Employment Defense Attorney

Is your company facing litigation from a former employee? The legal pressure, harm to company morale, time commitments by management, and even publicity could harm your business.

You need an employment defense attorney who can guide employers through state and federal labor statutes, wrongful termination law, and discrimination statutes.

By contacting Hoge Law Firm for a free consultation, employers can receive strong counsel from qualified San Diego, CA, attorneys.

How a Lawyer Can Help Employers in Need Defense and Guidance for Litigation and Disputes

If you or your company have been accused of any violation of employment law, it is vital that you work with an experienced attorney. During a free consultation, Hoge Law Firm can discuss your case and connect you with a skilled San Diego employment law attorney.
Man walking out of the office with a box full of his stuff

Wrongful Termination

California is an at-will employment state, which means an employee can be disciplined or terminated without reason by the employer so long as the real reason does not violate the law. However, employees may feel that their legal rights were violated if they were fired or laid off. Wrongful termination lawsuits, rightly or wrongly, often include accusations of discrimination, violations of public policy, and breach of contract. Your attorney can navigate your defense through such claims.

woman being harassed at work

Discrimination and Harassment

Workplace discrimination can take many forms. An employee may claim he or she was discriminated against based on gender, race, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, or political affiliation. Harassment accusations come in many forms as well. Current and past employees can claim verbal and sexual harassment involving in-person or remote work. Your attorney can evaluate and challenge harassment and discrimination claims carefully while protecting your business' reputation.

Boss yelling at employee and pointing towards the door

Employer Retaliation

Claims of retaliation may include demotion, termination of employment, reduction of hours, refusal to provide a promotion or raise, or changes in work benefits. An employee may accuse your company of mistreatment because they reported labor law violations or spoke out about specific business practices. Your lawyer will evaluate in depth the retaliation allegations against your company.

Boss handing envelope to employee

Wage, Hour, and Payment Disputes

Wage disputes may arise if the employee does not feel they were paid on time, were not properly paid for working overtime, or did not receive a promised bonus or commission for their work. Your lawyer can address wage claims by noting the compensation the employee received, the classification of said employee at the time, and issues with a payroll service provider (PSP).

Other Labor Disputes a Defense Lawyer Can Help Your Business Address

  • Breach of employment contract
  • Class action litigation
  • Employee non-compete agreements
  • Employee non-disclosure agreements (NDA)
  • False Claims Act (FCA) qui tam actions
  • Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) disputes
  • Hostile work environment accusations
  • Independent contractor disputes
  • Reasonable accommodations at the workplace
  • Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act violations
  • Whistleblower protection law violations
Outside Hoge Law San Diego Office

Protect the Integrity and Success of Your Business

Connect with an Attorney for Labor Lawsuit Defense

All accusations of workplace sexual harassment, discrimination, wrongful termination, and retaliation need to be taken seriously. Without the counsel of an attorney, employers risk fines, liability payments, and bad publicity that could affect future company growth and the ability to attract and retain great employees.

Hoge Law Firm has guided many San Diego employers through the litigation process. During a consultation, we can assess your situation and connect you with a skilled lawyer who understands the nuances of state and federal employment law. Your attorney can offer your company a vigorous defense while safeguarding your business from future legal claims.

To learn more about finding a skilled employment law attorney, contact our San Diego attorney's office.

(619) 304-7558

"During a consultation, we can assess your situation and connect you with a skilled lawyer who understands the nuances of state and federal employment law."
lawyer and clients shaking hands

Resolving Employment Disputes and Litigation

Your San Diego employment law attorney will discuss different resolution strategies for your employment law case. This may include the following if a settlement agreement cannot be reached between parties.

Mediation

Mediation involves a neutral third party (the mediator) who helps both sides discuss and resolve their disagreements. The goal is to come to a mutually agreeable compromise while avoiding a courtroom battle.

Arbitration

Arbitration involves a private hearing overseen by a neutral third party (the arbitrator). The arbitrator is often a retired judge. The goal is to present cases and receive a faster ruling than you could in court.

Trial

If a compromise or agreeable ruling cannot be reached, the employment dispute will proceed to court in which a judge and jury will ultimately decide the outcome.

A qualified employer defense attorney can help guide companies through complicated state and federal laws. Our San Diego law office can help you find a skilled litigator.

Strategies for Protecting Employers

While your defense will be based on the nature of your case, your attorney may explore these strategies:
"Without the counsel of an attorney, employers risk fines, liability payments, and bad publicity that could affect future company growth and the ability to attract and retain great employees."
"Without the counsel of an attorney, employers risk fines, liability payments, and bad publicity that could affect future company growth and the ability to attract and retain great employees."

Validating Your Decision

When a current or former employee claims they were terminated, passed over for a promotion, or otherwise treated unfairly for discriminatory reasons, they may gloss over evidence that justifies their employer's decision. You can prove your decision was valid and legal by preserving all evidence surrounding the basis for your decision. A San Diego employment defense attorney can help you assemble all the evidence necessary to build a strong defense.

Explaining You Were Uninformed

Sometimes harassment occurs in the workplace, but an employer isn't made aware of it. When they don't know it's occurring, there's little they can do to stop it. While an employer can be liable for harassment that stems from a supervisor, they aren't responsible for harassment that stems from a worker who isn't a supervisor. If you have a lawful policy against harassment and your employees have received it and undergone training, this can be a strong defense.

Asserting BFOQ

A bona fide occupational qualification (BFOQ) is an exception to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (the law that prohibits employment discrimination based on sex, religion, race, etc.). It's a legally allowed restriction of hiring and employing a person based on their age, religion, or sex if the characteristic is considered necessary for the business operation and the position's job functions. For example, an actor can be hired based on race or sex to show authenticity in a role.

Employment Law Can Be Confusing Let an Attorney Navigate It for You

The average person can't be expected to understand the ins and outs of employment law. Fortunately, you don't have to. Our San Diego law firm is prepared to connect you with an attorney who can offer you guidance on how to get your business and good name out of hot water, file all paperwork correctly and on time, and protect your best interests and the future of your company.

Putting an attorney on your side quickly is paramount to minimizing damages. As time passes, the incident can grow and begin to affect other employees. When approached quickly and carefully, the incident can often be resolved without the costly and lengthy litigation process. Protect everything you've worked so hard for—reach out to Hoge Law Firm in San Diego today.

(619) 304-7558

California Employment Laws

Many employment-related claims are brought forth under California laws such as the:

Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA): This act prohibits actual or perceived discrimination, harassment, or retaliation based on protected classes like age, gender, and race.

California Family Rights Act (CFRA): Part of FEHA, this act prohibits discrimination, harassment, or retaliation against an employee who uses their right to family and medical leave.

California Labor Code: Violations under the California Labor Code include not paying overtime, not paying the minimum wage, not paying on time, not providing meal and rest breaks, and not reimbursing employees for business-related expenses.

signing a contract
California has some of the best laws in the country for protecting employees, but this means employers are left to navigate the tricky web of laws to maintain a profitable and thriving business. You've worked hard to achieve as much as you have, and we can put you in touch with an attorney who can help protect your business.

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