In August 2025, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals delivered a decisive blow to the GEO Group, a private operator of immigration detention centers. The court upheld a $23 million judgment requiring GEO to pay back wages to immigrant detainees and restitution to the State of Washington, rejecting ...
Understanding employment law, especially in California, can be challenging. Employees often face confusion when trying to determine the protections they are entitled to under both federal and state law. This article offers a clear and thorough comparison of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA...
It feels incredibly unfair. You work just as hard as your coworker, maybe even harder. But when you hear whispers about salary, you get a sinking feeling that you are being paid less. If this is happening because of your gender, it is not just unfair, it is illegal, thanks to the Equal Pay Act. ...
1. Case Background & Legal Claims In 2021, Disney and Lucasfilm fired actress Gina Carano from “The Mandalorian” after a series of controversial social media posts. Her posts included comparisons between the treatment of conservatives in modern America and Jews in Nazi Germany, along with remark...
That long day at work just turned into a long night. You look at the clock and realize you have been on the job for over eight hours, again. It makes you wonder if you should be getting paid more for these extra hours. Understanding the basics of the California overtime laws can feel confusing, ...
If you have just received news that you are pregnant, you may become worried about whether you will lose your job. Is it legal for your employer to fire you because you have become pregnant or if you decide to take maternity leave under California's Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)? The answer is ...
Whether you are a survivor of sexual assault or sexual harassment in the workplace, coming forward with your story can be one of the most difficult things one can do in life. A reluctance or hesitation to come forward with allegations is a common reaction from someone who has endured sexual haras...
Determining who can or cannot receive overtime pay in California can be tricky due to the complexities in individual workplaces. The law states that non-exempt employees in California are eligible to receive overtime if they go over their scheduled work hours. However, exempt or salaried employee...
Two former employees have filed lawsuits in California state court accusing former Paramount Pictures executive Patrick Smith of sexual assault, harassment, and workplace retaliation. The suits, brought against Smith, Paramount Pictures, and parent company Paramount Global, allege that Smith abus...
The California Family Rights Act (CFRA) (Gov. Code, § 12945.2) provides unpaid job protection rights for up to twelve work weeks of qualified family leave. A California labor and employment attorney at Kingsley Szamet Employment Lawyers can help you with the law. The CFRA provides job protection benefits for qu...
California has enacted a number of powerful laws that allows for the enforcement of the state's wage and hour laws. Unfortunately, in this state, there are a number of workers whose hands are tied when it comes to filing class-action lawsuits against their employers because the company they work ...
Wondering how class action lawsuits work? If so, you're probably facing difficult challenges against a large, unrelenting company. You're just one person up against a colossal corporation that's done you wrong. But what if I told you there's a way to level the playing field? A tool in our legal ...
That feeling in the pit of your stomach is awful. You've been wrongfully terminated, and it doesn't feel right. You suspect the reason your boss gave isn't the real one, which leads you to ask, is wrongful termination difficult to prove? The simple answer is that it can be a challenge. But it's ...
A San Diego jury recently awarded more than $3 million to former Orange County prosecutor Tracy Miller after finding she was forced out of her position in retaliation for defending her female colleagues from workplace sexual harassment. The jury awarded damages for economic loss, emotional distre...
In California, employees have a legal right to speak up when something at work doesn't feel right, especially when it involves their health, protected leave, or mistreatment by management. Unfortunately, many workers who exercise that right are met with the one thing they fear most: getting fired....
Feeling uneasy in workplace conversations is, unfortunately, a reality many face. It's especially disturbing when that power dynamic shifts, and you wish for a different outcome. In 2025, California worker intimidation laws offer stronger protections, empowering employees like you. The California...
Religious discrimination occurs when an employer treats an applicant or employee unfairly on the basis of their religious beliefs or practices. The Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) prohibit religious discrimination in the workplace. Th...
Facing challenges in the workplace is common. But when those challenges stem from your mental health, it can feel isolating and disheartening. Experiencing mental health workplace discrimination is something no one should have to face. f you've faced discrimination for seeking mental health care...
Discrimination comes in many forms and occurs in different patterns. Some kinds of discrimination are direct, while others are unintended on ancillary. At times, discrimination accompanies or integrates harassment and victimization. Many individuals are treated unfairly at work, school, public pl...
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 is a federal law that prohibits employers from discriminating against employees or job applicants with disabilities in all aspects of employment including but not limited to hiring, firing, promotion, salaries and training opportunities. In additi...
You may have heard about "stay-or-pay" provisions in employment contracts—clauses that require employees to repay costs if they leave before a certain period. While these provisions are becoming more common, government agencies are pushing back, arguing they may unfairly burden workers. Stay-or-...
Losing your job unexpectedly can feel like the ground has been pulled out from under you. Beyond the emotional impact, a sudden termination brings concerns about finances, career progression, and justice. If you believe you were fired unfairly in California, you are not alone - and more importantly...
You're at work, going about your day when someone makes an inappropriate sexual comment. It catches you off guard, and your mind races. Is this a big deal? Should you do something? This scenario, sadly, is more common than people realize. Understanding what is classified as sexual harassment, you...
Proving workplace discrimination can be a complex and challenging process. However, it is a critical step in ensuring that justice is served and that unlawful conduct does not go unchecked. Successfully navigating a discrimination claim requires a thorough understanding of the legal standards, th...
Mass layoffs are extremely common in every field and industry. The California Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, protects employees, their families and communities by requiring employers to provide a 60-day notice to the affected employees before a plant closing or a mass l...
You do not have to go through this alone. Contact our Los Angeles Employment law firm for a free case evaluation. We represent our clients on a contingency fee basis, which means that you do not pay any fees unless you win or recover compensation, and you will never have to pay out-of-pocket. California-only. We are unable to help those outside of California. Call (818) 990-8300
