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The Process of Filing an Employment Discrimination Claim in California

Employment discrimination can have a profound impact on an individual’s professional and personal life. Understanding the process of filing a discrimination claim is crucial for ensuring that justice is served and rights are protected. Below, we aim to provide a comprehensive guide on the steps involved in filing an employment discrimination claim in California, from identifying discrimination to potentially filing a lawsuit. At Le Clerc & Le Clerc LLP, we are committed to helping you navigate this complex process.

Identifying Employment Discrimination

Employment discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or job applicant unfavorably due to certain characteristics that are protected by law. These characteristics include:

Discriminatory practices in the workplace can take many forms, including:

  • Hiring and Firing: Refusing to hire someone because of their race, gender, or other protected characteristic, or firing someone based on these factors.
  • Harassment: Subjecting someone to unwelcome conduct, such as offensive remarks or physical threats, because of their protected characteristic. Harassment can create a hostile work environment.
  • Unequal Pay: Paying someone less than their colleagues for the same work because of their gender, race, or other protected characteristic.
  • Job Assignments and Promotions: Denying someone a promotion, job assignment, or other advancement opportunities because of their protected characteristic.
  • Training and Benefits: Offering different or fewer training opportunities or benefits to employees based on their protected characteristics.
  • Disciplinary Actions: Subjecting someone to different disciplinary actions or standards because of their protected characteristic.
  • Retaliation: Taking adverse actions against someone who has filed a discrimination complaint or participated in an investigation or lawsuit regarding discrimination.

Understanding these types and examples of employment discrimination is crucial for recognizing and addressing unfair treatment in the workplace. If you believe you have experienced any of these forms of discrimination, it is important to take appropriate steps to protect your rights.

Filing an Internal Complaint

Many companies have internal procedures for addressing discrimination complaints. Start by following your employer’s complaint process, which typically involves contacting the Human Resources (HR) department.

HR is responsible for investigating internal complaints and ensuring compliance with company policies and employment laws. Provide them with all the relevant details and evidence of the discrimination you faced. The company should then conduct a prompt and thorough investigation into your complaint.

Possible outcomes of filing an internal complaint include:

  • Resolution of the Issue: The employer may take corrective actions to address the discrimination.
  • Disciplinary Actions: The perpetrator may face disciplinary actions.
  • Unresolved Complaint: If the issue is not resolved, you may need to seek external remedies.

Taking these initial steps is critical in addressing and documenting employment discrimination, setting the foundation for further action if needed.

Filing With the California Civil Rights Department (CRD)

If the internal complaint does not resolve the issue, you can file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department. The CRD enforces civil rights laws related to employment, housing, public accommodations, and hate violence. The CRD’s mission is to protect Californians from discrimination and to ensure equal opportunities for all.

How to File a Complaint With the CRD

If you decide to file with the CRD, submitting your complaint online is the most convenient method. You can submit your complaint through the CRD’s website, where you will be guided through the process step-by-step.

However, if you prefer, you can file a complaint by calling the CRD or visiting one of their offices in person. The staff will assist you in filling out the necessary forms and ensure that your complaint is properly filed.

Either way, you will need to provide the following information:

  • Personal Details: You will need to give your name, contact information, and any other personal details that are relevant to your complaint.
  • Employer Details: Provide information about your employer, including the company name, address, and contact information. Include details about your position and how long you have been employed there.
  • Description of Discriminatory Acts: Describe the specific incidents of discrimination you experienced. Include dates, times, locations, and any witnesses who can corroborate your account. Be as detailed as possible to help the CRD understand your situation.

Complaints must typically be filed within one year of the discriminatory act. It is important to file your complaint as soon as possible to ensure it is within the allowable timeframe.

CRD Investigation Process

Once your complaint is filed, the CRD will conduct an investigation. This may include interviewing witnesses, reviewing documents, and gathering other relevant information. The investigation process aims to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to support your claim.

The possible outcomes of a CRD complaint include:

  • No Cause Finding: The CRD may determine there is not enough evidence to support your claim.
  • Settlement: The CRD may facilitate a settlement between you and your employer.
  • Right-to-Sue Letter: If the CRD finds sufficient evidence but does not resolve the complaint, they may issue a right-to-sue letter, allowing you to file a lawsuit in court.

Filing With the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is a federal agency that enforces federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. The EEOC covers employers with 15 or more employees and addresses discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and genetic information.

The main differences between the CRD and EEOC are the scope of laws they enforce and their jurisdiction. While the CRD enforces California state laws, the EEOC enforces federal laws. Both agencies can investigate claims of discrimination, but the specific protections and processes may vary.

How to File a Complaint With the EEOC

You can file a complaint with the EEOC online through their Public Portal. The portal allows you to submit a complaint and track the status of your case. Complaints can also be filed by calling the EEOC or visiting one of their offices. EEOC staff will assist you in completing the necessary paperwork and ensure your complaint is filed correctly.

You will need to provide information such as: 

  • Personal Details: Include your name, contact information, and other personal details relevant to your complaint.
  • Employer Details: Provide the name, address, and contact information of your employer, along with details about your position and tenure with the company.
  • Description of Discriminatory Acts: Detail the specific incidents of discrimination, including dates, times, locations, and any witnesses. Provide a thorough account to help the EEOC understand the nature of your complaint.

Complaints must typically be filed within 300 days of the discriminatory act. As with the CRD, it is important to file your complaint promptly.

EEOC Investigation Process

After filing your complaint, the EEOC will conduct an investigation. This may involve interviewing witnesses, reviewing documents, and gathering additional evidence. The goal is to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to support your claim.

The possible outcomes of an EEOC complaint include:

  • No Cause Finding: The EEOC may determine there is not enough evidence to support your claim.
  • Settlement: The EEOC may facilitate a settlement between you and your employer.
  • Right-to-Sue Letter: If the EEOC finds sufficient evidence but does not resolve the complaint, they may issue a right-to-sue letter, allowing you to file a lawsuit in court.

By understanding the processes of filing a complaint with the CRD and the EEOC, you can better navigate the steps necessary to address employment discrimination and seek justice.

Filing a Lawsuit

If you receive a right-to-sue letter, you can file a lawsuit. Deciding whether to file your lawsuit in state or federal court depends on the specifics of your case and the laws that have been violated. State courts typically handle cases involving violations of California state laws, while federal courts handle cases involving federal laws. Consulting with an attorney can help you determine the best jurisdiction for your case.

Regardless of where you choose to file your lawsuit, the first step is drafting the complaint, a legal document outlining your allegations against the employer. The complaint should include:

  • A detailed description of the discriminatory acts
  • The legal basis for your claims
  • The damages you seek
  • Any supporting evidence

After drafting the complaint, it must be filed with the appropriate court and served to the employer. Serving the complaint involves formally delivering the legal documents to the employer notifying them of the lawsuit. This process must follow specific legal procedures to ensure proper notification.

The Litigation Process

Once you have filed your lawsuit, you will begin the pre-trial proceedings. The first step is discovery, during which both parties exchange information and evidence relevant to the case. This phase may include:

  • Interrogatories: Written questions that must be answered under oath.
  • Requests for Production: Requests for documents, emails, and other evidence.
  • Requests for Admission: Requests to admit or deny certain facts.
  • Subpoenas: Legal orders to produce evidence or testify.

Next, your attorney will take depositions or sworn testimony from witnesses and parties involved in the case. These testimonies are recorded and can be used in court. Depositions help gather detailed information and assess the credibility of witnesses.

Trial Procedures

If your case goes to trial, a jury may be selected to hear the case. Jury selection involves questioning potential jurors to ensure they can be fair and impartial. If you opt not to have a jury, the judge will issue the ruling instead. 

After the judge or jury is appointed and the trial begins, both sides present their opening statements, outlining the case and what they intend to prove. The plaintiff’s attorney goes first, followed by the defense.

During the trial, both parties present their evidence and call witnesses to testify. This phase includes direct examination (questioning your witnesses) and cross-examination (questioning the opposing party’s witnesses).

After presenting evidence, both sides make their closing arguments, summarizing the case and highlighting key points. The plaintiff’s attorney goes first, followed by the defense.

The jury deliberates and reaches a verdict based on the evidence and testimony presented during the trial. The jury’s decision can favor either the plaintiff or the defendant.

The possible outcomes of a trial include:

  • Favorable Verdict: The jury finds in favor of the plaintiff and may award damages.
  • Unfavorable Verdict: The jury finds in favor of the defendant, and no damages are awarded.
  • Mixed Verdict: The jury may find in favor of the plaintiff on some claims but not others, resulting in partial damages.

Post-Trial Options

After the trial, it is important to understand the judge or jury’s verdict and its implications. Review the court’s decision and the awarded damages, if any.

If you are not satisfied with the trial outcome, you may have the option to appeal the decision. An appeal involves asking a higher court to review the case for legal errors that may have affected the verdict. The appeals process can be complex and requires a strong legal basis.

However, even after a trial, there may be opportunities to negotiate a settlement. Both parties may prefer to settle rather than pursue a lengthy appeals process.

If the court awards damages or orders specific actions, you may need to take steps to enforce the decision. This could involve legal actions to ensure compliance with the court’s orders.

By understanding the steps involved in filing a lawsuit and navigating the litigation process, you can better prepare for the challenges ahead. Seeking guidance from experienced legal professionals, such as the attorneys at Le Clerc & Le Clerc LLP, can significantly improve your chances of a successful outcome.

Professional Lawyers for California Discrimination Claims

Navigating the process of filing an employment discrimination claim in California can be complex and daunting. At Le Clerc & Le Clerc LLP, we are dedicated to providing you with the support and expertise needed to successfully manage your claim. If you believe you have been a victim of employment discrimination, do not hesitate to contact us for a consultation and further assistance.

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