San Francisco Age Discrimination Attorneys
Skillful Age Discrimination Lawyers in San Francisco, CA
At Lawless, Lawless & McGrath, our experienced San Francisco age discrimination attorneys are committed to protecting employees from unlawful workplace practices based on age. California and federal law make it illegal for employers to discriminate against workers age 40 and older in hiring, promotions, pay, training, benefits, or termination. If you have been passed over for opportunities, subjected to biased comments, or unfairly terminated due to your age, our team is ready to fight for your rights. Call us at 415-391-7555 for a confidential consultation.
Advocating for Workers Facing Age Bias
Age discrimination not only harms careers but also undermines financial stability and dignity. Under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), employers are prohibited from treating older workers less favorably because of their age.
Common forms of age discrimination include:
- Preferring younger employees for promotions or high-profile projects
- Reducing job responsibilities or hours without cause
- Using layoffs or restructuring to target older workers
- Pressuring employees to retire early
- Making age-related remarks or jokes that contribute to a hostile work environment
Our attorneys help employees challenge these unlawful practices, whether through negotiation, mediation, or aggressive litigation. We understand how to gather evidence, work with expert witnesses, and pursue remedies such as reinstatement, back pay, front pay, and compensation for emotional distress.
Over Eight Decades of Combined Experience in Employment Law
Lawless, Lawless & McGrath is a respected name in employment law, with more than 80 years of combined legal experience across our accomplished team. Founding partners Barbara A. Lawless and Therese M. Lawless each bring more than three decades of trial experience, earning recognition from Super Lawyers, the Lawdragon 500 Leading Civil Rights & Plaintiff Employment Lawyers, and leadership positions in the San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association.
Our team also includes:
- Emily S. McGrath, who represents clients in complex workplace discrimination cases and serves on the Board of the San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association.
- Sinclaire M. Parer, known for her meticulous case preparation and ability to uncover crucial evidence.
We have successfully represented clients across industries—from tech to healthcare to finance—holding employers accountable for discriminatory conduct.
Why Choose Lawless, Lawless & McGrath?
When facing age discrimination, the lawyer you choose can determine the outcome of your case. We provide:
- Personalized attention—Our smaller firm structure ensures you work directly with senior attorneys.
- Local expertise—We understand California’s employment laws and the nuances of Bay Area workplace culture.
- Proven results—Our history of favorable verdicts and settlements reflects our commitment to justice.
- Contingency fee representation—You pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you.
We are also active members of the California Employment Lawyers Association, ensuring we remain at the forefront of evolving legal protections for workers.
Types of Age Discrimination Cases We Handle
Our firm addresses a range of unlawful practices, including:
- Wrongful Termination – Being fired because of your age or replaced with a younger employee.
- Failure to Hire or Promote – Being denied opportunities despite qualifications.
- Pay Disparities – Unequal pay or benefits compared to younger employees in the same role.
- Harassment – Enduring derogatory comments, jokes, or other conduct that creates a hostile work environment.
- Forced Retirement – Being pressured or coerced into leaving your job before you are ready.
Notable Case Results
While each case is unique, our track record includes significant outcomes for clients facing discrimination:
- $950,000 Settlement – Age & Disability Discrimination: Older employees targeted during company downsizing and replaced by significantly younger workers.
- $675,000 Settlement – Retaliation & Age Bias: Senior employee demoted after refusing to train younger, less experienced replacements.
- $500,000 Settlement – Hostile Work Environment: Employee endured repeated age-related harassment and was denied training opportunities.
These results reflect our ability to handle sensitive cases with both compassion and tenacity.
See more of our notable case results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What laws protect me from age discrimination?
Workers age 40 and older are protected under the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Both prohibit discrimination in hiring, firing, promotions, and other employment terms based on age.
Do I have to prove my employer intended to discriminate?
Not always. Evidence such as patterns in layoffs, biased remarks, or significant pay disparities can support a claim, even without direct proof of intent.
How long do I have to file an age discrimination claim in California?
In most cases, you must file with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) within three years of the alleged discrimination. Federal claims through the EEOC often require filing within 180–300 days. Deadlines can be shorter if you work for a public agency—contact an attorney promptly.
Can my employer retaliate if I complain about age discrimination?
No. Both FEHA and ADEA prohibit retaliation for reporting discrimination, filing a complaint, or participating in an investigation.
What compensation can I recover?
Remedies may include back pay, front pay, reinstatement, compensatory damages for emotional distress, and in some cases, punitive damages.
Contact a San Francisco Age Discrimination Lawyer Today
If you believe you’ve been treated unfairly because of your age, you do not have to face your employer alone. Lawless, Lawless & McGrath can guide you through every stage of your case—from investigation to resolution—protecting your rights and seeking the justice you deserve. We serve clients in San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, and throughout California.
Call 415-391-7555 or contact us online for a confidential consultation today.