Employment Law

California gives employees some of the strongest workplace protections in the country, but those rights only matter if they are enforced. The Masjedian Law Firm represents employees and executives in serious workplace disputes — confidentially, and with the case prepared to be tried if the employer will not do right by you.

Matters we handle. Wrongful termination, discrimination and harassment (including sexual harassment), retaliation and whistleblower claims, wage-and-hour disputes, unpaid commissions, leave and disability matters, and executive employment, severance, and equity issues.

The California framework. Most of these claims arise under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the California Labor Code. FEHA prohibits discrimination and harassment based on protected characteristics — race, sex, age, disability, religion, national origin, and more — and bars retaliation against employees who report or oppose unlawful conduct. Many FEHA claims require first obtaining a right-to-sue notice from the Civil Rights Department, and deadlines apply.

Before you sign a severance. Severance agreements are often presented with a short deadline and a release of all claims. Once signed, your leverage is usually gone. If you have been pushed out, terminated, or handed a severance, it is worth having the agreement and the circumstances reviewed before you sign anything.

Is California “at-will,” and can I still have a claim? Yes, employment is generally at-will — but at-will does not permit termination for an illegal reason such as discrimination, retaliation, or refusing to break the law.

Do I have to report to HR first? Reporting can strengthen a retaliation claim, but it is not always required to have a case. Document what happened and keep copies either way.