Lafayette Employment Law Lawyers
Fighting for Justice in the Workplace
At McCune Law Group (MLG), our Lafayette employment lawyers understand that your job is more than a paycheck, it is your livelihood, your stability, and your future. When your rights as an employee are violated, it is not just inconvenient, it is unacceptable. Our Lafayette employment lawyers are here to help you stand up against injustice in the workplace. Whether your employment dispute includes being underpaid, harassed, fired unfairly, or denied your basic rights, our legal team is ready to protect your interests and pursue the compensation you deserve.
We understand how difficult it can be to speak out against an employer, especially when power dynamics are at play. Our attorneys are deeply familiar with both state and federal employment laws and will use that knowledge to fight on your behalf with confidence and care. With more than 30 years of experience and over $1 billion recovered for our clients, we have become nationally recognized for protecting employee rights across the country.
Have you experienced an employment dispute while in the workplace? Contact our team today by calling (925) 378-5582 or by completing our online form for a free case evaluation.
What Constitutes Employment Law
Employment law refers to the body of legal rules and regulations that govern the relationship between employers and employees. It encompasses a wide range of issues designed to ensure fairness, safety, and accountability in the workplace. These laws cover everything from how employees are hired and paid, to how they are treated during their employment, and under what conditions their employment can be terminated.
At its core, employment law protects employees from unlawful treatment and provides legal avenues to seek redress when their rights are violated. For example, it prohibits employment discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, and other protected characteristics under both federal laws, like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Employment law also safeguards employees from harassment and retaliation, ensuring that those who report misconduct or exercise legal rights are not punished for doing so.
Additionally, employment law establishes minimum standards for wages, hours, overtime, and breaks under laws like the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the California Labor Code. It also provides employees with the right to medical and family leave, reasonable accommodations for disabilities, and protection against wrongful termination. Understanding what falls under the umbrella of employment law is the first step in recognizing when a legal violation may have occurred. At MLG, we help workers navigate these complex laws and assert their rights when employers fail to comply.
Workplace Violations We Handle
At MLG, we offer strategic legal representation in a wide range of employment law matters. Whether your employer is a large corporation or a small business, we are equipped to hold them accountable for unlawful actions.
We represent clients in cases involving:
- Workplace Harassment: Offensive remarks, intimidation, or bullying based on gender, race, or other protected traits.
- Unlawful Discrimination: Unequal treatment due to age, religion, disability, pregnancy, national origin, or sexual orientation.
- Wrongful Termination: Firing based on discrimination or in retaliation for engaging in a protected activity.
- Wage and Hour Disputes: Being denied overtime pay, not receiving minimum wage, or being forced to work off the clock.
If you believe your rights have been violated in any of these areas, we are ready to review your case and explore your options for recovery.
Red Flags That Your Employer May Be Breaking the Law
In many cases, employers engage in unlawful behavior subtly, hoping you will not notice or will not act. Here are some common signs that you might have a valid employment law claim:
You may have a case if:
- You were suddenly terminated after reporting safety concerns, harassment, or wage issues.
- A coworker received a promotion or raise you were denied, despite similar or better qualifications.
- You are regularly required to work through meal and rest breaks without pay.
- Your boss refuses to accommodate a medical condition that affects your job performance.
- You were written up or demoted shortly after requesting family or medical leave.
These situations are more than just unfair; they could be illegal. Our Lafayette employment law attorneys can help determine if your rights were violated and what next steps you can take.
What You Should Do If You Suspect a Violation
Acting early can improve your chances of success and help preserve your legal rights. If you think your employer has treated you unlawfully, here are the steps we recommend:
- Document Everything: Keep a journal of incidents, save emails, and hold on to pay stubs, performance reviews, or written complaints.
- Do not Confront Without Counsel: Speaking directly to your employer may backfire. Talk to a lawyer before taking formal action.
- Consult an MLG Attorney Promptly: Time limits apply to most employment claims. In California, some deadlines are as short as one year.
- Know Your Options: Whether you are still employed or have already left the company, you may have several legal paths to explore.
Pursuing an employment law claim may feel overwhelming, but our firm is here to simplify the process and support you at every step. Here is what you can expect when working with our legal team:
Step-by-Step Support:
- Initial Evaluation: We start with a free, confidential meeting to understand your legal issues and determine if you have a viable case.
- Evidence Review: We help you compile relevant records, emails, pay stubs, contracts, or witness testimony to support your claim.
- Legal Analysis: Our team identifies which laws apply to your situation and outlines your strongest legal strategy.
- Negotiation or Litigation: Whether we pursue a resolution through settlement or trial, we are committed to advocating for your best interests.
Throughout the process, you will have direct access to a dedicated legal team that will provide you with legal advice, keep you informed, involved, and empowered.
Starting Your Lafayette Employment Law Case
Securing the right employment attorney is crucial to defending your workplace rights and holding your employer accountable under California law. When you contact an experienced member of the McCune Law Group team, you can expect compassionate guidance, clear communication, and aggressive legal advocacy. Here are four steps to help you begin the process:
Step 1: Collect Relevant Evidence – Before reaching out, collect any documents or records related to your employment issue. This might include performance reviews, internal complaints, timekeeping logs, wage statements, termination letters, or communications with supervisors or HR. Also, make a timeline of events, including dates, names of individuals involved, and details of each incident.
Step 2: Initiate Contact with Our Lafayette Employment Law Team – Call our office or submit a request through our online form to initiate your case. We recommend preparing a brief overview of your situation beforehand, especially if it involves complex issues like workplace retaliation, unpaid wages, or discrimination. A clear summary will help our team quickly evaluate your needs and determine the right course of action.
Step 3: Schedule a Free Evaluation – We offer free evaluations to employees throughout Lafayette. Once you contact us, we will schedule a time to discuss the facts of your case, review any supporting materials, and provide guidance on whether your legal claim has merit. We will also outline what you can expect throughout the legal process and how we plan to advocate on your behalf.
Step 4: Prepare for Your Evaluation – In preparation for your evaluation, organize all the documents you have collected and be prepared to walk us through your experience at work. The more detailed your explanation, the more effectively we can assess the strength of your claim. Use this opportunity to ask questions about your legal rights, the types of compensation that may be available, and how our Lafayette-based team approaches employment litigation in California.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I suspect I’m being discriminated against at work in Lafayette?
What should I do if I suspect I’m being discriminated against at work in Lafayette?
If you believe you are being discriminated against based on a protected characteristic, such as race, gender, age, disability, religion, or sexual orientation, you should begin documenting incidents immediately. Keep records of discriminatory comments, unfair treatment, and any relevant emails or evaluations. You should also consider filing an internal complaint with your company’s HR department.
Can I be fired for reporting illegal activity by my employer?
No. In California, including Lafayette, it is unlawful for an employer to retaliate against an employee for reporting illegal conduct, safety violations, or labor law breaches. This is known as whistleblower retaliation. If you were demoted, terminated, or faced disciplinary action after reporting wrongdoing, you may have a legal claim.
How do I know if I have been misclassified as an independent contractor?
Many workers in Lafayette are misclassified as independent contractors when they should legally be treated as employees. Misclassification often allows employers to avoid paying overtime, offering benefits, or providing meal and rest breaks. If your employer controls your schedule, work assignments, and tools or equipment, you may meet the criteria for employee status under California law—regardless of your job title.
What types of damages can I recover in an employment lawsuit in Lafayette?
The types of compensation available in an employment lawsuit will depend on the specifics of your case. Common damages include back pay for lost wages, front pay if you are unable to return to work, compensation for emotional distress, and reimbursement for legal fees. In cases involving severe misconduct or intentional wrongdoing, punitive damages may also be awarded.
Schedule Your Free Evaluation with a Lafayette Employment Lawyer
At McCune Law Group, we believe workers deserve dignity, equality, and respect. If you have been treated unfairly in the workplace, we are here to help you take the first step toward justice.
Our Lafayette employment law attorneys have the experience, resources, and commitment to handle even the most complex cases. We offer free consultations and, in many situations, work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay unless we win.
Call us today at (925) 378-5582 or submit your information through our online form to schedule your free case review.
Attorney Advertising
McCune Law Group, APC is responsible for this advertisement. The information provided on this website is for general information purposes only. The information you obtain is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. Use of this website or submission of the online form does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Counsel Richard McCune is licensed to practice only in the state of California. The law firm of McCune Law Group has attorneys licensed to practice law in AZ, CA, GA, MO, NY, and PA. McCune Law Group is a national firm that brings lawsuits in a majority of the states. In states where one of its attorneys is not barred, it does so by filing the complaint along with local counsel barred in that state.
The results discussed do not guarantee, warrant, or predict the results in future cases.