Alternative Dispute Resolution
ADR Types and Benefits. The Judicial Council of California has created a video series with descriptions of different kinds of dispute resolution and where each might be helpful.
Ask for a Fee Waiver if you can't afford filing fees
In most cases, you have to pay a fee to file papers with the court. If you can’t afford the filing fee, you can ask the court for a “fee waiver” in order to file for free. With a fee waiver, you also may not have to pay for certified copies, sheriff's service of process fees, or other costs related to starting a case, such as the cost for a court reporter to be at your trial.
Ask WomensLaw.org a Question!
The purpose of this Email Hotline is for WomensLaw to provide basic legal information, referrals, and emotional support. The purpose of this Email Hotline is to provide U.S.-based legal information related to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. All emails are answered or reviewed by an attorney. However, we cannot provide legal advice or representation and we cannot call you on the phone. You can expect to receive a response within 1-5 business days.
California Civil Rights Department: Discrimination Complaint Process
Complaint process/forms for discrimination/civil rights issues
California Fair Pay Act
Signed on October 6, 215, the California Fair Pay Act, strengthens the California Equal Pay Act, which prohibited an employer from paying its employees less than employees of the opposite sex for equal work.
California Wrongful Termination
If you’re unsure whether your firing qualifies as wrongful termination, this tool can help bring clarity to your situation. By guiding you through key legal criteria, it will assess whether your case meets the definition of a wrongful termination claim, estimate the strength of your potential claim, and connect you with vetted local employment law experts if you need further assistance.
Challenge of an FBI Identity History Summary
Is there missing or incorrect info about your federal record?
Check If Your Workplace Rights Have Been Violated in California
This quick quiz helps California employees determine whether their situation may involve a workplace rights violation under FEHA. It offers clear, practical guidance and connects users with vetted California employment lawyers who are experienced in handling cases like theirs.
Do I Have a Discrimination Case at Work in California?
Determination of qualifying workplace discrimination case(s)
Employment Rights of Undocumented Workers
With just a few exceptions, undocumented workers enjoy all of the legal rights and remedies provided by both Federal and California law.
Facts About Age Discrimination
Your age can't be a factor in an employer's decisions.
Facts About Compensation Discrimination
Equality in pay and compensation is protected under the law.
Facts About Pregnancy Discrimination
Women affected by pregnancy must be treated the same.
Facts About Race/Color Discrimination
Race/color can't be part of a decision by your employer.
Facts About Religious Discrimination
Religion can't be part of a decision by your employer.
Fingerprint Background Checks
Your criminal record may appear on some kinds of background checks. You can use this site to request your California DOJ Record or "RAP Sheet" here. Your FBI record may have additional information if you have convictions outside of California.
Gender Identity Discrimination: Employment Rights for Transgender Workers
Names and pronouns, restroom accessibility, and dress codes.
Guidelines for Drafting Work Accommodation Notes for Pregnant and Postpartum Patients
You may want to give your doctor, midwife, or other care provider our guide that explains how to write a work note. Following this guide will give your employer the information it needs while protecting your privacy as much as possible. Download this guide and share it with your healthcare provider when you ask for a work note.
I Was Fired From My Job in California - Do I Have a Case?
California is an at-will employment state, which means your employer can fire you for almost any reason, or no reason at all. Almost! The exception is significant: your employer cannot fire you for an illegal reason. And in California, illegal reasons cover a far broader range of situations than most employees realize. If you were fired while living and working in California and something about it feels off — the timing, the explanation you were given, or what happened leading up to the termination — there is a legal framework specifically designed to evaluate situations like yours. This page will walk you through it.
Labor Enforcement Task Force (LETF)
What are your rights as a worker? What Is the Underground Economy? Report a bad employer.
Labor Unions: Duty of Fair Representation
A union owes a duty of fair representation to all of the workers it represents. This duty requires that the union act fairly, impartially, and without ill will or discrimination when pursuing a worker"s grievance or when negotiating a new contract with the employer.
Lactation Rights at Work: Are Pumping Breaks Paid or Unpaid?
Almost all U.S. employers are required to give nursing employees break time and a private, functional, non-bathroom space for pumping milk under a law called the PUMP Act.
Lawyer Referral Service - Fresno County Bar Association
2444 Main Street, Suite 125 Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 264-2619
www.fresnocountybar.org/?pg=clientreferrals
This group does not provide legal representation in court.
Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum: Your Workplace Rights
This guide gives an overview of your legal rights and options at work when you are experiencing mental health conditions related to pregnancy and childbirth.
Military Employment Rights
The Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (the "Reservists Act") is the federal law that provides job and benefit protection for U.S. Military Reservists.
Overview of Federal Sector Complaint Process
If you are a federal employee or job applicant, the law protects you from discrimination because of your race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age (4 or older), disability or genetic information.
Pregnancy Accommodations in the Workplace
This resource explains how pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding are protected in the workplace. It shows how to ask for helpful changes like more breaks, lighter duties, or pumping time, and explains what to do if your employer resists.
Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Related Medical Conditions: Common Workplace Limitations and Reasonable Accommodations Explained
View workable accommodations for typical pregnancy-related conditions. Speak with your doctor about what is best for you.
Pregnancy Harassment — Hostile Work Environment During and After Pregnancy in California
Pregnancy Harassment at work, KYR
Pregnant Workers Fairness Act: Understanding Your Rights
You may want to get a note from your healthcare provider to support your accommodation request. Or your employer may tell you to ask your doctor to fill out medical forms. Check out this FAQ on medical paperwork to learn what information your employer is allowed – and not allowed – to ask for.
Preventing Hair Discrimination: CA's Create a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act
Overview of CA's Create a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act
Proving Work Authorization and Reverification
Since 1986, the immigration law requires employers to only hire workers who have authorization by the U.S. government to work in this country. The law requires employers to check (verify) the identity and work eligibility of each employee. If you believe you have been discriminated against on the basis of immigration status or national origin, you may be able to file a charge against your employer. Your union or an advocate from an immigrant rights group may be able to help you with this charge. You can contact them at 1-800-255-7688 or, for TDD 1-800- 237-2515 (both numbers are free).
Religious Discrimination and Accommodation in the Workplace
How are religious beliefs protected in the workplace? What qualifies as a religion or a religious belief or practice?
Rights of Muslims, Arabs, South Asians, and Sikhs
Equal Employment laws against discrimination.
Roadmap to Reentry
A California legal guide for people in reentry and their advocates. This resource is highly detailed and cites to specific law. Seek the advice of an attorney to find out if this information applies to your situation.
Sexual Harassment At Work: Know Your Rights
Your right to a workplace without unwelcome sexual conduct.
Sexual Orientation Discrimination and Harassment
State law protections for your sexual orientation.
Talking to Your Boss About Your Pump: California
Returning to work after having a baby can be challenging, especially if you are breastfeeding, chestfeeding, or pumping milk. This guide will help you make a plan to take care of your lactation needs at work. It explains your legal protections and gives you practical tips for how to talk to your boss about changes you may need at work.
Telling Your Boss About Your Pregnancy
Figuring out how to manage pregnancy and work can be challenging. This guide can help. It explains your legal protections and gives you practical tips on when to tell your boss, what to say, and how to ask for time off and workplace changes you may need.
Undocumented Workers' Employment and Paid Leave Rights
With a few exceptions, undocumented workers enjoy all of the legal rights and remedies provided by both Federal and California law.
Wrongful Termination
The general rule in California is that employees are considered to employed "at will," meaning that they may be fired at any time by their employers, for any reason or for no reason at all. However, there are important exceptions to the "at will" rule.