EEOC Attorney in Orange County

Support For Employees Facing Workplace Discrimination

If you are being treated unfairly at work or you lost your job after speaking up, you may be wondering whether the law protects you and where to turn for help. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission plays an important role in many workplace cases, and having guidance from an experienced EEOC attorney in Orange County can make a real difference.

At The Gould Law Firm, we focus our practice on representing workers in employment law violation claims. Since 1995, we have helped employees hold employers and coworkers accountable for discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, and wage violations. We offer a free initial consultation so you can talk through what happened and learn about your options without any upfront cost.

Our team understands how stressful it is to stand up to an employer, especially when your income, career, and reputation are at risk. We are here to listen carefully, explain how federal and California laws work, and help you decide whether involving the EEOC or other agencies is the right step in your situation.

Have you experienced discrimination or retaliation at work and are unsure how to move forward? Our EEOC lawyer in Orange County can help you understand your rights and the next steps available to you. Call (714) 592-4936 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation today.

Do I Have An EEOC Case?

Many employees are unsure whether what happened to them is illegal or simply unfair. The EEOC is a federal agency that enforces laws prohibiting discrimination based on protected characteristics such as race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, and genetic information. It also enforces protections against retaliation for reporting or opposing unlawful conduct.

In our practice, we often meet people who were fired, demoted, denied promotions, or harassed after they complained about discrimination or requested a reasonable accommodation. Others were subjected to offensive comments or unwanted touching, or watched coworkers with similar qualifications receive better treatment because of a protected characteristic. These situations can lead to potential claims under federal and California law.

California offers strong protections through state statutes that are enforced by the Civil Rights Department. In many cases, federal and state laws overlap. This can affect where and how a charge is filed, and which deadlines apply. A careful review of your situation is necessary to determine the best path, and that is why speaking with an EEOC lawyer in Orange County can be helpful early on.

Each case depends on specific facts, such as what was said or done, who was involved, how the company responded, and how long the conduct went on. There are also strict time limits to file a charge with the EEOC or state agency, and these deadlines can be shorter than people expect. Waiting too long may limit your options, even in serious situations.

Some signs it may be time to talk with an attorney about potential EEOC issues include:

• You were fired, demoted, or had hours cut soon after complaining about discrimination or harassment.
• Your employer ignored repeated complaints about offensive comments, unwanted touching, or severe harassment.
• You requested medical leave or a reasonable accommodation for a disability and were punished or denied without real discussion.
• Coworkers with similar or weaker qualifications receive better treatment, pay, or opportunities, and the difference appears tied to a protected characteristic.

If you recognize your own experience in any of these examples, a conversation with our team can help you understand whether the EEOC or other avenues may apply to your situation.

How The EEOC Process Works

Once someone suspects that their rights have been violated, the next question is often what will actually happen if they move forward. The EEOC process can feel confusing at first, but it generally follows a series of steps. Understanding the big picture can make it easier to decide how to proceed.

In many federal discrimination and retaliation cases, a person must file a charge of discrimination with the EEOC or a state agency before bringing a lawsuit. The agency typically reviews the information, may ask for more details, and then notifies the employer. Sometimes, the agency offers mediation. Other times, it conducts an investigation that can include requests for documents, interviews, or position statements from the employer.

At different points in this process, the agency may make findings or choose to close its file and issue a notice of the right to sue. That notice generally gives you a limited period to file a lawsuit in court if you and your attorney decide that is the right step. Our EEOC attorneys can explain how these time frames work in cases that arise from this region and how they interact with California law.

Throughout this process, legal counsel can assist in preparing your description of events, organizing supporting documents, responding to employer statements, and evaluating settlement discussions. Each case is different, and our goal is to help you understand your options at every stage, not to pressure you in one direction. As an EEOC attorney in Orange County, our role includes helping you weigh the benefits and risks of continued agency proceedings compared with litigation.

While you consider your options, there are practical steps you can take right now:

• Save emails, text messages, performance reviews, and other written communications related to the issues at work.
• Write down a timeline of key events, including dates, names, and what was said or done.
• Keep copies of employee handbooks, policies, and any complaints you have already made to supervisors or human resources.
• Avoid deleting or altering any information that could later help show what really happened.

If an EEOC charge eventually leads to a lawsuit, federal cases that involve this part of Southern California may be heard in one of the United States District Courts in California. Because our firm is admitted in all Federal District Courts in California, we are positioned to continue representing our clients if their cases move from the agency process into federal litigation.

Why Workers Choose Our Firm

When you are thinking about filing a charge or lawsuit against your employer, you need a legal team that has handled these battles many times before. Our attorneys have over 40 years of combined experience representing employees in discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and wage and hour matters. We have built our practice around protecting workers, not defending companies.

Since 1995, The Gould Law Firm has focused on employment law for individuals. Over the years, we have represented people in disability discrimination disputes, sexual harassment cases, retaliation claims, and wage and overtime violation lawsuits. This depth of experience helps us recognize the patterns that often appear in EEOC-related cases and evaluate the strengths and risks of potential claims.

Our firm is an active member of the California Employment Lawyers Association and the American Board of Trial Advocates. These memberships reflect our ongoing commitment to advancing employee rights and trial advocacy. In addition, our EEOC attorneys in Orange County have been recognized with honors such as inclusion in Super Lawyers, which is based on peer review and professional achievement.

We are admitted to practice in all Federal District Courts in California. This matters because some discrimination and retaliation cases that begin with an EEOC charge may later move into federal court. When that happens, our clients do not have to search for a new lawyer. We are already prepared to continue the fight if litigation becomes the next step.

Cost is often one of the biggest concerns for employees who contact us. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means our clients do not pay attorney fees unless we obtain a recovery for them. Combined with our free initial consultation, this structure reduces financial pressure on workers who may already be dealing with lost wages or unstable employment.

How Our Orange County Lawyers Help

When you contact us The Gould Law Firm, our first goal is to give you a safe place to explain what has been happening at work. During your free initial consultation, we listen closely, ask careful questions, and review any documents you have. We then provide an honest assessment of how federal and California laws may apply to your circumstances.

Our EEOC lawyers in Orange County evaluate potential claims by looking at the timeline of events, the type of conduct involved, the reasons given by the employer, and the available evidence. We discuss whether filing with the EEOC, the California Civil Rights Department, or proceeding under other employment statutes might be appropriate. We strive to explain your options in clear language so you can make informed decisions about your next steps.

We know that many employees in Orange County work in industries where power imbalances are common. Whether you are in a small business or a larger company, it can feel intimidating to challenge a decision made by management or corporate offices. Our firm is committed to standing with workers here and helping them navigate these difficult situations.

Because we work on a contingency fee basis, our clients do not pay attorney fees unless there is a recovery. This structure is especially important for people who have lost their jobs or seen their earnings reduced. We aim to remove financial barriers so that employees can focus on their health, their families, and their future while we handle the legal side.

Confidentiality is another common concern. Reaching out to our office for a consultation does not automatically notify your employer or require you to take action. Many people contact us simply to learn about their rights and time limits before deciding how to proceed. We take that trust seriously and treat your information with care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need To File With The EEOC Before Calling You?

No, you do not need to file a charge before speaking with us. In many cases, it is helpful to talk with an EEOC attorney first, so you understand your rights, deadlines, and strategy. We can then discuss whether filing with the EEOC or a state agency is appropriate.

What Will It Cost To Have Your Firm Review My Case?

There is no cost for us to review your situation. We offer a free initial consultation, and if we accept your case, we work on a contingency fee basis. You do not pay attorney fees unless there is a recovery. We explain our fee structure clearly before you decide.

Will My Employer Find Out That I Spoke With A Lawyer?

Simply contacting our firm for a consultation does not notify your employer. We handle your inquiry confidentially and do not take steps involving your employer unless you authorize us. Many clients speak with us privately to understand options before deciding on any formal action.

How Long Do I Have To Start An EEOC Claim?

Time limits to file a charge can be short and depend on several factors, including which laws apply and where the events occurred. Some deadlines can be as short as a few months. During your consultation, we review your timeline carefully so you understand which filing dates may apply.

What Happens During The First Meeting With Your Team?

During the first meeting, we talk through what happened at work, review any documents you have, and ask questions to clarify the timeline. We then explain how the law may apply and discuss potential paths forward, such as EEOC filings or other claims, so you can decide on next steps.

Talk With Our Team About Your Rights

If you are dealing with discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or wrongful termination, you do not have to sort through EEOC rules and employment laws on your own. Our attorneys are here to help you understand your rights, evaluate your options, and decide on a path that fits your goals.

By offering a free consultation and working on a contingency fee basis, The Gould Law Firm strives to make quality legal representation accessible to employees in this region. If you are looking for an EEOC lawyer in Orange County to review your situation, we invite you to reach out and speak with our team.

Ready to fight for your employee rights? Call (714) 592-4936 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation with our EEOC attorney in Orange County today.