PAGA Claims Attorney | California Labor Code Violations Lawyer

When you face workplace injustice, you need a Los Angeles employment law attorney who understands both the law and what you’re going through. At Todd F. Law, our employment attorneys combine legal expertise with genuine compassion to help workers throughout Los Angeles recover the compensation they deserve. With decades of combined experience and millions recovered for our clients, we’re ready to fight for your workplace rights.

Los Angeles Employment Attorney | Workplace Rights Advocates | Law OFfices of Todd M. Friedman, P.C.

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The Employment Law Process
Employment Law Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Employment Lawyer Los Angeles: Our Areas of Practice

Our Los Angeles employment attorney team handles all types of workplace legal matters. We understand that employment issues can affect every aspect of your life – from your financial stability to your emotional wellbeing. That’s why we fight aggressively to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve, and that’s why our clients consider us the best employment law firm in Los Angeles.

Wrongful Termination Lawyer Los Angeles: Getting the Justice You Deserve

Were you fired for illegal reasons? As a dedicated wrongful termination lawyer, we represent employees who have been terminated due to discrimination, retaliation for reporting illegal activities, taking legally protected leave, or other unlawful reasons. California’s “at-will” employment laws don’t give employers the right to fire you for illegal reasons. Our employment lawyer Los Angeles team will help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Workplace Discrimination Attorney Los Angeles: Protecting Your Rights

Discrimination has no place in the workplace. Our workplace discrimination attorney Los Angeles team represents employees facing discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics. We’ve helped countless workers hold employers accountable for discriminatory practices and recover substantial compensation for the harm they’ve suffered.

Sexual Harassment Attorney: Creating Safer Workplaces

No one should endure sexual harassment at work. Whether you’re experiencing unwanted advances, offensive comments, or a hostile work environment, our sexual harassment attorneys will help you take action. We handle these sensitive cases with the utmost confidentiality and care while aggressively pursuing justice on your behalf.

Wage and Hour Attorney Los Angeles: Recovering Your Unpaid Compensation

Have you been denied overtime pay, forced to work off the clock, or misclassified as an independent contractor? Our wage and hour attorney Los Angeles specialists help workers recover unpaid wages, overtime, and other compensation they’re legally entitled to. We’ve helped employees recover compensation for meal and rest break violations, minimum wage violations, and other wage theft practices.

Whistleblower Protection: Standing Up for What’s Right

Reporting illegal activities shouldn’t cost you your job. Our attorneys protect whistleblowers who have faced retaliation after reporting workplace violations, safety concerns, or illegal activities. We understand the courage it takes to speak up, and we’re committed to protecting your rights and seeking justice on your behalf.

PAGA Claims Attorney Los Angeles: Fighting Labor Code Violations

The Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) empowers employees to act as private attorneys general and sue employers for widespread Labor Code violations on behalf of themselves, other employees, and the State of California. Our Los Angeles PAGA claims attorney team has extensive experience handling these complex cases.

PAGA claims are powerful because they allow employees to pursue civil penalties for violations that affect many workers, and unlike class actions, PAGA claims cannot be forced into arbitration. Common PAGA violations we handle include:

Meal and rest break violations – Employers failing to provide required 30-minute meal breaks and 10-minute rest periods
Wage statement violations – Inaccurate or incomplete pay stubs missing required information
Minimum wage violations – Paying employees below California’s minimum wage requirements
Overtime violations – Failing to pay proper overtime rates for hours worked over 8 in a day or 40 in a week
Employee misclassification – Wrongly classifying employees as independent contractors or exempt from overtime
Final wages violations – Not providing final paychecks within required timeframes after termination
Expense reimbursement violations – Failing to reimburse employees for necessary business expenses

PAGA claims can result in significant civil penalties for employers, with 75% going to the state and 25% distributed to affected employees. If you believe your employer has committed Labor Code violations affecting multiple employees, our wage and hour attorney Los Angeles team can help you understand whether a PAGA claim is appropriate for your situation.

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Why Choose Our Employment Lawyer Los Angeles Team for Your Case

When selecting an employment attorney in Los Angeles, experience and results matter. Here’s why clients throughout Los Angeles trust Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman, P.C. with their employment cases:

Proven Case Results

Our employment attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for workers throughout Los Angeles. Recent successes include:

$1.2 million settlement for a wrongful termination case involving age discrimination
$875,000 recovery for a sexual harassment victim
$950,000 class action settlement for wage and hour violations
$750,000 settlement for pregnancy discrimination
$680,000 recovery for whistleblower retaliation

Attorney Credentials and Expertise

Our lead employment attorney, Todd F. Friedman, has been recognized as one of Southern California’s top employment lawyers. With over 20 years of experience in employment law, he has:

Successfully litigated hundreds of employment cases
Earned an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell
Been selected to Super Lawyers for multiple consecutive years
Served as a featured speaker on employment law topics
Maintained a perfect 10.0 rating on Avvo

Client Testimonials

“After being wrongfully terminated, I felt helpless and afraid. Todd and his team not only helped me understand my rights but fought tirelessly to get me the compensation I deserved. They were always available to answer my questions and kept me informed throughout the entire process. I couldn’t have asked for better representation.”

– Maria S., Los Angeles

“The employment attorneys at Todd F. Law helped me recover unpaid overtime after my employer misclassified me as exempt. They were knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely cared about my case. I highly recommend them to anyone facing workplace issues.”

– James T., Los Angeles

Understanding the Employment Law Process in Los Angeles

Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman, P.C. is often cited as – and recognized by Super Lawyers – as one of the best employment lawyers in Los Angeles. When you work with our Los Angeles employment attorney team, we make the legal process as straightforward and stress-free as possible. Here’s what you can expect:

Free Initial Consultation

Your journey begins with a Los Angeles employment attorney free consultation. During this meeting, we’ll:

Listen to your story and understand what happened
Evaluate the legal merits of your case
Explain your rights and potential legal options
Answer your questions about the process
Discuss our contingency fee structure (no recovery, no fee)

Case Investigation and Strategy Development

If we take your case, our employment lawyer Los Angeles team will:

Gather and preserve evidence to support your claim
Interview witnesses and obtain statements
Review relevant employment documents and records
Consult with experts when necessary
Develop a customized legal strategy for your specific situation

Negotiation and Settlement

Many employment cases resolve through negotiation. Our attorneys will:

Prepare and file necessary legal documents
Engage in strategic negotiations with your employer
Present compelling evidence to support your claim
Fight for maximum compensation for your damages
Keep you informed and involved in all settlement decisions

Litigation When Necessary

If a fair settlement can’t be reached, we’re fully prepared to take your case to court:

We have extensive trial experience in employment cases
Our attorneys are skilled courtroom advocates
We prepare thoroughly for every aspect of litigation
We work with expert witnesses to strengthen your case
We fight aggressively to protect your rights and secure justice

Los Angeles Industry-Specific Employment Law Issues

Los Angeles’s diverse economy creates unique employment law challenges across different industries. Our employment lawyer Los Angeles team has experience handling workplace issues specific to various sectors:

Entertainment Industry Employment Issues

The entertainment industry in Los Angeles presents unique workplace challenges including:

Wage theft for crew members – Production companies failing to pay proper overtime or meal penalties
Misclassification of workers – Treating employees as independent contractors to avoid providing benefits
Sexual harassment on set – Unwanted advances and hostile work environments in production settings
Discrimination in casting and hiring – Illegal bias based on protected characteristics
Retaliation for reporting unsafe conditions – Punishing workers who raise safety concerns

Healthcare Industry Employment Law

Healthcare workers in Los Angeles hospitals, clinics, and care facilities often face:

Meal and rest break violations – Being required to work through breaks or being on-call during breaks
Unsafe staffing ratios – Working in dangerous conditions due to inadequate staffing
Retaliation for reporting patient safety concerns – Being punished for whistleblowing
Wage and hour violations – Not being paid for all hours worked or proper overtime
Discrimination – Unfair treatment based on race, gender, age, or other protected characteristics

Hospitality and Restaurant Industry Issues

Workers in Los Angeles’s robust hospitality sector frequently encounter:

Tip pooling violations – Improper distribution of tips or managers taking employees’ tips
Sexual harassment – Unwanted conduct from managers, coworkers, or customers
Wage theft – Not being paid minimum wage or proper overtime rates
Discrimination – Unfair treatment in scheduling, pay, or promotions
Retaliation for complaints – Being fired or having hours cut for raising concerns

Technology and Startup Employment Law

Tech workers in Los Angeles may face:

Misclassification as exempt – Being wrongly classified to avoid paying overtime
Unpaid overtime – Not receiving proper compensation for long hours
Stock option disputes – Issues with equity compensation and vesting
Discrimination – Bias in hiring, promotions, or terminations
Wrongful termination – Being fired for illegal reasons despite at-will employment

Manufacturing and Warehouse Employment Issues

Manufacturing and warehouse workers in Los Angeles often experience:

OSHA violations – Unsafe working conditions and inadequate safety equipment
Wage theft – Not being paid for all hours worked or proper overtime
Discrimination – Unfair treatment based on national origin, disability, or other factors
Retaliation – Being punished for reporting workplace violations
Failure to accommodate disabilities – Refusing reasonable accommodations for disabled workers

No matter what industry you work in, our employment law attorneys understand the specific challenges you face and will fight to protect your rights. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your industry-specific employment law concerns.

Employment Law Firm Near Me: Local Resources for Los Angeles Workers

As the employment law firm near me that Los Angeles workers trust, we’re committed to helping you understand your rights. Here are some important resources:

Recent California Employment Law Changes

California employment laws are constantly evolving. Recent changes that may affect your rights include:

Expanded protections for workers taking family and medical leave
New laws regarding independent contractor classification
Enhanced whistleblower protections
Strengthened equal pay requirements
Updated workplace harassment training requirements

Stay informed about your rights by visiting our employment law blog for the latest updates.

Know Your Rights: California Employment Laws

California has some of the strongest worker protection laws in the nation. Key rights include:

Protection from discrimination and harassment
Right to equal pay for equal work
Right to meal and rest breaks
Overtime compensation for eligible employees
Protection from retaliation for reporting violations
Right to reasonable accommodations for disabilities
Pregnancy and family leave protections

Learn more about California labor laws and how they protect you.

Recent California Employment Law Updates Affecting Los Angeles Workers (2024-2025)

California employment law continues to evolve to provide stronger protections for workers. Our Los Angeles employment attorney team stays current with all changes to ensure we can effectively advocate for your rights. Here are some recent and upcoming changes that may affect your workplace:

Minimum Wage Increases

California’s minimum wage continues to increase annually. As of 2025, many Los Angeles workers are entitled to higher minimum wages based on employer size and industry. Fast food workers and healthcare workers have specific minimum wage requirements that may exceed the standard rate. If you’re not receiving proper minimum wage, our unpaid wages attorney can help you recover what you’re owed.

Enhanced CFRA Leave Protections

The California Family Rights Act (CFRA) now provides expanded leave protections for more employees. Recent changes allow smaller employers’ workers to qualify for protected leave, and the definition of “family member” has been expanded to include adult children, grandparents, grandchildren, and siblings.

Cannabis Use Protections

California law now prohibits employers from discriminating against employees or job applicants based on their use of cannabis outside of work and away from the workplace. Limited exceptions apply for certain positions, but many Los Angeles workers now have stronger protections regarding off-duty cannabis use.

Bereavement Leave Rights

California now requires employers with 5 or more employees to provide up to 5 days of bereavement leave for the death of a family member. This protected leave allows grieving employees time off without fear of termination or retaliation.

Lactation Accommodation Requirements

California has strengthened lactation accommodation requirements, mandating that employers provide reasonable break time and a private space (other than a bathroom) for employees to express breast milk. Employers who fail to comply may face PAGA claims and other legal consequences.

If you believe your employer has violated any of these new protections, contact our employment attorney Los Angeles team for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights under the latest California employment laws.

Los Angeles Employment Law Resources and Agencies

In addition to working with a Los Angeles employment attorney, you may find these local resources helpful:

California Labor Commissioner’s Office – Los Angeles
320 W. 4th Street, Suite 450, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Phone: (213) 620-6330
Handles wage claims, workplace safety complaints, and Labor Code enforcement
California Civil Rights Department – Los Angeles Office
320 West 4th Street, 10th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Phone: (800) 884-1684
Handles discrimination, harassment, and retaliation complaints
EEOC Los Angeles District Office
255 E. Temple Street, 4th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (800) 669-4000
Handles federal employment discrimination complaints
OSHA Los Angeles Area Office
300 N. Los Angeles Street, Room 1115, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (213) 894-8700
Handles workplace safety and health complaints
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles
Multiple locations throughout LA County
Phone: (800) 399-4529
Provides free legal services to low-income individuals

While these agencies can help, having an experienced employment attorney on your side ensures you receive personalized representation and maximizes your chances of recovering full compensation for your damages. Contact our employment lawyer Los Angeles team for a free case evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Employment Law

How do I know if I have an employment law case?

You may have a case if your employer has violated your rights through wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage theft, or retaliation. Signs that you might have a case include being treated differently than coworkers, experiencing harassment, being fired after reporting problems, or not receiving proper pay. Our Los Angeles employment attorney free consultation can help determine if you have a valid claim.

How much does it cost to hire an employment attorney?

At Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman, P.C., we handle employment cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront costs or hourly fees. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you, typically a percentage of the recovery. This arrangement allows everyone access to quality legal representation regardless of financial situation.

How long do I have to file an employment law claim in California?

Time limits (statutes of limitations) vary depending on the type of claim:

Discrimination/harassment claims: Generally 3 years from the date of the violation
Wage claims: Generally 3 years for statutory violations
Wrongful termination: Generally 2 years for contract violations
Whistleblower claims: Various deadlines depending on the specific law

Don’t delay seeking legal advice, as missing deadlines can permanently bar your claim.

What types of compensation can I recover in an employment lawsuit?

Depending on your case, you may be entitled to:

Back pay (wages lost due to the violation)
Front pay (future wages you’ll lose)
Emotional distress damages
Punitive damages in cases of egregious conduct
Attorney’s fees and court costs
Reinstatement to your position in some cases

Our workplace discrimination attorney Los Angeles team will help you understand what compensation you might be entitled to.

Will I have to go to court for my employment case?

Many employment cases settle before trial through negotiation or mediation. However, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial to ensure we’re in the strongest possible position. If your case does require court proceedings, our experienced trial attorneys will guide you through every step and fight vigorously on your behalf.

What is a PAGA claim and how is it different from a regular employment lawsuit?

A PAGA (Private Attorneys General Act) claim allows you to sue your employer for Labor Code violations on behalf of yourself, other affected employees, and the State of California. Unlike traditional employment lawsuits that only recover damages for you individually, PAGA claims seek civil penalties for widespread violations affecting many workers.

Key differences include:

PAGA claims cannot be forced into arbitration – Even if you signed an arbitration agreement, you can still pursue PAGA claims in court
Civil penalties go to the state and affected employees – 75% to California, 25% distributed to employees
Different procedural requirements – PAGA claims require sending notice to your employer and the Labor and Workforce Development Agency before filing
Representative action – You represent other “aggrieved employees” who experienced similar violations
Focus on Labor Code violations – PAGA addresses specific code violations rather than common law claims like wrongful termination

Many employees pursue both PAGA claims and traditional employment lawsuits simultaneously. Our Los Angeles employment attorney can evaluate whether a PAGA claim is appropriate for your situation.

Can my employer retaliate against me for filing a PAGA claim or employment complaint?

No. California law strictly prohibits retaliation against employees who exercise their rights by filing complaints, reporting violations, or participating in investigations. If your employer retaliates against you through termination, demotion, pay cuts, negative performance reviews, or any other adverse action, you have additional legal claims.

Protected activities include:

Filing a PAGA claim or wage and hour complaint
Reporting discrimination or harassment
Reporting safety violations
Participating in workplace investigations
Taking protected leave (FMLA, CFRA, pregnancy leave)
Whistleblowing about illegal activities
Requesting reasonable accommodations for disabilities

If you experience retaliation, contact our wrongful termination lawyer Los Angeles immediately. We can help you pursue claims for retaliation in addition to your underlying complaints.

Do I need to file with the DLSE or EEOC before suing my employer?

It depends on the type of claim:

For discrimination and harassment claims: You must file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD, formerly DFEH) before filing a lawsuit. You have three years from the last incident to file with the CRD. After the CRD investigates or issues a “right to sue” notice, you can proceed with a lawsuit.

For wage and hour claims: You generally don’t need to file with the California Labor Commissioner (DLSE) before filing a lawsuit. You can file directly in court, though some employees choose to file DLSE claims for simpler wage theft cases.

For PAGA claims: You must send written notice to your employer and the Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA) before filing. If the LWDA doesn’t investigate within 65 days, you can proceed with your lawsuit.

For federal claims: You must file with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) before filing a federal lawsuit for discrimination or harassment.

Our Los Angeles employment attorney team will handle all required administrative filings and ensure you meet all procedural requirements for your specific claims. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your case.

Contact Our Los Angeles Employment Attorney Team Today

Don’t face workplace injustice alone. Our employment lawyer Los Angeles team is ready to help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.