Los Angeles Racial Discrimination Lawyer

Los Angeles Racial Discrimination Attorney

By law, everyone has a right to a fair workplace. Those experiencing racial discrimination at their place of employment are not only dealing with the pressures of their job but also the overwhelming stress and often fear that experiencing racism brings. For those dealing with workplace racism, contacting a Los Angeles racial discrimination lawyer can help lift the weight off your shoulders so you can take care of your safety and mental health.

It’s not fair for the victims to have to protect themselves when the place of employment should be protecting them. At Clark Employment Law, APC, we offer free consultations to clients throughout Los Angeles and the surrounding areas and are dedicated to helping each one get the justice they deserve.

Your Rights as a California Employee

As of 2024, there were more than 100,000 employees across 38 departments in Los Angeles County. The main industries in Los Angeles include entertainment, media, technology, aerospace, fashion, and international trade. Under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, every employee is legally protected from workplace discrimination.

Even with these laws in place, employees still often face discrimination. Common violations can include wrongful termination, sexual harassment, demotion, denial of promotion, and retaliation after reporting racial bias.

The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) enforces state laws that protect workers from discrimination and harassment. Employers with five or more employees must follow these laws in all parts of their business, from hiring to firing and everything in between. Clark Employment Law, APC helps workers through the entire filing process and approaches every case with the empathy it deserves.

Types of Racial Discrimination in Los Angeles Workplaces

Los Angeles continues to be a very diverse city. In 2023, 71.1% of the city’s population was reported to be people of color. 35.8% were reported to be foreign-born people. It’s important to be aware of what employment discrimination looks like so you can protect your rights. Examples of workplace racial discrimination can include:

• Paying employees of different races unequally for the same job or performance
• Refusing to hire a qualified candidate because of their race or ethnic background
• Making racist comments, jokes, or slurs in the workplace
• Denying promotions or career advancement based on race
• Assigning less desirable tasks or schedules to employees of a certain race
• Enforcing dress or grooming policies that unfairly target racial or cultural traits
• Ignoring complaints about racial harassment or treating them less seriously

At Clark Employment Law, APC, we work with individuals from all racial backgrounds to ensure employer accountability under the law. We have helped clients in situations similar to yours and are ready to assist you, too.

Step-by-Step Process on Filing a Discrimination Claim

When facing racism in the workplace, it’s normal to feel scared and anxious. It’s important to act quickly, as there are strict filing deadlines, and gathering evidence for your case can take a while. Knowing your rights and the steps to take when they’re violated is a great way to be proactive.

In most cases, you have three years from the date of the discriminatory act to file a complaint with the CRD. If the discrimination happened over a long period, the timeline may start from the most recent event.

The CRD process involves multiple steps. First, you submit an intake form. If the CRD accepts the complaint, they’ll notify your employer, investigate, and possibly offer mediation. If the issue isn’t resolved, you may get a right-to-sue letter.

Federal claims are handled by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and their deadlines are shorter. If your situation involves both state and federal laws, you may file with one agency and request that they notify the other. This is known as dual filing. Our experienced lawyers at Clark Employment Law, APC, can help you understand what laws were broken in your unique case.

If you were under 18 when the incident occurred, you may have until one year after your 18th birthday to file. Filing with the CRD is required before bringing a FEHA case to court, and deadlines vary if you’re pursuing wage issues or retaliation claims under other laws.

FAQs

Q: How Much Is a Racial Discrimination Claim Worth?

A: The total value of a case in Los Angeles varies based on how long the discrimination lasted, how it impacted the worker’s career, and whether there was evidence of intentional misconduct. While no exact amount can be guaranteed, during your free consultation with Clark Employment Law, APC, we’ll outline transparent expectations.

Q: Is It Worth Suing for Discrimination?

A: Filing a discrimination case in Los Angeles can lead to compensation for damages. Damages can include back pay, emotional distress, attorney’s fees, and sometimes punitive damages. It can also result in changes to employer policies and prevent future violations. Many workers also find value in holding employers accountable. Whether it is worth pursuing depends on the strength of the evidence, the impact of the discrimination, and the worker’s end goals.

Q: How Much Is a Discrimination Lawyer?

A: Costs for hiring a discrimination attorney in Los Angeles vary based on the complexity of the case and the experience of the attorney. Some attorneys charge hourly, while others work on contingency or charge a retainer. Clark Employment Law, APC discusses fee structures upfront and ensures clients understand their options before proceeding.

Q: How Do I Prove Racial Discrimination Happened?

A: Proving racial discrimination can involve direct or circumstantial evidence. Direct evidence includes emails, texts, or verbal statements. Circumstantial evidence includes incidents that show patterns of unfair treatment, such as qualified employees being passed over for promotions or consistently being disciplined more harshly. Witness testimony, employee records, and comparison with how other employees are treated can support your claim.

Speak with a Los Angeles Racial Discrimination Lawyer Today

If you or someone you know has been subjected to racial discrimination in a Los Angeles workplace, it is important to take action. Clark Employment Law, APC helps workers file claims and pursue justice through the legal system. Contact our firm today to discuss your case and learn what steps to take next.