Santa Monica Employment Lawyer

Expert Santa Monica Employment Lawyer: Your Advocate for Workplace Justice

California law provides workers with strong protections, including robust anti-discrimination laws, strict wage and hour regulations, and expansive leave rights, making it one of the most employee-friendly states in the country. However, pursuing justice after an employer violates your rights is another matter, and you may need the help of a Santa Monica employment lawyer.

From addressing discrimination and harassment to fighting for fair wages and benefits, an employment lawyer, like the experienced team at Starpoint Law, can advocate for employees, helping them navigate complex legal issues and seek justice in the workplace. 

What Does a Santa Monica Employment Lawyer Do?

At Starpoint Law, our Santa Monica employment lawyers are dedicated to representing employees in various workplace-related legal matters.

Wage and Hour Claims

As employment lawyers, we can assist employees in recovering unpaid wages, including overtime pay, and ensuring payment in compliance with California’s strict wage and hour laws. Disputes over minimum wage violations, unpaid breaks, or misclassification of employees as exempt from overtime are common.

Wrongful Termination

Our team can also help employees when employers terminate them unlawfully. These unlawful terminations could include termination based on discriminatory reasons, retaliation for whistleblowing, or exercising legal rights, such as taking protected leave.

California is an at-will employment state, meaning employers can terminate employees for any reason not prohibited by law. However, wrongful termination claims can arise if an employee is fired for discriminatory reasons or in retaliation for exercising their legal rights.

Hostile Work Environment

Employees have the right to work in an environment free from hostility, harassment, or discrimination. The right employment attorney can help employees address and rectify situations where they are subjected to such treatment.

Harassment

A Santa Monica employment attorney can also help employees who have experienced workplace harassment, including sexual harassment, discriminatory remarks, or other offensive behavior. They can help employees take legal action to stop the harassment and seek compensation for damages.

Discrimination

It is unlawful to discriminate against employees based on protected characteristics such as race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), disability, age (40 or older), citizenship status, or genetic information. Employment lawyers represent employees who have faced such discrimination and help them seek legal remedies. 

Retaliatory Claims

If an employee faces retaliation for engaging in protected activities, such as reporting illegal activities or filing a complaint, employment lawyers can help them pursue legal action. Employees may be able to seek reinstatement, back pay, and other forms of compensation.

What Are the Employment Laws in Santa Monica?

A comprehensive framework of employment laws at federal and state levels protects employees in Santa Monica. Federal laws that protect workers’s rights across the country include:

• Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The FLSA sets standards for minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and youth employment, applying to most employees in the United States.
• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VII prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, applying to employers with 15 or more employees, including state and local governments.
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including employment, applying to employers with 15 or more employees.
• Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). The ADEA protects individuals 40 or older from employment discrimination based on age, applying to employers with 20 or more employees.

In addition to federal protections, California has enacted its own laws expanding these protections.

• California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Similar to Title VII, FEHA prohibits employment discrimination based on protected categories such as race, religion, gender, and disability. However, FEHA applies to smaller employers with five or more employees.
• Wage and hour laws. California has its own wage and hour laws, including a higher minimum wage than the federal standard, requirements for meal and rest breaks, and overtime pay rules that are more protective of employees.
• Family and medical leave laws. California law provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for certain family and medical reasons, including the birth or adoption of a child and serious health conditions.
• Worker’s compensation. California law requires most employers to carry worker’s compensation insurance to cover employees injured on the job.

Aidin Ghavimi - Employment Lawyer Helping Those in Santa Monica

Mr. Ghavimi received his Bachelors of Science in Business Administration from USC, with Honors. He received his Juris Doctorate from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles. While at Loyola, Mr. Ghavimi Externed with the Hon. Chief Judge George H. King in the United States District Court, Central District of California.

Learn More About Aidin Ghavimi

What Types of Damages Can I Get from My Employer?

Employees who prevail in legal actions against their employers for employment law violations may be eligible for compensation or damages. These damages aim to reimburse the employee for losses incurred due to the employer’s actions and to discourage future unlawful behavior. Examples of damages available to employees include:

• Lost pay and wages. This includes compensation for wages, salaries, and benefits that the employee would have earned if the wrongful action had not occurred, such as in wrongful termination or wage theft.
• Emotional distress. Compensation for emotional harm suffered as a result of the employer’s actions, such as stress, anxiety, or mental anguish.
• Reinstatement. An employer may need to reinstate an employee to a previous or similar position with comparable pay and benefits in cases where termination was wrongful.
• Punitive damages. These damages punish the employer for particularly egregious misconduct and to deter similar behavior in the future. However, punitive damages are relatively rare.
• Attorney’s fees and costs. Sometimes, the employer may be required to cover the employee’s legal fees and court costs while pursuing their legal claim.

The availability and amount of these damages can vary depending on the nature of the violation, what laws apply, and the specific circumstances of the incident. An experienced employment attorney can guide you on what forms of compensation may be available in your particular case.

Why Hire a Santa Monica Employment Lawyer?

Hiring a Santa Monica employment lawyer can provide invaluable help to employees facing workplace issues. These professionals specialize in employment law and can offer expertise and guidance throughout the legal process.

• Legal expertise. Employment lawyers are well-versed in California's complex employment laws and regulations. They can provide insight into your rights and legal options, ensuring you are fully informed and prepared to pursue your case. 
• Protection of rights. An employment lawyer will advocate for your rights and best interests. They can help you navigate challenging situations such as discrimination, harassment, or wrongful termination, ensuring the protection of your rights.
• Potential for higher settlements. Employment lawyers are skilled negotiators and can often secure higher settlements than individuals can achieve independently. They understand the value of your case and will work to maximize your compensation.
• Litigation experience. If your case goes to court, an employment lawyer will have the litigation experience to represent you effectively. They will prepare a strong legal strategy and advocate on your behalf in court.
• Peace of mind. Having an employment lawyer on your side can provide peace of mind during a challenging time. You can trust that your case is being handled professionally, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your life.

If you are facing an employment dispute, the team at Starpoint Law can provide you with the legal support and representation you need to navigate employment-related issues effectively. We can help you understand your rights, protect your interests, and pursue the best possible outcome for your case.

Trust Starpoint Law

Workers can find facing an employment dispute overwhelming. From navigating legal processes to understanding their rights, things can get complicated quickly.

At Starpoint Law, our mission is to alleviate this burden by providing expert guidance and advocacy, ensuring that you are supported every step of the way. To schedule a consultation to discuss your case, give us a call or fill out our online contact form.

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