Los Angeles Gender Discrimination Lawyer

Los Angeles Gender Discrimination Lawyer

Gender discrimination in the workplace can take many forms. You may be denied opportunities for advancement because of your gender. You may be routinely excluded from important meetings despite the significance of your position and responsibilities. If you assert your family and medical leave rights and take time off to give birth to a child, your job may not be there when you return. You can also be subject to sexual harassment or intimidation while on the job. A Los Angeles gender discrimination lawyer can be of assistance in any of these cases.

As an employee, you have the right to be free from gender discrimination and harassment in the workplace. For those who have suffered from gender discrimination and other illegal employment practices, there are remedies. Federal and California laws provide a means to obtain compensation and justice in such cases.

At the Law Offices of Reisner & King LLP, we fight for the rights of discrimination victims in the Los Angeles area and throughout California. Our team of attorneys is experienced, highly knowledgeable concerning employment laws and determined to obtain results for our clients.

Call us today at 818-981-0901 to schedule a free consultation. We will listen to your story with compassion and concern.

Federal Laws Prohibiting Gender Discrimination in the Workplace

There are various state laws relating to workplace gender discrimination, but there are a few federal laws as well. Gender discrimination is a violation of civil rights, which is a federal protection. Some of the federal laws include:

• Civil Rights Act of 1964: This is a broad act, providing protection against basic gender discrimination in the workplace. It was one of the first steps taken toward gender equality at work.
• Equal Pay Act of 1963: This act ensures all employees under the same employer are given fair pay, regardless of their gender. It requires that pay is allotted based on capability and not a protected characteristic, such as gender and race.
• Pregnancy Discrimination Act: This act protects employees who are pregnant or may become pregnant from facing discrimination in the workplace, such as reduced hours, wage reduction, demotions, and termination.

These are not the only acts that protect gender discrimination, but they are a good place to begin if you believe you may be a victim of it in the workplace. An experienced attorney can help you understand what protections you have under these laws.

Examples of Gender Discrimination in the Workplace

There is no exhaustive list of what gender discrimination can look like in the workplace. There are, however, some common ways it can manifest. Some of these include:

• Gender preferences or bias in the hiring process
• Unwanted sexual advances or comments
• Receiving lower wages based on gender alone
• Refusing to place women in authoritative positions
• Promoting one employee over another because of their gender
• Being denied certain benefits because of your gender
• Being denied necessary accommodations or leave for pregnancy
• Getting laid off because you plan to get pregnant in the future

If you have experienced any of these scenarios, you may be a victim of workplace gender discrimination. It’s important to remember you have the right to take legal action against this misconduct. Consult an experienced attorney who can evaluate your case and determine the strength of your claim.

Compensation for Gender Discrimination

While every case is different, you may be able to seek compensation for damages and accrued losses that resulted from gender discrimination. You may be entitled to liquidated damages, which are damages given to punish an employer for a reckless or malicious act of discrimination. In your case, it could be that your employer has been paying you a lower wage than an employee of the opposite gender for doing the same job. In this case, you may be able to receive compensation.

You may also be eligible to receive compensatory and punitive damages. These are often awarded to those who have suffered particularly heinous situations of gender discrimination. It should be noted that there are limits imposed on the amount of compensation that can be awarded for these damages. These limits are based on the number of employees an employer has.

Compensation is not always guaranteed, but your chances of receiving it are higher when you have an experienced attorney representing you and effectively advocating for your rights. Don’t hesitate to reach out for legal counsel. Fighting a gender discrimination case is not necessarily an easy feat and should not be done without the guidance and support of an employment lawyer.

How an Attorney Can Help

There are many ways an attorney can assist you if you’re a victim of gender discrimination. One important thing you’ll need to do if you intend to take legal action is to gather evidence to support your gender discrimination claim. A Los Angeles gender discrimination attorney can advise you on the type of evidence to look for that can be useful in your case.

An attorney can also represent you if your case goes to court. While not all cases go to court, it can be comforting to have someone experienced in litigation by your side in the event that a trial becomes necessary for your case.

FAQs

Q: What Qualifies as Gender Discrimination in the Workplace?

A: Gender discrimination is categorized as any negative or unfair action or treatment based solely on an employee’s gender. It can be presented in many forms, including harassment and derogatory comments. While it can sometimes be difficult to prove gender discrimination to receive compensation, a gender discrimination lawyer can help you build a solid case.

Q: What Is the Gender Non-Discrimination Act in California?

A: The Gender Non-Discrimination Act in California makes it unlawful for anyone to be treated unfairly based on their actual or perceived gender identity or gender expression. This state law was created to provide protections to individuals who identify as transgender or are gender nonconforming in nearly every area of life, including employment. Federal agencies, however, are not subject to state-specific laws such as this.

Q: Are Female Lawyers Discriminated Against?

A: In the past, women experienced discrimination in many different work industries, including law. Some women may still experience gender discrimination in the legal field today. Federal acts were created to protect against workplace gender discrimination because it was prevalent in many different work environments. Although it’s possible that some female lawyers are discriminated against, every workplace, employer, and individual person is different, and so are their experiences.

Q: What Are the Laws Against Sexism in California?

A: California state law makes it unlawful for any type of discrimination or harassment based on gender and gender identity and expression, including workplace demotions or layoffs, pregnancy-related negative treatment, and more. California has taken specific measures to ensure residents have full protections against gender discrimination in employment, housing, and other areas of life.

Q: Can Gender Discrimination Happen Outside of the Workplace?

A: Gender discrimination can happen anywhere at any time, including outside of the workplace. Gender discrimination can take place in reference to many aspects of life, including education, housing, healthcare, political matters, and other areas. A person may even experience gender discrimination while engaging in a social activity or in a public place.

Strong Advocates Combating Workplace Discrimination

Since 1999, the attorneys at Reisner & King have represented victims of sex discrimination, pregnancy discrimination, sexual harassment and other illegal employment practices. We work hard to help our clients reclaim their dignity — and to obtain compensation for their financial losses and emotional suffering.

If we believe that your case is actionable, we will work diligently to obtain the best possible result for you. We will thoroughly review the facts in your case and document clear instances of disparate treatment or disparate impact. We will pay particular attention to the all-important question — what were the motives behind your employer’s actions? Our lawyers will also place a value on the full amount of your economic and noneconomic losses and seek maximum compensation for you.

Times are changing, but some employers and managers are slow to recognize this fact and the important role that women play in the workplace. Reisner & King will work diligently to protect your rights and help you obtain the compensation and justice you deserve. Contact our office today and speak with one of our skilled attorneys.