Landmark $115 Million Jury Award Secured for Our Client

When your employment rights are violated, you need an attorney who understands California labor law and advocates for employees. Dordick Law Corporation represents workers throughout Southern California who face wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage theft, and other workplace violations. We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

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    Why Choose Dordick Law Corporation for Your Employment Law Needs

    Dordick Law Corporation handles complex employment disputes across Southern California. We focus exclusively on representing employees, not employers. This means our entire practice centers on protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.

    We understand that employment disputes create stress and uncertainty. That’s why we provide straightforward legal guidance, honest assessments of your case, and strong representation when negotiation fails. Our team handles cases from initial consultation through trial, settlement, or appeal. We work on a contingency arrangement.

    Employment Law Issues We Handle in Southern California

    Dordick Law Corporation handles the full spectrum of employment law claims affecting Southern California workers:

    • Wrongful Termination and Retaliation — We represent employees fired in violation of public policy, in retaliation for protected activities, or without legal cause. California protects workers who report safety violations, refuse illegal conduct, serve on jury duty, take protected leave, or engage in other legally protected activities. Under California Labor Code § 1102-1103 (whistleblower protections), § 230 (jury duty), § 246 (voting), and § 1101 (political activities), employers cannot terminate employees for these protected actions. Our wrongful termination lawyers pursue full compensation for terminated workers.
    • Workplace Discrimination — Employers cannot discriminate based on age, disability, race, color, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics. This applies under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. We pursue discrimination claims involving hiring, promotion, compensation, work assignments, discipline, and termination decisions tainted by bias.
    • Sexual Harassment and Hostile Work Environment — California law prohibits sexual harassment and requires employers to maintain workplaces free from harassment based on protected characteristics. Under FEHA and Title VII, we hold employers accountable for failing to prevent or address harassment that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment. Sexual harassment victims deserve compensation for their injuries.
    • Wage and Hour Violations — Many employers misclassify workers, fail to pay overtime, deny meal and rest breaks, or withhold earned wages. We recover unpaid compensation plus applicable penalties and interest under California Labor Code § 1194 and related provisions. Our wage and hour lawyers fight for workers’ rights to fair compensation.

    Understanding Your Rights Under California Employment Law

    California provides comprehensive employee protections through state and federal law. State law prohibits discrimination and harassment, requires meal and rest breaks, mandates overtime pay, protects whistleblowers, and shields workers who take protected leave. Federal law adds additional protections through Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and other statutes.

    Employment disputes often involve complex legal questions about what conduct violates the law, what damages apply, and what evidence proves your claim. An experienced employment lawyer evaluates your situation against applicable law, identifies violations, and develops a strategy to maximize your recovery.

    Statute of limitations rules create strict deadlines for filing claims. Most employment discrimination claims must be filed with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) within three years of the alleged violation. After receiving a right-to-sue notice from the DFEH, you have one year to file a civil lawsuit in court. Wage and hour claims generally have a three-year statute of limitations. Wrongful termination claims typically have a four-year deadline. Missing these deadlines can eliminate your right to recover. We ensure your claim is filed timely and properly.

    Southern California’s diverse economy and large workforce create unique employment law issues. We understand local employment practices, regional employers, and how Southern California courts handle employment disputes. This local knowledge strengthens your case.

    The Employment Law Process: What to Expect

    Dordick Law Corporation guides you through each stage of your employment claim:

    • Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation — We meet with you to understand what happened, review relevant documents, and assess your legal claims. We explain your rights, potential remedies, and realistic outcomes. This consultation is free and confidential.
    • Investigation and Evidence Gathering — We investigate your claim by reviewing employment records, communications, personnel files, and witness statements. We may file administrative complaints with the DFEH or Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to preserve evidence and create an administrative record. We also investigate workplace accidents that may involve employment law claims.
    • Settlement Negotiation — Many cases resolve through negotiation. We present your claim to the employer or their insurance carrier, demand appropriate compensation, and negotiate on your behalf.
    • Litigation Preparation and Trial — If settlement fails, we prepare your case for trial. This includes discovery, expert reports, witness preparation, and courtroom advocacy. We litigate cases through trial and appeal when necessary.

    Most employment cases resolve within 12-24 months, though complex litigation may take longer.

    Types of Damages Available in Employment Cases

    California law provides multiple forms of compensation for employment violations:

    • Back Pay and Lost Wages — You recover all wages lost from the date of violation through settlement or judgment, plus interest calculated under applicable law.
    • Front Pay — When reinstatement is impractical, courts award front pay representing future lost earnings through the date of trial or settlement.
    • Emotional Distress Damages — Employment violations cause real harm. You may recover compensation for anxiety, depression, humiliation, and other emotional injuries when supported by evidence.
    • Punitive Damages — When an employer acts with malice or oppression, punitive damages punish the conduct and deter similar violations by others. California Civil Code § 3294 permits punitive damages in appropriate cases.
    • Attorney Fees and Costs — Many employment statutes allow prevailing employees to recover attorney fees and litigation costs from employers, including FEHA claims and certain wage and hour violations.

    We pursue all available damages to maximize your recovery. Our knowledge of employment cases helps us accurately value claims and negotiate or litigate for full compensation. Check out our case results to see the compensation we’ve recovered for employment law clients.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Employment Law in Southern California

    What should I do if I've been wrongfully terminated?

    Document everything related to your termination. Save emails, text messages, performance reviews, and any communications about your firing. Write down details about what happened, including dates, times, and witnesses. Contact an employment lawyer promptly—most claims have strict filing deadlines. Do not sign any severance agreement or release without legal review. An attorney can evaluate whether your termination violated the law and what compensation you may recover.

    How long do I have to file an employment law claim in California?

    Deadlines vary by claim type. Most employment discrimination claims must be filed with the DFEH within three years of the alleged violation. After receiving a right-to-sue notice from the DFEH, you have one year to file a civil lawsuit in court. Wage and hour claims generally have a three-year statute of limitations under California Labor Code § 1194. Wrongful termination claims typically have a four-year deadline. Missing these deadlines eliminates your right to recover. Contact an attorney immediately to ensure your claim is filed timely.

    Can I sue my employer for workplace discrimination?

    Yes. California law prohibits discrimination based on protected characteristics, including age, disability, race, color, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, and gender identity, under the Fair Employment and Housing Act. Discrimination can occur in hiring, promotion, compensation, work assignments, discipline, or termination. You can file a complaint with the DFEH or pursue a civil lawsuit. An employment lawyer can evaluate your situation and explain your legal options.

    What is the difference between employment law and labor law?

    Employment law addresses individual employee rights, including discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and wage disputes. Labor law typically addresses collective worker right,s including union representation, collective bargaining, and workplace safety. Many employment disputes involve both employment and labor law issues. An experienced attorney can identify all applicable legal theories and maximize your recovery.

    How much does it cost to hire an employment lawyer?

    Dordick Law Corporation works on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront fees, no hourly charges, and no costs unless we recover compensation for you. If we win your case through settlement or judgment, we receive a percentage of your recovery as our fee. This arrangement aligns our interests with yours—we only profit when you recover money.

    What types of compensation can I recover in an employment case?

    You may recover back pay and lost wages, emotional distress damages, punitive damages when appropriate, and attorney fees and costs. The specific damages available depend on your claim type and the facts of your case. We evaluate all potential damages and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.

    Contact Dordick Law Corporation for Your Free Consultation

    If you believe your employment rights have been violated, contact Dordick Law Corporation today. We offer free, confidential consultations to evaluate your claim and explain your options. We represent clients on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Call us at (310) 551-0949 or complete our online contact form to schedule your consultation. We are available to discuss your employment law claim.

    Last Updated: December 4, 2025
    Testimonials
    I want to sincerely thank my attorney, Terry, and the entire team at Dordick Law for their incredible support and dedication. Although my case wasn’t a large one and the settlement was modest, they treated it with the same care and commitment as any major case. Terry’s time, effort, and compassion meant the world to me during a very challenging time. I’m especially grateful to my friend Jannette Cerda for referring me to Dordick Law and for being there every step of the way as my case manager. Her guidance and support made such a difference throughout the process. I’d also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Araceli Alvarez and Brittney Rodriguez, the legal assistants on my case, for their professionalism, kindness, and constant communication. Their attention to detail and willingness to help at every step did not go unnoticed. Thank you again to Terry, Mr. Dordick, Jannette, Araceli, Brittney, and the entire Dordick Law team for everything. Your work makes a real difference, and I’m so thankful for all you’ve done.
    — Nicole D.
    Terry Cole is an excellent attorney, and I greatly appreciated his advocacy, advice, and expertise throughout a difficult time in my life. I highly recommend Dordick Law.
    — Eugene C.
    Gary Dordick and his entire team are fantastic trial attorneys. They fight for their clients and change lives one case at a time.
    — Evynne F.
    After sustaining several injuries resulting in surgical procedures and ongoing pain from a commercial vehicle dragging my car, I am grateful I was referred to Dordick Law Firm. My first meeting with Dorick Law was with the founder of the firm, Gary Dordick. My initial and lasting impression of Gary Dordick was that he listened, genuinely cared about what I had endured since my accident, and wanted to help me. My case was assigned to Attorney Nicholas Myers and an outstanding team that worked not only to secure a settlement for my case but to ensure I received the medical treatment I needed to improve the quality of my life. Nicholas was responsive, compassionate, and determined to end my case with a settlement to support my long-term needs due to the injuries I had sustained. Nicolas Myers, Maricruz, Ali, Cristina, and the entire team at Dordick Law are indeed the voice and advocate for their client. A sincere thank you to each of you.
    — Bonnie T.
    The Dordick Law team settled an injury case for us over the course of 3.5 years. They worked hard for us and really cared about making the process as painless as possible, honoring the sensitivity of our injuries. They succeeded in getting us a fair settlement WITHOUT having to go to trial. We will always be thankful to them and their large team. Cant recommend them enough!
    — Andrea F.
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    Dordick Law Corporation is committed to answering your questions about Motorcycle Collisions, Car/Truck Accidents, Wrongful Termination, Dog Bites, Sexual Harassment/Rape, Construction Injuries, Product Defects, Medical Malpractice, Trip/Slip and Fall, Food Poisoning, Negligent Security, Chemical Exposure, Birth Injuries, and Pedestrian Accidents legal issues in California.

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