Los Angeles Employment Lawyer for Harassment and Discrimination Claims | Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman, P.C.

Introduction
Workplace harassment and discrimination can turn your job into a source of stress, fear, and financial harm. If you are facing unfair treatment at work in Los Angeles, you have legal rights that deserve strong protection.
California and federal law both prohibit employers from discriminating against workers based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, national origin, and other protected characteristics. Harassment — including sexual harassment — is also illegal under these laws.
The Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman, P.C. serves employees throughout the Los Angeles area who have experienced workplace harassment and discrimination. Our firm is committed to holding employers accountable and pursuing the outcomes our clients deserve.
Why Choose Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman, P.C.
The Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman, P.C. focuses on standing up for employees and consumers whose rights have been violated. We bring a professional, results-driven approach to every harassment and discrimination case we handle.
Our firm understands the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act — the key laws protecting Los Angeles workers. We use this legal knowledge to build cases that are both thorough and strategic.
Clients who work with us benefit from personalized attention and clear communication throughout the legal process. You can read what past clients have shared on our What Our Clients Say page, or review our track record on our Results page.
We offer a free case evaluation so you can understand your options before making any decisions. There is no pressure and no cost to speak with us about your situation.
Understanding Harassment and Discrimination in the Workplace
Workplace discrimination happens when an employer treats an employee unfairly because of a protected characteristic. This can affect hiring, promotions, pay, job assignments, or termination decisions.
Harassment is a form of discrimination. It includes unwelcome conduct based on a protected class that creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive work environment. Sexual harassment is one of the most common forms, but harassment can also be based on race, age, disability, and more.
California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) offers broader protections than federal law in many situations. Under FEHA, employers with five or more employees must comply with anti-discrimination rules, and harassment protections apply to all employers regardless of size. You can learn more about FEHA at the California Civil Rights Department (formerly DFEH).
Federal law, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), also protects Los Angeles workers. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces these federal protections.
Types of Harassment and Discrimination Claims We Handle
Our firm handles a wide range of employment claims for Los Angeles workers. Each case is different, but the goal is always the same: protecting your rights and seeking a fair result.
Common types of claims we handle include:
- Sexual harassment — including quid pro quo harassment and hostile work environment claims
- Racial discrimination — unfair treatment based on race or ethnicity
- Gender and sex discrimination — including pregnancy discrimination
- Age discrimination — targeting workers who are 40 years of age or older
- Disability discrimination — failure to accommodate or unfair treatment of disabled employees
- Religious discrimination — failure to accommodate or hostile treatment based on religion
- Retaliation — adverse actions taken against employees who report discrimination or harassment
California law also protects employees who face discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression under FEHA. The California Civil Rights Department provides detailed guidance on protected categories.
How to File a Harassment or Discrimination Claim in Los Angeles
Before filing a lawsuit in California, most employees must first file an administrative complaint. For state claims under FEHA, you file with the California Civil Rights Department. For federal claims, you file with the EEOC.
Deadlines are critical. In California, you generally have three years from the date of the last discriminatory act to file a FEHA complaint. Federal deadlines are shorter — typically 180 or 300 days depending on your situation. Missing a deadline can cost you your right to pursue a claim.
Once your complaint is filed and investigated, you may receive a Right-to-Sue notice that allows you to take your case to court. An employment lawyer can help you navigate every step of this process and make sure your claim is filed correctly and on time.
You can learn more about complaint procedures at the U.S. Department of Labor or directly through the EEOC’s guidance on filing a charge.
What Compensation May Be Available
If you have a successful harassment or discrimination claim, you may be entitled to several types of compensation. The exact amount depends on the facts of your case and the laws that apply.
Potential forms of recovery may include:
- Lost wages and benefits from the time of the discriminatory act
- Future lost earnings if you were wrongfully terminated
- Compensation for emotional distress caused by harassment or discrimination
- Punitive damages in cases involving especially harmful employer conduct
- Attorney’s fees and litigation costs
- Reinstatement to your former position if appropriate
California law gives employees strong remedies compared to many other states. The Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman, P.C. works to pursue every form of compensation available under the law for each client we represent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as workplace harassment under California law?
Workplace harassment includes unwelcome conduct based on a protected characteristic — such as race, gender, age, disability, or religion — that is severe or pervasive enough to create a hostile work environment. A single extreme incident can sometimes qualify. Everyday rudeness or minor annoyances generally do not meet the legal standard.
How long do I have to file a harassment or discrimination claim in Los Angeles?
For California FEHA claims, you generally have three years from the date of the discriminatory act to file with the California Civil Rights Department. For federal EEOC claims, the deadline is typically 180 to 300 days. Acting quickly is important to protect your rights.
Can my employer fire me for reporting harassment or discrimination?
No. California and federal law prohibit retaliation against employees who report harassment or discrimination in good faith. If your employer fires, demotes, or punishes you for speaking up, that retaliation may itself be an additional legal claim. The Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman, P.C. handles retaliation cases alongside primary harassment and discrimination claims.
Do I need a lawyer to file a harassment or discrimination complaint?
You are not legally required to have a lawyer to file an administrative complaint. However, employment law is complex, and mistakes in the complaint process can hurt your case. Having an experienced employment lawyer helps ensure your claim is complete, filed on time, and positioned for the best possible outcome.
What should I do if I am being harassed or discriminated against at work right now?
Start by documenting the incidents — dates, times, what was said or done, and any witnesses. Report the conduct through your employer’s internal complaint process if it is safe to do so. Save copies of any relevant emails or messages. Then contact an employment lawyer as soon as possible to understand your rights before taking further action.
Does the Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman, P.C. offer free consultations?
Yes. The Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman, P.C. offers a free case evaluation for Los Angeles employees who believe they have experienced workplace harassment or discrimination. You can request yours through our Free Case Evaluation page.
Contact Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman, P.C.
If you have experienced workplace harassment or discrimination in Los Angeles, do not wait to get legal help. Time limits apply, and early action can make a significant difference in your case.
The Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman, P.C. is ready to listen to your story, explain your rights, and guide you through every step of the process. We are committed to fighting for employees who have been treated unfairly.
Contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation. Visit our Free Case Evaluation page or reach us directly through our Contact page. You can also learn more about our firm and our approach at About Us.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman, P.C. Every legal situation is unique. You should consult a qualified employment attorney about your specific circumstances before taking any legal action. Results mentioned on this website are not a guarantee of future outcomes.
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