work, waiting won’t fix it. Labor and employment claims in California have strict deadlines, and once they pass, you can lose the right to take action. Acting fast protects your rights and strengthens your case.
1. Contact Our Torrance Office
Call us, send an email, or use the contact form to schedule your free, confidential consultation. You’ll speak directly with an attorney who will listen, assess your situation, and explain your legal options under California and federal employment laws.
2. Gather Key Documents
Bring anything that helps tell your story (pay stubs, emails, text messages, schedules, or termination letters). Even small pieces of evidence can help prove wage theft, retaliation, or discrimination.
3. Let Us Handle the Rest
We’ll review your materials, identify the best path forward, and guide you through negotiation, arbitration, or litigation if needed. You’ll know exactly what to expect and how we plan to move your case forward.
Don’t wait too long. The sooner you act, the more we can do to protect your rights and get you results.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I get free legal advice in California?
You can call Employee Law Group for a free consultation or visit the California State Bar’s legal aid directory for verified resources.
2. What’s the difference between an employment lawyer and a labor lawyer?
An employment lawyer helps individual employees with issues like wrongful termination or wage disputes. A labor lawyer usually handles collective bargaining or union-related disputes. We handle both.
3. What is the 7-minute rule in California?
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, employers must pay employees for all time worked. Even small periods of work before or after a shift count if the employee performs job-related tasks.
4. Can I sue my employer for stress and anxiety in California?
Yes, if the stress comes from wrongful conduct such as discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. Emotional distress can be part of a damages claim in a labor lawsuit.
5. Is it expensive to sue your employer?
Not with us. We work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win. That way, everyone has access to justice.
Conclusion
Work should be a place where you feel respected and fairly treated. When it’s not, you deserve to take back control. The laws are there to protect you, but they only work when you do something about it.
If you’ve been underpaid, fired unfairly, or mistreated at work, Employee Law Group is here to help. Our labor and employment attorneys know what it takes to win and we’re ready to fight for you. Schedule a free case consultation today and let’s get justice fast.

Managing Attorney - David Mallen
David Mallen is the managing attorney at Employee Law Group in Torrance, California, and a respected labor and employment lawyer who has represented thousands of workers since beginning his practice in 1992. He has been recognized as a Southern California Super Lawyer every year from 2004 to the present.


