Equal pay discrimination can happen in any industry. As an employee, it’s imperative that you understand your rights under your job contract and state and federal employment laws. It’s unlawful for employers to pay employees less due to discriminatory factors. That said, it’s not impossible for employers to defend against these allegations. If you suspect you’re a victim of pay discrimination, you can count on a Torrance equal pay discrimination lawyer to help.
At Kristy & Kananen, we’re committed to protecting our clients and advocating for the compensation they deserve. Hire a Torrance employment discrimination lawyer who believes everyone deserves to be treated fairly in the workplace and knows how to navigate equal pay discrimination cases in and out of the courtroom.
Equal pay discrimination cases involve situations where an employer is accused of paying employees unequally for substantially similar work due to differences other than work-related factors. Under the California Equal Pay Act, protected characteristics in equal pay discrimination cases include:
Despite state and federal equal pay laws being in place, equal pay discrimination cases occur across every industry in California. If you suspect you’re being discriminated against, it’s wise to secure legal counsel from a Torrance equal pay discrimination attorney you can trust.
There is still a significant pay gap between women and men in the U.S. In 2025, after controlling for race, age, marital status, education, and state, women were paid 18.6% less on average than men. A gap of $12.07 per hour equals about $25K lower annual earnings for a full-time worker.
In order to prove unequal pay in California, you must be able to prove that you’re being paid less than an employee who does substantially similar work to your own. It’s important to note that you do not have to hold the same title as another employee to prove that there is pay discrimination in your workplace. As long as you can prove that you do a similar amount of work, you may have grounds for an equal pay discrimination case.
Under the California Equal Pay Act, you typically have two years from the date of the alleged violation. In the event the violation is willful, you have three years to file instead. Each individual unequal paycheck is considered a violation, making the statute of limitations start from whenever you received the last unequal paycheck.
If you’re facing issues with a California employer, it’s wise to secure legal representation from a Torrance equal pay discrimination lawyer who has experience navigating situations like yours. Kristy & Kananen brings over two decades of employment law experience to the table. We know how to leverage against big corporations and level the playing field against powerful opponents.
The California Equal Pay Act deems it unlawful for employers to pay employees less based on gender, race, or other discriminatory factors. Originally enacted in 1949, the law was significantly strengthened by the California Fair Pay Act, which Governor Jerry Brown signed in October 2015. It was widely recognized as one of the toughest equal pay laws in the country at the time, closing loopholes in the original law and making it easier for employees to challenge unequal pay.
The evidence you need to prove equal pay distribution in Torrance includes anything that demonstrates that you’re paid less than other employees for substantially similar work. Essential pieces of evidence you can use to support your claim in equal pay discrimination cases include:
Once you demonstrate pay disparity, the burden shifts to your employer.
No, you do not necessarily have to go to court for an equal pay discrimination case in Torrance. Under the federal Equal Pay Act and the California Fair Pay Act, you are allowed to pursue legal action right away.
However, you have other options. In every state, you have the right to complain to your employer about suspected discrimination and file an administrative claim with various state or federal organizations.
What defenses an employer may use in an equal pay discrimination case in Torrance ultimately depend on the facts of the case. As the claimant, you must prove that an employer is paying you less based on one or more protected characteristics.
Your employer must then prove that the difference in pay is for a legitimate reason such as seniority, merit, or any bona fide factor other than protected characteristics. They can also claim that payment is based on production.
If you’re involved in an equal pay discrimination case, it’s imperative that you understand your rights and legal options as an employee. Fortunately, you don’t have to learn everything about state and federal employment laws on your own. Instead, you can hire an equal pay discrimination lawyer to help you form your legal strategy and represent your interests throughout your case.
Kristy & Kananen brings decades of combined experience navigating complex equal pay discrimination cases and representing employees across the state in employment cases. Your job is your livelihood. Our attorneys protect workers’ rights in Torrance and the surrounding areas. We’re passionate about the fair treatment of employees. You can count on us to advocate for the compensation you deserve.If you want to talk to a lawyer about an equal pay discrimination case, you can contact our team at Kristy & Kananen. Our office is located in Long Beach on Kilroy Airport Way. We’re not too far off I-405, making us a convenient stop for our clients throughout Los Angeles County. Reach out to set up a consultation with a trusted attorney from our team today.
Contact Kristy & Kananen to discuss your employment law, construction defect or insurance-bad-faith claim. There are no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
To meet with an experienced lawyer to discuss your employment law matter, construction
defect or insurance bad faith claim. There are no attorney’s fees unless we recover
compensation on your behalf.
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