2026 Update: California expanded its workplace discrimination protections in 2026, with new rules making it easier for workers to file complaints and harder for employers to avoid accountability. If you have experienced discrimination at work, now is the time to act.

If you have been treated unfairly at work because of who you are, you may need a workplace discrimination lawyer in California. Workplace discrimination is one of the most common — and most damaging — employment law violations in the state. It affects workers of all backgrounds and industries every single day.

This guide explains what workplace discrimination looks like in California, what your rights are under the law, and how to take action if it has happened to you.

What Is Workplace Discrimination in California?

Workplace discrimination happens when an employer treats an employee or job applicant unfairly because of a protected characteristic. Under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) — one of the broadest anti-discrimination laws in the country — protected characteristics include:

• Race, color, or national origin
• Sex or gender (including pregnancy)
• Sexual orientation and gender identity
• Religion or religious beliefs
• Age (40 and older)
• Disability — physical or mental
• Medical condition or genetic information
• Marital status
• Military or veteran status

Discrimination can happen at any stage of employment — during hiring, promotions, pay decisions, job assignments, disciplinary actions, or termination.

What Are the Different Types of Workplace Discrimination?

Not all discrimination is obvious. Here are the most common types California workers face:

• Direct discrimination: Being treated worse than others because of a protected characteristic. For example, being passed over for a promotion given to a less qualified employee of a different race.
• Harassment: A pattern of behavior based on a protected characteristic that creates a hostile work environment — such as racist comments, sexist jokes, or mockery of someone’s religion.
• Pay discrimination: Being paid less than coworkers who do the same job because of your gender, race, or other protected characteristic.
• Pregnancy discrimination: Being demoted, fired, or denied leave because you are pregnant or recently gave birth.
• Disability discrimination: Being denied reasonable accommodations for a disability, or being fired because of a physical or mental health condition.

What Should You Do If You Are Being Discriminated Against at Work?

If you believe you are facing workplace discrimination in California, here are the steps to take:

• Document everything. Write down every incident — dates, times, what was said or done, and who was present. Save emails, texts, and any written communications.
• Report it internally. File a complaint with your HR department or use your employer’s internal complaint process. This creates an official record.
• File a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department. You can file a discrimination complaint with the state within three years of the most recent act of discrimination.
• Consult a workplace discrimination lawyer in California. An experienced attorney can review your case, advise you on the best path forward, and represent you in negotiations or court.

To file a discrimination complaint with the state, visit the 🔗 California Civil Rights Department . Filing a complaint is free and does not require a lawyer, but having one significantly strengthens your case.

What Can You Recover in a Workplace Discrimination Case?

If your discrimination claim is successful, you may be entitled to:

• Back pay for wages and benefits lost due to discrimination
• Reinstatement to your job if you were wrongfully terminated
• Compensation for emotional distress and mental anguish
• Punitive damages in cases of especially egregious employer conduct
• Attorney fees paid by your employer

For federal protections that work alongside California law, the 🔗 U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) also handles workplace discrimination complaints.

You Deserve to Be Treated Fairly at Work

No one should have to go to work every day feeling unsafe, disrespected, or held back because of who they are. California law is firmly on the side of workers who face discrimination — and so are we.

At the Law Office of Raphael B. Hedwat, we represent workers facing discrimination across California. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. We will listen to your story and tell you exactly what your options are.

Were You Injured or Treated Unfairly at Work?

You may have more rights than you realize. Our team at the Law Office of Raphael B. Hedwat has helped workers across California get the compensation and justice they deserve.

✅ Free Consultation     ✅ Se Habla Español     ✅ Serving All of California

📞 Call Us Today: (888) 854-9909

Or visit worklawyercal.com/contact-us to fill out a free consultation form.

Law Office of Raphael B. Hedwat  |  5170 Sepúlveda Blvd #350, Sherman Oaks, CA  |  Mon–Fri 9am–6pm