Los Angeles Race Discrimination Lawyer

Los Angeles Race Discrimination Attorney

Every American working in every industry has the right to a workplace free from discrimination and harassment of all kinds, including racial discrimination. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against due to their race in Southern California, a Los Angeles race discrimination lawyer can help.

It’s unlawful for any employer to make job-related decisions on the basis of race, and it’s unlawful for employers to show preferential treatment to one racial group over others. At Shirazi Law Firm, P.C., our team is dedicated to advocating for you, holding employers accountable, and seeking justice through negotiation or litigation. Our goal is to protect your rights and pursue all available remedies so you don’t suffer in silence.

Benefits of Working With an Experienced Los Angeles Racial Discrimination Attorney

It can be incredibly damaging for anyone to face racial discrimination at work, and despite the fact that the state has enacted some of the most expansive employment protections for marginalized groups, racial discrimination can occur in all types of ways, and those affected are often left wondering how they can hold their employers accountable for this kind of mistreatment.

The Shirazi Law Firm, PC, has helped many Los Angeles-area clients through all manner of employment disputes, including those pertaining to discrimination, harassment, and wrongful termination on the basis of race.

Your legal representation will also determine your chances of reaching the results you hope to see, ensuring accountability for your employer and appropriate compensation for the damages you suffered.

CASE FOCUS: JM

JM is African-American and was the only African-American employee at his worksite. He had to endure a racially hostile and abusive work environment. JM was constantly subjected to racist comments and racially charged physical and verbal threats.

JM complained on several occasions about this severe and pervasive racial harassment, but nothing was done. In fact, management retaliated against JM for making these complaints and eventually fired him.

The harassment was so severe that it created a hostile and abusive work environment that caused JM severe emotional distress.

California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act prohibits an employer, including any supervisor, from harassing an employee based on race or creating a racially hostile work environment. We helped JM get justice for the severe harassment and retaliation he endured.

Proving Racial Discrimination in the Workplace in Los Angeles

One of the biggest challenges facing anyone thinking of filing a racial discrimination suit against their employer is proving the truth of the matter in question. When an employer knowingly engages in discriminatory practices, they typically take calculated steps to hide the illegal nature of their actions.

For example, if a racist employer plans to fire an employee on the basis of their race, they might issue poor performance reviews to create a false paper trail they can later use to justify their firing decision.

At Shirazi Law Firm, P.C., our Los Angeles racial discrimination attorneys can help you prove that members of a certain race were treated differently from others in your workplace.

Race Discrimination vs. Racial Harassment vs. Hostile Work Environment

Understanding the different kinds of race-related workplace issues is important when identifying which of your rights were violated. Sometimes, several kinds of racially motivated workplace actions are all lumped in under discrimination, but identifying what kind of case you have on your hands helps to inform our legal strategy. Some of the distinctions include:

• Discrimination occurs when adverse job actions are taken because of race, like hiring, firing, pay, promotions, or assignments.
• Harassment occurs when the work environment is tainted with race-based conduct, like the use of slurs, ridicule, or threats.
• A hostile work environment occurs when the harassment is so severe that it changes the working environment and makes it unbearable for you to do your job.

Recognizing these differences is key when you’re pursuing a race discrimination claim and evaluating the potential race discrimination penalties. At Shirazi Law Firm, P.C., our team carefully reviews each case, identifies the applicable legal strategy, and builds a claim that’s capable of holding your employer accountable.

Favoritism vs. Illegal Discrimination: What a Los Angeles Racial Discrimination Attorney Looks For

Determining whether workplace favoritism crosses the line into illegal race discrimination requires careful observation. Understanding the difference can help employees identify any potential violations and give them time to gather the evidence needed to support a race discrimination claim. Some questions to ask about the behavior include:

• Who gets the good shifts, accounts, or projects, and why?
• Are attendance, dress, or professionalism standards enforced differently by race?
• Did your performance reviews suddenly change after a race-related issue or complaint?
• Are performance conversations inconsistent or not applied to others?
• Are other employees with worse performance records treated more favorably?

At Shirazi Law Firm, P.C., our team can thoroughly analyze the evidence, advocate for your rights, and not only pursue remedies to ensure fair treatment but also ensure your employer is subjected to all race discrimination penalties that are available in the circumstances.

Damages Available in a Racial Discrimination Claim

Don’t make the mistake of assuming that it would cost you more to hire a Los Angeles racial discrimination attorney than you could win if you succeed with your case. At Shirazi Law Firm, we take your case with no risk to you. Further, you’re allowed to hold the defendant accountable for your legal expenses and all costs associated with bringing your action, so if you choose the right attorney, it will effectively cost you nothing to hold your employer accountable.

Some of the damages you could recover include:

• Lost income
• Lost benefits
• Out-of-pocket expenses caused by loss of benefits, conducting new job searches, and attending vocational training
• Emotional distress
• Psychological trauma

When you choose the Shirazi Law Firm, P.C., to handle your racial discrimination case, we seek to maximize this aspect of your recovery. Depending on the severity and scope of your employer’s actions, you could receive punitive damages, too.

FAQs About Los Angeles, CA Race Discrimination Laws

How Long Do I Have to File a Racial Discrimination Case in California?

California imposes strict administrative deadlines before a racial discrimination case can proceed, and missing those deadlines means giving up your right to pursue a claim. Many claims need to be filed with a state agency first, and the length of time you have to do that can depend on the facts of the case. That’s why it’s so important to get experienced legal guidance as soon as possible.

What Evidence Is the Strongest in Racial Discrimination Cases?

The evidence that’s strongest in racial discrimination cases combines documentation, witness testimony, and comparative data. Emails, texts, policies, schedules, and performance reviews can reveal patterns, while witness statements can back up your claims of mistreatment. Showing evidence of comparators, who are other workers in the same role and position as you, who were also treated differently, can be especially powerful.

How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Racial Discrimination Case?

How long it takes to resolve a racial discrimination case can vary depending on how complicated the facts are, the processes of the governing agency, and whether the case settles or goes to trial.  Some matters can be resolved in a few months through negotiation, while litigation can tack on more time. Strategic planning, setting realistic expectations, and proactive communication from our team can help shorten disputes and reduce the stress of the situation.

Can Managers Be Held Personally Liable for Racial Discrimination?

In some cases, yes, managers can be held personally liable for racial discrimination, especially if they directly participate in or authorize unlawful conduct. In certain situations, California law allows claims against individuals as well as the employer. Holding managers accountable can also help influence settlement negotiations and corrective measures. Our Los Angeles race discrimination attorneys evaluate whether managerial actions contributed to your case.

Hire a Racial Discrimination Lawyer in Los Angeles

The Shirazi Law Firm, PC, is dedicated to helping all our clients ensure accountability when they have been victimized by any illegal discrimination in their workplace. The sooner you hire a racial discrimination lawyer, the stronger your chances are of succeeding with your impending racial discrimination case.

If you’ve been harassed or discriminated against because of your race, give us a call at 310-742-8711 or contact us online to schedule your initial consultation.