We Help Protect
California's Employees

Workplace Discrimination Lawyer

State and federal laws prohibit discrimination and harassment in the workplace if it is based on a person’s race, age, religion, national origin, disability, sex, gender or sexual orientation. If you have experienced discrimination based on any of these protected traits, you may have an employment law case. 

At Le Clerc & Le Clerc LLP in San Francisco, we take employment discrimination and harassment claims very seriously. No employee deserves to feel mistreated, disrespected or unsafe in the workplace. We are here to help you if you believe you have been a victim of discrimination at work.

We will review your claim to determine whether you can take legal action against your employer. Please call us at 415-445-0900 for a free consultation with our San Francisco workplace harassment law attorneys.

We Can Protect Your Rights

Our attorneys have decades of experience representing employees who have been victims of employment discrimination and harassment. We understand how hard it can be to talk about the details of what is happening at work. However, you can trust we will always treat you with respect and your discrimination case will be handled with the compassion and attention you deserve.

You are not alone if you believe you are or have been discriminated against or harassed by your employer. Many employees in California face discrimination at work. It is important to recognize that you have rights if you have been discriminated against, and our attorneys can help you every step of the way.

Were You Harassed at Work?

Co-workers, supervisors, owners or third parties such as clients or vendors can commit workplace harassment. It frequently occurs as verbal harassment and may include offensive jokes, comments, emails, websites or pictures.

While harassment typically starts with verbal or nonphysical acts, it can increase to violent levels. Employees may be threatened physically or with the loss of their jobs. In sexual harassment cases, victims may be subject to unwanted sexual advances, touching or quid pro quo tactics such as demanding sex in exchange for advancement or keeping their jobs. Sexual harassment can occur regarding gender identity and expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation and whether a person is biologically a man or a woman.

We have experience handling all types of harassment and discrimination claims, including:

Our lawyers will evaluate your specific situation and explore all options to hold your employer accountable for its actions. You deserve to be treated with respect on the job. We can protect your rights and walk you through the entire legal process.

How Bad Does It Have to Be to Bring a Claim?

When harassment and discrimination is so pervasive that it affects a person’s ability to perform his or her job, it may be considered a hostile work environment. A valid hostile work environment claim must be based on discrimination of a protected class.

Sexual harassment is very common, but there is also considerable harassment in the workplace concerning race, ethnicity and religion. For example, following the events of Sept. 11, 2001, discrimination and harassment have increased dramatically against people of Middle Eastern descent and/or who are Muslim.

Harassment based on age is also far too common.

No one should be subject to harassment or a hostile work environment. We represent people who are victims of all types of employment harassment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is workplace discrimination illegal in California?

Yes, workplace discrimination is illegal in many cases in California. Employers may not tolerate discrimination due to someone’s protected status. Discrimination includes making negative employment decisions or taking adverse action because of a protected status, such as:

  • Refusing to hire
  • Firing
  • Refusing to promote
  • Withholding raises
  • Offering inaccurate negative performance reviews
  • Denying requests for leave 

Any of these actions performed because of someone’s protected status, such as race or religion, is unlawful. 

Can you sue for discrimination in California?

In many cases, yes, you can sue if you face discrimination in the workplace. 

What are the 17 grounds of discrimination?

In California, there are 17 protected classes against which employers may not discriminate:

  • Race, including texture of hair and hairstyle
  • Religion
  • Color
  • National origin
  • Ancestry
  • Physical disability
  • Mental disability
  • Medical condition
  • Genetic information
  • Marital status
  • Sex
  • Gender
  • Gender identity
  • Gender expression
  • Age of 40 or more
  • Sexual orientation
  • Military and veteran status

These are considered unlawful grounds for discrimination, and employers who use these factors to make adverse employment decisions may be held liable to their employees.

Call Our Attorneys To Discuss Your Case

Our law firm provides free initial consultations in a safe and confidential atmosphere. To discuss your specific case, please call us at 415-445-0900 or send us an email.