Irvine Employment Lawyer

Irvine Employment Attorney

Workplace problems threaten your job prospects while endangering your financial stability and mental well-being. Wrongful termination, wage and hour disputes, discrimination, and harassment are just some of the many issues that California employment law covers. You have legal rights as an employee, as does your employer, and an Irvine employment lawyer can help guide you through these complex issues to protect your rights.

At Engels-Janzen, we assist clients with employment issues involving workplace discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination, wage and hour disputes, severance packages, and other related matters. We work to efficiently resolve your legal dispute, either through negotiation, mediation, or litigation, and we always keep your goals in mind.

With a trusted employment lawyer in Irvine on your side, you can have peace of mind as you resolve your employment issues and move forward on stronger ground.

Hire an Employment Lawyer

At Engels-Janzen, our attorneys bring knowledge and proven experience to a wide range of employment law matters. We have represented clients in disputes involving wrongful termination, workplace discrimination, harassment, and wage violations.

Recognized for effective advocacy and clear guidance, our firm is trusted throughout Irvine for delivering practical solutions to complex workplace problems. Clients rely on Engels-Janzen for personalized representation that combines strong legal skill with a deep understanding of California’s employment protections.

Wrongful Termination Claims

California is an at-will employment state. This means that, as a general rule, employers have the right to fire employees for any reason. Numerous exceptions to this general principle exist. A firing can be wrongful if it was in violation of state or federal law, an employment contract, or if it was retaliatory for an employee’s exercise of a legal right, such as reporting discrimination or unsafe working conditions.

Evidence of wrongful termination may be obtained through emails, performance reviews, and other employment records, as well as through witness testimony. In FY 2023, the EEOC secured $665 million in relief for workers who experienced workplace discrimination, reflecting both the scale of the problem and the agency’s continued role in protecting employee rights.

Engels-Janzen can help employees and employers address claims of wrongful termination, from determining whether the firing was unlawful to gathering evidence and obtaining remedies such as reinstatement, back pay, and/or damages. An important part of protecting your career and financial security in Irvine’s competitive job market is knowing your rights and understanding when to hire an employment lawyer.

Workplace Discrimination and Harassment

California and federal laws strictly prohibit discrimination and harassment in the workplace. An employer may not take adverse actions against you for reasons such as race, gender, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, or other protected class. Harassment can take various forms, such as unwelcome conduct, a hostile work environment, or quid pro quo. An employer has an affirmative legal duty to prevent and correct this kind of behavior.

Engels-Janzen handles both employee claims and employer defenses. Common claims involve charges filed with the EEOC or the California Civil Rights Department. Our clients have successfully stopped the discrimination and harassment and have moved on to restore workplace balance, resolve legal claims, and avoid long-term damage to careers and reputations.

Employment Contracts and Severance Agreements

Employment and severance agreements can have a profound impact on an employee’s career and financial future. Employment agreements may contain provisions dealing with confidentiality, payment, and termination rights. Severance agreements typically involve the waiver of legal claims in exchange for a payment or other benefits. At Engels-Janzen, we review, negotiate, and enforce these agreements to make sure they are fair and comply with California law.

Our attorneys advise employees on whether to accept proposed terms and help employers prepare clear and enforceable agreements to protect their business interests. We understand that reviewing these documents before signing can be time-consuming, but it is important to do so in order to avoid inadvertently forfeiting important rights. With the right legal guidance, our clients can enter into and terminate employment relationships with confidence and security.

FAQs

What Qualifies as Wrongful Termination in California?

Wrongful termination happens when an employer fires an employee for an illegal reason or breaches a contract. This includes being fired for reporting an unsafe work environment, filing a wage claim, or opposing discrimination. Terminations based on race, gender, age, disability, or other protected characteristics are also illegal.

Employees can seek damages like lost wages, benefits, or reinstatement. Contacting an employment attorney can help determine if your termination qualifies as wrongful under California law.

How Do I File a Workplace Discrimination Claim in Irvine?

Employees who believe they have been discriminated against can file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The process typically involves collecting evidence, filing within time limits, and cooperating with agency investigations.

An attorney can assist in preparing documentation, representing you through the process, and seeking additional remedies in court if necessary. Prompt action will help protect your rights and increase the chances of a positive outcome.

What Are Common Wage and Hour Violations in California?

California employers are bound by stringent wage and hour laws. Typical violations involve unpaid overtime, missed meal and rest breaks, and payment below the minimum wage. Misclassification of employees as independent contractors or exempt from overtime also occurs. Employees may recover unpaid wages, penalties, and attorney’s fees through claims with the California Labor Commissioner or civil lawsuits.

Legal advice enables employees to maximize their recovery while guiding employers to rectify violations and avoid penalties.

Can Employers in California Retaliate Against Whistleblowers?

No, under California law, an employer cannot retaliate against you for reporting illegal conduct, unsafe working conditions, or violations of public policy. Examples of retaliation include firing you, demoting you, reducing your hours, or treating you in a hostile manner.

As a whistleblower, you have legal rights and are entitled to damages if you suffer retaliation. Documenting your issues and consulting with an attorney provides you with a stronger foundation to initiate a retaliation case.

Contact an Irvine Employment Lawyer

Employment issues can be stressful, but you don’t have to go through them alone. At Engels-Janzen, we provide reliable legal guidance in Irvine to help protect your employee rights. Many workplace disputes in Irvine are resolved through the Orange County Superior Court’s Central Justice Center in Santa Ana, and our attorneys are experienced in navigating these proceedings.

Contact our Irvine employment lawyers today to learn more about your case and legal options.