A Los Angeles wage and hour lawyer represents workers who are owed unpaid wages, are denied overtime pay, rest or meal breaks or other types of compensation that they should have rightfully received under California law. A majority of wage and hour attorneys offer a free consultation and work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don't pay attorney's fees unless you win and recover compensation for your losses.
Experience in CA Labor Law Since 1997 | $300M Total Settlements & Verdicts | No Win, No Fee | Free Initial Consultations
Our experienced lawyers serve clients throughout Los Angeles, Garden Grove and Southern California. Our team has recovered more than $300 million in settlements and verdicts on behalf of California workers whose rights have been violated. We bring years of quality legal representation and handle every case with respect, dignity and compassion while fighting hard to hold employers accountable.
Involved in a wage or hour dispute with your employer? Get the advice you need by contacting Kingsley Szamet Employment Lawyers using the form on this page or at (818) 990-8300.
What is a Wage and Hour Violation?
A wage and hour violation when an employer fails to pay workers the wages or benefits they are owed under California law. The term that is often used to describe such violations is "wage theft," which can include unpaid overtime, missed meal or rest breaks, minimum wage violations, off-the-clock work or unpaid final wages. California Labor Code gives workers stronger protections than the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Understanding the laws that protect your rights is the first step when it comes to recognizing when your rights have been violated.
Common Wage and Hour Violations in Los Angeles
While California's labor laws are among the strongest in the nation, wage theft is still a rampant, statewide issue. Here are some of the most common wage and hour violations we come across:
- Unpaid overtime: California law requires that employers pay 1.5 times the regular rate after 8 hours in a workday or 40 hours in a workweek. Employers must pay double time after 12 hours of work in a day under Labor Code Section 510. Not doing so is a wage law violation.
- Minimum wage violations: The state's minimum wage is set at $16.50 per hour as of 2025 under Labor Code Section 1182.12. Fast food workers covered under AB 1228 may be entitled to a minimum wage of $20 per hour.
- Missed meal breaks: Employees must get a 30-minute meal break after working more than 5 hours under Labor Code Section 512. Employees may also be owed one hour of premium pay for each missed or noncompliant break.
- Missed rest breaks: Non-exempt employees generally get paid 10-minute rest breaks for every 4 hours they work. Not giving these required breaks is illegal and result in premium pay penalties for employers.
- Off-the-clock work: Employers are required under the law to pay workers for all time worked. This includes pre-shift preparation, post-shift cleanup and required meetings that are done off the clock.
- Employee misclassification: Labeling workers as independent contractors or exempt employees when they are not, can deny workers the wages and protections they deserve to get under the law.
- Illegal paycheck deductions: California law prohibits employers from deducting money from employee paychecks for uniforms, shortages or cash register mistakes.
- Tip theft: Employers or managers to take employees' tips or create illicit tip pools may be in violation of the state's wage laws as well.
- Unpaid final wages: Final paychecks that arrive late may result in waiting time penalties of up to 30 days of wages under Labor Code Section 203.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
As a worker in Los Angeles, you may be able to recover unpaid back wages, overtime premium pay, meal and rest break premium pay of one hour per violation, waiting time penalties, interest, attorney's fees and court costs under California Labor Code Section 218.5. Workers can also claim civil penalties through PAGA, which stands for Private Attorneys General Act. Where employers commit willful violations, workers may also be able to seek punitive damages.
Do I Have a Wage and Hour Claim?
You may have a wage and hour claim if your employer did not pay you correctly or follow California wage and hour laws. Think about whether any of these situations apply to you:
- Your paycheck does not match your hours worked
- You were told you are "exempt," but have no idea why
- You work through your lunch break without getting extra pay
- You are paid a flat salary regardless of the overtime you put in
- You were wrongly classified as an independent contractor
- Your final paycheck came in late
- Your co-workers are experiencing the same problems
Kingsley Szamet Case Results
Since our founding, we've recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for California workers who were denied their rightful pay. These aren't just numbers, they represent real employees who fought back against wage theft and won.
Here's what we've achieved for workers facing the violations you might be experiencing right now:
- $44,000,000 Misclassification Settlement (Stock Brokers told they were "exempt" to avoid overtime pay)
- $11,000,000 Misclassification (Managers and Assistant Managers wrongly classified as exempt employees)
- $8,500,000 Meal and Rest Break Violations (employees denied legally required breaks)
- $7,200,000 Meal/Rest Breaks and Unreimbursed Expenses (workers never compensated for using personal phones and vehicles)
- $6,500,000 Unpaid Wages and Meal Breaks (combined wage theft across multiple violation types)
- $4,400,000 Misclassification as Exempt (employees doing non-exempt work labeled as salaried to skip overtime)
Why Hire a Los Angeles Wage and Hour Attorney?
It is a fact that most employers have defense attorneys protecting their interests at every time. As a worker, you need an advocate on your side who understand wage laws. Also, there are deadlines to think about. Unpaid wage claims must generally be filed within 3 years while certain contract claims may have a 4-year limit under California CCP Section 338. It is also against the law for your employer to retaliate against you. Your boss cannot fire you for filing claims under Labor Code Section 98.6. If this happens, a group of employees can band together to support a class action. PAGA claims may be available even after an arbitration agreement is signed.
How We Handle Your Case
Here is how you can expect your claim process to unfold from start to finish:
- Free case review: You don't pay anything and you have no obligation to retain us.
- Investigation: We review your pay stubs, time sheets, employer communications, etc.
- Demand and negotiation: We prepare a written demand and negotiate with your employer.
- Filing: We pursue your claim through the California Labor Commissioner or Superior Court.
- Resolution: We work toward a settlement, hearing or take the case to trial.
What Our Clients Say
"I can't recommend Kingsley & Szamet highly enough! From the start, they took care of everything, making the entire legal process stress-free for me. I was worried because I didn't have access to many of the documents I thought I'd need from my former employer, but the team assured me they could work with what I had - and they did exactly that."
- Angel E.
"I had a very positive experience with Kingsley Szamet Employment Lawyers. The team is professional, responsive, and truly cares about their clients. They explained everything clearly, guided me through the process, and achieved a great outcome. Highly recommend them for anyone dealing with workplace issues."
- Keith G.
"I worked with this firm on an employment issue and the team was empathetic, listened to my goals, and found solutions that worked with those goals. I was really happy with the outcome and the guidance from this firm."
- Amanda B.
Serving Los Angeles, and Southern California
Kingsley Szamet Employment Lawyers' primary office serves clients throughout Southern California with dedicated wage and hour representation. We help workers in Los Angeles, Long Beach, Torrance, Pasadena, Burbank, Glendale, and surrounding communities. We proudly serve workers throughout Los Angeles County, helping employees pursue claims involving unpaid wages, overtime claims, breaks and other workplace violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a wage and hour lawyer cost?
We work on a contingency fee, meaning you pay no upfront fees. You pay nothing unless we win. We offer a free initial consultation.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Generally, 3 years for unpaid wages; 4 years for written contract claims; and 1 year for PAGA claims. You may lose your right to file if you wait too long.
Can my employer fire me for filing a wage claim?
No, California law prohibits retaliation. If your employer fires you for filing a wage claim, you may be able to sue them for wrongful termination by contacting a Los Angeles wrongful termination attorney.
What if my whole team is underpaid?
A class action or PAGA lawsuit may be the answer. It could also significantly increase total recovery.
Do undocumented workers have rights?
Yes, California protects all workers regardless of immigration status. Filing a claim does not affect your immigration status.
What is the minimum wage in Los Angeles in 2026?
Minimum wage in unincorporated Los Angeles County as of July 1, 2026 is $18.47 per hour. Incorporated cities in LA may be different and have their own minimum wage requirements.
Schedule a Free Consultation with an Experienced Attorney in Los Angeles
Wage theft results in substantial losses for workers of all kinds in all industries. Whether you are paid hourly, by salary, or through tips or commissions, you should be compensated for the work you perform according to California law. At Kingsley Szamet Employment Lawyers, our mission is to fight for employees who have been harmed by violations of the wage and hour laws and all other state and federal employment laws. Using an employment attorney is one of the best steps you can take to help protect your future. If you have been subjected to any type of wage loss, let us help you pursue the justice you deserve.
We offer free consultations to every worker who contacts us. No obligation, no sales pressure, just an honest assessment of your case based on our decades of experience and over $300 million recovered for California employees.
Arrange for a free, initial consultation to get started.
Contact us online or at (818) 990-8300 today.
