At the Leichter Law Firm, APC, the Los Angeles employment law attorney, Aryeh Leichter, knows that when a California employee pursues a legal claim against their employer for workplace discrimination, the fear of the unknown can be overwhelming.
Workplace Discrimination is the unfair or biased treatment of a protected classification or group based on their specific characteristics and can occur at any stage of employment through eventual termination.
When an employee partners with the Leichter Law Firm, APC to pursue their employer for workplace discrimination, one of the first questions is what happens next. The reality is that the legal process can seem daunting if the employee does not know what to expect. This can lead to endless stress and anxiety about facing their employer inside the courtroom.
When taking these cases, the attorney must outline the legal process, so the client understands how their case will unfold so that they can make informed decisions about the direction of their claims.
Although all California workplace discrimination cases are unique, here is a general overview of how the complaint process works.
California Employees Can File a Workplace Discrimination Complaint in One of Two Ways
In employment discrimination cases, employees may file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) directly or must obtain from CRD a Right-to-Sue notice before filing their lawsuit in court.
To pursue a complaint with CRD, you will need to gather:
- The specific facts and any records about the incident(s), including the name and contact information of the person or entity you believe harmed you (if known).
- Copies of any documents or other evidence related to your complaint.
- The names and contact information of any witnesses (if known).
Once you have the information, file an intake form in one of three ways:
- Online by creating an account using the interactive Cal Civil Rights System (CCRS).
- By mail using a printable intake form.
- By phone.
CRD will evaluate the allegations in the intake form and decide whether the laws it enforces cover the allegations. In most cases, valid discrimination complaints are settled by the CRD using alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation. This means most California workplace discrimination cases through the agency typically will not make it to a courtroom.
Can I Hire a California Workplace Discrimination Attorney Instead?
If you prefer not to use the CRD investigation process and instead file your lawsuit, you can obtain an immediate Right-To-Sue notice.
Once the notice is obtained, the Leichter Law Firm, APC founder and employment law attorney in Los Angeles County, Aryeh Leichter, will manage each detail of your case, and like the CRD, will attempt to resolve your matter outside the courtroom.
However, if your employer is unwilling to negotiate a fair settlement, the Leichter Law Firm, APC, remains trial ready, so they know your attorney is willing to fight for your rights each step of the way. Call 818-915-6624 or contact the firm online to schedule a free case evaluation today.