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Workplace Retaliation Lawyers in Los Angeles
Employers who punish workers for reporting illegal activity, filing complaints, or exercising their legal rights are breaking the law. Our retaliation attorneys fight to protect employees who have the courage to speak up and hold employers accountable.
Schedule a free consultation today to discuss your retaliation case with a trusted Los Angeles attorney who will stand up for your rights.
What Is Workplace Retaliation?
Workplace retaliation occurs when an employer takes adverse action against an employee for engaging in legally protected activity — such as reporting violations, filing complaints, participating in investigations, or exercising rights under California employment law. Retaliation is illegal under both FEHA and numerous other California and federal statutes.
Protected activities that cannot trigger retaliation include reporting workplace safety violations to Cal/OSHA, filing discrimination or harassment complaints, participating in wage-and-hour investigations, taking protected leave under FMLA or CFRA, reporting illegal business practices (whistleblowing), and cooperating with government investigations.
Retaliatory actions can take many forms beyond termination — including demotion, pay reduction, unfavorable schedule changes, transfer to a less desirable position, increased scrutiny, exclusion from meetings or projects, negative performance reviews, and creating a hostile work environment designed to force the employee to quit.
At Novian & Novian, our retaliation attorneys understand the complex legal frameworks that protect employees who speak up. We build strong cases documenting the connection between your protected activity and the adverse action, and we fight to recover full compensation and hold employers accountable.
How Can a Retaliation Lawyer Help?
A retaliation lawyer helps employees prove the critical connection between their protected activity and the employer’s adverse action — the key element in any retaliation claim. Employers rarely admit to retaliating, making these cases heavily dependent on circumstantial evidence and timeline analysis.
Our retaliation attorneys at Novian & Novian analyze the timeline of events, gather documentary evidence (emails, performance reviews, policy changes), interview witnesses, and build a compelling narrative demonstrating that your employer’s adverse action was motivated by your protected activity. We file complaints with relevant agencies and litigate aggressively.
If you have suffered retaliation for exercising your legal rights, contact Novian & Novian for a free consultation. Our Los Angeles retaliation lawyers will evaluate your case and fight to protect you.
What Our Clients Say
“I reported wage theft to the DLSE and was promptly demoted. Novian & Novian proved the retaliation was textbook and secured a settlement that included back pay and damages. They were fearless advocates.”
— Former Client, Los Angeles
“After filing an HR complaint about sexual harassment, my manager made my work life unbearable. Novian & Novian documented everything and held my employer accountable for retaliating against me.”
— Former Client, Woodland Hills
“Novian & Novian gave me the courage to pursue my retaliation claim. They were thorough, professional, and truly cared about getting justice. I cannot thank them enough.”
— Former Client, Long Beach
Why Should You Choose Novian & Novian for Your Retaliation Case?
Novian & Novian has represented employees facing retaliation across California for over 35 years. We have handled cases involving retaliation for whistleblowing, discrimination complaints, wage claims, safety reports, and leave requests.
We believe that employees who speak up against illegal conduct deserve protection, not punishment. Our attorneys fight to vindicate your rights and send a clear message to employers that retaliation will not be tolerated.
Proven Track Record Against Retaliating Employers
We have secured significant settlements and verdicts in retaliation cases across every protected activity category. Our results demonstrate our ability to hold employers accountable.
Expert Timeline and Evidence Analysis
Retaliation cases depend on proving the connection between your protected activity and the adverse action. Our attorneys are skilled at building compelling timelines and evidentiary records.
Knowledge of All Anti-Retaliation Statutes
California has dozens of anti-retaliation provisions across FEHA, the Labor Code, the Health and Safety Code, and other statutes. We identify every applicable protection to strengthen your case.
No Fees Unless We Win
We handle retaliation cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Supportive Advocacy for Courageous Employees
Speaking up takes courage. We stand behind employees who do the right thing and fight to ensure they are made whole.
FAQs
Below are answers to some of the most common questions:
What Counts as Protected Activity Under California Law?
Protected activities include filing or threatening to file a complaint about workplace violations, reporting safety hazards, participating in investigations, refusing to engage in illegal conduct, requesting reasonable accommodations, taking protected leave, and discussing wages or working conditions with coworkers.
How Do I Prove Retaliation?
You must show that you engaged in a protected activity, your employer took an adverse action against you, and there is a causal connection between the two. Evidence can include the timing of events, changes in how you were treated, inconsistent employer explanations, and witness testimony.
What Compensation Can I Recover for Retaliation?
You may recover back pay, front pay, lost benefits, emotional distress damages, punitive damages, attorney fees, and in some cases reinstatement to your former position. Many anti-retaliation statutes provide for enhanced damages.
Can I File a Retaliation Claim If I Was Not Fired?
Yes. Retaliation includes any adverse employment action — not just termination. Demotion, pay cuts, schedule changes, transfer, increased scrutiny, and hostile treatment all qualify as retaliatory actions if motivated by your protected activity.
How Long Do I Have to File a Retaliation Claim?
Deadlines vary depending on the statute. FEHA retaliation claims require filing with the CRD within three years. Labor Code retaliation claims may have shorter deadlines. Contact an attorney promptly to protect your rights.
Will Filing a Retaliation Claim Hurt My Career?
It is illegal for employers to retaliate against you for filing a retaliation claim. Additionally, many cases settle confidentially. Our attorneys can advise you on the best approach to protect both your rights and your professional reputation.
Punished for Speaking Up? We Protect Your Rights.
Our Los Angeles retaliation attorneys fight for employees who face consequences for exercising their legal rights. Contact Novian & Novian for a free consultation today.
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