San Francisco Race and National Origin Discrimination Attorneys
Experienced Race and National Origin Discrimination Lawyers Serving San Francisco, CA
Comprehensive Representation for Race and National Origin Discrimination
Discrimination based on race or national origin can manifest in many forms, including wrongful termination, denial of promotions, harassment, name calling, bullying or unequal treatment. At Lawless, Lawless & McGrath, we represent employees protected under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibit workplace discrimination based on race, ethnicity, or the country of origin of you or your family. We handle claims involving overt bias, such as racial slurs, as well as subtle disparities, like being passed over for opportunities due to your heritage.
Our client-centered approach involves listening to your story, thoroughly assessing your case, and developing a tailored legal strategy. Whether you’re facing a hostile work environment or retaliatory actions for reporting discrimination, we are equipped to build a strong case. Our goal is to hold employers accountable and secure remedies, including compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and, where applicable, punitive damages.
Specialized Expertise in Race and National Origin Discrimination
Lawless, Lawless & McGrath has built a reputation for excellence in employment law, particularly in representing employees who have suffered race or national origin discrimination. Our founding partners, Barbara A. Lawless and Therese M. Lawless, bring decades of combined experience. Barbara, recognized by Super Lawyers and the Lawdragon 500 Leading Civil Rights & Plaintiff Employment Lawyers, is a trailblazer in plaintiff-side employment law. Therese, a Super Lawyer and member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, excels in handling harassment and discrimination claims.
Our team also includes Emily S. McGrath, a Super Lawyer with a strong track record in complex discrimination and retaliation cases, and Sinclaire M. Parer, whose meticulous approach strengthens our case preparation. Together, we have successfully represented clients of diverse backgrounds, including Hispanic, African, African-American, Asian, Indian, Middle-Eastern, and others, across industries like tech, healthcare, and retail. Our collective expertise ensures personalized, high-quality representation.
Why Choose Lawless, Lawless & McGrath?
Choosing the right attorney is critical in a race or national origin discrimination case. At Lawless, Lawless & McGrath, we pride ourselves on our commitment to clients and proven results. Unlike larger firms, we provide personalized attention, ensuring you feel heard and supported throughout the legal process. Our San Francisco-based firm has a deep understanding of California employment laws and a robust network to investigate and litigate your case effectively.
We have a history of achieving favorable outcomes through settlements or courtroom victories. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators and fierce litigators, prepared to take your case to trial if necessary. We offer contingency fee arrangements, meaning you pay no attorneys’ fees unless we recover compensation for you, alleviating the financial burdens of pursuing justice.
Types of Race and National Origin Discrimination We Address
Our firm handles a wide range of race discrimination claims, including:
- Wrongful Termination: Representing employees fired due to their race or national origin.
- Harassment: Addressing hostile work environments, including racial slurs or derogatory comments.
- Denial of Promotions: Fighting bias that prevents advancement due to ethnicity or heritage.
- Retaliation: Protecting employees penalized for reporting discrimination or harassment.
- Unequal Treatment: Advocating for employees treated differently, such as in pay or assignments, based on race or national origin.
- Denial of Employment: Challenging hiring practices that discriminate against certain racial or ethnic groups.
We also address related issues, such as glass ceiling discrimination, where minorities are systematically denied leadership roles, and retaliatory demotions following complaints about bias.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifies as race or national origin discrimination?
Discrimination occurs when an employee faces unfair treatment, such as termination, harassment, or denial of opportunities, due to their race, ethnicity, or country of origin (yours or your family’s). Examples include racial slurs or biased promotion decisions.
How can I tell if I have a valid discrimination claim?
If you’ve experienced adverse actions (e.g., firing, demotion) or harassment tied to your race or national origin, you may have a claim. Our attorneys can assess your case during a confidential consultation to evaluate its merits.
What steps are involved in pursuing a discrimination claim?
You typically file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or California’s Civil Rights Department (CRD) before pursuing a lawsuit. We guide you through filing, investigation, litigation, or settlement.
What are the costs of hiring your firm?
We generally operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorneys’ fees unless we recover compensation for you, ensuring access to quality representation without upfront costs.
What should I do if I face retaliation for reporting discrimination?
Document the retaliation (e.g., demotion, hostile treatment), preserve evidence like emails, and contact an attorney immediately. We can help protect your rights and pursue remedies for retaliation.
Notable Case Results
At Lawless, Lawless & McGrath, our track record demonstrates our dedication to securing justice for employees facing race and national origin discrimination. Below are examples of our significant verdicts and settlements:
- $950,000 – Settlement Sexual Harassment; Defamation; Gender Discrimination: A female city employee was falsely accused of a crime and forced to work in a hostile work environment because of her gender. Settled after a verdict.
- $545,000 – Settlement Age: Two long-term employees of a large Agribusiness Company who were allegedly terminated as part of a Reduction in Force sued for age discrimination when their job duties were assigned to younger, less experienced employees.
- $450,000 – Settlement Sexual Orientation/Family Medical Leave: Gay employee was discriminated against based on sexual orientation and was retaliated against for exercising the right to take family leave.
These results reflect our ability to handle complex cases with care and tenacity. While past results do not guarantee future outcomes, they demonstrate our commitment to fighting for our clients.
Our Commitment to You as Your Race and National Origin Discrimination Lawyers
At Lawless, Lawless & McGrath, we believe every employee deserves a workplace free from discrimination. Our firm is founded on the principle of fighting for justice, and we carry that mission into every case. We proudly serve clients throughout California, including San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, and surrounding areas. Our attorneys are active members of the National Employment Lawyers Association, California Employment Lawyers Association, and San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association, ensuring cutting-edge representation.
Taking legal action can feel daunting, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way, from initial consultation to case resolution. To learn more about how we can help, call us at 415-391-7555 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation.