sexual harassment

Sexual harassment in the workplace is a serious issue that can have wide-ranging effects on a victim’s professional and personal life. 

Understanding the various forms of workplace sexual harassment and discrimination is the first step in protecting against the predatory behavior.  The second step is having an experienced employment lawyer on your side to not only fight for your rights and get you back on your feet, but to also stop the harasser from continuing to harass others in the future. 

Note that gender does not matter when it comes to sexual harassment in the workplace.  It does not matter if you are a man, woman, transgender, or any other identity.  If you have been subjected to sexual harassment at the workplace, you are legally protected.

female looking uncomfortable while a superior rests his hand on her shoulders

How is Sexual Harassment Defined in California?

Sexual harassment does not necessarily have to involve sex or sexual acts.  It is defined as any unwelcome or sexually suggestive advances towards you at your workplace in a physical, verbal or written form. 

Sexual harassment and discrimination occur when your submission to, or rejection of, the unlawful conduct explicitly or implicitly affects your employment, unreasonably interferes with your work performance, or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment.

You may be a victim of sexual harassment in the workplace if you’ve been subjected to:

What Should You Do If You Are a Victim of Sexual Harassment in Your Workplace?

While proving sexual harassment in the workplace can be difficult and complex, there are several steps you can take to strengthen your case.

Gathering evidence is an important element in ultimately proving the offender’s advances were unwanted, and that your employer was aware of the illegal conduct. Saving emails and text messages, documenting incidents (with names, locations, witnesses, etc.), taking photos and videos of inappropriate conduct or materials, and reporting the harassment to your supervisors can provide irrefutable evidence that strengthens your case.

Remember, everyone’s circumstance is different, so after reading below, give our experienced employment attorneys a call for a free consultation, or fill out our no-obligation consultation form so our attorneys can help walk you through your legal options.

sexual harassment

Which Laws Protect Me From Sexual Harassment and Discrimination?

The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) provides employees with the right to bring two types of sexual discrimination and harassment claims:

1. Hostile Work Environment

Some forms of sexual harassment are considered illegal because they create a hostile work environment.  This occurs when behavior and conduct of a sexual nature is so “severe and pervasive” that an employee is prevented from performing his or her job. 

Several different factors are considered in the legal analysis, such as the perpetrator’s role at the workplace (e.g., was the offender an owner or supervisor), the severity of the conduct (e.g., was the conduct a physical touching or offensive verbal comment), and additional factors.  Because the analysis is multi-faceted, it’s imperative that you contact an experienced employment lawyer who can listen to story, explain your legal options, and fight to protect your rights. 

2. Quid Pro Quo

“Quid pro quo” is a legal term meaning “this for that.”  In this type of sexual harassment, victims are propositioned to accept unwanted sexual harassment or otherwise face adverse employment consequences.  Examples include denial of a promotion or cuts in pay or opportunity because the victim rejected the unwanted sexual advance. 

Notably, the reverse can qualify as sexual harassment as well – covering situations where the victim received the employment benefit as a direct result of accepting the unwanted sexual advance.  Under FEHA, whether or not the employee accepted or rejected the employer’s demands does not impact the illegal nature of the employer’s behavior – if the demand was unwanted, it is illegal.

Protection from Retaliation

Both the California FEHA and federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 protect employees against retaliation by their employer.  Simply put, it is illegal for your employer to retaliate against you for voicing your opposition to their discriminatory practices, or for filing a complaint about their discrimination. 

This means you cannot be fired, demoted, harassed, or subjected to any adverse employment decision simply because you exercised your rights under the law. 

Keep this in mind when making the decision to contact our offices – you’re legally protected from your employer retaliating against you while exercising your fundamental right to be free from racial discrimination

Ready to Take legal Action?

Millions recovered for California workers, and counting

$256,250

on behalf of plaintiff for sexual harassment and age discrimination

$425,000

on behalf of a class of 212 roofing installation workers

$145,460

on behalf of plaintiffs for race discrimination and wrongful termination

$225,000

on behalf of a class of 95 warehouse workers

$460,000

on behalf of a class of 629 medical office employees

$197,500

on behalf of a plaintiff for sexual harassment, retaliation and wrongful termination

$185,000

on behalf of a class of 86 fire protection installation workers

$135,000

on behalf of a plaintiff for race discrimination, retaliation and wrongful termination

$95,000

on behalf of a plaintiff for disability discrimination and wrongful termination

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“This testimonial is for Sam Rezvani at Venture Law. If you are reading this, do not hesitate to have a consultation with Mr. Rezvani. I was employed by my former employer for a touch short of 30 years when new management acquired our company and laid me off one month later. They didn’t even have the gal to provide a 2-week notice. Needless to say, I was shocked and devastated. From the outset, Sam asked all the right questions, remembered every detail when we connected (including those I assumed were unimportant), and kept me apprised of case status as he worked it along. You must maintain a certain level of trust here, as the legal world is one in which most of us have little to no experience. I’ve disliked my share of attorneys throughout my career, but Sam is quite clearly not a “typical” attorney. He does a wonderful job walking you along and pointing out where he sees speedbumps, forks in the road, and the ultimate destination when the dust settles. He was spot on all the way through. I’m retired now, and the settlement he recouped for me immensely improved my quality of life. Should you need employment law services, you’ll want Mr. Rezvani in your corner.”

Richard H.

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“I have utilized the assistance of Sam Rezvani and Venture Law for a variety of issues in recent months and with each instance I have come away more impressed. The care and attention is unmatched; it comes across in each interaction just how much Sam truly knows, understands and cares. He is thoughtful and thorough, measured and enthusiastic about his craft and his handling of each specific need. The information and guidance provided were top notch and Sam has entrenched himself as a true ally in all legal aspects. Venture Law and Sam in particular offer a boutique feel with big firm knowledge; I cannot recommend them enough.”

Chris N.

five stars

“Attorney Sam Rezvani at Venture Law was my lawyer. Not sure about the other attorneys there because Sam was the only one I dealt with but can say he’s probably the smartest guy I’ve ever met. He knew exactly how the company was going to lie its way out of what happened and he cut them off from the start. I ended up getting paid IMMEDIATELY and didn’t even have to file a lawsuit.”

Jose R.

five stars

“I’ll keep it short and sweet. Professional, responsive, knowledgeable, and overall fantastic guys on your side. If that’s what you want in your lawyers, call them.”

Viken N.

five stars

“I can honestly say I don’t know where I’d be without Mr. Rezvani. Was in a really dark place in my life when I reached out to him. He gave me legal advice but what I really liked was that he gave me practical advice too. He gave me the courage to polish up my resume and find another job, and let me know he would take care of my case as my lawyer. I vividly remember him saying “that’s my job.” And it’s the best decision I ever made. Got back on my feet and ended up getting compensated for my ex-boss’s discrimination. Can’t disclose how much I got because I signed a confidentiality agreement but all I can say is that it was worth the wait!”

Victoria N.

five stars

“From the start I knew Mr. Rezvani was the attorney I was looking for. This was the first time I needed an attorney. He took the time to answer all my questions and was super clear about how he thought things would go. Didn’t really require much on my end, which was a plus. He kept me updated with how things were going and let me know when I should take the settlement the company was offering. At first, I felt it was too low but he told me the risks of not taking it and guess what? The company shut down 1 month after I got paid!! Still can’t believe how close that was. Trust in Mr. Rezvani and thank me later!”

Edward F.

five stars

“Cannot recommend Venture Law highly enough. Was in a tight spot being fired from my job but I knew I had a legit case cuz everyone knows you can’t trust your bosses haha. Am I right?? So I reached out to Venture and spoke with Mr. Rezvani at my free consultation and he laid out my options. Mr. Rezvani was realistic about what he could do which was key. I asked him if he could get me a million dollars and he laughed haha. Didn’t feel like he was BSing me cuz I hate that feeling. I signed up with him and even though it took hella long to settle up Mr. Rezvani already told me to expect that and I’m glad I stuck it out with them. He got me way more $ than I expected and best part was I already found a new job so the settlement was a like a big bonus. Thank you again Mr. Rezvani!”

Nate O.

five stars

“Trust me, have your free consultation with Venture Law. What do you have to lose? It’s free, you get to speak with an attorney one on one, and it doesn’t cost you anything unless they settle for you. They only get a percentage of what their able to settle. Again, what do you have to lose? At least that’s how I saw it. He told me it might take a while to see any money but all I had to do was sit tight, answer some questions and sign some documents every now and then and I got paid. I can say Sam is an honest attorney and I never felt sold with him. Hope I don’t need him again but now I know I have an attorney I can personally call if I ever need legal advice at work. Worth the wait.”

Andres A.

five stars

“Mr. Rezvani is the man! I don’t usually leave reviews but my attorney came through for me and I had to let everyone know. If you want to sue your employer, reach out to Mr. Rezvani and don’t hesitate to sign up with him. Hope I never need a lawyer again (Sorry Mr. Rezvani!) but if I do I know where I’m calling.”

Saleem B.

five stars

“My husband encouraged me to call attorney Sam Rezvani at Venture Law after I got fired on my maternity leave. I didn’t think I had a case because I’d read you can be fired during maternity leave if the company has a good business reason (do yourself a favor and don’t search the internet for legal advice). I’m also so busy with my baby that I was ready to just forget about it all and move on. On my consultation, Sam explained the company was just using that as an excuse to keep me from suing. He ended up settling my case and I’ve already sent my friend to Sam after she was discriminated by her HR too. I hear she’s going to win and I know she’s happy with Venture Law too. Hopefully she can give a review too, you guys deserve it!”

Doris P.

five stars

“I needed an attorney for a complex employment case and was fortunate to find Sam at Venture Law. From the initial consultation to the final settlement, he and his team were professional, attentive, and highly knowledgeable. They took the time to understand every detail of my situation, and I felt informed and supported throughout the entire process. Their approach and hard work resulted in an outstanding settlement. It was worth the wait. I couldn’t have asked for better representation, and I’m incredibly grateful for the exceptional service and results provided by Sam and his firm!”

Christine S.

five stars

“Working with Sam Rezvani at Venture Law was a better, easier experience than I had expected. This was the second time in my life that I needed to call on the help of an Attorney, the first was a divorce which was miserable and then this event which was highly unexpected. From the first call, Sam was attentive and understanding of my situation. He explained the law and my options clearly and I never felt pushed one way or another. Throughout my case, Sam kept me informed of each step and the outcome. He stayed in contact with the other party as necessary to ensure deadlines or commitments were kept. Communication was easy and I always felt comfortable discussing my case or asking questions. It was my personal choice from the beginning to resolve my case in mediation if possible. Sam had the experience, resources, and skills to negotiate on my behalf and to secure the best possible mediator for a positive outcome. I would not hesitate to recommend Sam Rezvani at Venture Law to anyone in need of a knowledgeable, honest, and reliable Attorney.”

Nancy O.

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