California Employment Law for Employees Lawyer | Leeran S. Barzilai, APLC
Your rights at work matter. If you’ve faced discrimination, wage theft, or retaliation anywhere in California, trust California employment law for employees lawyer Leeran S. Barzilai. Free consultation statewide.
You go to work to earn a living, support your family, and build a career. You should never have to tolerate discrimination, harassment, stolen wages, or retaliation for standing up for your rights. Unfortunately, workplace violations happen far too often. The good news is that California has some of the strongest worker protections in the nation, and 2026 brought a new wave of laws expanding those rights even further.
At Leeran S. Barzilai, A Prof. Law Corp. , we stand with employees throughout California. We help workers recover unpaid wages, hold employers accountable for discrimination and harassment, and fight back against wrongful termination. With a deep understanding of the 2026 legal landscape, we ensure your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
Why You Need a California Employment Law for Employees Lawyer
California employers operate under strict legal obligations. When they violate those obligations, the consequences for workers can be devastating—lost income, emotional distress, and damaged careers. An experienced California employment law for employees lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Powerful New Protections in 2026: The California legislature enacted sweeping new laws effective January 1, 2026, designed to “raise standards and create a more fair and equitable environment for the workforce” . These include expanded pay transparency, stronger equal pay protections, and new safeguards against employer retaliation .
Statute of Limitations: The deadline to file a claim depends on the type of violation. For example, under the newly extended Equal Pay Act , you now have three years to file a civil action, with up to six years of back pay recoverable . Other claims, such as discrimination under FEHA, require filing an administrative complaint with the Civil Rights Department, often within three years. Missing these deadlines can bar your claim forever.
Fighting Back Against Unfair “Stay-or-Pay” Provisions: Under AB 692 , most “stay-or-pay” clauses that require employees to repay bonuses, relocation costs, or training fees upon separation are now void . If your employer tries to enforce an illegal repayment agreement, you may be entitled to $5,000 per worker or actual damages, plus attorneys’ fees .
Where We Serve: All Major California Cities and Regions
We represent employees throughout the Golden State. Our firm has experience handling cases in every major region. Consequently, we understand local courts, agency offices, and the unique challenges workers face in different communities.
Los Angeles County: As California’s largest employment center, LA sees countless workplace violations each year. We represent workers at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse , the Spring Street Courthouse , and before the local CRD office.
San Diego County: Our home base at 4501 Mission Bay Dr, Ste 3C puts us minutes from the San Diego Superior Court . We serve employees throughout San Diego County, from downtown to North County.
Orange County: We represent workers in Santa Ana, Anaheim, Irvine, and Santa Ana at the Central Justice Center .
Riverside and San Bernardino: The Inland Empire’s growing workforce deserves strong representation. We serve employees in Riverside, San Bernardino, Ontario, and Rancho Cucamonga at the Riverside Superior Court and San Bernardino Superior Court .
Ventura and Santa Barbara: From Oxnard to Santa Barbara, we handle employment matters along the Central Coast. We understand local courts in Ventura, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, and Santa Barbara .
Sacramento County: California’s capital city has a diverse workforce. We represent employees in Sacramento, Elk Grove, Folsom, and Roseville at the Sacramento Superior Court .
Fresno County: The heart of the Central Valley has unique agricultural and industrial employment issues. We serve workers in Fresno, Clovis, and Madera at the Fresno Superior Court .
Kern County: Bakersfield workers in oil, gas, and agriculture need dedicated representation. We help employees throughout Kern County at the Kern County Superior Court .
San Joaquin Valley: Stockton, Modesto, Tracy, and Lodi have diverse workforces. We represent employees throughout the northern San Joaquin Valley.
Tulare County: We serve workers in Visalia, Tulare, and Hanford, where agricultural and processing industries predominate.</details><details> <summary><strong>Northern California Employee Representation</strong></summary>
San Francisco: The Bay Area’s sophisticated workforce faces unique challenges, from tech industry disputes to wage theft in the service sector. We represent employees at the San Francisco Superior Court .
San Jose and Silicon Valley: Santa Clara County’s technology workers deserve fair treatment. We help employees navigate misclassification, stock option disputes, and discrimination at the Santa Clara Superior Court .
Oakland and East Bay: Alameda County has a vibrant and diverse workforce. We represent workers at the Wiley Manuel Courthouse and the René C. Davidson Courthouse .
Santa Rosa and North Bay: Sonoma, Napa, and Marin counties have thriving wine, hospitality, and service industries. We represent employees throughout the North Bay at the Sonoma County Superior Court .
Far Northern California: Redding and Shasta County workers need accessible legal support. We travel to serve clients at the Shasta County Superior Court .
Santa Barbara: The American Riviera has active hospitality, technology, and service industries. We represent workers in Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Carpinteria at the Santa Barbara Superior Court .
Central Coast: Monterey, Santa Cruz, Salinas, and Watsonville have growing workforces. We understand local courts and the unique employment issues facing coastal communities.
North Coast: Eureka and Humboldt County workers need accessible representation. We travel to serve clients at the Humboldt County Superior Court .</details>
Comprehensive Employee Rights Subpages
We handle every type of employment claim. Each subpage below provides detailed information tailored to your situation.
Wage and Hour Violations
California Wage Theft Lawyer: Wage theft costs California workers an estimated $2 billion annually . This subpage covers unpaid minimum wage (now $16.90/hour statewide ), unpaid overtime, missed meal and rest breaks, and illegal deductions from paychecks.
California Overtime Lawyer: Many employers misclassify workers to avoid paying overtime. This subpage covers your right to overtime pay for hours worked over eight per day or forty per week, and how to recover unpaid overtime wages.
California Independent Contractor Misclassification Lawyer: Under Assembly Bill 5 (AB5) , employers must use the strict ABC test to classify workers. If you are misclassified as an independent contractor, you may be entitled to employee benefits including minimum wage, overtime, and workers’ compensation .
California Final Paycheck Lawyer: When you leave a job, your employer must pay all final wages immediately. This subpage covers waiting time penalties when employers fail to pay on time.
Discrimination and Harassment
California Workplace Discrimination Lawyer: Under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) , it is illegal to discriminate based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics . This subpage covers your rights and how to file a claim.
California Sexual Harassment Lawyer: Harassment in the workplace is illegal and unacceptable. This subpage covers quid pro quo harassment, hostile work environments, and your right to a safe workplace. Over 25% of complaints filed through the CRD involve harassment .
California Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer: Employers must provide reasonable accommodations for pregnancy and may not discriminate against pregnant workers. This subpage covers your rights under FEHA and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.
California Disability Discrimination Lawyer: Employers must provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities. This subpage covers the interactive process, undue hardship, and your right to equal opportunities.
Wrongful Termination and Retaliation
California Wrongful Termination Lawyer: California is an at-will employment state, but employers cannot fire you for illegal reasons. This subpage covers termination based on discrimination, retaliation, or violation of public policy.
California Whistleblower Lawyer: If you reported illegal activity or unsafe practices at work and faced retaliation, you have protections. Under the California Whistleblower Protection Act , employers cannot punish you for exposing wrongdoing .
California Retaliation Lawyer:: Retaliation claims are among the most common charges filed. This subpage covers protecting yourself if your employer punishes you for exercising your legal rights—whether complaining about harassment, requesting accommodations, or filing a wage claim.
Leave and Accommodation
California Paid Sick Leave Lawyer: Under AB 406 , employees may now use paid sick leave for jury duty, witness service, and judicial proceedings related to crime victim status . This subpage covers your right to take leave without retaliation.
California Family and Medical Leave Lawyer: CFRA and FMLA provide up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave for serious health conditions, bonding with a new child, or caring for a family member. This subpage covers your rights under these laws.
California Reasonable Accommodation Lawyer:: If you have a disability or need time off for pregnancy, your employer must engage in the interactive process and provide reasonable accommodations. We help employees enforce these rights.
Key 2026 Legal Updates That Protect Employees
California’s new 2026 laws give workers powerful new tools to fight back against employer misconduct.
Equal Pay and Pay Transparency (SB 642)
Effective January 1, 2026, SB 642 strengthens California’s equal pay framework in several ways that benefit employees:
- Broader Definition of Wages: “Wages” now include all forms of compensation—bonuses, stock and equity awards, profit-sharing, allowances, paid time off, and other benefits like life insurance .
- Protection for All Genders: The law replaces “opposite sex” with “another sex,” explicitly protecting nonbinary employees from pay discrimination .
- Extended Statute of Limitations: You now have three years to file an Equal Pay Act claim, with up to six years of back pay recoverable .
Workplace Know Your Rights Act (SB 294)
Under SB 294 , which took effect February 1, 2026, employees have important new protections:
- Annual Notice of Rights: Employers must provide a standalone notice informing employees of workers’ compensation rights, protections during immigration inspections, the right to organize, and constitutional rights when interacting with law enforcement at work .
- Emergency Contact Designation: Employers must allow you to designate an emergency contact. If you are arrested or detained at work, your employer must notify that contact .
Expanded Leave for Crime Victims (AB 406)
AB 406 gives crime victims expanded rights to take time off for judicial proceedings, including delinquency hearings, plea hearings, sentencing, and post-conviction release decisions. You may use paid sick leave for these purposes, and retaliation is prohibited .
Ban on Unfair “Stay-or-Pay” Agreements (AB 692)
If your employer tries to make you repay a sign-on bonus, relocation costs, or training fees when you leave, AB 692 likely protects you. Most repayment provisions are now void. If your employer violates this law, you may recover $5,000 or actual damages, plus attorneys’ fees .
Expanded Personnel File Rights (SB 513)
Under SB 513 , your right to inspect your personnel file now includes education and training records. Employers must maintain detailed records and provide them within 30 days of your request .
AI and Automated Decision System Protections
New CRD regulations effective October 1, 2025 clarify that anti-discrimination laws apply to Automated Decision Systems (ADS) used in hiring and employment. If an AI tool results in discriminatory treatment or impact, your employer can be held liable .
Extended Rehire Rights (AB 858)
If you work in hospitality, event centers, airport operations, or building services, AB 858 extends COVID-19 “right to recall” protections through January 1, 2027. Employers must offer open positions to qualified laid-off employees based on seniority .
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a California employment law for employees lawyer cost? We work on a contingency fee basis for most employment claims. You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. Fees are calculated as a percentage of your recovery, and we explain our fee structure clearly in writing.
How long do I have to file an employment lawsuit in California? Deadlines vary by claim type. Under the new SB 642 , Equal Pay Act claims have a three-year statute of limitations, with up to six years of back pay recoverable . Discrimination claims under FEHA require filing an administrative complaint, often within three years. Wage claims may have different deadlines. Contact us immediately to protect your rights.
What if my employer requires me to repay my signing bonus if I quit? Under AB 692 , most repayment provisions are void. If your employer tries to enforce an illegal “stay-or-pay” clause, you may be entitled to $5,000 or actual damages, plus attorneys’ fees .
What if I was misclassified as an independent contractor? Under AB5 , employers must use the ABC test to classify workers. If you are misclassified, you may be entitled to minimum wage, overtime, workers’ compensation, and other employee benefits .
Can I use paid sick leave for jury duty? Yes. Under AB 406 , employees may now use paid sick leave for jury duty, witness service, and judicial proceedings related to crime victim status .
What if I need time off to care for a family member who isn’t a blood relative? Beginning July 1, 2028, California’s Paid Family Leave program will expand to cover care for a “designated person”—any individual whose association with you is equivalent to a family relationship .
What if my employer uses AI to screen job applicants? New CRD regulations clarify that employers are liable if Automated Decision Systems result in discriminatory treatment or impact. If you believe AI hiring tools discriminated against you, we can help .
Contact Your California Employment Law for Employees Lawyer Today
You deserve a workplace free from discrimination, harassment, and wage theft. If your employer has violated your rights, do not wait to take action. Evidence disappears quickly. Witness memories fade. Statutes of limitations run. The sooner you act, the stronger your case.
At Leeran S. Barzilai, A Prof. Law Corp. , we represent employees throughout California in all employment matters. We offer free consultations and handle most cases on a contingency basis. You pay nothing unless we win.
Call 619-436-7544 or email info@lbatlaw.com to schedule your free consultation. Visit https://lbatlaw.com/ for more information. Our office is conveniently located in San Diego. We represent clients statewide. We are ready to fight for your rights, no matter where you are.