Inglewood Workplace Harassment Lawyer
Every employee in Inglewood and throughout Southern California deserves to work in an environment defined by respect, safety, and professional dignity. Unfortunately, workplace harassment remains a pervasive reality across many industries—ranging from corporate offices and healthcare facilities to retail centers, hospitality venues, and entertainment productions.
When mistreatment, slurs, unwanted sexual conduct, or systemic bullying alter your working conditions, the emotional, physical, and financial consequences can be devastating. You do not have to endure workplace abuse in silence, nor do you have to confront a hostile employer alone.
At Holtz Matthews LLP, our founding trial attorneys—Michael D. Holtz and Jordan Matthews—are recognized for providing high-profile, fearless advocacy to victims of workplace injustice. We leverage decades of combined trial experience and deep legal insight to hold employers, managers, and corporate entities fully accountable. When you retain our Inglewood workplace harassment attorney from our firm, you gain a dedicated legal partner committed to restoring your voice, defending your career, and pursuing maximum compensation for the harm you have suffered.
Call (818) 791-0555 or contact us online today to schedule a free case evaluation.
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 Workplace Harassment?
Under California and federal employment law, workplace harassment is defined as unwelcome, offensive, or abusive conduct directed at an employee because of a protected characteristic (such as race, gender, age, disability, or sexual orientation).
Harassment crosses the legal threshold when the offensive conduct becomes a condition of continued employment or is sufficiently severe or pervasive to create a work environment that a reasonable person would consider intimidating, hostile, or abusive.
It is crucial to understand that workplace harassment extends far beyond simple workplace incivility, petty slights, or a demanding managerial style. To establish a legal claim for workplace harassment under California law, three core elements must typically be demonstrated:
- Protected status: The victim was targeted because of a protected personal trait recognized under state or federal statute.
- Unwelcome behavior: The victim did not solicit, encourage, or welcome the offensive conduct and communicated (directly or through context) that the behavior was unwanted.
- Severe or pervasive impact: The conduct was either intense enough in a single instance or persistent enough over time to alter the terms, conditions, or privileges of employment.
Common Examples of Workplace Harassment
Workplace harassment can take many shapes and may originate from business owners, corporate officers, direct supervisors, co-workers, or even third parties such as clients, patients, and independent contractors.
Common examples of illegal workplace harassment in Inglewood workplaces include:
- Sexual harassment: Unwanted touching, sexual propositions, explicit comments about body parts, physical cornering, crude jokes, or conditioning job promotions on sexual favors (quid pro quo).
- Racial and ethnic harassment: Use of racial slurs, derogatory stereotypes, offensive jokes, displaying racially insensitive symbols, or mocking an employee's ethnicity or native language.
- Disability and medical harassment: Ridiculing physical or mental disabilities, mocking medical accommodations, or making derogatory remarks regarding an employee’s health condition or leave requests.
- Gender and sexual orientation harassment: Hostility targeted at an employee’s gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation, including intentional misgendering or homophobic slurs.
- Age-based harassment: Insulting older workers (aged 40 and above), making jokes about memory or adaptability, or pressure to retire based on age.
- Religious harassment: Mocking religious beliefs, customs, dietary practices, or traditional clothing, or interfering with required religious observances.
- Digital and visual harassment: Sending inappropriate text messages, emails, or direct messages, or displaying explicit posters, memes, or cartoons in shared workspaces.
At Holtz Matthews LLP, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
-
"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
-
"Michael is an outstanding attorney."
I have the highest regard for his capabilities.
Former Client -
"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.
Former Client -
"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
-
"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
Why Choose Holtz Matthews LLP for Your Harassment Claim?
Navigating a high-stakes workplace harassment lawsuit requires trial attorneys who possess the skill, resources, and determination to stand up to powerful corporations and experienced defense firms.
- Fearless & Relentless Advocacy: Founded by Michael D. Holtz and Jordan Matthews, our firm has earned a national reputation for taking on tough, complex cases. We do not back down from aggressive corporate defense counsel.
- Proven Multi-Million Dollar Results: Our attorneys have recovered tens of millions of dollars for clients in complex employment litigation, high-profile sexual misconduct cases, and individual employee disputes (including benchmark outcomes such as $65M, $6.8M, $2.5M, $2.4M, $2.1M, and more).
- Complete Discretion & Confidentiality: We treat every client with utmost respect, dignity, and compassion. We offer a safe, confidential environment where you can discuss your situation without fear of exposure.
- No Upfront Costs (Contingency Basis): We believe quality legal representation should be accessible to everyone. We handle workplace harassment claims on a contingency fee basis—you pay zero out-of-pocket costs, and we only collect legal fees if we win compensation for you.
-
$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.
-
$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.
-
$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.
-
$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.
-
$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 if I was forced to quit because the harassment was so severe?
If working conditions become so unbearable that any reasonable person would feel compelled to resign, California law recognizes your resignation as a constructive discharge. Legally, a constructive discharge is treated the same as an illegal wrongful termination, allowing you to seek lost past and future wages as well as emotional distress damages.
Can my employer fire or penalize me for reporting workplace harassment?
No. Reporting unlawful harassment or participating in an internal workplace investigation is a protected activity under California Labor Code provisions and FEHA. If your employer retaliates against you with termination, demotion, hours reduction, or disciplinary action, you can file an additional legal claim for unlawful retaliation.
How long do I have to file a workplace harassment lawsuit in California?
Under California’s FEHA, employees generally have three years from the date of the harassing conduct to file an administrative complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) and receive a "Right-to-Sue" notice. Because deadlines can vary—particularly for claims involving public or government entities—it is critical to consult an attorney as soon as possible.
What if the harasser is a customer or client rather than a co-worker?
California law protects employees from harassment committed by non-employees, such as clients, customers, vendors, or independent contractors. If your employer knew—or should have known—that a client or customer was harassing you and failed to take immediate, appropriate steps to protect you, the employer can be held legally liable.
