San Francisco Employment Lawyer
You probably never thought you’d need an employment lawyer. It surely wasn’t in your career plan.
But when your legal rights are at risk, it always helps to have someone fighting in your corner. Whatever happened at your job and brought you here, you deserve answers.
Stoll & Haynes understands how overwhelming some work problems are, but we can take action and help you seek justice. It all starts with a free online consultation:
Or get in touch with a San Francisco employment lawyer at 415-576-1500
San Francisco Employment Lawyer Practice Areas
What Is Employment Law?
Employment law protects you from unfair and unlawful treatment in the workplace. It lays down rules for how your employer must treat you and what happens if they violate your rights.
These rules ensure:
- Fair pay
- Safe working conditions
- Equal opportunities for all employees
- Freedom from harassment and retaliation
Employment law covers everything from how you’re paid to how you’re disciplined or terminated. However, it isn’t always simple.
To win an employment law claim, you need to prove:
- Your employer broke the law
- Your employer’s actions harmed or injured you
- You suffered damages as a result
Something else to consider: Deadlines for filing an employment law claim with the courts or a government agency. Wait too long, and you may lose your right to compensation.
Compensation You Can Recover in Employment Law
It depends on the situation, but the following types of compensation may be recoverable:
- Lost wages
- Lost benefits (health insurance, paid leave, retirement contributions, etc.)
- Loss of future earnings
- Back pay
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages (in rare cases when an employer is particularly reckless or malicious)
Employment Law Issues in San Francisco
Employees face a wide range of issues in the workplace:
Wrongful termination
Federal and California law protect people from being terminated for certain reasons. Working with a San Francisco employment lawyer can help you understand your rights and what to do next.
Severance negotiation
Leaving a job doesn’t mean leaving money and legal protections on the table. An attorney can negotiate a severance package on your behalf, ensuring you get everything you deserve.
Discrimination
Workplace discrimination based on race, gender, age, and other protected characteristics is illegal under federal and California law (the Fair Employment and Housing Act, or FEHA). You have the right to be heard and seek justice.
Sexual harassment
Nobody should have to put up with unwanted sexual advances or comments at work. Speak up and get legal assistance now.
Wage disputes
If you’ve earned it, you’re owed it. Don’t miss out on unpaid or miscalculated wages.
How a San Francisco Employment Lawyer Can Help
Dealing with problems in the workplace is stressful. However, you don’t have to suffer alone. An employment attorney in San Francisco like Stoll & Haynes can:
- Review your situation and explain your legal rights without the jargon
- Gather evidence to support a legal claim
- Negotiate with your employer
- Represent you in court if it comes to that
- Help you fight for compensation and/or legal protections
What To Do If You Have a Problem at Work
The steps you take next can strengthen your employment law claim:
1. Document everything
Keep a record of any evidence that relates to what happened to you at work. This might include emails, text messages, incident reports, and performance reviews. The more information you have, the stronger your claim might be.
2. Report the problem to HR
Depending on your circumstances, consider submitting a written report to HR. Keep copies of any communication you get back.
3. Contact a San Francisco employment lawyer
No matter what happens in your job, an attorney specializing in California employment law can help protect your rights. Stoll & Haynes offers free consultations, so you get a legal review at no expense.
4. Report the problem to the government
- File a complaint about unpaid wages and benefits with the California Labor Commissioner’s Office
- File a complaint about discrimination, harassment, or retaliation with the California Civil Rights Department
- File a complaint about discrimination with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
An employment law attorney can do this for you and help you avoid mistakes.
5. Be careful what you say
Don’t share information about your workplace dispute online or with anyone you don’t trust.
What Happens When You Contact a San Francisco Employment Lawyer?
Here’s what you can typically expect:
- Consultation: An attorney will listen to what happened to you at work and help you understand your rights under federal and California law.
- Investigation: If things move forward, your attorney might review company policies, gather evidence, and examine documents like severance agreements.
- Negotiation: Your attorney may negotiate with your employer about issues like severance, unpaid wages, and compensation. This might happen before or alongside a formal claim.
- Claim filing: Depending on the issue, your attorney can file a formal claim with the appropriate government agency on your behalf. They may continue to negotiate with your employer at this stage.
- Litigation: Most employment law issues are resolved before they end up in court. But if a resolution can’t be reached, your claim may move forward as a lawsuit. If this happens, your attorney will support you every step of the way.
Want to file an employment law claim in San Francisco? Call Stoll & Haynes at 415-576-1500.
Why You Should Act Fast If You Have a Workplace Issue
If something happens at work, there are strict timelines you need to follow.
Government agency deadlines
Government agencies have their own deadlines for filing a complaint:
California Labor Commissioner’s Office
(Unpaid wages and benefits)
- 1-4 years, depending on the incident (for example, 3 years for overtime violations)
California Civil Rights Department
(Discrimination, harassment, or retaliation)
- 3 years from the date of the incident
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
(Discrimination)
- 300 calendar days from the date the discrimination took place (deadline for California)
Court deadlines
There are also filing deadlines when a workplace issue moves to court. For example, when the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issues a Notice of Right to Sue, a letter that says you are allowed to file a lawsuit, you have 90 days to take your case to federal court.
Always consult an employment lawyer in San Francisco so you don’t miss any deadlines.
Employment Law Success Stories from Stoll & Haynes
We’ve helped clients throughout the Bay Area secure compensation after problems in the workplace. Here are some of our results:
Retaliation
Amount awarded: $3 million+
When anesthesiologists in a public hospital raised health and safety concerns, they were retaliated against. This case ended in a settlement of more than $3 million.
Retaliation
Amount awarded: $1.49 million
After filing a lawsuit, a female fire department battalion chief experienced retaliation in the workplace, leading to a $1.49 million settlement.
Gender discrimination/retaliation
Amount awarded: $1 million+
High-level female professionals were denied promotions because of gender discrimination and retaliation. Stoll & Haynes took action, resulting in more than $1 million in compensation.
Read more of our employment law victories.
San Francisco Employment Lawyer FAQs
Stoll & Haynes offers a free consultation, so you can have an initial conversation about your situation and learn next steps without any upfront cost.
Yes, employment attorneys in San Francisco can also help with workplace harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and other issues. You can also get legal help if you’re involved in a layoff or workforce reduction.
Not necessarily. Many issues in the workplace are resolved outside of a courtroom through negotiation, mediation, or settlement.
It depends on the issue, whether a government agency is involved, and other factors. It’s a good idea to talk to an employment attorney so you don’t miss any deadlines.
Read more San Francisco employment lawyer FAQs.
Contact a San Francisco Employment Lawyer
If something doesn’t feel right in the workplace, don’t wait to get answers. A skilled employment attorney in the Bay Area can help you move forward.
Get in touch with Stoll & Haynes now. We have experience and local knowledge.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you need advice about your specific situation, please contact Stoll & Haynes directly.