California Employment Law Guide
California offers the strongest worker protections in the nation with comprehensive employment laws and higher standards than federal requirements.
Quick California Facts
Sexual Harassment Laws in California
Understanding your rights and protections against workplace sexual harassment.
California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) - Government Code Section 12900 et seq.
Filing Deadline: 3 years to file with DFEH (extended from 1 year in 2019) | Employer Size: 5 or more employees
Your Protections
- Covers employers with 5 or more employees (strongest in nation)
- Protects employees, interns, volunteers, and independent contractors
- Covers harassment by supervisors, coworkers, customers, and vendors
- Mandatory sexual harassment training requirements
- Broad definition of sexual harassment
Available Remedies
- Unlimited compensatory damages
- Unlimited punitive damages
- Attorneys fees and costs
- Injunctive relief
- Back pay and front pay
- Reinstatement or promotion
Key Features of California Law
SB 1343: Mandatory training for supervisors and employees
AB 2273: Extends statute of limitations to 3 years
AB 1825: Requires interactive training every 2 years
Covers single severe incident or pervasive conduct
Strict liability for supervisor harassment
Need Help with Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment cases require immediate action. Don't wait - the clock is ticking on your legal rights.
California Labor Codes & Legal Resources
Direct access to California employment laws and regulations.
Official California Labor Code
Access the complete, up-to-date California labor code directly from the official state website.
View Official California Labor Code →Wage & Hour Laws
Minimum wage, overtime, meal breaks, and pay requirements.
Code Section: Labor Code Sections 200-2699
Learn More →Discrimination Laws
Protection against workplace discrimination and harassment.
Code Section: Government Code Sections 12900-12996
Learn More →Sexual Harassment
Laws protecting against sexual harassment in the workplace.
Code Section: Government Code Section 12940(j)
Learn More →Retaliation Protection
Protection for employees who report violations or exercise rights.
Code Section: Labor Code Section 1102.5
Learn More →Wrongful Termination
Laws governing when and how employees can be terminated.
Code Section: Government Code Section 12940
Learn More →Download Resources
Checklists and guides to help build your employment case.
Key Employment Laws in California
Important legislation that protects workers in California.
Protection Laws
- California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)
- California Labor Code
- California Family Rights Act
- California Whistleblower Protection Act
- Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA)
- California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)
Important Limitations
- At-will employment with extensive exceptions
- Complex compliance requirements for employers
Employment Lawyers in Major California Cities
Find local employment attorneys in these major California metropolitan areas.
Los Angeles
Population: 3,971,883
Los Angeles employment law attorneys helping workers in the entertainment, tech, and healthcare industries fight workplace discrimination, wrongful termination, and wage theft.
San Francisco
Population: 815,201
San Francisco employment attorneys specializing in tech industry discrimination, startup equity disputes, and Bay Area wage and hour violations.
San Diego
Population: 1,386,932
San Diego employment law attorneys helping military, healthcare, and biotech workers with discrimination, wrongful termination, and wage disputes.
San Jose
Population: 1,013,240
San Jose employment attorneys representing Silicon Valley tech workers against discrimination, wage theft, and non-compete violations.
Fresno
Population: 542,107
Fresno employment lawyers serving Central Valley workers in agriculture, healthcare, and education against workplace violations.
Sacramento
Population: 524,943
Sacramento employment attorneys representing state government workers, healthcare professionals, and private sector employees.
Long Beach
Population: 466,742
Long Beach employment lawyers helping port workers, healthcare staff, and aerospace employees fight workplace violations.
Oakland
Population: 440,646
Oakland employment attorneys serving port workers, tech employees, and healthcare professionals in the East Bay.
Bakersfield
Population: 380,874
Bakersfield employment lawyers representing oil industry workers, agricultural employees, and healthcare professionals.
Anaheim
Population: 346,824
Anaheim employment attorneys helping tourism, healthcare, and manufacturing workers fight workplace violations.
Santa Ana
Population: 310,227
Santa Ana employment lawyers representing manufacturing, healthcare, and service industry workers in Orange County.
Riverside
Population: 314,998
Riverside employment attorneys serving healthcare, education, and logistics workers in the Inland Empire.
Stockton
Population: 310,496
Stockton employment lawyers representing agricultural, healthcare, and logistics workers in the Central Valley.
Common Employment Issues in California
These employment law issues frequently arise for workers in California.
Disability Discrimination
Facing disability discrimination? Know your rights and get the help you deserve.
Learn More →Age Discrimination
Over 40 and facing discrimination? We can help protect your rights in the workplace.
Learn More →Gender Discrimination
Experiencing gender discrimination? We can help you fight for equal treatment.
Learn More →Race Discrimination
Facing racial discrimination at work? Know your rights and get the justice you deserve.
Learn More →When to Contact a California Employment Attorney
Don't wait if you're experiencing workplace violations. Early action can protect your rights.
Discrimination or Harassment
If you're being treated unfairly due to protected characteristics like race, gender, age, or disability.
Wrongful Termination
If you believe you were fired for illegal reasons or in violation of California law.
Wage and Hour Violations
If your employer isn't paying proper wages, overtime, or following California wage laws.
Retaliation
If you're being punished for reporting violations or exercising your legal rights.
Family or Medical Leave Issues
If your employer is denying legally protected leave under California or federal law.
Workplace Safety Concerns
If your employer is creating unsafe working conditions or retaliating for safety complaints.
Protect Your Rights in California
Our employment attorneys understand California law and can help you navigate workplace issues. Get a free consultation today.