Irvine Employment Discrimination Lawyers

Standing Up to Abusive Employers  

When workplace discrimination threatens your career and livelihood in Irvine, you need experienced legal advocates who understand California’s complex employment laws. Our Irvine discrimination lawyers have successfully represented employees across Orange County’s tech corridor and business district, securing justice and compensation for those who’ve faced unlawful treatment. 

What Is Employment Discrimination? 

Employment discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or job applicant unfairly on the basis of protected characteristics like race, gender, age, disability, religion, or sexual orientation. In California, local (Fair Employment and Housing Act – FEHA) and national laws (Title VII of the Civil Rights ACT, ADA, ADEA, etc.) protect against discriminatory practices.  

Common Types of Employment Discrimination:  

  • Race, color, and national origin discrimination
  • Gender discrimination and sexual harassment
  • Age discrimination (employees 40 and older)
  • Disability discrimination and failure to accommodate
  • Religious discrimination
  • Pregnancy and family status discrimination
  • LGBTQ+ discrimination
  • Retaliation for reporting discrimination 

Quick Facts – Employment Discrimination Law in Irvine

TopicDetail
Filing Deadline
3 years for most claims under California law
CRD Requirement
Must file with California Civil Rights department (formerly the Department of Fair Employment and Housing, DFEH) first
Court Jurisdiction(CA)
Orange County Superior Court, Central Justice Center
Protected Classes
Race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical/mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, age (40+), sexual orientation, gender identity/expression
Damages Available
Lost wages, emotional distress, punitive damages

Source: California Civil Rights Department

Why Choose an Irvine Employment Discrimination Lawyer? 

Deep Knowledge of Irvine’s Employment Landscape  

McCune Law Group has deep roots in Irvine. We understand the unique challenges facing employees in Orange County’s business hub. Our team has extensive experience with:  

  • Major Irvine employers, including tech companies, healthcare systems, and Fortune 500 corporations
  • Orange County Superior Court procedures and local judges
  • The competitive employment environment in Irvine’s business districts  

Local Success in Irvine 

We have represented employees throughout Irvine, California in cases of workplace discrimination, retaliation, and wrongful termination. Our advocacy has helped Orange County workers hold employers accountable, secure fair results, and push for workplace reforms that improve conditions for others. 

Our Irvine Employment Discrimination Services

Type of CaseDescription
Workplace Harassment
Sexual harassment, hostile work environment at Irvine businesses
Wrongful Termination
Fighting unlawful firings tied to discrimination
Failure to Promote
Being passed over due to discrimination in Irvine’s competitive job market
Wage Discrimination
Unequal pay based on gender, race, or other protected status
Disability Rights
Failure to provide reasonable accommodation, disability harassment

Ask Your Irvine Employment Discrimination Lawyer – FAQ

What should I do if I think my Irvine employer is discriminating against me?

“Document everything – emails, conversations, witnesses, and dates. Keep records at home, not on company equipment. Irvine’s business community is tight-knit, so professional handling is crucial.” – Joe Richardson, Employment Discrimination Practice Area Leader

Yes, California requires filing a complaint the Civil Rights Department before pursuing most discrimination claims against your Irvine employer in court. We handle this entire process for you.

We offer free consultations to Irvine residents and work on contingency for most discrimination cases, meaning you pay nothing unless we win. We can also recover attorney costs from employers when successful.

No. Retaliation for reporting discrimination or participating in an investigation is illegal under both state and federal law. If this happens, you may have additional claims against your Irvine employer.

Video: Employment Rights for Irvine Workers 

Your Employment Discrimination Case Timeline in Irvine 

Investigation & Documentation → CRD Filing → Right to Sue Letter → Lawsuit Filed in Orange County → Discovery & Negotiation → Settlement or Trial 

Most employment discrimination cases involving Irvine employers resolve within 12–18 months. Timeline varies based on case complexity and employer cooperation during discovery. 

Irvine Employment Law Resources 

  • Orange County Superior Court – Central Justice Center  
    700 W Civic Center Drive, Santa Ana, CA 92701  
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM  
    Serves all Irvine employment cases 
  • California Civil Rights Department  
    Los Angeles Office: (800) 884-1684 
    Online complaint filing: Complaint Process | CRD  
    Serves Irvine and surrounding areas 
  • Orange County Bar Association  
    (949)440-6700 
    Attorney referral service and employment law resources 

How to Start Your Employment Discrimination Case in Irvine 

Taking prompt, informed steps can make all the difference in protecting your rights. If you believe your employer in Irvine has discriminated against you, here is how to begin: 

Step 1: Gather and Preserve Evidence 

  • Keep copies of emails, text messages, performance reviews, or company policies that show unfair treatment 
  • Write down dates, times, and details of each discriminatory incident 
  • Note the names of witnesses, such as coworkers or supervisors, who may support your account 
  • Document any workplace communications or incidents that demonstrate a pattern of discrimination 

Step 2: File an Internal Complaint Many Irvine employers require employees to report discrimination to HR or through a company grievance process. Doing so not only creates a record but also demonstrates you gave the employer an opportunity to correct the issue. 

Step 3: Contact an Employment Attorney From MLG An experienced attorney from our firm can determine whether your case should first be filed with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) or the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Both agencies serve Orange County employees and often must be involved before filing in court. 

Step 4: Understand Your Court Options If litigation is necessary, cases for Irvine residents are typically filed at the Orange County Superior Court. Our attorneys have extensive experience with the Orange County court system and understand the local legal landscape that serves the Irvine business community. 

Step 5: Schedule a Free Case Evaluation 

  • We offer free confidential case evaluations to help you understand your options
  • We will explain potential remedies such as reinstatement, back pay, and compensation for emotional distress
  • Our team will guide you through each step of the process with personalized attention
  • We understand the unique employment challenges facing workers in Irvine’s technology, healthcare, and business sectors 

Contact Your Irvine Discrimination Lawyer Today 

Free Consultation for Irvine Residents | Completely Confidential 

Don’t let workplace discrimination derail your career. Our experienced Irvine discrimination lawyers are ready to fight for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve from your employer. 

Call (949) 522-4480 or complete our secure consultation form.

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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.                     

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