You have rights in the workplace. However, while many people understand this basic principle, they often don’t know what to do when facing workplace harassment, wrongful termination, or other forms of discrimination. These situations can leave you feeling powerless and uncertain about your next steps. At the Law Offices of Denise Eaton May, P.C., we help individuals in San Francisco, Oakland, and the broader Bay Area assert their rights and navigate the complexities of employment law to achieve equitable outcomes.

Denise Eaton May has dedicated more than 25 years to handling employment law matters with skill and compassion. Whether you’ve experienced workplace discrimination, harassment, or wrongful termination, our firm is here to guide you. To discuss your case, call us at 510-880-3716 or complete our online contact form.

Comprehensive Employment Law Representation in San Francisco and Oakland

Our firm represents clients in a wide range of employment law matters across the Bay Area:

Workplace Discrimination

Discrimination in the workplace is not only unjust—it’s unlawful. Both California and federal laws protect employees from being treated unfairly based on certain protected characteristics, including age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, and more.

Discrimination can take many forms, such as unequal pay, denial of promotions, demotion, wrongful termination, or hostile behavior directed toward an employee. Whether the discrimination you’ve faced is systemic, rooted in longstanding workplace practices, or a single, overt act, we are here to uphold your rights.

Our firm investigates claims thoroughly, gathering evidence to prove discriminatory intent or disparate impact. We work with clients to file complaints with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and pursue legal remedies, including compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and punitive damages.

Harassment and Sexual Harassment

No employee should have to endure a hostile work environment. Harassment—whether it comes in the form of offensive comments, demeaning behavior, or inappropriate physical contact—creates a toxic workplace and violates your legal rights.

Sexual harassment, in particular, is a pervasive issue that can involve quid pro quo demands (where a supervisor conditions job benefits on sexual favors) or pervasive, unwelcome conduct that creates a hostile environment. Victims of harassment often feel isolated and fearful of retaliation, but taking action is critical.

Our firm provides compassionate support to individuals experiencing workplace harassment. We help clients take legal action by filing complaints, seeking restraining orders if necessary, and pursuing compensation for the harm they have suffered. Whether you need to address harassment informally or through legal action, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

Severance Agreements

The end of an employment relationship can be a stressful and uncertain time, but a well-negotiated severance agreement can offer a safety net. Employers often present severance agreements when terminating employees, but these documents may include clauses that limit your ability to seek future employment or take legal action.

Our firm reviews severance agreements carefully, ensuring that they align with your rights and best interests. If necessary, we negotiate for better terms, such as increased compensation, extended benefits, or a more favorable timeline for transitioning out of your role. With our support, you can approach this critical transition with confidence and security.

Wage and Hour Violations

Every worker deserves fair compensation for their labor, but wage theft is an all-too-common problem in California. Employers may misclassify employees as independent contractors to avoid paying benefits or overtime, withhold wages, or require unpaid work hours in violation of state and federal labor laws.

The Bay Area’s diverse workforce includes many individuals in industries prone to wage violations, such as hospitality, construction, and tech. Whether you’ve been denied overtime pay, had wages improperly deducted, or been forced to work off the clock, our firm can help. We’ll investigate your claims, gather documentation, and take action to recover unpaid wages and penalties.

California’s labor laws are among the strongest in the nation, and we’ll ensure that your employer is held accountable for any violations.

Wrongful Termination

Losing your job is always difficult, but when it happens under unlawful circumstances, it can feel especially devastating. Wrongful termination occurs when an employer fires an employee in violation of their rights, whether due to discrimination, retaliation for whistleblowing, or refusal to engage in illegal activities.

California is an at-will employment state, meaning employers can generally terminate employees without cause. However, they cannot violate state or federal laws in doing so. If you’ve been fired because of your protected status, for reporting misconduct, or for asserting your workplace rights, we’ll fight to hold your employer accountable.

Our firm works to secure remedies for wrongful termination, including compensation for lost wages, reinstatement, and damages for emotional distress. We are dedicated to helping you move forward with your career and your life.

Navigating employment law disputes can be complex and overwhelming, but you don’t have to face these challenges alone. Our firm serves as a trusted advocate for workers in San Francisco, Oakland, and the Bay Area. We approach every case with empathy, precision, and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for our clients.

Why Mediation Can Be the Right Choice for Resolving Workplace Disputes

At the Law Offices of Denise Eaton May, we understand that litigation is not always the best solution. For many workplace disputes, mediation offers a more efficient, less contentious, and cost-effective way to resolve conflicts. Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) that allows both parties to come together with the help of a neutral third party—a mediator—to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.

Our firm frequently uses mediation to resolve cases involving discrimination, harassment, and wage disputes. Mediation offers several benefits:

• Confidentiality: Unlike court proceedings, which are public, mediation is private. This confidentiality can be crucial for preserving reputations and relationships.
• Control Over the Outcome: In mediation, both parties have a say in crafting the final agreement, leading to solutions that better address their unique needs.
• Cost and Time Savings: Mediation is often faster and less expensive than litigation, making it an attractive option for employees and employers alike.

Attorneys Who Can Act as Mediators in the Bay Area

In addition to representing clients in mediation, the attorneys at the Law Offices of Denise Eaton May are also skilled mediators. This dual role gives us a unique perspective and a deep understanding of how to achieve successful outcomes. Acting as neutral mediators, we help employees and employers in San Francisco, Oakland, and the Bay Area resolve disputes without the need for prolonged court battles.

As mediators, we assist parties in:

• Identifying Core Issues: We work to uncover the underlying concerns behind workplace disputes, ensuring that all parties’ needs are addressed.
• Facilitating Open Communication: Mediation relies on effective dialogue, and our mediators are skilled at fostering a productive environment where all voices are heard.
• Crafting Creative Solutions: We help parties explore innovative and equitable resolutions tailored to their unique circumstances.

When Litigation Is Necessary

While mediation is often the preferred method for resolving workplace disputes, there are situations where litigation is unavoidable. If mediation fails or your employer refuses to negotiate in good faith, our firm is prepared to aggressively advocate for your rights in court. Denise Eaton May has extensive experience in both mediation and litigation, ensuring that your case will be handled with expertise, regardless of the approach needed.

Serving Clients Throughout the San Francisco Bay Area

The Law Offices of Denise Eaton May is proud to serve clients in San Francisco, Oakland, and surrounding Bay Area communities. We are committed to providing personalized legal support tailored to the needs of our clients, whether you’re seeking assistance with mediation, representation in court, or simply exploring your options for resolving a workplace issue.

Our firm’s focus on alternative dispute resolution reflects our commitment to achieving fair and efficient outcomes. With over 25 years of experience, we have the knowledge and skills necessary to handle even the most complex employment law cases.

Contact Us for Employment Law and Mediation Support

Whether you’ve experienced harassment, discrimination, or other workplace injustices, the Law Offices of Denise Eaton May is here to help. From mediation to litigation, we offer comprehensive legal services to clients throughout San Francisco, Oakland, and the Bay Area.Call us at 510-880-3716 to schedule a consultation with an experienced California employment law attorney, or complete our online contact form to get started. Let us help you find the resolution you deserve.