November 2007 jury verdict against Honda for breach of warranty in Orange County Superior Court.
Long Beach Employment Attorney
Award-Winning Legal Representation for California Workers
When your employer violates your rights, we fight back.
(877) 619-8966
Employment Challenges Facing Long Beach Workers
Long Beach is one of California’s largest cities, with a diverse workforce of nearly 460,000 residents employed across multiple industries. From the massive Port of Long Beachâthe largest port complex in the Western Hemisphereâto aerospace manufacturing, healthcare, tourism, and logistics, workers in this community face unique employment challenges.
Major Employers and Industry Realities
The Port of Long Beach generates billions in economic activity, yet port workers, logistics coordinators, and warehouse employees often work in high-pressure environments where safety violations, wage theft, and discrimination are common. The aerospace and defense sectors, including legacy Boeing operations, historically have had gender discrimination issues that continue to affect women workers today.
At California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), administrative and faculty staff navigate a complex environment where retaliation for whistleblowing and unequal pay sometimes occur. Meanwhile, workers at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center and other healthcare facilities struggle with understaffing, wage violations, and harassment in high-stress settings.
The tourism industryâanchored by attractions like the Queen Mary and the Aquarium of the Pacificâoften employs low-wage workers, many of whom experience minimum wage violations and misclassification as independent contractors. In the oil and energy sector, Long Beach’s significant petroleum operations create specialized safety and discrimination issues.
Why Long Beach Workers Need Strong Legal Representation
California employment law is among the strongest in the nation, but employers bank on workers not knowing their rights. At the Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman, P.C., we represent Long Beach workers who have been wrongly terminated, discriminated against, sexually harassed, or denied earned wages. We work on contingencyâno fee unless we winâbecause we believe access to justice should not depend on wealth.
11x Super Lawyer: Todd M. Friedman has been recognized by Super Lawyers for 11 consecutive years (2016- 2026)
Nearly $1 Billion Recovered: Our firm has recovered nearly $1 billion for clients across California
5,000+ Workers Represented: We have represented over 5,000 California workers and consumers in employment disputes
Plaintiff-Only Firm: We exclusively represent employees and consumersânever employersâensuring complete alignment with your interests
Employment Law Practice Areas We Handle
Our firm handles the full spectrum of California employment law claims. Whether you were fired without cause, discriminated against, sexually harassed, or cheated out of wages, we have the experience to hold your employer accountable.
Wrongful Termination
California law protects workers from being fired in violation of public policy. We represent employees terminated for reporting safety violations, serving on jury duty, taking family leave, or exercising other protected rights.
Discrimination
Under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), employers cannot discriminate based on race, color, gender, age, religion, disability, or other protected characteristics. We fight discrimination in hiring, promotion, pay, and termination.
Sexual Harassment
California law holds employers strictly liable for workplace sexual harassment. We help harassment victims document abuse, file complaints, and recover damages for emotional distress, lost wages, and reputational harm.
Wage & Hour Violations
Employers often misclassify workers as exempt from overtime, fail to pay minimum wage, improperly dock pay, or require off-the-clock work. We recover unpaid wages, penalty wages, and overtime under California Labor Code sections 1194- 1198.
Retaliation
It is illegal for employers to retaliate against workers who report violations of labor law, safety rules, or engage in protected activities like union organizing. We hold employers accountable for retaliatory terminations and adverse employment actions.
FMLA & CFRA Leave Violations
California’s Family Care and Medical Leave Act (CFRA) and the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) guarantee unpaid, job-protected leave. We pursue claims when employers deny leave, fail to reinstate workers, or retaliate against leave-takers.
California Employment Law and Long Beach Courts
Which Laws Protect Long Beach Workers?
Long Beach workers are protected by California’s robust employment lawsâamong the most employee-friendly in the nation. These include:
- California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA): Prohibits discrimination and harassment based on protected characteristics
- California Labor Code § 1102.5 (CFWBA): Protects whistleblowers who report legal violations, health and safety issues, or environmental violations
- Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA): Allows workers to sue for Labor Code violations on behalf of themselves and co-workers, recovering civil penalties
- Labor Code § 2870- 2872: Limits employer claims to employee inventions and protects workers’ independent creations
- California Family Care and Medical Leave Act (CFRA): Guarantees job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons
- At-Will Employment Exceptions: California recognizes multiple exceptions, including the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing
Filing Your Claim in Long Beach
Employment disputes in Long Beach are typically filed in the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Long Beach Courthouse (Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse), located at 415 West Ocean Boulevard. However, many employment claims must first be filed with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD), which investigates FEHA discrimination and harassment claims before litigation begins.
For wage and hour violations, PAGA claims, and Labor Code violations, workers can file directly in civil court. Our firm manages the entire process, from administrative filings to trial preparation.
Why Choose Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman for Your Long Beach Claim?
Experience That Delivers Results
Todd M. Friedman has spent his career fighting for California workers. His recognition as a Super Lawyer for 11 consecutive years reflects his peers’ respect and his track record of winning significant verdicts and settlements. Our nearly $1 billion in client recoveries speaks to the quality of our work.
Contingency Fee = No Risk for You
We never ask clients to pay upfront legal fees. You pay us only if and when we recover money for you. This aligns our interests completely with yours and ensures that financial hardship won’t prevent you from pursuing justice.
Plaintiff-Only Practice
We represent employees and consumers exclusively. We have never represented an employer. This means we understand workers’ vulnerabilities, know all the tactics employers use, and have no divided loyalty.
5,000+ Workers Represented
We have guided over 5,000 California workers through employment disputes. This volume gives us deep expertise in case strategy, settlement negotiation, and trial tactics specific to Long Beach and Los Angeles County courts.
Free Confidential Consultation
Call us at (877) 619-8966 for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll explain your rights, analyze your situation, and tell you honestly whether we can help. No obligation.
How We Handle Your Long Beach Employment Case
Our process is straightforward, transparent, and focused on getting you the maximum recovery while minimizing stress and disruption to your life.
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Free Confidential Consultation
You’ll speak directly with an attorney about your situation. We listen carefully, ask detailed questions, and explain California law in plain language. There’s no cost, no obligation, and everything is confidential.
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Case Investigation & Evaluation
If we take your case, we immediately begin gathering evidence: employment documents, communications, payroll records, witness information, and more. We evaluate the strength of your claim, estimate potential damages, and identify the best legal theories.
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Administrative Filing (If Required)
For discrimination or harassment claims, we file with the California Civil Rights Department. We handle all administrative requirements, respond to employer opposition, and prepare for investigative interviews.
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Demand Letter & Negotiation
We send a detailed demand letter to your employer outlining the legal violations, damages, and your settlement expectations. We then negotiate aggressively on your behalf, often securing significant settlements without trial.
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Litigation & Trial Preparation
If settlement talks stall, we file a lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court and prepare your case for trial. We handle discovery, depositions, expert witnesses, and pre-trial motions.
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Settlement or Trial
Most cases settle during discovery or mediation as the strength of your claim becomes clear. But if necessary, we try your case before a judge or jury, fighting aggressively for every dollar you deserve.
Long Beach Employment Resources
Long Beach workers have access to several resources for employment issues:
- Los Angeles County Superior Court, Long Beach Courthouse: 415 West Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90802 â where employment lawsuits are filed and tried
- California Civil Rights Department (CRD): Investigates discrimination and harassment complaints under FEHA
- California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE): Enforces wage and hour law; workers can file wage claims
- California Division of Occupational Safety & Health (Cal/OSHA): Investigates workplace safety violations
- Port of Long Beach Worker Resources: Specialized resources for port, shipping, and logistics workers
- CSULB Employee Rights Office: Resources for university staff and faculty
We Serve Long Beach and Surrounding Communities
We proudly represent workers throughout Long Beach and the greater Los Angeles area. Our main office is conveniently located in Woodland Hills, and we also serve clients in nearby communities:
And of course, we serve the broader Los Angeles area as well as workers throughout California.
Don’t WaitâYour Rights Expire
Many employment law claims have strict filing deadlines. Call now for your free, confidential consultation.
We represent workers on contingencyâno upfront fees, no hourly charges.
Frequently Asked Questions About Employment Law in Long Beach
What is the statute of limitations for filing an employment discrimination claim in California?
For California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) claims, you must file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) within one year of the discriminatory act. However, if there is a pattern of discrimination, the statute of limitations may extend. For wrongful termination claims under common law, you generally have three years. We recommend contacting us immediately to protect your rights.
Can my employer fire me for any reason in California?
California is an at-will employment state, meaning either the employer or employee can terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any reasonâwith important exceptions. Employers cannot fire you in violation of public policy, for discriminatory reasons, for reporting violations of law (whistleblowing), for exercising legal rights like taking FMLA/CFRA leave, or for unionizing. If you were fired for any of these reasons, you may have a strong claim.
What is the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA), and can I sue under it?
PAGA allows California workers to file civil lawsuits on behalf of themselves and co-workers for Labor Code violations. This includes wage and hour violations, failure to provide breaks, misclassification, and more. You can recover civil penalties of $100- $200 per violation per employee, making PAGA claims extremely powerful. We regularly pursue PAGA claims for our Long Beach clients.
How long does an employment lawsuit typically take?
The timeline varies depending on the case complexity and whether it settles before trial. Administrative complaints to the California Civil Rights Department typically take 6- 18 months. Civil litigation can range from 1- 3 years from filing to trial. However, many cases settle during discovery, often within 12- 18 months, which is faster and less expensive than going to trial. We’ll give you an honest timeline estimate during your consultation.
Do I need to continue working for my employer while my case is pending?
No, you are not required to continue working for your employer. Many clients have already left their job when they contact us. If you were wrongfully terminated, you have the right to seek damages for lost wages, benefits, and emotional distress. Our job is to maximize your recovery, whether that involves ongoing employment or compensation for lost income.
What does it mean that you work on contingency?
Working on contingency means we only collect a fee if we win your case or negotiate a settlement. We advance all costsâfiling fees, expert witnesses, investigatorsâand recoup them only from your recovery. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing. This ensures our incentives align completely with yours: we only profit when you do.
Contact Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman, P.C.
Phone: (877) 619-8966
Office Address: 21031 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 340, Woodland Hills, CA 91364
Email: Contact us through our consultation form
Hours: Monday- Friday, 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM PT (Available for urgent calls outside business hours)
We serve clients throughout California. We offer free initial consultations and work on contingencyâno upfront fees.
Whether you are in Long Beach, Lakewood, Signal Hill, Carson, or anywhere in Los Angeles County, we’re ready to fight for your employment rights. Call today for your free confidential consultation.

