Employment law governs the complex relationships between employers and employees and covers numerous employment issues, rules, and regulations.
An employment lawyer in Sherman Oaks can play a crucial role in this process, provide expert guidance, and protect employees’ rights, helping to ensure employers treat employees fairly and legally.
But maybe you’re unsure whether you really need an employment attorney in Sherman Oaks - or you aren’t confident in how to find the right one for your case and budget. Starpoint Law is here to help you cut through the confusion and legal jargon.
With a track record of success, we’ve earned a reputation as the #1 employment law lawyer in Sherman Oaks. Get in touch for a free consultation and find out what separates us form the rest!
What Does an Employment Lawyer Do?
Employment lawyers are legal professionals specializing in federal and state workplace laws and regulations. Depending on the case, they focus on employer-employee relationships and can represent either employees or employers.
Some of the key issues an employment lawyer handles include the following:
- Discrimination and harassment—If you face discrimination or harassment at work based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, or other protected characteristics, an employment lawyer can help you understand your rights and file a claim.
- Wage and hour disputes—Employment lawyers can assist in cases involving unpaid overtime, minimum wage violations, meal and rest breaks violations, and the misclassification of workers as independent contractors.
- Wrongful termination—If you believe your employer fired you illegally, an employment lawyer can help determine if your termination was unlawful and guide you through the legal process.
- Employment contract negotiations and disputes—Employment attorneys can assist in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating employment contracts, non-compete agreements, and severance agreements or in resolving disputes arising from contract violations.
- Family and medical leave issues—An employment lawyer can help employees understand their rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and other leave-related laws.
- Workplace safety—Employment lawyers can advise on compliance with workplace safety regulations and help address concerns about hazardous working conditions.
- Arbitration and litigation—Employment lawyers can represent clients in court, arbitration, or administrative hearings related to employment disputes.
- Whistleblower protections— Employment lawyers can help protect the legal safeguards that shield individuals who report misconduct or illegal activities within an organization from retaliation or adverse consequences.
All these issues can be complex and require specialized legal knowledge and expertise. But an employment law lawyer in Sherman Oaks can help you understand your legal rights and the law and work to hold your employer accountable for their actions.
When Does an Employee Need an Employment Attorney in Sherman Oaks?
Employees may need to consult an employment lawyer in Sherman Oaks anytime they believe their workplace rights have been violated and want legal advice or representation for the next steps in resolving the issue.
Specific situations where employees commonly work with an employment attorney in Sherman Oaks include the following:
- Filing a complaint or claim related to discrimination, harassment, or retaliation;
- Resolving a wage and hour dispute or seeking unpaid overtime;
- Needing assistance with an employment contract;
- Negotiating a severance package;
- Navigating a wrongful termination claim or a dispute involving a non-compete agreement; and
- Encountering issues related to medical or family leave.
In all these situations, an employment law lawyer in Sherman Oaks can help protect your rights and navigate the legal process to achieve a fair outcome.
Just be sure to consult with an employment lawyer as soon as you suspect your employer violated your rights. Timely action helps ensure you receive appropriate remedies and protects your interests.
How Much Does an Employment Lawyer Cost?
We know the cost of hiring an employment lawyer in Sherman Oaks can be part of what holds you back from pursuing legal action, but it shouldn’t.
While costs can vary depending on the attorney’s experience, a case’s complexity, and the firm’s billing methods, you can find an employment attorney in Sherman Oaks that works on a contingency fee basis.
This means you only pay them a percentage of any settlement or award received. It’s a perfect approach if you don’t have upfront funds to pay for legal representation.
In a contingency fee case, payment typically amounts to a percentage of the settlement or award, ranging from 25% to 40% of the total recovery amount.
Some attorneys charge hourly rates, ranging from $250 to $500 per hour or more. Others charge a flat fee for specific services. This is more cost-effective for simpler matters, such as reviewing an employment contract.
Discussing and understanding an attorney’s fee structure before hiring them is essential. However, remember that cost should not be the sole determinant in choosing an attorney. Be sure to also consider experience, reputation, and communication skills.
Is There a Statute of Limitations for Sherman Oaks Employment Law Violations?
We said earlier that the sooner you consult an employment law lawyer in Sherman Oaks, the better. That’s because the clock starts ticking as soon as the offense is committed. Understanding statute of limitations for various violations is important:
- Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation (FEHA Claims–You must file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) within three years of the violation. After obtaining a Right-to-Sue notice, you have one additional year to file a lawsuit.
- Wage and Hour Violations–Claims for unpaid wages, overtime, or missed breaks must be filed within three years under the California Labor Code. If the claim is based on a written contract, the statute extends to four years.
- Wrongful Termination–Varies depending on the legal basis of the claim. If based on discrimination, it follows FEHA’s three-year limit. If based on a breach of contract, the deadline is two to four years, depending on whether the agreement was oral or written.
- Whistleblower Retaliation–Retaliation claims under California Labor Code Section 1102.5 must be filed within three years.
There are a lot of moving pieces when it comes to the statute of limitations which is why your best bet is to get in touch with an experienced employment attorney in Sherman Oaks.
The Differences Between Class Action Lawsuits and Individual Claims
There are two directions you can take when filing an employment law violation: join a class action lawsuit with your fellow coworkers or file an individual claim.
With individual claims, you get full control over your case, including settlement negotiations. Compensation is based solely on your own damages. This is probably the approach that makes the most sense for you.
But if you know your coworkers were subjected to similar offenses, it might make sense to come together as a collective against your employer with a class action lawsuit.
The case is handled as one lawsuit and leads to broader legal action against the company. You may see better outcomes since there is strength in numbers and multiple victims can demonstrate a pattern of injustice.
The downside is you’ll have to split any compensation awarded among the class members. But in the event an employer has conducted widespread wage theft, discrimination, or misclassification, this is the right approach to take as it can prevent future violations.
Challenges in Resolving Sherman Oaks Employment Law Violations
Employment disputes are rarely straightforward, and many employees feel deterred from ever exploring legal options because they’re worried about retaliation. You might be scared of:
- Sudden demotion or reassignment to a lower position.
- A hostile work environment designed to force resignation.
- Negative performance reviews to justify eventual termination
However, retaliation is illegal, and employees who experience it may have additional legal claims. That being said, there are still other hurdles like a lack of documentation.
Your case outcome will be dependent on pay records, emails, schedules, and witness testimony. If you don’t have access to these or your employer has altered them, it will be harder to make your case. Fortunately, a solid employment law lawyer in Sherman Oaks can help.
Companies often try to stall cases, hoping employees will give up. Having an employment law lawyer in Sherman Oaks will keep your case moving forward so you’re not pressured into an unfair settlement.
How Can an Employment Attorney in Sherman Oaks Help With My Claim?
Navigating an employment dispute alone can be overwhelming, and in many cases, downright impossible. With complex labor laws, employer pushback, and legal deadlines, we cannot overstate the value a skilled employment lawyer in Sherman Oaks brings to the table.
Case Evaluation and Legal Strategy
First, they’ll determine whether your rights were actually violated. From there they can recommend the best legal approach. Whether it’s filing a claim with the CRD, pursuing mediation, or taking your case to court, your lawyer will outline the best next steps.
Gathering and Presenting Evidence
Thorough evidence is the backbone of proving an employment law claim, so you’ll need:
- Pay stubs and time records to demonstrate wage violations.
- Emails and messages that show discriminatory or retaliatory behavior.
- Employment contracts to dispute wrongful termination or misclassification.
Your attorney will gather, analyze, and present this evidence on your behalf to build a compelling case against your employer. You don’t have to do any of the heavy lifting.
Negotiating with Employers
Most employment disputes are resolved through negotiations rather than trial. Employers may be willing to settle to avoid negative publicity or costly litigation.
Your employment lawyer in Sherman Oaks will handle all communications, negotiate fair compensation, and push for favorable terms that fully address your damages. They always keep your best interests in mind.
Representation in Legal Proceedings
If negotiations don’t lead to a fair resolution, your attorney will represent you in arbitration, mediation, or court. They’ll handle:
- Filing the necessary legal documents.
- Presenting your case before a judge or administrative agency.
- Advocating for maximum compensation and employer accountability.
You can’t go without a skilled Sherman Oaks employment lawyer. The only question is, how can you find an employment attorney in Sherman Oaks you can trust?
How Do I Find a Sherman Oaks Employment Attorney?
Finding a reliable and experienced employment lawyer in Sherman Oaks can be crucial to achieving the best possible case outcome. But finding an attorney you want to work with can take some effort.
If you are seeking a Sherman Oaks employment lawyer, it’s essential to do your research and choose someone with a solid reputation, relevant experience, and excellent communication skills.
Make sure they also have a concrete record of success and a commitment to providing clients with personalized attention.
To find a reputable Sherman Oaks employment attorney, consider doing the following:
- Research online—search for employment lawyers in Sherman Oaks and read their reviews, testimonials, and case results;
- Seek referrals—ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations;
- Consult the California State Bar—verify the lawyer’s license and check for any disciplinary actions or complaints against them;
- Schedule consultations—many employment lawyers offer a free initial consultation, which you can use to discuss your case and evaluate whether the attorney fits your needs.
Follow the tips mentioned above, and you should be able to find a reliable and experienced attorney who can guide you through your employment law claim.
Why Starpoint Law is the Most Trusted Employment Law Lawer in Sherman Oaks
Hiring an employment lawyer in Sherman Oaks is an important decision one should never take lightly. With many California employment lawyer options at your disposal, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, though.
The good news is your search for an employment attorney in Sherman Oaks ends here at Starpoint Law. Our mission is to provide clients with the most professional experience while dealing with their unique and complex legal needs.
We founded our firm on the core principles of empathy, integrity, commitment, and trust. We treat every case as if it’s our only one, providing clients with the personal and focused service they deserve.
Whether you need a wage and hour lawyer Sherman Oaks or disability discrimination lawyer Sherman Oaks, pregnancy discrimination lawyer Sherman Oaks, or anything in between, we’re the employment law lawyer in Sherman Oaks you can count on.
So if you are facing an employment issue, call 310-424-9971 for a free consultation and let our compassionate yet aggressive attorneys fight for you.