Los Angeles Quid Pro Quo Attorney
Standing Up for Justice & Fairness in the Workplace
When you face unfair pressure or treatment at work, knowing your rights is essential. At Holtz Matthews LLP, we help individuals in Los Angeles who have dealt with or are dealing with quid pro quo harassment find a path to resolution. With decades of experience, our team combines legal knowledge with compassion, guiding you through every phase of your case. From the first conversation, you receive personal support and reliable counsel. We stand beside you so you never have to navigate workplace challenges alone.
Moving forward can be overwhelming, especially with the large and diverse workplace environment in Los Angeles. Our team responds quickly, listens to your concerns, and communicates in plain language so you understand your options. We keep you informed throughout the process, setting clear expectations based on your needs, and remain available when you need answers or updates. By partnering with us, you gain clarity and confidence when taking your next step.
Contact our Los Angeles quid oro quo lawyer by calling (818) 791-0555 today!
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.
Why Choose a Los Angeles Quid Pro Quo Lawyer?
Los Angeles is home to diverse industries—from the high-stakes world of Hollywood entertainment to tech hubs and corporate law. Harassment can happen in any of these sectors. Pursuing a claim against a powerful entity or a high-ranking executive requires a legal team with the resources and the "grit" to stand up to corporate defense firms.
Holtz Matthews LLP provides:
- Free & Confidential Consultations: We provide a safe space to share your story without judgment.
- Strategic Evidence Gathering: We help you recover deleted messages, identify witnesses, and establish a timeline of events.
- Aggressive Litigation: We aren't afraid to take your case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
- Maximized Compensation: We seek damages for lost wages, emotional distress, loss of career opportunities, and, in some cases, punitive damages.
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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.
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$1.3M Result
Client, a high-level female executive for a very successful privately owned apparel company, was terminated after reporting sexual impropriety by the owner. The matter was resolved for a seven-figure sum.
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$1.2M Result
Client was sexually assaulted by several men when she was a minor and then trafficked to others. The matter was resolved for a seven-figure sum.
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$65M RESULT
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$6.8M Result
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$2.5M Result
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$2.4M Result
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$2.1M Result
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$1.3M Result
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$1.2M Result
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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"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 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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"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
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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
What is Quid Pro Quo?
The term "quid pro quo" is a Latin phrase meaning "something for something." In the context of employment law, it refers to a specific type of sexual harassment where a person in a position of authority—such as a manager, supervisor, or executive—conditions an employment benefit on the employee’s submission to sexual advances or conduct.
Unlike a "hostile work environment," which involves pervasive bullying or offensive behavior, quid pro quo harassment is often a transactional exchange. It involves the misuse of power to coerce an employee into a situation they would otherwise refuse. For a claim to be valid in Los Angeles, the harasser must be in a position of power over the victim, such that they have the ability to influence the victim’s employment status.
Common Examples of Quid Pro Quo
Quid pro quo harassment is rarely as cinematic as a villainous boss making a demand in a dark office. It is often nuanced, occurring through suggestive emails, late-night texts, or "off-the-record" conversations. Common scenarios include:
- The "Promotion" Trap: A manager suggests that a promotion or a substantial raise is available, but hints that "getting closer" or going on a private date is a prerequisite for the recommendation.
- The Hiring Barrier: A hiring manager makes it clear to a job applicant that they will be hired only if they agree to engage in sexual acts or romantic correspondence.
- The Performance Review Threat: A supervisor threatens to give an employee a negative performance review or place them on a "Performance Improvement Plan" (PIP) unless they comply with sexual demands.
- Scheduling and Perks: Withholding desirable shifts, vacation time, or high-profile projects unless the employee provides sexual favors.
- Wrongful Termination: Firing or demoting an employee specifically because they rejected a supervisor’s advances.
If any of these situations sound familiar, you may be the victim of illegal workplace conduct. Documenting these interactions is a critical first step in building a case.
State & Federal Quid Pro Quo Laws & Protections
California has some of the most robust worker protection laws in the United States. Victims of quid pro quo harassment in Los Angeles are protected by both federal and state statutes.
The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)
Under California’s FEHA, sexual harassment is strictly prohibited. FEHA is often more favorable to employees than federal law because it applies to employers with even one employee in harassment cases. Under FEHA, an employer is strictly liable for quid pro quo harassment committed by a supervisor. This means the company may be held responsible regardless of whether they knew the harassment was happening.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
At the federal level, Title VII prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sex. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces these standards. While federal law provides a strong baseline, our Los Angeles quid pro quo lawyers often leverage the additional protections afforded by California state law to maximize the recovery for our clients.
Protection Against Retaliation
Both state and federal laws strictly prohibit retaliation. If you report quid pro quo harassment or refuse a supervisor's advances, it is illegal for your employer to punish you. Retaliation can include termination, demotion, or any "adverse employment action" intended to silence or punish you.
Contact a Los Angeles Quid Pro Quo Lawyer & Reclaim Your Rights
If you face workplace harassment, you do not have to take action alone. Reach out to Holtz Matthews LLP for a free and confidential consultation with a quid pro quo attorney in Los Angeles. Our team supports you at every stage, listens with compassion, and works to help you restore a sense of control. By starting a conversation today, you open the door to answers, advocacy, and peace of mind.
Call (818) 791-0555 to schedule your confidential call and learn how we can help you move forward with confidence.
You Are note alone
How We Can Support You
Quid Pro Quo FAQs
Does the harasser have to be my direct boss?
Generally, yes. Quid pro quo harassment requires the harasser to have the authority to confer or withhold an employment benefit. However, anyone in the chain of command—or even a supervisor from a different department who influences your career—can be held liable.
What if I initially agreed to the advances out of fear?
Submission does not mean consent. If you complied with a sexual demand because you feared losing your job or your livelihood, it is still considered harassment. The law looks at whether the advances were unwelcome, not whether you physically resisted.
How long do I have to file a claim in Los Angeles?
In California, you generally have three years from the date of the incident to file a complaint with the Civil Rights Department (CRD), formerly known as the DFEH. However, there are nuances to these deadlines, so it is vital to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible.
Can I be fired for reporting the harassment?
No. That is considered illegal retaliation. If you are fired after reporting harassment, you may have an additional claim for wrongful termination, which can significantly increase the value of your case.
