Discrimination at Work: Know Your Rights
Workplace discrimination is rarely loud or obvious. More often, it is a quiet pattern of being sidelined, ignored, or treated differently because of who you are. It can leave you feeling isolated, doubting your own instincts, and worried about your livelihood.
But here is what you need to know: You do not have to accept it, and you do not have to navigate this alone.
At Rastegar Law Group, we believe that every worker in California deserves a workplace defined by respect and equality. We are here to help you understand your rights, protect your career, and take back control.
Discrimination
Are You Being Targeted?
Check the signs of Workplace Discrimination
It is easy to second-guess yourself when you are being treated unfairly. Use this checklist to evaluate if what you are experiencing crosses the line into unlawful discrimination:
Unexplained Differences in Pay
You find out you are earning less than coworkers of a different gender or race who do the same work.
The “Pregnancy Penalty”
Soon after sharing that you are expecting or returning from leave, you are suddenly demoted, sidelined, or let go.
A Hostile Environment
You are subjected to offensive comments, jokes, or behaviors related to race, age, religion, or sexual orientation, and management does nothing to stop it.
Sudden “Performance Issues” After Speaking Up
You reported unfair treatment or harassment, and suddenly you are being micromanaged, written up, or excluded from key meetings.
Wrongful Termination
You were fired unexpectedly, and the “official reason” does not match your actual performance history.
Important Realization: If you recognized your own experience in even one of these points, your rights may have been violated. You have a legal right to seek advice.
Taking Back Control: How We Help You
Facing workplace discrimination can leave you feeling isolated and uncertain about what comes next. We help protect your rights, build your case, and hold employers accountable.
Here is how we stand by you, step-by-step:
1
We Listen to Your Story
During your free, confidential consultation, we take the time to understand your experience.
2
We Build Your Legal Case
We gather strong evidence to prove unlawful discrimination under California law.
3
We Challenge Employer Actions
We expose unlawful employment decisions and hold employers accountable.
4
We Fight for Your Recovery
We seek compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and other available damages.
Best of all, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means we charge no fee unless and until we successfully recover compensation for you.
The Legal Foundation: What Protects You?
California has some of the most robust employee protection laws in the nation. Your case will likely rely on one of these key legal frameworks:
The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)
This powerful California state law prohibits workplace discrimination based on race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, age (40 and over), sexual orientation, or military/veteran status.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act
The federal law that serves as the foundation for anti-discrimination nationwide.
The California Family Rights Act (CFRA)
Protects your right to take job-protected leave for family care or medical reasons without fear of retaliation.
To sue an employer for discrimination in California, you must first file a complaint with either the EEOC (federal) or the Civil Rights Department (CRD) (state).
- These agencies cooperate through a “cross-filing” system.
- Once the initial administrative process is complete, you will receive a “Right-to-Sue” letter, which allows us to file a formal lawsuit in court on your behalf. We will guide you through this entire process.
Why Rastegar Law Group
Three Decades. One Focus.
We’ve dedicated our entire practice to representing employees wronged by their employers — no corporate defense work, no divided loyalties.
Since 1991
Admitted to Practice
Over 35 years of exclusive focus on California employment law and worker rights.
108 Years
Combined Experience
Our attorneys bring deep expertise in the tactics employers use to avoid accountability.
Statewide
California Coverage
Offices in Los Angeles and San Diego. We represent workers throughout the entire state.
Let’s Talk About Your Case
Legal deadlines can arrive sooner than expected. Speaking with an attorney early can help preserve important evidence, protect your rights, and give you a clearer understanding of the path forward.