Ready To Fight For Your Rights And Interests

San Francisco Employment Discrimination Attorneys

Experienced Employment Discrimination Lawyers Serving San Francisco, CA

San Francisco employment discrimination attorneyAt Lawless, Lawless & McGrath, we are dedicated to advocating for employees who have faced workplace discrimination. Based in San Francisco, our experienced employment law attorneys understand the emotional and professional toll that discrimination can take. We are committed to helping you navigate complex legal challenges, protect your rights, and seek justice. If you believe you’ve been unfairly treated at work due to your identity or protected characteristics, contact us at 415-391-7555 to schedule a consultation.

Comprehensive Representation for Workplace Discrimination

Discrimination in the workplace can manifest in many forms, from unfair treatment and harassment to wrongful termination or denial of opportunities. At Lawless, Lawless & McGrath, we represent employees facing discrimination based on gender and pregnancy, disability, race, sex orientation, age, religion, and other protected characteristics. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling claims involving hostile work environments, unequal pay, retaliation, and violations of state and federal employment laws, such as the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.

Our approach is client-centered and thorough. We take the time to listen to your story, assess the details of your case, and develop a tailored legal strategy. Whether you’re facing overt discrimination or subtle biases, such as being passed over for promotions due to your gender or age, we are equipped to build a strong case on your behalf. Our goal is to hold employers accountable and secure remedies such as compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and, where applicable, punitive damages.

Specialized Expertise in Employment Discrimination

Lawless, Lawless & McGrath has built a reputation for excellence in employment law, particularly in representing employees who have suffered discrimination. Our founding partners, Barbara A. Lawless and Therese M. Lawless, bring decades of combined experience to the table. Barbara, a trailblazer in plaintiff-side employment law, has been recognized by Super Lawyers and named among the Lawdragon 500 Leading Civil Rights & Plaintiff Employment Lawyers. Therese, with her deep knowledge of discrimination and harassment claims, is a Super Lawyer and recognized as a top employment lawyer in California. With their extensive trial experience and professional status amongst peers, both sisters are members of the American Board of Trial Advocates and the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers.

Our team also includes Emily S. McGrath, a Super Lawyer who has a strong track record in litigating complex discrimination and retaliation cases, and Sinclaire M. Parer, whose meticulous approach strengthens our ability to handle nuanced claims. Together, our attorneys have successfully represented clients in cases involving gender and pregnancy discrimination, racial harassment, age-based bias, and disability discrimination, among others. This collective expertise allows us to offer personalized legal guidance while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and trustworthiness.

Why Choose Lawless, Lawless & McGrath?

Choosing the right attorney can make all the difference in an employment discrimination case. At Lawless, Lawless & McGrath, we pride ourselves on our commitment to our clients and our 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 strong network of resources to investigate and litigate your case effectively.

We have a history of achieving favorable outcomes for our clients, whether through negotiated settlements or courtroom victories. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators and fierce litigators, prepared to take your case to trial if necessary. We also understand the financial burdens that discrimination can create, which is why we offer contingency fee arrangements, meaning you pay no attorneys’ fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Types of Discrimination We Address

Our firm handles a wide range of discrimination claims, including:

  • Gender and Pregnancy Discrimination: Representing women facing bias, harassment, or retaliation due to gender or pregnancy.
  • Disability Discrimination: Ensuring employers provide reasonable accommodations and fair treatment.
  • Race and National Origin Discrimination: Addressing unfair treatment based on ethnicity, nationality, or cultural background.
  • Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Discrimination: Advocating for LGBTQ+ employees facing workplace bias.
  • Age Discrimination: Helping older employees who have been unfairly targeted or denied opportunities.
  • Religious Discrimination: Protecting employees from harassment or bias due to their beliefs.

We also address related issues, such as glass ceiling discrimination, where women or people with diverse backgrounds are systematically denied promotions, and retaliation claims, where employees face adverse actions for reporting discrimination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Workplace discrimination occurs when an employee is treated unfairly due to protected characteristics like race, gender, age, disability, or sexual orientation. Examples include harassment, wrongful termination, or being denied promotions based on these traits.

If you’ve faced adverse employment actions (e.g., firing, demotion) or harassment tied to a protected characteristic, you may have a claim. Our attorneys can evaluate your case during a confidential consultation to determine its merits.

Typically, you must file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or California’s Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) before pursuing a lawsuit. We guide you through this process, from filing to litigation or settlement.

We take the time to discuss fee arrangements with you, as we always strive to ensure access to quality representation. This ensures access to quality representation without paying fees until you recover.

Case timelines vary depending on complexity, evidence, and whether a settlement or trial is pursued. Some cases resolve in months, while others may take a year or several years. We keep you informed at every step.

While initial complaints to agencies like the EEOC may offer some confidentiality, pursuing a lawsuit typically requires disclosing your identity. We prioritize protecting your privacy as much as legally possible.

Notable Case Results

At Lawless, Lawless & McGrath, our track record speaks to our dedication and skill in fighting for employees’ rights. Below are some examples of our significant verdicts and settlements, showcasing our ability to secure justice for clients facing workplace discrimination and related claims:

  • $8,000,000 Settlement – Age Discrimination, Breach of Contract: We represented a long-term upper management employee forced out without cause, securing substantial compensation for his losses.
  • $3,500,000 Verdict – Section 1983, Age Discrimination (Eastern District of California): Therese Lawless achieved one of the nation’s highest emotional distress awards in a single-plaintiff case for a government employee wrongfully terminated after a successful career.
  • $5,000,000 Verdict – Defamation (Santa Clara): As lead trial attorney working with Barbara by her side, Therese obtained a jury award for an employee working in the tech industry who was terminated based on false allegations made against him.
  • $1,030,000 Verdict – Disability Discrimination (Alameda): Barbara Lawless secured $750,000 in emotional distress damages for a chain store manager fired due to obesity and diabetes, highlighting our commitment to disability rights.
  • $950,000 Settlement – Sexual Harassment, Gender Discrimination, Defamation: We obtained a significant settlement for a female city employee who endured a hostile work environment and false accusations, settled post-verdict.

These results reflect our firm’s ability to handle complex cases across various discrimination types, from age and disability to gender and sexual orientation. While past results do not guarantee future outcomes, they demonstrate our relentless pursuit of justice for our clients.

Our Commitment to You as Your San Francisco Employment Discrimination Attorneys

At Lawless, Lawless & McGrath, we believe that every employee deserves a workplace free from discrimination. Our firm was founded on the principle of fighting for justice, and we carry that mission into every case we take. We are proud to serve clients throughout California, including San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, and surrounding areas. Our attorneys are active members of the National Employment Lawyers Association, the California Employment Lawyers Association, the San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association, and other professional organizations and stay updated on evolving employment laws to provide cutting-edge representation.

We understand that 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.