Workplace discrimination continues to be a major challenge for employees across California, especially in large and diverse cities like Los Angeles. Despite state and federal laws designed to protect workers, many people still face unfair treatment, harassment, retaliation, and unequal opportunities simply because of who they are. For employees, discrimination is not only emotionally devastating but can also affect job performance, income, career growth, and long-term well-being. At Arshakyan Law Firm, we are committed to protecting workers’ rights and ensuring they receive the justice, respect, and compensation they deserve.
Workplace discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee unfavorably based on protected characteristics such as race, gender, age, disability, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, pregnancy, medical conditions, or other legally protected categories. These protections are outlined in the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and federal laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the ADA, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA).
Understanding your rights is critical because discrimination can take many forms, some obvious, others subtle and hidden behind workplace politics or “business decisions.” This blog will help you identify the signs, understand the legal standards, and know how Arshakyan Law Firm can help you fight back.
What Legally Counts as Workplace Discrimination?
Under California law, discrimination occurs when a protected characteristic is a motivating reason behind an employer’s adverse action. This means the employer cannot:
- Fire you because of your race, gender, age, disability, pregnancy, national origin, religion, or sexual orientation
- Deny you promotions or advancement for biased reasons
- Cut your hours, demote you, or change your job duties unfairly
- Pay you less than coworkers with similar job duties
- Refuse reasonable accommodations
- Create or allow a hostile work environment
- Retaliate after you report discrimination or harassment
Unlike many other states, California law is extremely employee-friendly. Even small employers with as few as five employees can be held liable for discrimination under FEHA.
Common Forms of Workplace Discrimination in California
Discrimination can appear in many ways. Some examples are straightforward, but many are subtle and masked as “performance issues” or “restructuring.” Here are the most common types we see at Arshakyan Law Firm.
1. Racial and Ethnic Discrimination
Racial discrimination continues to be one of the most frequently reported forms. It includes:
- Racial slurs, offensive jokes, or derogatory comments
- Being excluded from meetings, opportunities, or projects
- Biased performance reviews
- Unequal discipline or stricter rules
- Favoritism toward certain racial groups
- Retaliation after reporting racial bias
Case Study: A Latino employee repeatedly received unwarranted write-ups despite positive performance reviews from previous supervisors. After he complained about discriminatory treatment from a new manager, he was terminated within weeks. Our firm proved retaliation and discrimination through documentation and witness testimony. The worker received a confidential settlement that compensated him for emotional distress, lost wages, and punitive damages.
2. Gender and Sex Discrimination
Gender discrimination includes:
- Unequal pay between male and female employees
- Discrimination against women who become mothers
- Favoritism toward male employees
- Sexual harassment
- Denial of promotions based on gender stereotypes
Pregnancy discrimination, in particular, has increased significantly. Employers cannot penalize a woman for becoming pregnant, requesting maternity leave, or needing reasonable accommodations.
3. Disability Discrimination and Failure to Accommodate
Under the ADA and FEHA, employees with physical or mental disabilities must receive reasonable accommodations. This includes:
- Modified schedules
- Remote work options
- Assistive equipment
- Temporary reassignment
- Leave for medical treatment or recovery
Failure to provide accommodations is illegal, even if the employer claims inconvenience or cost concerns.
Case Example: A worker with a mobility impairment asked for a workstation located closer to the entrance. The employer refused, claiming “everyone walks the same distance.” After developing severe pain and missing days of work, the employee was terminated. Arshakyan Law Firm handled the case and proved that the employer failed to engage in the required “interactive process.” The employee recovered substantial damages.
4. Age Discrimination
Age discrimination typically affects employees aged 40 and older. Signs include:
- Being pushed out for “younger talent”
- Losing responsibilities
- Receiving comments about being “too slow,” “old-school,” or “set in your ways”
- Being replaced by younger, less-qualified workers
- Suddenly receiving unjustified write-ups
California law strongly protects older workers, and employers must justify adverse decisions with legitimate, non-discriminatory reasons.
5. LGBTQ+ Discrimination
California law explicitly protects employees from discrimination based on:
- Sexual orientation
- Gender identity
- Gender expression
Examples include misgendering, refusing to use preferred pronouns, harassment, exclusion, or penalizing an employee for transitioning.
6. Retaliation After Reporting Misconduct
Retaliation is one of the largest categories of discrimination claims. Employers often claim retaliation never occurred, but timing and documentation usually tell the truth. Retaliation includes:
- Termination after reporting harassment
- Sudden negative evaluations
- Reduced hours
- Hostile treatment
- Exclusion from opportunities
- Threats or intimidation
Retaliation is illegal even if the original complaint cannot be proven; employees are protected as long as they had a good-faith belief that discrimination occurred.
Recognizing the Warning Signs of Discrimination
Many employees are unsure whether what they’re experiencing is “just a difficult boss” or something illegal. Here are red flags:
- You’re treated differently than coworkers without explanation
- Policies are only enforced against you
- You’re isolated, ignored, or excluded
- You’re replaced with someone younger or favored
- Supervisors make comments about your race, age, gender, or appearance
- You’re suddenly written up after complaining
- You’re denied accommodations that should legally be provided
- You’re pressured to quit
If any of these feel familiar, you may be experiencing unlawful discrimination.
How to Document Workplace Discrimination
Evidence is crucial. Here is what our attorneys recommend you gather:
- Emails or text messages showing bias or hostile treatment
- Copies of write-ups, evaluations, or disciplinary actions
- Names of witnesses
- Notes of discriminatory comments
- Photos, screenshots, or recordings (legal only in certain situations)
- Timeline of events
- Medical documentation if emotional or physical harm occurred
The more documentation you collect, the stronger your case becomes.
How Arshakyan Law Firm Builds Strong Discrimination Cases
Our firm uses a comprehensive legal strategy to build the strongest possible case. This includes:
1. Thorough Investigation
We interview witnesses, analyze workplace records, and gather all possible communications.
2. Legal Analysis
We review whether FEHA, ADA, Title VII, or other laws apply and determine which violations occurred.
3. Damages Assessment
We examine lost wages, emotional distress, medical impacts, and future losses to maximize compensation.
4. Expert Testimony
When needed, we use workplace specialists, psychologists, or forensic experts.
5. Negotiation and Litigation
We negotiate aggressively but are fully prepared to take the case to trial if necessary.
Potential Compensation in Discrimination Cases
Victims of workplace discrimination may receive compensation for:
- Lost wages and benefits
- Future lost earnings
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages
- Attorney’s fees
- Reinstatement in some cases
- Reasonable accommodations
- Damages for retaliation
Every case is unique, and we tailor our approach to maximize recovery for each client.
Case Study: Wrongful Termination After Reporting Bias
A female employee repeatedly reported sexist comments from coworkers and discriminatory scheduling practices. Instead of addressing the problem, the employer retaliated by cutting her hours, changing her shifts, and ultimately firing her. Arshakyan Law Firm proved retaliation through emails, witness testimony, and a timeline showing the connection between her complaint and termination. The case resulted in a high-value settlement for emotional distress, lost wages, and punitive damages.
What to Do If You Believe You Are Facing Discrimination
If you suspect discrimination, follow these steps:
- Document everything
- Save emails, texts, or memos
- Report concerns to HR if safe to do so
- Avoid signing anything without legal advice
- Contact Arshakyan Law Firm immediately
The sooner we get involved, the faster we can protect your rights.
Arshakyan Law Firm Is Here to Protect You
No one deserves to feel unsafe, undervalued, or targeted at work. Our employment law attorneys have successfully represented workers across Los Angeles and Southern California, recovering compensation and restoring justice for those who were mistreated. We understand the emotional and financial challenges discrimination creates, and we fight relentlessly to hold employers accountable.
Whether you were denied a promotion, wrongfully terminated, harassed, or retaliated against, you have rights—and we are here to defend them.
We offer complimentary consultations. Call us at (818) 650-9985. We are in your corner!