Discrimination

At the Law Office of Scott Stillman, we are dedicated to protecting employees from all forms of workplace discrimination. Discrimination based on certain protected characteristics is illegal in California, and we are here to stand up for your rights. If you have experienced unfair treatment, don’t suffer in silence; let us help you understand your rights and seek the justice you deserve.

What Is Unlawful Employment Discrimination in California?

Discrimination occurs when an employer takes adverse employment actions against an employee based on specific protected characteristics.

California law strictly prohibits discrimination in various areas, including:

• Race

• Color

• National Origin/Ancestry

• Physical & Mental Disability

• Age (over 40)

• Medical Condition

• Genetic Information

• Gender identity and expression

• Military and Veteran Status

• Religious Creed

• Marital Status

• Sex/Gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions)

• Sexual Orientation (including perceived sexual orientation)

If you have faced discrimination based on any of these protected categories, you have the right to seek legal recourse and hold your employer accountable.

Can Employment Discrimination Come in Different Forms?

Yes, discrimination can take various forms throughout the employment relationship, including:

1. HIRING: Unfair treatment during the hiring process, leading to biased hiring decisions.

2. PROMOTION: Being denied promotion opportunities based on protected characteristics.

3. TERMINATION: Wrongful termination due to discriminatory reasons.

4. HARASSMENT: Enduring a hostile work environment, including offensive comments or actions targeting protected characteristics.

5. PAY AND BENEFITS: Receiving unequal pay or being denied bonuses or certain benefits due to discrimination.

What Evidence Is Needed to Prove Discrimination?

Proving discrimination may involve both direct and circumstantial evidence:

DIRECT EVIDENCE
Instances where explicit discriminatory statements or actions can be directly attributed to the employer. Direct evidence is the most straightforward method to establish discrimination and can be in the form of an oral statement or a writing such as an email or text message.

CIRCUMSTANTIAL EVIDENCE
Demonstrating discrimination through evidence that implies unequal treatment based on protected characteristics.