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- Over $170 Million Recovered For Clients
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Employment law in California provides workers with some of the strongest legal protections in the United States, covering wrongful termination, workplace discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation, and wage theft. The California Labor Code and the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) establish employee rights that exceed federal standards, including protections for workers at companies with as few as five employees under Government Code 12926.
Huntington Beach employees who experience unlawful treatment at work may be entitled to recover lost wages, emotional distress damages, civil penalties, and attorney fees. Claims involving discrimination or harassment typically require filing a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) within three years of the unlawful conduct under Government Code 12960.
Employment law settlements in California vary by claim type – wrongful termination cases typically settle between $30,000 and $300,000, while discrimination and harassment cases often range from $50,000 to $300,000 or more.
Key Takeaways
- California has some of the strongest employee protection laws in the United States, covering wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wage theft
- Feher Law’s Huntington Beach employment attorneys handle wrongful termination, workplace discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation, and employment contract disputes
- For wrongful termination in violation of public policy you have two years under Code of Civil Procedure 335.1, FEHA discrimination and harassment claims go to the Civil Rights Department within three years, and written contract claims get four years under Code of Civil Procedure 337
- Before filing a civil lawsuit in California, most employment claims must first go through the California Civil Rights Department or the EEOC
- Compensation can include back pay, front pay, emotional distress damages, punitive damages, and attorney fees
- Feher Law works on a contingency fee basis – no fees unless we win your case
Table of Contents
Why Orange County Workers Hire Feher Law
At Feher Law, our dedicated team specializes in various employment law issues, including wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, and wage disputes. We understand each case’s unique circumstances and emotional weight, approaching every client with empathy and commitment to seeking justice.Â
With expertise in both state and federal labor laws governing employee rights in California, our attorneys provide strategic advice tailored to individual situations, whether negotiating severance packages or advocating for unpaid overtime wages.
For those in Huntington Beach seeking a resolution to their employment-related grievances, we are here to help you and your employment case.Â
When you choose Feher Law’s California employment lawyers to handle your employment law case, you gain access to tailored advantages explicitly designed to navigate the complexities of such legal matters:
- Nothing to start: employment clients at our Huntington Beach office do not pay upfront. We are paid from a recovery under a written agreement, and nothing if there is none.
- Respect for what you are going through: Orange County workers usually call us while a firing, a harassment problem, or a pay dispute is still unfolding. We listen first, explain the options, and move at a pace that fits your situation.
- Litigation and Trial Expertise: Our litigation and trial expertise encompasses the full spectrum of legal proceedings, from initial claim filing to navigating complex litigation and, when needed, advocating vigorously during trial. With a deep understanding of procedural nuances and strategic insights, we’re committed to presenting your case powerfully to secure the justice you deserve.
- Results in employment cases: our employment work includes a $1.4 million settlement for a client fired after taking time off. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Verdicts & Settlements
$170M+ Recovered for California Workers & Injury Victims
Real case outcomes from Feher Law across personal injury and employment matters, resolved under California law.
See what your case could be worth.
Free, confidential case assessment. Available 24/7.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is evaluated on its specific facts under California law. View full results on our Case Results page.
Why Acting Fast Protects Your Case
California’s statute of limitations for California employment law claims is 1 to 3 years depending on the violation (FEHA discrimination/harassment claims get 3 years under AB 9). Once this deadline passes, your right to recover compensation is permanently lost, no matter how strong your case is.
Beyond the legal deadline, every week you wait can hurt your case:
- Surveillance and dashcam footage gets overwritten, often within 30 days
- Witnesses become harder to locate and their memories fade
- Witnesses change jobs, and former coworkers stop returning calls
- Insurance adjusters and employers use any delay against you
Free consultations. No fee unless we win.
What Our Clients Say
Why California Clients Choose Feher Law
Super Lawyers 2022-2026 | Avvo 10.0 Superb | Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College Graduate
The Employment Team in Huntington Beach
These are the attorneys who handle employment cases from our Beach Boulevard office in Huntington Beach.
Thomas Feher, Esq.
Founding Attorney
Stephen Wiard, Esq.
Senior Trial Attorney
Sandy Luu, Esq.
Associate Attorney
Alex Ballard, Esq.
Associate Attorney
Karen Parra, Esq.
Associate Attorney
Chase Nielsen, Esq.
Associate Attorney
Betsy Gomez
Managing Paralegal
Erica Feher
Chief of Operations
Austin Wallick, Esq.
Associate Attorney
Samantha Marquez
Legal Secretary
Marcela Guzman
Intake Specialist (Employment)
Alejandro Zelaya
Intake Specialist (Personal Injury)
Daniela Ramirez
Litigation Assistant
Marvin Rodriguez
Paralegal
Cassandra De Vera
Law Clerk
How an Orange County Employment Case Proceeds
Step 1 - Free Case Evaluation
Contact Feher Law for a free, confidential consultation. We review your situation, identify the applicable laws, and give you an honest assessment of your options and what your case may be worth.
Step 2 - Filing with the CRD or EEOC
Most California employment claims require filing a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department or the EEOC before pursuing a civil lawsuit. We handle this on your behalf and track all deadlines.
Step 3 - Building the Record Against the Employer
We collect personnel files, performance reviews, emails, text messages, and witness statements to build a documented record of your employer’s violations.
Step 4 - Settlement Talks, or Suit in Orange County Superior Court
We negotiate directly with your employer and their attorneys for fair compensation. If they refuse to settle, Feher Law is fully prepared to take your case to trial in Orange County courts.
Step 5 - Payment of Your Award
Once your case resolves, you receive your award. Our contingency fee is deducted from the recovery – you never pay out of pocket.
An Employment Case Result
Our client was unlawfully terminated from her job in Los Angeles after she formally complained about sexual harassment in the workplace. Rather than investigate the complaint as required under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, her employer retaliated by firing her. Feher Law filed suit and recovered a $4,000,000 settlement for our client. Tell us what happened – your consultation is free.
Try our freeÂ
Understanding Employment Laws in California
California is known for having some of the most progressive employment laws in the United States, designed to offer extensive protections to workers across a wide array of industries:Â
- Wage and Hour: California sets stringent regulations regarding minimum wage, overtime pay, meal breaks, and rest periods. The state’s minimum wage consistently ranks among the highest in the nation, reflecting its commitment to ensuring that workers are fairly compensated for their labor. Additionally, non-exempt employees are entitled to overtime pay at 1.5 times their regular rate for hours worked beyond eight in a day or forty in a week under Labor Code 510.
- Discrimination Protections: Under California law, it’s illegal for employers to discriminate against employees based on protected characteristics such as race, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age (40 and over), disability (physical or mental), medical condition (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding-related conditions), marital status, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship, immigration status, language use while off duty, or political activities/affiliations. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidelines further clarify and enforce these rules, promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment for all.
- Harassment Policies: Harassment of any kind – sexual harassment included – is strictly prohibited under state legislation. Employers must take reasonable steps to prevent harassment within their premises by implementing effective policies and training programs to educate staff about unacceptable behaviors and their consequences.
The California Civil Rights Department enforces the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), which prohibits workplace discrimination, harassment, and retaliation based on protected characteristics including race, gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, and pregnancy.
The Legal Rights of Employees in California
In California, workers are given a wide range of legal rights to promote fairness and safety in the workplace. These protections cover everything from how much you get paid to how your employer and colleagues should treat you:
- Right to a Safe Workplace: Employers are required to provide a safe and healthy work environment for their employees under Cal/OSHA regulations. Employees can report unsafe conditions without fear of retaliation and receive training and protective equipment when necessary.
- Right to Family and Medical Leave: California’s Family Rights Act (CFRA) and Paid Family Leave (PFL) laws grant eligible employees the right to take time off work for family and medical reasons, including bonding with a new child or caring for a seriously ill family member.
- Right to Privacy: Employees have the right to privacy in the workplace, including protection from unwarranted searches of personal belongings and electronic communications.
Employers' Legal Rights in California
Employers in California also have legal rights designed to protect their interests and ensure compliance with state and federal laws:Â
- Right to Hire, Terminate and Promote: Employers have the right to hire, promote, discipline, and terminate employees based on legitimate business reasons, as long as they do not violate anti-discrimination laws or breach employment contracts.
- Right to Establish Workplace Policies: To maintain order, productivity, and compliance with legal requirements, these policies may include dress codes, attendance policies, and codes of conduct.
- Right to Manage Employee Performance: Including providing feedback, setting performance goals, and implementing performance improvement plans when necessary.
- Right to Protect Trade Secrets and Confidential Information from unauthorized disclosure or misuse by employees.
- Right to Defend Against Claims: Employers have the right to defend themselves against employee claims and misconduct allegations through legal representation and due process.
Why You Need a Huntington Beach Employment Lawyer
Dealing with work-related legal issues, like making an EEOC complaint or taking your employer to court for things like sexual harassment or unfair treatment, can be really tough to do by yourself. The mix of national and California state laws creates a lot of hurdles for employees trying to figure out their legal rights and what steps they need to take next.
This is where the expertise of a skilled Huntington Beach employment lawyer becomes invaluable. Feher Law offers crucial guidance and unwavering support throughout every phase of your case, ensuring you’re not alone in this challenging journey.
With strict employment regulations enforced by both California and the federal government through the EEOC, facing your employer in any dispute demands thorough preparation and strategic insight.Â
Deadlines for Orange County Employment Claims
California’s statute of limitations dictates the timeframe within which a claim must be filed to pursue legal action. For a wrongful termination in violation of public policy claim, the statute of limitations is two years from the termination under Code of Civil Procedure 335.1; FEHA discrimination, harassment, and retaliation claims must be filed with the Civil Rights Department within three years under Government Code 12960, then in court within one year of the right-to-sue notice.
However, if the claim is based on a written agreement, such as an employment contract or severance agreement, the statute of limitations extends to 4 years. These deadlines are essential to note, as failing to file a claim within the designated timeframe may result in the loss of your legal right to seek recourse for the alleged violations.
For federal claims, the EEOC requires employees to file a charge of discrimination within 300 days of the discriminatory act under 42 U.S.C. 2000e-5 in states with their own anti-discrimination laws, including California.
How Do I Know if I Can File an Employment Law Claim?
Generally, you can pursue legal action against your employer under specific circumstances:
- Discrimination and Harassment: If you’ve faced discrimination or harassment based on protected characteristics like race, gender, age, or disability, you may have grounds for a lawsuit under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).
- Retaliation: California law prohibits retaliation against employees for reporting illegal conduct or exercising their rights under employment laws. If you’ve experienced retaliation, you can sue your employer.
- Wage and Hour Violations: If your employer has violated wage and hour laws, such as failing to pay minimum wage or overtime, you may have a claim for unpaid wages or damages.
- Wrongful Termination: California recognizes various forms of wrongful termination, including retaliation for whistleblowing or violating public policy. If you’ve been wrongfully terminated, you can sue your employer.
- Unsafe Working Conditions: If your employer has maintained unsafe working conditions that have led to injury or illness, you may have a claim for damages under Cal/OSHA standards.
Before pursuing legal action, it’s vital to consult with an employment attorney in Huntington Beach to evaluate your case, understand your rights, and navigate the legal process effectively.
Evidence Needed to File a Claim Against Your Employer
When filing a claim against your employer, gathering relevant evidence to support your case is essential. This may include:
- Written records: your offer letter or contract, the handbook acknowledgment, performance reviews, and the policies the employer relied on.
- Witness Statements: Statements from co-workers or other witnesses who can corroborate your claims.
- Pay and time records: pay stubs, schedules, and timekeeping records that show hours worked, wages paid, and any shortfall.
- Reports you filed: anything you submitted to HR or a manager about discrimination, harassment, pay, or safety, with the dates.
- Medical Records: These can support your claim if you’ve suffered physical or emotional harm due to workplace conditions.
- Correspondence: emails and texts with the employer about the issue, including leave or accommodation requests and the replies.
What Our Clients Say
What to Do After an Employment Law Violation
Being let go from a job can be stressful and confusing, leaving you unsure of what to do next. However, taking the right steps immediately after being let go is imperative for your future employment prospects and legal rights.Â
Here’s a brief list of the essential actions to consider following your departure from a role:
- Review Your Termination Letter: It may contain important information regarding the reason for your termination and any rights or benefits you’re entitled to upon separation.
- Collect Documentation: Gather any relevant documents related to your employment, such as your employment contract, performance evaluations, emails, or memos.Â
- Review Company Policies: Familiarize yourself with your former employer’s policies and procedures, particularly those related to termination and severance benefits.Â
- File for Unemployment Benefits: If you qualify, this can provide temporary financial support while you seek new employment opportunities.
- Assess Legal Options: Consider speaking with our employment lawyers from Feher Law to evaluate the circumstances of your termination and determine if you have grounds for legal action.
Wondering What Compensation You Might Be Entitled To?
After taking the initial steps to address workplace discrimination or wrongful termination, it’s natural to consider the potential compensation available to you. In California, employees may be eligible for various forms of restitution, including back pay, front pay, emotional distress damages, and, in certain cases, punitive damages. These remedies aim to restore your financial stability and acknowledge the hardships endured due to unlawful employment practices.
To assist you in estimating the value of your claim, we’ve developed an EEOC settlement calculator. This tool evaluates factors such as lost wages, future earnings, legal fees, missed promotions, emotional distress, potential job reinstatement, punitive damages, and reimbursable expenses. While this calculator provides a preliminary estimate, we encourage you to reach out to Feher Law Firm for a comprehensive, personalized consultation. Our experienced attorneys are committed to helping you navigate the complexities of employment law and secure the compensation you deserve.
The calculator produces a general estimate for an Orange County employment claim and is not legal advice.
Estimate your claim
Huntington Beach employment claims are valued on lost wages, benefits, and emotional distress. Use our free wrongful termination settlement calculator to see a range based on your own numbers, then call (310) 340-1112 for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win.
What Can I Expect To Pay?
We’re committed to removing that burden from your shoulders by offering our legal services on a contingency fee basis for employment law claims. This means you won’t have to worry about any upfront costs or out-of-pocket expenses.
Our contingency fee structure is designed with your best interests in mind: our payment is contingent upon the successful resolution of your case. In other words, our fees are only collected if we successfully secure compensation for you – aligning our goals directly with yours and ensuring that we are fully invested in fighting for the justice and settlement you deserve.
Employment Law Cases We Handle in Huntington Beach
Whether you’ve faced unfair treatment, harassment, or pay issues at work, our team is here to guide you through every step of your legal journey. From tackling wrongful termination cases to fighting discrimination and beyond, we offer expert support tailored just for you in the following areas:Â
- Wrongful Termination: If you’ve been wrongfully fired from your job due to reasons such as discrimination, harassment, or reporting illegal activities, you have legal recourse. Our wrongful termination attorneys can assist you in regaining your job or recovering damages.
- Discrimination: Federal and state laws protect employees against workplace discrimination based on various factors such as race, sex, disability, and age. If you’ve experienced discrimination in the form of a hostile work environment or negative employment decisions, we can help you pursue damages and uphold your rights.
- Retaliation: If your employer has taken action against you for an action that is protected, our retaliation lawyers can step in and build your case.
- Sexual Harassment: Instances of sexual harassment, including discrimination based on sex, gender, or pregnancy, constitute a violation of workplace rights.
- Wage and Hour Claims: California’s stringent laws regarding employee payment are enforced to protect workers’ rights. Whether you’ve been improperly paid or have concerns about wage and hour issues, our team can guide you through the legal process and advocate for fair compensation.
- Whistleblower Claims: Reporting illegal activities by your employer is protected under federal and California state laws. If you face retaliation or wrongful termination for whistleblowing, we can help you recover damages and navigate the legal complexities.
- Executives and Professionals: For executives and professionals navigating legal issues, we offer tailored assistance with contracts, agreements, and strategic decision-making to safeguard their interests and career advancement.
Specific Huntington Beach Employment Issue?
For deeper information on a specific employment law issue in Huntington Beach, visit the dedicated page:
Huntington Beach Wrongful Termination Lawyer – if you were fired for an illegal reason or in retaliation for protected conduct
Huntington Beach Workplace Discrimination Lawyer – if you faced discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, or other protected characteristic
Huntington Beach Sexual Harassment Lawyer – if you experienced sexual harassment at work
Huntington Beach Retaliation Lawyer – if you were punished after reporting workplace misconduct
This page is the general hub for Huntington Beach employment law. For your specific issue, please visit the dedicated page above.
Offer Letters, Contracts, and Severance Agreements
Our Huntington Beach employment contract attorneys protect your rights in contract negotiations, reviews, and disputes, representing employees and executives throughout Huntington Beach in every aspect of employment contract matters. Employment contracts shape your career trajectory, compensation, and professional future, and when disputes arise over contract terms, non-compete clauses, or severance agreements, you need experienced legal counsel.
California’s strong public policy against employment restrictions creates powerful protections for workers, with Business and Professions Code Section 16600 voiding most non-compete agreements that restrain employees from pursuing career opportunities.
We review critical contract clauses, including compensation structures, restrictive covenants, termination provisions, severance terms, and intellectual property assignments to identify unfavorable terms and negotiate better protections.
For comprehensive guidance on employment contract review, negotiation, and breach of contract claims to secure maximum compensation when employers violate contractual obligations, our Huntington Beach employment contract attorneys provide strategic advocacy with over $170 million recovered across all practice areas, including our recent $1,400,000 settlement connected to contract violations.
Protecting Religious Freedom in Huntington Beach Workplaces
Our Huntington Beach religious discrimination lawyer defends employees whose fundamental right to practice their faith has been violated in the workplace. Religious discrimination occurs when employers treat workers unfavorably because of their religious beliefs, practices, observances, or affiliations, violating both California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and federal anti-discrimination laws designed to protect religious freedom.
Employers must provide reasonable accommodations for sincerely held religious beliefs unless doing so would impose undue hardship on business operations, including:
- Schedule flexibility for religious observances
- Dress code modifications for religious attire
- Workspace accommodations for prayer needs.
Common violations include:
- Failure to accommodate religious practices
- Hostile work environments through religious harassment
- Disparate treatment based on faith
- Retaliation against workers who request religious accommodations
Free Legal Resource
Not sure where to start? Read our  for a full breakdown of your rights, key legal terms, and when to contact a lawyer.
Other Locations We Serve
From Huntington Beach we represent workers across Orange County and the surrounding cities, including:
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Talk With an Employment Lawyer at Our Beach Boulevard Office
Don’t let employment issues linger and affect your peace of mind. Take the first step towards resolving your concerns by speaking with our Huntington Beach employment attorneys. At Feher Law, we understand the difficulties of employment law and are committed to providing you with personalized, effective legal solutions after discussing your case.
Whether you’re facing workplace disputes, contract uncertainties, or any other employment-related challenges, our experienced attorneys are here to help guide you through every step.
Notable Recent Settlements
Examples of California cases Feher Law has resolved on behalf of clients in this practice area:
- $1.4M – Wrongful Termination
- $933K – Wrongful Termination
- $750K – Wrongful Termination – Disability Discrimination
- $450K – Wrongful Termination
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is evaluated on its specific facts under California law.
Estimate your case value: try the wrongful termination settlement calculator, then talk with a Huntington Beach wrongful termination lawyer about your records.
Last reviewed by Thomas Feher, Esq. – October 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When can an Orange County employee sue an employer?
What is the timeline for an employment case handled from Huntington Beach?
Is it possible to keep my job while pursuing a claim?
How do Orange County employment claims typically end?
What kinds of workplace cases does the Huntington Beach office handle?
Do I need to resign before filing a claim from Huntington Beach?
GET A FREE CONSULTATION
Our team is standing by and ready to assist you. Consultations are completely free and confidential. We will help you determine if you have a case.
- Over $170 Million Recovered For Clients
- No Fees Unless We Win
- We Fight for Maximum Compensation
- Get The Justice You Deserve
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