Los Angeles Workplace Harassment Attorneys
You Do Not Have to Endure Harassment at Work
No one should have to walk into their place of employment feeling unsafe, degraded, or intimidated. Unfortunately, workplace harassment remains a pervasive issue across Southern California, affecting thousands of employees in industries ranging from tech and healthcare to hospitality and film.
If you are facing mistreatment, you don’t have to endure it alone. At Holtz Matthews LLP, our Los Angeles workplace harassment attorneys provide the aggressive representation and compassionate guidance needed to hold employers accountable. With decades of experience, we understand the nuances of California’s strict labor laws and are committed to securing the justice and compensation you deserve.
Call (818) 791-0555 or contact us online today to schedule a free 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 Workplace Harassment?
Workplace harassment occurs when an employee is subjected to unwelcome conduct based on legally protected characteristics. This behavior becomes unlawful when it is severe or pervasive enough to create a hostile, intimidating, or abusive work environment.
Harassment may be verbal, physical, visual, or digital, and it can come from supervisors, coworkers, clients, or even third parties interacting with the workplace. Importantly, workplace harassment does not always have to result in termination or demotion—it is enough if the conduct interferes with your ability to do your job.
Protected characteristics under California and federal law include:
- Race or ethnicity
- Gender or gender identity
- Sexual orientation
- Religion
- Disability
- Age (40 and older)
- National origin
- Pregnancy or medical condition
If you are unsure whether your experience qualifies as harassment, our Los Angeles workplace harassment attorney at Holtz Matthews LLP can evaluate your case and provide clarity.
Common Examples of Workplace Harassment
Workplace harassment can take many forms, some obvious and others more subtle. Common examples include:
- Verbal Harassment: Offensive jokes, slurs, insults, or derogatory comments about a protected class
- Physical Harassment: Unwanted touching, intimidation, or physical threats
- Visual Harassment: Displaying offensive images, emails, or posters in the workplace
- Sexual Harassment: Unwanted sexual advances, requests for favors, or inappropriate comments
- Cyber Harassment: Harassing messages via email, chat platforms, or social media
- Retaliation: Punishing an employee for reporting harassment or participating in an investigation
Even a single incident may be enough to constitute harassment if it is particularly severe. More often, harassment involves repeated behavior over time that creates a toxic work environment.
California & Federal Workplace Harassment Laws
Employees in Los Angeles are protected by both California and federal laws designed to prevent workplace harassment.
California Law
The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) offers some of the strongest protections in the country. FEHA applies to employers with five or more employees and prohibits harassment based on a wide range of protected characteristics.
Under FEHA:
- Employers must take reasonable steps to prevent harassment
- Supervisors are held to strict standards
- Employees are protected from retaliation for reporting harassment
Federal Law
At the federal level, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. Additional protections are provided under laws such as:
- The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- While federal laws offer important protections, California law often provides broader coverage and stronger remedies.
Our team can determine which laws apply to your case and build a strategy tailored to your situation.
Who is Liable?
Liability in workplace harassment cases depends on who engaged in the misconduct and how the employer responded.
Potentially liable parties include:
- Employers: Companies can be held responsible if they fail to prevent or address harassment
- Supervisors: Employers are often strictly liable for harassment by supervisors
- Coworkers: Employers may be liable if they knew or should have known about harassment and failed to act
- Third Parties: Harassment by customers, vendors, or contractors may also create employer liability
Employers are required to maintain a harassment-free workplace. This includes implementing policies, conducting training, and promptly investigating complaints. Failure to meet these obligations can result in significant legal consequences.
Compensation Available to Employees
Victims of workplace harassment may be entitled to various forms of compensation, depending on the circumstances of their case.
Potential damages include:
- Lost Wages: Compensation for missed income due to termination, demotion, or reduced hours
- Emotional Distress: Damages for anxiety, depression, and psychological harm
- Medical Expenses: Costs related to therapy or treatment
- Punitive Damages: Awarded in cases involving particularly egregious conduct
- Reinstatement: Returning to your previous position if applicable
- Attorney’s Fees and Costs: Recovery of legal expenses
At Holtz Matthews LLP, we work diligently to maximize the compensation our clients receive while holding employers accountable for unlawful conduct.
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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"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 an outstanding attorney."
I have the highest regard for his capabilities.
Former Client -
"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
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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.
Former Client
Why Workers Turn to Our Firm
People contact our firm when they feel outmatched by their employer, or when the person harassing them has power, status, or public visibility. Many of our clients work in or around the entertainment and gaming worlds in Los Angeles, where reputations travel quickly and speaking up can feel like a direct threat to their careers. They want a work harassment attorney who understands those dynamics and who is prepared to confront them with strategy and resolve.
Holtz Matthews LLP was founded by Michael Holtz and Jordan Matthews on principles of justice and fairness. Our work includes challenging powerful organizations, such as our litigation involving Wynn Resorts, which reflects our willingness to pursue accountability even when the other side has significant resources and public stature. Clients come to us when they are not just seeking a payment, but also a measure of accountability and a safer environment for themselves and others.
In every harassment case, we lead with empathy, discretion, and confidentiality. We recognize that recounting what happened can be painful and that you may have concerns about who will learn about your allegations. We create a supportive environment where you can share your story at your own pace, and we work to shield you from unnecessary exposure while your matter moves forward.
To discuss your situation with a workplace harassment attorney Los Angeles residents can turn to for confidential guidance, call (818) 791-0555.
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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.
Workplace Harassment FAQs
What should I do if I am being harassed at work?
First, if you feel safe doing so, tell the harasser to stop. Second, report the conduct according to your company’s internal policy (usually found in the employee handbook). Always keep a written log of every incident, including dates, times, witnesses, and exactly what was said or done. Contact a Los Angeles workplace harassment lawyer immediately to discuss your next steps.
Can I be fired for reporting harassment?
No. Retaliation is illegal. If your employer fires, demotes, or otherwise punishes you for reporting harassment in good faith, you may have a separate and very strong claim for retaliation.
Does the harassment have to be sexual?
No. While sexual harassment is common, it is equally illegal to harass someone based on their race, religion, age (40+), disability, national origin, or any other category protected by FEHA.
What if the harasser is a client or a customer?
Your employer has a legal duty to protect you from harassment by non-employees if they have control over the situation. If you report a harassing client and your boss does nothing, the company can be held liable.
How do I prove workplace harassment?
Proving harassment typically involves demonstrating that the conduct was unwelcome, based on a protected characteristic, and severe or pervasive. Evidence may include emails, messages, witness statements, and documentation of incidents.
Should I report harassment to my employer first?
In many cases, yes. Reporting harassment internally can strengthen your claim, as employers are required to take corrective action. However, if you feel unsafe or fear retaliation, consult an attorney before proceeding.
What if I am retaliated against for reporting harassment?
Retaliation is illegal under both California and federal law. If your employer takes adverse action against you for reporting harassment, you may have an additional legal claim.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Deadlines vary depending on the type of claim. In California, you generally have three years to file a complaint with the Civil Rights Department under FEHA. Consulting an attorney as soon as possible ensures you do not miss critical deadlines.
Can I file a claim if the harassment wasn’t directed at me?
Yes. Even if you were not the direct target, you may still have a claim if the behavior created a hostile work environment that affected you.
