Los Angeles Gender Discrimination Lawyer

Los Angeles Gender Discrimination Attorney

No one should have to go to their workplace fearing that they’ll experience unfair treatment or be discriminated against because of their sex or gender. If you’ve faced gender or pregnancy discrimination at work, a Los Angeles gender discrimination lawyer from Shirazi Law Firm, P.C., can fight for you.

Gender discrimination in the workplace can take many different shapes and forms, including unfair wages, sexual harassment, and even wrongful termination. That’s why our team focuses on securing the most favorable outcome possible in your employment discrimination settlement. At Shirazi Law Firm, P.C., we’re here to listen to your story, to make you aware of your rights and options, and to help you get the justice you deserve.

Understanding What Gender Discrimination in the Workplace Is

Jobs in California are governed by some of the nation’s strongest gender discrimination laws, and enforcement, especially in Los Angeles, is very active. A seasoned Los Angeles gender discrimination attorney can assess whether an employer’s actions violate these laws and seek remedies under gender discrimination penalties.

Gender discrimination in the workplace refers to the discriminatory or unfair treatment of employees based on their gender. It can take many forms, including but not limited to:

• Disparate Treatment. This occurs when an employer treats an employee differently based on their gender. They may deny promotions or equal pay for equal work.
• Disparate impact. Where disparate treatment is direct, disparate impact is when seemingly neutral policies disproportionately affect one gender over others.
• Sexual Harassment. This is when an employee is subjected to unwanted sexual advances, comments, gestures, or physical contact that creates a hostile or intimidating work environment.
• Harassment as discrimination. Different from sexual harassment, this can include gender-based jokes or comments that create a hostile work environment.
• Pregnancy Discrimination. This happens when an employer discriminates against an employee based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, resulting in termination, reduced hours, removal from a project, denial of accommodations, and more.
• Gender stereotyping. Stereotyping is when an employer assumes certain characteristics, abilities, or roles based on gender. For example, they may assume that a female employee isn’t interested in a particular job or promotion because they care for a child.
• Transgender and nonbinary discrimination. This occurs when others misgender transgender and nonbinary employees, limit access to their chosen bathroom, employ rigid dress or grooming rules, or make an issue of factors tied to transitioning.
• Glass Ceiling. This refers to the invisible barrier that prevents women and minorities from being promoted to top-level positions.

Gender discrimination in the workplace can affect all genders. Under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), there are protections in place for employees in businesses with five or more employees, while harassment is prohibited in workplaces with even a single employee. This is an important distinction within California’s gender discrimination laws that can affect gender discrimination penalties.

If you believe you’ve been subjected to sexism in the workplace, an employment lawyer in Los Angeles from Shirazi Law Firm, P.C., can help.

Common Los Angeles Workplace Scenarios That Demonstrate Gender Discrimination

Every workplace has its own culture, but patterns of gender bias can appear in subtle ways that might not be blatantly obvious. Recognizing these situations can help you find the courage to protect your rights with the help of our Los Angeles gender discrimination attorneys, and those situations could include:

• Being paid less or placed in a lower bonus bracket for the same work as those of another gender
• Being passed over for promotion shortly after returning from maternity leave
• Leadership opportunities are being given to men while women are relegated to team members
• Uneven discipline using an assertive vs. aggressive double standard
• Scheduling rules that punish prenatal or pregnancy-related medical appointments
• Client-facing roles assigned by gender or appearance
• Dress codes are enforced differently by gender or appearance
• Retaliation after reporting pay disparity or gender bias

If any of these situations sound familiar, a Los Angeles gender discrimination attorney from Shirazi Law Firm, P.C., can help you take action. We’re experienced when it comes to fighting for fair treatment under the law.

What to Do If You’re Facing Gender Discrimination at Work

Employers often claim poor job performance or restructuring as a way to avoid gender discrimination penalties. However, the right kind of evidence can help you counter that defense. Our team can help you gather what you need to build a strong case, and some key pieces of evidence can include:

• Pay stubs, offer letters, and compensation plans
• Performance reviews from before and after you disclosed a pregnancy or made a complaint
• The posted criteria for a promotion and the records showing who was selected
• Internal emails or Slack messages that support your claims of gender bias
• Evidence that shows employees of another gender in the same role are treated differently
• The names of any witnesses and a summary of what they witnessed
• A simple log noting the dates, times, participants, and events of any incidents

If you believe you’re a victim of discrimination in the workplace in California, it’s important to try to gather this evidence before confronting management or making a complaint. That way, they won’t have time to revoke access to your accounts. After gathering what you need, it’s important to send an email from your personal account informing your manager or human resources about the discrimination and follow the official complaint procedure.

If you feel that the issue isn’t being resolved, it’s recommended that you contact an experienced employment attorney to discuss your options for filing a claim against your employer. An attorney can help you understand the applicable laws, gather evidence, and build a strong case for damages.

What You Can Win Back

If you decide to file a claim against your employer, you may be entitled to certain damages, depending on your case and the particular circumstances. Here are some of the types of damages you might be entitled to in a settlement:

• Back Pay: This pays you what you would have made in earnings or salary if you hadn’t experienced gender-related prejudice.
• Front Pay: If you are unable to return to your prior position, this covers any future lost income or pay.
• Emotional Distress Damages: This makes up for the hurt and emotional suffering you endured because of gender-based prejudice.
• Punitive Damages: These can be given to penalize the employer for especially egregious behavior and to discourage similar behavior in the future.
• Attorneys’ Fees and Costs: If you win your claim, you might be entitled to get fees and the expenses incurred by your attorney.

It’s crucial to remember that there’s never a guarantee of a certain amount of damages in any case. The precise amount of damages you can obtain depends on the details of your case.

Laws Protecting You From Gender Discrimination

Gender discrimination is illegal in California under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). This also forbids discrimination based on other protected factors, including race, religion, national origin, and sexual orientation. In comparison to Title VII of the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, which forbids gender discrimination in the workplace, the FEHA offers more safeguards for workers.

Additionally, regardless of gender, employees must get the same pay for equal work under the California Equal Pay Act. This rule also forbids employers from taking adverse action against workers who ask about or discuss their wages with coworkers.

Employees who need to take time off for family or medical reasons, including pregnancy and delivery, are likewise protected by the California Family Rights Act.

How a California Gender Discrimination Lawyer Can Help Me

By filing a complaint with a state or federal agency, a gender discrimination lawyer can help you pursue justice and financial compensation for the damages you have suffered because of discrimination. A lawyer can also help you make sure that your rights are protected and that you are not retaliated against for filing a complaint.

In addition to filing complaints with agencies, a gender discrimination lawyer can pursue legal action in the form of a claim. In a claim, the plaintiff (the person filing the claim) must prove that the defendant (the person or entity being sued) discriminated against them for being a certain gender. If the plaintiff is successful in their claim, then the court can award damages such as back pay, compensatory damages, emotional distress and punitive damages.

Whether you are facing gender discrimination in the workplace or have already been fired due to discrimination, a California gender discrimination lawyer can provide essential advice and assistance so that you can obtain justice.

FAQs About Los Angeles, CA Gender Discrimination Laws

Can I sue my job for sexism?

Yes, you can file a claim against your employer for sexism in California. In addition to the protections provided by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, California has its own laws prohibiting employment discrimination. The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) makes it illegal for employers to discriminate against employees based on gender, among other protected characteristics.

What does the law say about gender discrimination?

The law regarding gender discrimination varies by jurisdiction. In general, it prohibits employers from making employment decisions based on an individual’s gender. This includes decisions related to hiring, firing, promotions, compensation, job duties, and other terms and conditions of employment. These laws also allow you to file a claim for damages if you are discriminated against.

How much does a California gender discrimination lawyer cost?

Almost all Plaintiff’s lawyers work on a contingency basis, so there would be little to no out-of-pocket cost to the employee.

What are the signs of male chauvinism at work?

Male chauvinism in the workplace refers to the attitude or belief that men are superior to women and that women are inherently inferior to men. This can include making fun of women, belittling women, or making inappropriate comments about women’s bodies or abilities. Male chauvinism can also include denying women promotions, equal pay for equal work, or equal access to training and development opportunities. Male chauvinism can manifest in many different ways and can have serious consequences for women in the workplace.

When can I come back to work after filing my gender discrimination claim?

If you are still employed by the company, you can still work while the claim is pending. However, it is possible that you may face retaliation or a hostile work environment because of your claim. If this happens, you should report the retaliation to your attorney and take any necessary steps to protect your rights.

Hire a Gender Discrimination Lawyer Today

If you believe you’ve experienced gender discrimination in your workplace and you want to get compensation or recognition for any workplace-related injustices, then you should reach out to the dedicated and experienced team at Shirazi Law Firm, P.C., today. We’re ready to review your situation, gather the evidence that really matters, and help you pursue all available remedies under California gender discrimination laws.

Our firm has a track record of fighting aggressively for our clients and helping them achieve justice. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Shirazi Law Firm Office

Address: 9454 Wilshire Blvd Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90212

Phone: (310) 400-5891