About Employees First Labor Law — employment law Irvine California

Employment law Irvine California workers facing workplace discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, or wage theft have a dedicated advocate in Employees First Labor Law, operating from Von Karman Avenue in Irvine and serving clients throughout Los Angeles and Orange County. The firm’s name reflects its core commitment: employees come first, and the firm takes cases on a contingency basis — no fees unless the client wins. Lead attorney Jonathan has built a practice around worker advocacy and is credited in reviews with recovering substantial compensation for clients in employment matters ranging from discrimination to severance disputes. Find more Irvine, California attorneys for additional resources.

The firm responds rapidly to new inquiries — multiple reviewers describe hearing back within hours of submitting an online form — and provides intake consultations that clearly explain case strengths, strategies, and realistic expectations. This transparency at the beginning of the relationship is a recurring theme in positive reviews, and reflects the firm’s practice of treating prospective clients with the same respect afforded to active clients.

What Clients Say

Reviewers consistently describe Employees First Labor Law as knowledgeable, responsive, and genuinely caring about the people they represent. Multiple clients describe feeling supported throughout emotionally difficult employment situations, with the team making them feel like family rather than a case file. Specific wins cited include recovery of severance pay after wrongful termination, and clients describe the contingency fee model as removing a significant barrier to justice for workers who could not otherwise afford representation.

employment law Irvine — Practice Areas & Services

• Workplace discrimination claims under California FEHA and federal Title VII
• Sexual harassment and hostile work environment cases
• Wrongful termination and retaliation claims in Orange County
• Wage and hour violations including unpaid overtime and meal break violations
• Severance agreement review and negotiation
• EEOC and DFEH charge filing and agency representation
• Whistleblower and protected activity retaliation cases

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes California employment law different from federal law?

California provides significantly broader employee protections than federal law across nearly every category. California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) applies to employers with five or more employees rather than the federal threshold of 15, covers more protected characteristics, and allows for unlimited compensatory and punitive damages without the federal caps that apply to Title VII claims. California also has its own wage and hour laws that are more protective than the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, making state-law claims particularly valuable for California workers.

How long do I have to file an employment discrimination claim in California?

Under California law, employees must file a complaint with the Civil Rights Department (formerly DFEH) within three years of the unlawful practice. For federal claims, the deadline is 300 days to file with the EEOC. California’s longer deadline is a meaningful advantage for workers who may not discover the full extent of discrimination or retaliation immediately. Acting promptly is still important, as evidence and witness recollections are stronger closer to the events.

What is a contingency fee arrangement in employment cases?

Under a contingency fee agreement, the attorney receives a percentage of any recovery only if the case is won or settled — the client pays nothing upfront and owes no fees if the case is unsuccessful. This arrangement allows workers without resources to access quality legal representation. Employees First Labor Law operates on this model, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent Orange County workers from pursuing valid claims.