LOS ANGELES WORKPLACE RACE DISCRIMINATION ATTORNEYS

Los Angeles Workplace Race Discrimination Attorneys

Clients Owe Us Nothing Until We Win

Have you faced injustice at the workplace simply due to how you look or the color of your skin? Here at King & Siegel LLP, our Los Angeles race discrimination lawyers are determined to offer all of our clients the attention and aggressive support they deserve when fighting against racial discrimination at their jobs.

When you hire us, you are hiring an exceptional law team with the following background, skills, and qualifications:

• Experience with winning multi-million dollar verdicts in high-stakes litigation,
• Law degrees from top-five law schools,
• Training from the best and biggest litigation firms in the nation,
• Skill at providing personalized legal services catered to each client’s unique needs, and
• Experience with aggressively handling employers that break the law.

Your safety and well-being are our top priority. We can protect you through any employment-related dispute, investigation, negotiation, or litigation.

According to federal and California laws, particularly the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the Fair Employment and Housing Act, no employer is allowed to make prejudiced decisions against employees or job applicants based on race or ethnicity. Also, section 51.03 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code forbids private sector employers in the city from discriminating against employees based on their race, ethnicity, or color. If you think your employer has discriminated against you, speaking to one of our ethnic discrimination lawyers can help. A racial discrimination attorney from our firm can help you identify and protect your rights under state, federal, and local laws. This includes decisions in hiring, promotion, benefits, salary and wages, or termination.

Prohibited discrimination law also bans any discrimination, behavior, or negative attitudes that are based on stereotypical assumptions about a person’s abilities, talents, traits, or nature, simply on account of their race, ancestry, culture, language, birthplace, or even their names that come with certain national associations. Critically, the law allows for claims even where there is no discriminatory intent, but an employer’s actions result in a disparate (i.e., unequal) treatment of groups of employees who are of a different race or ethnicity.

Reach out to us for powerful protection against such discrimination or if your employee rights have been violated in another manner.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
I don't have words to thank you the king and Siegel team worked so hard on my case during the pandemic and I am so grateful and proud of my outcome with them. They are reasonable and reliable. Those you can trust .. everytime I had a question they would answer it I recommend them 100 percent.. am so thankful for the team .. my worries and stress are over .. a huge weight over my shoulder was lifted and was able to help my family during this hard time thank you so much king and Siegel team..
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Vanessa Ponce 
 
March 8, 2022
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
I was really nervous about hiring a lawyer but Julian and everyone in her office made the process as stress-free as it could be. She is kind, reassuring and confident and that helps make the process feel less scary. she also knows what kinds of outcomes are reasonable and will explain in detail why, and has a plan to get there. I cannot recommend her more highly.
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Ines Martinez 
 
March 8, 2022
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
I had the pleasure of being represented by this wonderful office and their attorneys! They were very quick about answering any questions and most times explained things so well that my questions were answered before I got the chance to ask them. I had an amazing experience, everyone is kind and very attentive to your wants and needs. A case can be very stressful and they did a great job at keeping me sane and comfortable through the entire process. I recommend them 100%.
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Adrianna Sells 
 
October 25, 2021
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
This in an incredibly professional and responsive firm. There was an ease about getting initial information, scheduling, and working with their talented team. While I found it to be true of everyone that I encountered here, it was Julian Burns King that really went above and beyond. Her expertise, experience, and knowledge of employment law and its many facets coupled with her empathy and compassion for her clients, is truly one of a kind. I would absolutely recommend King & Siegel to anyone in need of legal advice or representation.
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Jeri Mares 
 
October 12, 2021
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
Everyone at this firm was so helpful, supportive, and nice. The settlement I got changed my life and working with them was as good as a lawsuit could possibly be. I am so glad I found them for my wrongful termination suit.
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Evelyn A 
 
September 25, 2021
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
I’m glad I trusted the team of King & Seigel to handle my case they are the definition of professionalism. They were honest and very upfront with the process and kept me informed every step of the way not to mention I’m more than happy with the results. Thank you again to the team of King and Seigel.
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Ramon Rodriguez 
 
December 9, 2020
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
Julian & Elliot are very good lawyers and I am glad I trusted them with my case. When I hired attorneys, I didn't know what to look for, but I am glad I found them. They were always attentive to my case and I never felt lost even though I did not have any prior experience with litigation. Ultimately, they got a result I was happy with and I am so glad I had them to help me put this experience behind me. You would be lucky to have them in your corner.
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Ryan J 
 
August 5, 2020
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
I would like to thank this amazing duo and their staff for taking care of my friend and I. They were patient and polite, very prompt, and always professional! Thank you all so much! 💜
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Yanni Boo 
 
July 15, 2020
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
   
 
 

Signs of Race Discrimination at Work

The federal government reports that in 2022, it received 1030 charges of workplace racial discrimination in California. So, how do you know if your case warrants a complaint? Often, when people have been unfairly treated at their jobs on account of their race, the color of their skin or complexion, their hair color or texture, or any other physical feature, there are multiple ways that prejudice against them (or favoritism toward others) is manifested. People do not always resort to committing outright harassment, though any examples of racial slurs, derogatory comments and statements, cruel or offensive jokes, and racially prejudiced images or symbols also clearly count as discrimination. If any type of overt discrimination occurs, you must report the unlawful behavior, and also be on the lookout for more subtle prejudice.

Some of the less initially obvious examples of racial discrimination could include:

• A demotion, lay-off, or outright termination;
• A refusal to hire someone;
• Denying or decreasing a person’s benefits, salary or wages, number of job assignments, promotion opportunities, or cases for additional training;
• Direct threats or generally unpleasant behavior that eventually forces someone to quit; or
• Refusing to provide similar accommodation or treatment for someone of a different race or ethnicity.

While these biased and unlawful tactics might be understated, they are typically no less illegal than an employer yelling a slur at someone or blatantly stating that it does not want individuals of a particular race on its premises. 

Seeking Damages in the State of California

According to the crucial Civil Rights Act of 1991 and the Fair Employment and Housing Act, employees are entitled to justice and recompense for what they have suffered in the workplace. Of course, there is no way to ever erase the emotional pain, mental suffering, and anguish caused by losing benefits, wages, or even your entire job to your employer’s discriminatory behavior. However, it is significant that you can at least recover your financial losses, receive compensation for your emotional distress, and obtain payment for your future monetary needs, which are being incurred specifically because of your employer’s violation of the law. These damages can be multiplied in instances where we can prove purposeful malice or oppression. Moreover, if an employer’s practices primarily affect some racial groups significantly more than others, workers are even more likely to receive relief for their losses.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
I don't have words to thank you the king and Siegel team worked so hard on my case during the pandemic and I am so grateful and proud of my outcome with them. They are reasonable and reliable. Those you can trust .. everytime I had a question they would answer it I recommend them 100 percent.. am so thankful for the team .. my worries and stress are over .. a huge weight over my shoulder was lifted and was able to help my family during this hard time thank you so much king and Siegel team..
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Vanessa Ponce 
 
March 8, 2022
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
I was really nervous about hiring a lawyer but Julian and everyone in her office made the process as stress-free as it could be. She is kind, reassuring and confident and that helps make the process feel less scary. she also knows what kinds of outcomes are reasonable and will explain in detail why, and has a plan to get there. I cannot recommend her more highly.
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Ines Martinez 
 
March 8, 2022
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
I had the pleasure of being represented by this wonderful office and their attorneys! They were very quick about answering any questions and most times explained things so well that my questions were answered before I got the chance to ask them. I had an amazing experience, everyone is kind and very attentive to your wants and needs. A case can be very stressful and they did a great job at keeping me sane and comfortable through the entire process. I recommend them 100%.
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Adrianna Sells 
 
October 25, 2021
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
This in an incredibly professional and responsive firm. There was an ease about getting initial information, scheduling, and working with their talented team. While I found it to be true of everyone that I encountered here, it was Julian Burns King that really went above and beyond. Her expertise, experience, and knowledge of employment law and its many facets coupled with her empathy and compassion for her clients, is truly one of a kind. I would absolutely recommend King & Siegel to anyone in need of legal advice or representation.
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Jeri Mares 
 
October 12, 2021
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
Everyone at this firm was so helpful, supportive, and nice. The settlement I got changed my life and working with them was as good as a lawsuit could possibly be. I am so glad I found them for my wrongful termination suit.
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Evelyn A 
 
September 25, 2021
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
I’m glad I trusted the team of King & Seigel to handle my case they are the definition of professionalism. They were honest and very upfront with the process and kept me informed every step of the way not to mention I’m more than happy with the results. Thank you again to the team of King and Seigel.
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Ramon Rodriguez 
 
December 9, 2020
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
Julian & Elliot are very good lawyers and I am glad I trusted them with my case. When I hired attorneys, I didn't know what to look for, but I am glad I found them. They were always attentive to my case and I never felt lost even though I did not have any prior experience with litigation. Ultimately, they got a result I was happy with and I am so glad I had them to help me put this experience behind me. You would be lucky to have them in your corner.
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Ryan J 
 
August 5, 2020
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
I would like to thank this amazing duo and their staff for taking care of my friend and I. They were patient and polite, very prompt, and always professional! Thank you all so much! 💜
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Yanni Boo 
 
July 15, 2020
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
   
 
 

If you believe you are being discriminated against in the workplace because of your race, King & Siegel LLP welcomes you to call our legal team today at (213) 465-4802 for a free review of your case.

Filing a Racial Discrimination Complaint

If you suffer ethnic discrimination, national origin discrimination, or racial discrimination in the workplace, you have three options for obtaining justice: 

• File a charge with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC);
• File a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) also called the California Civil Rights Department); or
• File a civil lawsuit.

With each type of complaint, you can receive financial damages and injunctive orders. 

Filing an EEOC Charge

Through the EEOC, the government enforces federal anti-discrimination laws against unscrupulous employers. To take advantage of this type of federal protection, you have to file a “charge of discrimination” with the EEOC. This can be done through the EEOC’s online public portal, in person at an EEOC office, by calling 1-800-669-4000, or by mail. 

Complaints made to the EEOC should include the following:

• Your contact information;
• A description of the discrimination you suffered;
• A description of the damages you incurred; and
• The signature of you or your lawyer.

Filing a discrimination charge has multiple steps. Before you can formally file your charge, you have to complete an online inquiry and interview with the EEOC. After completing the preliminary steps, you can file your charge online, and the EEOC can then investigate and resolve your complaint. Each claim is different, but it may take multiple months for the EEOC to reach a resolution in your case.

Filing a DFEH Complaint

The State of California can hold your employer accountable for discriminatory practices if you file a complaint with the DFEH. You can file your complaint online, or you can mail in completed intake forms. Filing your complaint online might be the simplest option for you, and it begins with creating an account through the California Civil Rights System and submitting an intake form. If you want the DFEH to investigate and help resolve your complaint, you need to provide the following information:

• Facts and records regarding the discriminatory incident;
• Copies of your evidence; and
• Names and contact information of witnesses. 

The DFEH prepares complaint forms for you to sign if it believes your employer violated state anti-discrimination laws. Once you sign and return the DFEH complaint forms, the state agency delivers the complaint to your employer. The DFEH can then begin the investigation and resolution process. An investigation and resolution of your case could take several months and could include interviews, mediation sessions, and requests for documentation.

Filing a Lawsuit

Some wronged employees obtain justice through the court system. However, an employee cannot file a discrimination lawsuit until they receive a right-to-sue notice from the EEOC or DFEH. 

As you can see, navigating employment complaints is often complicated and emotionally draining. It is best to hire an experienced attorney immediately to advocate for you and preserve your rights. 

Proving Racial Discrimination

In general, there are three types of evidence of racial discrimination in the workplace:

• Direct evidence,
• Comparative evidence, and 
• Statistical evidence.

The type of proof that you provide for any one of these evidence categories can be the same.

Evidence that proves your employer’s discriminatory motivations can include:

• Employer handbooks and policies,
• Emails,
• Personnel records,
• Employer correspondence,
• Paychecks,
• Disciplinary records,
• Records showing a history of discrimination complaints against your employer,
• Witness accounts,
• Employee grievance documents, and
• Personal notes about discriminatory moments.

While your personal notes might not be admissible in hearings, they can be a great way to jog your memory. The better your memory about discriminatory moments, the more credible an investigator or judge might find your testimony about your employer’s discrimination.

Direct Evidence

Direct evidence of discrimination typically means proof that your employer or its agents explicitly said that it is treating you differently because of your race. A lot of racial discrimination is more covert in these times, but some employers still make outright statements about their biases in the open or behind closed doors. Stay alert to what your coworkers say around you, and pay close attention to thinly veiled racial statements in employer correspondence.

Comparative Evidence

Comparative evidence is proof that your employer enforces rules and provides benefits differently based on employees’ races. For instance, you might notice that neither you nor other employees of the same racial background have been promoted in years- despite your qualifications. You might also notice that your employer frequently promotes less experienced employees of other races. Witness accounts and personnel records that show this disparity can be your proof of racial discrimination.

Statistical Evidence

Statistical evidence can be proof that an employer’s practices or policies have had a different impact on employees along racial lines. For example, a seemingly non-biased shaving policy regarding facial hair might be racially discriminatory if, statistically, one racial group of people has more severe physical reactions to shaving compared to others.

Do not panic if you don’t initially have access to every piece of evidence that can prove your case. During their investigations, the EEOC and DFEH often request to review records you can’t normally access. Also, an experienced attorney can use litigation tools such as interrogatories to compel employers to hand over important documents. 

Filing Deadlines

You have 180 days to file a complaint with the EEOC,  but you have only 45 days to initiate your claim if you are a federal employee. And you have three years to file a DFEH complaint in California.  If you choose to file a lawsuit instead, you must file a state lawsuit within one year of receiving your DFEH right-to-sue notice, and you must file your federal lawsuit within 90 days of receiving your EEOC notice of right-to-sue. 

TYPES OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION IN THE WORKPLACE

An employer can enforce its unlawful biases in the workplace in many ways. The two main types of discrimination are disparate treatment discrimination and disparate impact discrimination. 

DISPARATE TREATMENT DISCRIMINATION

Disparate treatment discrimination means you were treated differently because of your race, ethnicity, or other protected characteristic. The evidence of disparate treatment may be direct or circumstantial. Perhaps your supervisor made explicit comments about your race. However, more subtle forms of disparate treatment are also illegal. For example, maybe your supervisor allows your colleagues of a different race to clock in late each day, but when you clock in late once, you are immediately fired. This is a situation where one could infer that you were treated differently because of your race, particularly if there are other examples of disparate treatment that bolster this conclusion.   

DISPARATE IMPACT DISCRIMINATION

Disparate impact discrimination occurs when an employer’s policies or behaviors are “neutral” on the surface but disproportionately affect one racial group compared to others. For instance, if your employer prefers to recruit applicants from a particular school that lacks diversity, it may be committing disparate impact discrimination because the preference makes it harder for individuals from other racial groups to obtain positions with your employer. You might need to present indirect or statistical evidence in a hearing or trial to prove this type of discrimination.  

HOW CAN A RACE DISCRIMINATION LAWYER IN LOS ANGELES HELP ME?

Hiring an experienced race discrimination attorney can be vital to the success of your case for multiple reasons. Your attorney can do the following to help ensure that you receive the relief you deserve: 

• Pinpoint the type of discrimination you have endured and what kind of evidence you will need to win your case,
• Use legal tactics to obtain all the evidence that you need for your case,
• Take on the stressful work of confronting an employer who has mistreated you while you take time to heal, 
• Negotiate favorable settlement terms that keep your rights intact and prevent you from spending unnecessary time and money in court,
• Educate you about your rights to prevent current and future employers from taking advantage of you, and 
• Guide you through the complaint process so that you have a solid sense of confidence and comfort in your fight for justice. 

Standing up for yourself in a discriminatory employment relationship is hard work. You have already taken that challenging step, and our attorneys can take you the rest of the way so that you receive the compensation and legal remedies you deserve.

Challenging Injustice

Your race shouldn’t affect your career. If racial bias is impacting your work, you can count on King & Siegel LLP to stand up for you. Reach out today for a free case review.

Our experienced legal team also handles other types of discrimination cases, including:

• Age Discrimination,
• Disability Discrimination,
• Gender Discrimination,
• Parental Status Discrimination,
• Pregnancy Discrimination,
• Religious Discrimination, and
• Sexual Orientation Discrimination.

Frequently Asked Questions