Lafayette Employment Discrimination Lawyers
Protecting the Rights of Employees Across Lafayette
Discrimination in the workplace can be subtle or overt, but it is always unacceptable. At McCune Law Group (MLG), our Lafayette employment law attorneys provide compassionate yet aggressive legal representation to Lafayette workers who have faced unlawful discrimination on the job. If you were passed over for a promotion, treated unfairly, or terminated from your position because of who you are, you do not have to stay silent. Our legal team is here to help you assert your rights, reclaim your dignity, and hold your employer accountable.
Employment discrimination should be the least of an employee’s worries. Rather, an employee should be able to focus on improving their performance and being justly rewarded for their hard work. Despite laws that prohibit discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, and other protected classes in the workplace, it still occurs in cases where an employer wishes to boost profits, increase efficiency, or improve the “aesthetics” of their business. In fact, 55% of workers have experienced some form of discrimination at their current companies.
If you believe you have been the victim of employment discrimination in your workplace, you are not alone. Contact our team today for a free case evaluation.
Know Your Rights: What Counts as Employment Discrimination?
Discrimination can take many forms, and it is not always easy to recognize, especially when it is disguised as “company policy” or “just business decisions.” But under California and federal law, employees are protected from unfair treatment based on certain protected characteristics, including:
- Race or ethnicity
- Gender or gender identity
- Sexual orientation
- Age (40 and over)
- Disability or medical condition
- Religion or creed
- Marital status or pregnancy
- National origin or immigration status
The Lafayette Employment discrimination attorneys of MLG are trained to help fight against any form of employment discrimination. Our team stands against these bad actors and advocates for those who have been stunted or mistreated in the workplace by discriminatory policies. When you entrust your case with us, you can rest easily knowing you have a trustworthy ally that can fight for you.
Recognizing the Signs of Workplace Discrimination
In 2017 alone, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) reported over 80,000 employment discrimination charges filed that resulted in $400 million in compensation for victims. Workplace discrimination can manifest in subtle and insidious ways, often making it difficult for employees to recognize when their rights have been violated. Some of the most telling signs include consistently being passed over for promotions despite strong performance, receiving harsher criticism or disciplinary action than peers, or being excluded from meetings, projects, or advancement opportunities without explanation. Discriminatory comments, whether overt or disguised as humor, about your race, age, gender identity, religion, or disability should never be tolerated.
Timing can also be a red flag. For example, if negative treatment follows closely after you disclose a pregnancy, request a medical accommodation, or speak up about unethical behavior, you may be facing retaliation based on a protected trait or action. Unequal pay, sudden schedule changes, or being reassigned to less desirable tasks may also signal discriminatory intent. While every workplace is different, patterns of mistreatment that align with your identity or protected status should never be ignored. If you are uncertain whether what you are experiencing qualifies as unlawful discrimination, speaking with an experienced Lafayette employment attorney at McCune Law Group can help you gain clarity and take action.
Types of Discrimination Cases We Handle in Lafayette
At MLG, we represent employees from all walks of life who have experienced discrimination in a wide range of industries and occupations. From white-collar professionals to retail staff, no one is immune to unfair treatment when employers ignore their legal responsibilities. Our attorneys handle complex discrimination cases involving both individual claims and patterns of systemic bias.
We routinely represent clients in cases involving:
- Racial and Ethnic Discrimination – Unequal treatment, harassment, or hiring biases based on race, skin color, or cultural background.
- Gender and Pregnancy Discrimination – Demotions, dismissals, or unequal pay due to gender identity, gender expression, or pregnancy status.
- LGBTQ+ Discrimination – Hostile environments or unfair treatment based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Age Discrimination (40+) – Favoritism toward younger employees, forced retirements, or exclusion from promotions based on age.
- Disability Discrimination – Denials of reasonable accommodations or termination due to chronic illness, injury, or other qualifying conditions.
- Religious Discrimination – Denials of time off for religious observances, dress code conflicts, or harassment related to religious beliefs.
Each case is unique. We take the time to understand how your identity has shaped your experience at work and how the law can be used to protect your future.
The Emotional and Professional Toll of Discrimination at Work
Employment discrimination is not just a legal issue; it is a deep personal experience that can affect every part of a person’s life. When you are treated differently because of who you are, it chips away at your sense of worth, undermines your professional confidence, and can make it difficult to perform your job effectively. Over time, many victims of workplace discrimination experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, or burnout. Others may begin to isolate themselves from coworkers, struggle to meet expectations due to emotional distress, or feel forced to leave a job they once loved. These outcomes are not just unfortunate; they are legally and morally unacceptable.
At MLG, we believe no one should have to choose between their career and their identity. Whether you have experienced racial slurs, been excluded due to your age, or were terminated after coming out as LGBTQ+, our attorneys will listen without judgment and build a case grounded in your truth. We understand that discrimination often begins subtly but escalates over time, and we are here to document the patterns, gather evidence, and pursue the full extent of justice allowed under the law.
How to Start Your Lafayette Employment Discrimination Case
If you have faced discrimination in your workplace, taking the right steps early on can make a significant difference in the strength of your legal claim. At MLG, we are committed to helping workers protect their rights with clear guidance and strategic support. Here is how to begin:
Step 1: Collect Key Details About the Discrimination – Before reaching out, gather as much information as possible about the incidents you have experienced. Take note of dates, times, locations, and the names of individuals involved, including supervisors, coworkers, or HR personnel. Save any emails, text messages, performance reviews, or written complaints that could support your case. These materials help establish patterns of unequal treatment or retaliation.
Step 2: Contact Our Office – Contact us or complete our secure online contact form to schedule an initial evaluation. We recommend preparing a summary of your situation, including the nature of the discrimination and any steps you have already taken, such as filing an internal complaint or requesting an accommodation. Whether the issue involves race, age, gender, disability, or another protected category, this information allows us to evaluate your options quickly and effectively.
Step 3: Schedule a Free Employment Law Evaluation – We offer complimentary evaluations so you can better understand your rights and the legal remedies available under California and federal law. During this meeting, our attorneys will listen to your concerns, review any documentation you have collected, and help you determine whether your employer has violated anti-discrimination laws. We will also explain the next steps, including filing deadlines and potential case outcomes.
Step 4: Prepare for Your Legal Evaluation – To make the most of your appointment, bring any relevant records with you, such as employment contracts, internal communications, HR complaints, or performance evaluations. Be ready to discuss how the discrimination has affected your work environment, career progression, or emotional well-being. Our team will guide you through the process, outline your legal options, and provide honest insight into how discrimination cases are resolved in Lafayette and throughout California.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a discrimination claim in Lafayette
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the last discriminatory act to file a complaint with the Civil Rights Department. After receiving a Right to Sue notice, you typically have one year to file a lawsuit. However, deadlines can vary based on circumstances, so it is best to contact our office as soon as possible.
I am still employed, can I take legal action now?
Yes, you do not have to wait until you are terminated to assert your rights. California law prohibits retaliation against employees who report discrimination, request accommodations, or participate in investigations. We can help you take legal steps while minimizing disruption to your current role.
What kind of compensation can I recover in a discrimination case?
Depending on your case, you may be entitled to lost wages, emotional distress damages, job reinstatement, attorney’s fees, and punitive damages. In some cases, employers may be required to change discriminatory policies or conduct additional training.
Do I need direct evidence to prove discrimination?
Not always. Many discrimination cases rely on circumstantial evidence, such as suspicious timing, inconsistent explanations, or a pattern of unequal treatment. Our team knows how to build a strong case using documents, emails, witness statements, and company records.
Contact Our Lafayette Employment Discrimination Attorneys Today
If you have been subjected to workplace discrimination, do not wait to seek help. The legal system is here to protect you and so are we. Our team of attorneys are no strangers to helping clients faced with any form of discrimination in the workplace. No matter the type of discrimination, you can rest assured knowing that you have a powerful and knowledgeable ally fighting with you. With more than 30 years of experience and over $1 billion recovered for our clients, we have become nationally recognized for protecting consumer rights across the country.
If you or a loved one have been victim of workplace discrimination, contact us today by filling out our online form or calling (925) 378-5582 to schedule your free evaluation today!
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.