Long Beach Employment Lawyer

Employment Lawyers Working To Protect The Rights of California Employees

California law protects employees from workplace harassment, discrimination, wrongful termination, wage-and-hour violations, and retaliation. If you believe your employer has wronged you, contact Kristy & Kananen. We are experienced employment-law attorneys who represent California employees – and only employees, in legal actions against their employers

We represent our employment-law clients on a contingency-fee basis. This means that you do not pay us unless and until we secure compensation for you. We will evaluate your potential legal case at no charge and will treat your matter as confidential – whether or not we ultimately represent you. You risk nothing by calling us.

Contact us today if you feel that your rights as an employee have been violated. We will help you determine your options under California law. Call us at 866-981-1498 or send us an email.

Types Of Employment Law Cases

Whether you are an hourly wage earner, a salaried employee, middle management or an executive, no employee is immune from employment-related disputes. We handle all types of employment-law cases, including:

• Employment contract disputes
• Wage-and-hour claims: When employers refuse to pay eligible employees for overtime (generally, more than 40 hours per work-week) or break time
• Misclassification as an “exempt” employee: Too often, California employers decide to pay workers fixed salaries, then expect them to work more than 40 hours per week without receiving overtime pay
• Wrongful termination
• Wrongful discrimination in the terms of employment, including wrongful refusal to consider a qualified employee for promotion
• Workplace harassment, including harassment by supervisors and co-employees
• Equal pay for similar work: California law prohibits wage gaps for jobs requiring similar skill, effort, and responsibility

What Are My Rights As a California Employee?

Most California employers must post the rights of employees under California law in a visible workplace area. Too often, however, employers themselves are ignorant about their legal obligations to employees.

California law protects most employees from harassment, discrimination and wrongful termination based on the following factors (among others):

• Race or color
• Ancestry or national origin
• Gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation
• Marital status
• Pregnancy
• Post-pregnancy: Need for lactation accommodation at work
• Religion
• Age (if over 40)
• Physical, mental, or emotional disability
• Medical condition
• Military or veteran status
• Citizenship status

As a law firm focused on handling employment-law matters for California employees, we often encounter workers who are uncertain about their legal rights. California employment law governs many aspects of the employment relationship. It provides robust protections for employees, regardless of their immigration status.

Employers sometimes violate California law without the employees’ awareness. Your rights as a California employee include:

• Wages and breaks: California law guarantees “non-exempt” workers a minimum wage and paid overtime and breaks. These workers must be paid at least $16.50 per hour as of January 1, 2025; this minimum increases to $16.90 per hour on January 1, 2026. Many cities and counties set even higher minimum wages. Generally, hourly workers are entitled to overtime pay for working more than eight hours in a workday or 40 hours in a workweek.
• Misclassification: Some employers attempt to skirt overtime law by wrongfully classifying employees as “exempt.” The California Industrial Welfare Commission sets strict standards for classifying an employee as “exempt” or “non-exempt.” Contact us if you believe your employer is wrongfully denying you overtime pay.
• Protection from employment discrimination and retaliation: California law prohibits employers from making decisions about your job based on race, gender, age, disability, national origin, and other factors. It also protects you from retaliation by the employer for reporting violations, filing complaints, or participating in investigations related to your rights.
• Family and medical leaves: California and federal law also protect employees’ rights to take leaves of absence for medical treatment or to care for a critically ill family member.

These are only some of the key protections for California employees. Employment law is complex and constantly evolving. It may seem daunting to understand and assert your rights as an employee. But you need not confront legal issues in the workplace alone.

If you believe your rights have been violated, consult an employment-law attorney who represents employees. We can help you understand your rights and determine whether your employer has violated them. We identify potential legal claims and pursue all remedies to which our clients may be entitled under the law.

Frequently Asked Questions About Employment Law

Here To Help You, Starting Now

Here are key ways our attorneys can support you:

• They understand the nuances of California labor laws and how to apply them to your unique situation.
• When appropriate, they can communicate with your employer on your behalf, reducing direct conflict.
• They know how to document and present evidence that can strengthen your case.
• They can negotiate settlements or pursue litigation, depending on what best serves your interests.

Why You Should Hire an Employment Lawyer

Employment cases are complex and require a deep understanding of California and federal employment laws. The decision to hire an employment lawyer should be viewed as an important investment in your future and your rights as a worker.

Beyond resolving any current issues, our employment-law firm can help prevent future violations. By identifying patterns of unlawful behavior, Kristy & Kananen can outline proactive steps to protect your rights and career. Legal guidance can make the difference between continued mistreatment and a fair resolution.

To schedule your free consultation, call our office at 866-981-1498 or send us an email using our contact form. Spanish language translation services are available.