Top-Rated Los Angeles Employment Discrimination Attorney

Employment Discrimination in Los Angeles: Protecting Your Career and Your Rights 

Los Angeles is one of the most diverse cities in the country — a place where professionals of all backgrounds come to build their careers. But even here, workplace discrimination remains a serious issue. 

At Ottinger Employment Lawyers, we’ve been representing employees in Los Angeles for nearly 25 years. We help professionals stand up to unlawful treatment and hold employers accountable when they cross the line. 

What Is Employment Discrimination? 

Employment discrimination occurs when someone is fired, not hired, demoted, or denied workplace benefits because of a protected characteristic. These characteristics — often called “immutable” — are things you’re born with or that are core to who you are. Under California law, they include: 

• Race or ethnicity  
• Gender or gender identity 
• Sexual orientation 
• National origin 
• Religion
• Age 
• Disability 
• Pregnancy 
• Medical conditions (such as cancer or HIV)

Discrimination doesn’t always come in the form of obvious insults or outright bias. It can be subtle — like being passed over for a promotion, excluded from projects, or receiving unjustified negative reviews — all while colleagues with similar qualifications are treated differently. 

California’s Strong Legal Protections 

California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) offers some of the most powerful workplace protections in the country. It applies to most employers in the state (those with five or more employees) and goes beyond federal law in many respects. 

For professionals working in Los Angeles, this means robust legal rights — and real consequences for employers who violate them. 

Common Examples of Workplace Discrimination 

Discrimination can take many forms, including: 

• Being passed over for promotions you’re qualified for 
   

• Being demoted or removed from key responsibilities 
   

• Receiving negative performance reviews without merit 
   

• Being fired while others with similar performance stay employed 
   

• Being treated differently after disclosing a pregnancy, illness, or disability 
   

Sometimes the issue is isolated. Other times, it’s part of a broader pattern of unfair treatment. Either way, if you suspect your career has been affected by bias or discrimination, it’s worth taking a closer look. 

How Employment Discrimination Cases Work 

If you’re thinking about taking legal action, it helps to understand what’s involved. 

To succeed in a discrimination case, you’ll need to show: 

• You were qualified for your job or position 
   

• You were treated unfairly compared to others 
   

• That unfair treatment was tied to a protected characteristic (like race, gender, age, etc.) 
   

You may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, or damage to your reputation. In some cases, legal action can also lead to changes in workplace policies or even reinstatement. 

Before you can sue, you’ll need to file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) or the EEOC. These agencies handle initial investigations and can issue a “right to sue” letter if appropriate. It’s important to act quickly — the deadline for filing can come up fast. 

What’s a Case Like This Worth? 

The value of a discrimination case depends on the facts. Some professionals recover six or even seven figures in damages, while others may secure reinstatement or a settlement that helps them move forward. Common forms of compensation include: 

• Back pay and lost earnings 
   

• Compensation for emotional distress 
   

• Legal fees 
   

• Punitive damages (in rare cases) 
   

Fired, Demoted, or Passed Over? We Can Help. 

If you’ve been mistreated at work because of who you are, you don’t have to stay silent — and you don’t have to face it alone. 

For nearly 25 years, Ottinger Employment Lawyers has been helping professionals in Los Angeles challenge workplace discrimination and rebuild their careers with dignity. We bring a deep knowledge of California law, a strong record of results, and a personal commitment to every client we represent. 

Contact us today for a confidential consultation. We’ll help you understand your options — and take action if your rights have been violated. 

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