Los Angeles Racial Discrimination Attorneys

Aggressively Advocating for Victims of Racial Discrimination

Racial discrimination can lead to significant emotional and economic harm for employees of color. Whether you were penalized for a natural hairstyle, retaliated against after reporting racial slurs, or held to stricter standards than white coworkers, you deserve justice and compensation for lost income and other losses.

At JCL Law Firm, APC, we are committed to holding employers accountable for racist behavior, derogatory remarks, and other forms of racial discrimination in the workplace. Our racial discrimination lawyers exclusively represent employees and have winning results in and out of the courtroom.

Our firm provides trial-ready representation to workers from all walks of life. We prepare every case for trial and never shy away from litigation if necessary to position your claim for success. With over 1,500 cases handled, our proven experience speaks for itself.

If you are a victim of racial discrimination in Los Angeles, we can work diligently to hold your employer accountable. Contact us online to discuss your case.

What Is Racial Discrimination?

Racial discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or applicant unfavorably due to their race, color, ethnicity, or national origin. It can affect all aspects of employment, including hiring, firing, pay, promotions, and job conditions.

Who Is Commonly Affected by Racial Discrimination in the Workplace?

Racial discrimination can affect employees of all levels, industries, and backgrounds. It primarily impacts workers of color, including Black, Latino, Asian, Indigenous, and multiracial employees.

Discrimination can also disproportionately affect employees in predominantly white workplaces and public-facing roles, especially without strong representation or mentorship. This can make it harder to access fair opportunities and equal pay.

Common Forms of Racial Discrimination

Discriminatory Hiring Practices

Applicants of color may be overlooked or rejected while similarly qualified candidates from other backgrounds are hired. This may apply due to biased job postings, screening practices, or interview evaluations that favor certain racial groups.

Disparate Discipline

Employees of color may face harsher consequences for minor infractions compared to their colleagues. Unequal discipline may include frequent write-ups, suspensions, or demotions for behavior that other workers are excused for.

Microaggressions

Questioning a worker’s abilities, expressing surprise at achievements, making stereotypical assumptions, and other microaggressions can create a hostile work environment for employees of color and support a racial discrimination claim.

Unequal Pay

Employees of color may be paid less than peers performing the same work, contributing to long-term wage gaps and limited opportunities for raises, promotions, and retirement savings. Today, the median Black-White earnings gap is as large as it was in 1950.

Retaliation

Speaking up about discrimination or participating in complaints can lead to adverse actions like demotion, termination, or exclusion from key projects, discouraging employees from asserting their rights.

Promotion Denials

Qualified employees of color may be repeatedly passed over for advancement in favor of less qualified colleagues, limiting career growth and reinforcing systemic inequities in leadership opportunities.

Discriminatory Comments or Jokes

Racially charged jokes, derogatory remarks, or insensitive comments can create an unprofessional and intimidating environment that signals to employees of color that they are undervalued and unwelcome.

Unequal Standards

Employees of color may be held to stricter performance expectations than their peers, resulting in higher scrutiny and less flexibility while other workers are given leeway or praise for similar conduct or actions.

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View More Recent Results

$7 Million Class Action Settlement
Class action settlement filed in Sacramento for non-exempt health care providers at California kidney care treatment centers.
$6 Million Class Action Settlement
Settlement filed on behalf of restaurant service staff employed by national chain for missed meal and missed rest periods, unpaid service charges and miscalculated overtime.
$4 Million Class Action Settlement
Settlement filed on behalf of grocery store employees employed by national grocery outlet for miscalculated shift premiums and off the clock work.
$2.5 Million Class Action Settlement
Settlement filed in Napa County on behalf of California piece-rate laborers employed by a farm labor contractor.
$2 Million Class Action Settlement
Settlement filed on behalf of non-exempt nonprofit employees employed in California for missed meal and rest periods and off the clock work.
$2 Million Class Action Settlement
Filed in Los Angeles on behalf of California based behavior health therapists for off the clock work.

Legal Protections Against Racial Discrimination in the Workplace

There are two primary laws that protect against racial discrimination in the workplace:

The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) is a state law that covers private and public employers with five or more employees. It prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation based on race, color, ancestry, and other protected characteristics.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act is a federal law that applies to employers with 15 or more employees and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It is enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

What Compensation Is Recoverable in a Racial Discrimination Lawsuit?

If you experience racial discrimination at work, you may be entitled to recover lost wages, benefits, emotional distress damages, punitive damages, and attorney’s fees. Under Title VII, compensatory and punitive damages are capped based on employer size, which ranges from $50,000 to $300,000.

However, the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) does not limit compensatory or punitive damages, meaning employees can pursue a full recovery for their losses. Our attorneys can evaluate your claim, navigate state and federal statutes, and work to maximize the compensation available to you.

How Long Do I Have to Report Racial Discrimination?

Employees generally have three years to report racial discrimination to the Civil Rights Department (CRD) and 180–300 calendar days to file a claim with the EEOC. We can evaluate your situation, recommend the best path forward for maximizing your recovery, help you file a timely claim within the appropriate deadline, and guide your steps with care every step of the way.

Can My Employer Discipline Me for Wearing Natural Black Hairstyles?

No. California law protects the rights of Black employees to wear natural hairstyles under the CROWN Act, which prohibits discrimination against race-based hairstyles in the workplace and public schools. Black women’s hair is 2.5 times more likely to be perceived as “unprofessional” compared to white women’s hair, underscoring the importance of understanding your rights in the workplace.

If you were treated unfavorably at work due to your race, our racial discrimination lawyers can tirelessly pursue justice. Call (619) 848-3368 to schedule a free consultation. Se habla español.

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