Newport Beach Employment Lawyer

Newport Beach Employment Attorney

Despite the robust laws in place in California to protect workers’ rights, workers in the state continue to face legal breaches. Employers also commonly get into legal disputes that are difficult to navigate due to the complexity of California law. Whether you are a worker facing retaliation or discrimination or an employer entangled in a legal dispute, a skilled Newport Beach employment lawyer from Engels-Janzen can support you.

The dedicated legal team at Engels-Janzen has established a strong track record of commitment to protecting workers’ and employers’ rights in Newport Beach and the surrounding areas. If you are facing employment-related legal issues, our law firm offers you a free consultation. During this time, we can discuss your case, address any pressing concerns you may have, and help you understand your various legal options. We are eager to work with you when you are ready.

Types of Employment Law Cases the Legal Team at Engels-Janzen Handles

The employment law team at Engels-Janzen has an established track record of helping both workers and employees alike reach agreements or settlements that protect their rights and interests. Our highly skilled legal team can help you tackle issues related to a wide variety of employment law matters, including the following:

• Wrongful Termination
• Workplace Discrimination
• Workplace Harassment
• Sexual Harassment
• Wage and Hour Disputes
• Retaliation Claims
• Whistleblower Claims
• Employment Contract Disputes
• Severance Disputes
• Workplace Safety Violations
• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Violations

Our deep understanding of local and California State employment rules and regulations allows our firm to comprehensively assess your employment law case and develop strategic solutions. By working with our compassionate and detail-oriented team, you can be sure that your case is being handled with care and diligence. California has set certain time limits for filing employment claims, so don’t delay seeking legal advice.

Issues Newport Beach Workers Are Commonly Facing

Although California has some of the strongest rights for employees in the nation, workers are still commonly subject to exploitation, harassment, and discrimination in the workplace. A skilled lawyer from our firm can help you navigate your workplace conflict and protect your rights and interests for the following issues that employees commonly face:

• Wrongful termination. Although California is an at-will state, which means that employers and employees do not have to give a reason for leaving an employment agreement by default or give adequate notice, employees can still be terminated for unlawful reasons. Reasons for firing that could constitute a wrongful termination case include termination on the grounds of retaliation or discrimination.
• Discrimination in the workplace. It is illegal to discriminate against a person based on their religion, age, gender, sex, disability, race, creed, nationality, age (40 or older), or other protected characteristics in the workplace. People who face discrimination in aspects of their job, such as assignment of tasks, promotions, hiring, or firing, may have legal grounds to file a claim with a relevant state agency.
• Workplace harassment and sexual harassment. All California workers are entitled to come to work knowing they will not be subject to harassment or other unsafe circumstances. Sexual harassment involves lewd comments, unwanted sexual advances, and quid pro quo circumstances. Those subject to workplace harassment may work to hold their employer accountable and pursue compensation for damages.
• Wage and hour disputes. Workers are protected by laws dictating a minimum amount of money they must receive for their hours worked, as well as break times. Workers who are not being paid according to minimum wage law, have had their meal and rest break rights violated, or have not been adequately compensated for overtime may have the legal basis for a claim. In some cases, employers may misclassify workers as independent contractors to avoid paying them what they deserve under the law.
• Violations of family and medical leave rights. Under both state and federal law, workers are entitled to take unpaid time off from work to handle certain medical circumstances related to themselves or their families. Workers who take this leave are entitled to have their job when they return or one that is directly equivalent. If an employer denies a worker’s right to take leave or retaliates against them for this request, this is illegal.
• Workplace retaliation. It is illegal for an employer to retaliate against a worker for reporting harassment, discrimination, illegal behavior in the workplace, or violations of safety standards. Retaliation could include demotions, termination, harassment, or other actions. Additionally, whistleblowers are also protected from retaliation. Workers facing this breach of their rights should seek to protect their rights and interests.

Even if you are unsure whether your workers’ rights have been breached, a skilled attorney from our firm can meet with you during a free initial consultation to review the details of your case and help you determine whether you have a legal basis for a claim or other forms of action.

Legal Representation of Employers in Newport Beach

Due to California’s highly stringent and ever-evolving workplace compliance laws, employers commonly face challenges with maintaining and implementing a workplace protocol that is in accordance with rules and regulations. An experienced employment lawyer from our firm can work closely with you to understand your business goals and operations and help you develop clear guidelines and policies to ensure workplace compliance.

Maintaining compliance does not have to mean red tape and extra costs. Streamlining your business processes and fostering productivity can result in a healthy and happy workplace. From workplace discrimination and harassment prevention to compliance with California’s wage and hour laws, a knowledgeable and skilled employment lawyer from our firm can help you avoid costly disputes with employees, saving you time and money.

Facing an employment lawsuit can be overwhelming and emotionally challenging, considering the potential short-term and long-term consequences for your business’s reputation and operations. If you are facing an employment law dispute, such as a contract disagreement or severance dispute, a fierce and passionate litigator from Engels-Janzen can fight to protect your business’s rights and interests.

FAQs

What Should I Do If My Employer Denies My Family or Medical Leave in California?

If your employer denies your family or medical leave in California or attempts to retaliate against you for asking for or taking it, you may have grounds for a claim. The federal Family and Medical Leave Act and California Family Rights Act establish the right of workers to take unpaid, protected leave for specific circumstances related to health and family. If an employer is denying you your right to take leave, it is recommended that you contact a skilled employment lawyer as soon as possible.

What Constitutes California Wrongful Termination?

Wrongful termination in California and the United States happens when a worker is fired from their job based on illegal grounds, such as retaliation for asking for protected family and medical leave, requesting workers’ compensation for a workplace injury or illness, or refusing requests to partake in illegal acts. Firing a person on discriminatory grounds that are based on protected characteristics also constitutes wrongful termination.

What Should I Do If I’m Facing Workplace Discrimination in California?

If you have reasonable suspicion you are being subject to workplace discrimination in California, it is critical to fully document each action or comment of a discriminatory nature. Include the parties involved, as well as the time and date of each occurrence. The discrimination should be reported according to company policy. If no action is taken from your employer or if you need general support with documentation and reporting, contact a skilled employment lawyer.

What Are My Rights Under California’s Wage and Hour Laws?

California’s wage and hour laws provide workers with some of the strongest employee rights in the nation. In California, workers are entitled to a minimum wage set by the state each year, pay for overtime work, rest and meal breaks, and payment on time. If you are unsure what your wage and hour laws are in your employment situation or believe that your employer has breached these laws, you are encouraged to contact a skilled attorney.

How Can an Employment Lawyer Help With California Severance Negotiations?

If you are negotiating a severance package in California, an employment lawyer can provide you with key legal support by going over your severance agreement and ensuring that it is just and fair. They can review details such as your unused vacation, the years you worked, and other considerations to ensure that your severance payment is in compliance with California law. If the severance agreement is substandard, they can negotiate on your behalf to obtain a fair amount.

Navigate Complex Employment Law Matters With a Dedicated Newport Beach Employment Lawyer

California employment law is highly complex to navigate, leading to frequent disputes between employers and employees. A skilled Newport Beach employment lawyer from Engels-Janzen can work closely with you to understand the details of your case and any employment law concerns you may have. Together, we can develop and implement an optimal legal strategy to exercise your rights. Contact us today.