California Employment Lawyer

Protecting Workers in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco & Across California

Workplace issues can be stressful and confusing; whether you were wrongfully terminated, denied overtime pay, or subjected to harassment or discrimination.

At Crosner Legal, we represent California workers when employers cross the line. California employment laws strongly favor employees, but enforcing those rights often requires experienced legal representation. We take cases on a contingency basis, meaning you pay no legal fees unless we win your case.

Wrongful Termination & Retaliation

California is an “at-will” employment state, but employers still cannot terminate workers for illegal reasons. If you were fired after reporting workplace misconduct, requesting medical or family leave, complaining about unpaid wages, or refusing to participate in unlawful activity, you may have a claim for wrongful termination or retaliation.

We handle complex termination cases involving:

• Retaliation: California law protects employees who report workplace violations, file wage and hour complaints, report discrimination or harassment, request legally protected leave, or raise health and safety concerns. Employers cannot punish or terminate you for asserting your rights.
• Discrimination: Under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), employers cannot terminate workers based on protected characteristics such as race, religion, gender, pregnancy, disability, medical condition, age (40+), sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, or military/veteran status.
• Public Policy Violations: Employers cannot fire employees for refusing to break the law, reporting unlawful conduct, serving on a jury, taking protected leave, or exercising other legal rights. California courts recognize these claims as wrongful termination in violation of public policy.

Hostile Work Environment & Harassment

California places a legal obligation on employers to maintain workplaces free from harassment and abusive conduct. When offensive behavior becomes serious or persistent enough to interfere with your ability to work, legal remedies may be available.

We represent employees experiencing:

• Sexual Harassment: This includes unwanted comments, advances, physical conduct, or pressure tied to employment decisions.
• Harassment Based on Protected Status: Derogatory remarks, intimidation, or targeting based on race, disability, religion, gender, or other protected characteristics.
• Employer Inaction: Employers can be held liable when they fail to investigate or stop harassment after becoming aware of it.

Wage Theft: Unpaid Wages & Overtime

Despite California’s strict wage laws, wage theft remains widespread. Employers frequently underpay workers by ignoring overtime rules, denying breaks, or misclassifying employees.

Common wage claims we pursue include:

• Overtime Pay Violations: Failure to properly pay daily or weekly overtime, or double time where required.
• Meal and Rest Break Violations: Missed or interrupted breaks can entitle employees to additional compensation.
• Unpaid Work Time: Requiring work before clocking in, after clocking out, or during unpaid breaks.
• Final Wage Penalties: Late final paychecks can trigger significant financial penalties under California law.
• Employee Misclassification: Labeling workers as independent contractors or exempt employees to avoid overtime and benefits.

Medical Leave (FMLA & PFML) Disputes

California employees are protected by overlapping state and federal laws that safeguard their jobs during medical or family-related absences.

You may have a claim if your employer:

• Disciplined or fired you for taking medical or family leave.
• Refused to return you to your position after approved leave.
• Failed to provide reasonable accommodations for a medical condition or pregnancy.

California law often applies to smaller employers and provides broader protections than federal statutes.

Severance & Non-Compete Agreements

California law strongly limits what employers can demand from employees after termination.

• Non-Compete Agreements: Non-compete clauses are generally void in California and cannot lawfully restrict your future employment.
• Severance Agreement Review: Severance offers often include broad legal waivers. We review these agreements to ensure you are not unknowingly giving up valid claims or leverage.

Having an attorney review an agreement before signing can significantly change the outcome.

Why Hire Crosner Legal?

No Fee Unless We Win

We understand how stressful it can be to lose your income or face uncertainty at work. That’s why we handle employment cases on a contingency fee basis; you pay no upfront fees and no hourly rates. We only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you.

Areas We Serve

Our employment attorneys represent clients throughout California State, including:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I sue for being fired without a warning?

Yes, but not for an unlawful reason. If your termination was connected to discrimination, retaliation, or protected leave, you may have a legal claim.

How much does an employment lawyer cost?

No. Our representation is contingency-based. If there is no recovery, you owe no legal fees.

Can a company withhold my final paycheck?

No. California law imposes daily penalties for late final wages, potentially adding up to a full month of pay.

Is it illegal to be fired for being sick?

Harassment does not need to be constant, but it must be serious or persistent enough to interfere with your work environment and be based on a protected characteristic.

How do I file a hostile work environment claim?

Most California employment claims require an administrative filing first. We handle this process for our clients from start to finish.