Beverly Hills Sexual Harassment Attorney
Sexual harassment in the workplace is never something you have to accept as "part of the job." Yet in Beverly Hills — a city defined by entertainment agencies, luxury retail, hospitality groups, and high-powered corporate offices — power imbalances and a culture of silence can make it especially difficult for employees to come forward when they're mistreated.
At Holtz Matthews LLP, we represent employees throughout Beverly Hills and the greater Los Angeles area who have experienced sexual harassment at the hands of supervisors, coworkers, clients, or other individuals in the workplace. We understand the courage it takes to speak out, and we're here to offer more than skilled legal representation — we offer unwavering support from your very first call through the resolution of your case.
If you're facing sexual harassment at work, call (818) 791-0555 or contact us online today for a free, confidential consultation.
We provide a trusted space to discuss your case openly, while also safeguarding your rights, maintaining your dignity and offering the legal expertise necessary to pursue justice.
What is Sexual Harassment?
Workplace sexual harassment is form of illegal sex discrimination that involves unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other physical, verbal, or visual conduct of a sexual nature. It becomes unlawful when enduring the conduct is explicitly or implicitly made a term or condition of employment, or when the conduct creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment.
Under California law, workplace sexual harassment broadly encompasses two distinct legal categories:
Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment
Translating to "this for that," quid pro quo harassment occurs when a supervisor, manager, or executive conditions employment decisions—such as promotions, salary increases, favorable assignments, or continued employment—on an employee’s submission to unwanted sexual advances or favors. Conversely, it also includes threats of demotion or termination if the employee rejects these advances.
Hostile Work Environment Sexual Harassment
A hostile work environment occurs when unwelcome sexual conduct is sufficiently severe or pervasive to alter the conditions of employment and create an abusive, offensive, or intimidating atmosphere. Under California’s broad protections, even a single egregious incident—such as non-consensual physical touching or sexual assault—can legally establish a hostile work environment.
Common Examples of Workplace Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment manifests across physical, verbal, visual, and digital boundaries. A skilled Beverly Hills sexual harassment attorney can help evaluate complex misconduct, including:
- Unwanted Physical Contact: Inappropriate touching, hugging, groping, caressing, rubbing shoulders, blocking physical movement, or physical assault.
- Verbal Misconduct: Unwelcome sexual propositions, explicit comments about a person's body or attire, sexual jokes, graphic discussions about personal sex lives, or persistent requests for social dates after clear refusals.
- Visual Harassment: Displaying sexually explicit posters, calendars, cartoons, or drawings in work spaces or shared areas.
- Digital Misconduct: Transmitting unsolicited sexually explicit text messages, emails, photos, or direct messages via personal channels or corporate platforms (e.g., Slack, Teams).
- Gender-Based Hostility: Derogatory remarks, slurs, or hostile behavior directed at an individual based on their gender, gender identity, pregnancy, or sexual orientation, even if the remarks are not overtly sexual in nature.
California & Federal Workplace Sexual Harassment Laws
At Holtz Matthews LLP, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"Hard working, extremely diligent litigator"
Highest ethical and moral standards and someone who actually cares about his clients. In my experience, these are attributes often lacking from Los Angeles litigators.
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"Michael is an outstanding attorney."
I have the highest regard for his capabilities.
Former Client -
"Jordan is Extremely Helpful."We must have spoken to 7 different lawyers and Jordan had the best information and most concise plan of action. You can tell he is very knowledgeable in his field.Former Client
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"Michael is a true gem!"In the very first five minutes of our conversation about my case, it was evident that Michael is different. We hadn't even started, and Michael was on the case, so well prepared, and so familiar with every aspect of the situation. Michael's informed perspective and knowledge of the industry is clear in every assessment he makes, and his wealth of experience saved me from many potential disasters. I am truly grateful to Michael for his generosity, and for him patiently and clearly explaining the important strategic details that ensured the success of my case.Former Client
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"Jordan is a skilled and enthusiastic lawyer that I have had the pleasure of working closely with."I recommend Jordan to anyone who is seeking legal advice in Entertainment.Fellow Attorney in Community
Why Choose Us?
Navigating high-profile employment disputes and sensitive sexual assault claims demands formidable litigators who provide discreet, unwavering support.
At Holtz Matthews LLP, we stand out through:
- Proven Multi-Million-Dollar Track Record: Our attorneys have recovered significant outcomes for survivors of severe misconduct, including benchmark results of $65M, $6.8M, $2.5M, and $2.4M.
- Uncompromising Confidentiality: We uphold absolute discretion and privacy, creating a safe environment where you can step forward with confidence and tell your story without fear of exposure.
- Legal Recognition: Our partners are regularly recognized across major legal publications, including Los Angeles Times Legal Visionaries (2023–2025), Super Lawyers, and Martindale-Hubbell.
- Contingency Fee Representation: We operate on a contingency basis—meaning you pay zero legal fees unless we successfully secure financial recovery for you.
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$65M RESULT
Client was the primary witness for the Wall Street Journal expose, entitled, "Dozens of People Recount Pattern of Sexual Misconduct by Las Vegas Mogul Steve Wynn", resulting in $55 million in fines levied against the company, a $10 million fine against Steve Wynn, and his removal from the gaming industry. The Nevada Gaming Control Board also changed its rules governing gaming licensees.
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$6.8M Result
Client was harassed and manipulated by high-level casino executives and forced to facilitate trafficking of women. The matter was resolved for a high seven-figure sum.
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$2.5M Result
Client was groped and propositioned by a top-level executive of a large multi-national company. The matter was resolved for a multi seven-figure sum.
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$2.4M Result
Client who worked for highly successful celebrity was discriminated against and harassed by company. The matter was resolved for multi seven-figure sum.
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$2.1M Result
Client, a female executive for a major studio and production company, was harassed and sexually assaulted by her male superiors. The matter was resolved for a multi seven-figure sum.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I am being sexually harassed at work?
First, clearly communicate to the harasser that their behavior is unwelcome, if you feel safe doing so. Document every incident in detail, noting dates, times, locations, specific statements, and witnesses. Report the conduct in writing to HR or a supervisor according to company handbook guidelines, keeping personal copies. Finally, consult a Beverly Hills sexual harassment attorney before signing any severance agreements or non-disclosure agreements (NDAs).
Can my boss fire me for reporting sexual harassment?
No. Retaliation against an employee for reporting sexual harassment or participating in an internal investigation is strictly illegal under California FEHA and federal law. If you are fired, demoted, or subjected to adverse action after making a report, you have grounds for a separate wrongful termination and retaliation lawsuit.
How do I know if what I experienced qualifies as sexual harassment?
If you experienced unwelcome sexual conduct that affected your job or created a hostile working environment — or if you were pressured into unwanted conduct to keep your job or advance — you may have a valid claim. An attorney can evaluate the specific facts of your situation.
Do I need to report the harassment to HR before hiring an attorney?
Not necessarily, though internal reporting can sometimes strengthen a case by establishing that your employer had notice of the conduct. An attorney can advise you on the best strategy for your particular circumstances.
What if the harasser wasn't my direct supervisor?
Employers can still be held liable for harassment by coworkers, clients, or other non-employees if management knew or should have known about the conduct and failed to take corrective action.
How long do I have to file a sexual harassment lawsuit in California?
Under California’s FEHA, employees generally have three years from the date of the harassing incident to obtain a "Right-to-Sue" notice from the California Civil Rights Department (CRD). Because critical evidence can be lost over time, contacting an attorney immediately is essential.
frequently asked questions
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Can I represent myself in a wrongful termination lawsuit in Nevada?
While you can legally represent yourself, it’s generally not advisable. Employment law is complex. An experienced attorney can level the playing field and significantly improve your chances of a successful outcome.
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How can I protect myself from retaliation after filing a wrongful termination claim?
Document all interactions with your former employer. Report any instances of harassment or further adverse actions to your attorney and the appropriate authorities. Nevada law prohibits retaliation for pursuing your rights.
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How much can I expect to recover in a wrongful termination lawsuit in Nevada?
The potential recovery in a wrongful termination case varies significantly. Factors include lost wages, emotional distress, benefits, and potential punitive damages. Each case is unique.
