- Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- - SE HABLA ESPAÑOL
- Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- - SE HABLA ESPAÑOL
At Mercer Legal Group, we are dedicated to defending the rights of employees across Bakersfield and Kern County. With years of experience in employment law, our team is committed to guiding you through every step of your case. Whether it involves wage disputes, discrimination, harassment, or wrongful termination, we ensure your rights are fully protected. Contact us today for a free consultation and get the experienced legal support you deserve.
Bakersfield’s workforce spans diverse industries, including agriculture, oil and gas, healthcare, logistics, retail, and education, each with its own unique challenges and benefits for employees. Workers in sectors like agriculture and oilfields often face demanding schedules, physically intensive labor, and complex pay structures, which can lead to frequent wage disputes, wage theft, unpaid overtime, and workplace safety violations.
Even in healthcare, retail, and logistics, employees may encounter misclassification and denial of breaks. They may also face hazardous conditions that put their rights and well-being at risk. At Mercer Legal Group, we provide a wide range of employment law services and resources to help you effectively navigate these challenges and related issues.
When employees voice concerns about illegal practices or unsafe working conditions, retaliation and wrongful termination can intensify these challenges. A Kern County employment lawyer can guide workers through legal action, ensuring they are protected under California labor laws and federal protections, including filing claims with agencies like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). With our expert legal support, you can seek justice, recover lost wages, and protect your rights, all while making use of the full spectrum of services and resources we offer.
Employees in Bakersfield face a wide range of workplace challenges that can threaten their rights, income, and job security. Below are some of the most common employment law issues our firm handles to help workers protect themselves and seek fair outcomes.
Wrongful Termination
Wrongful termination in Bakersfield occurs when an employee is fired for illegal reasons under California law, such as discrimination or retaliation. Common examples include termination due to race, age, gender, disability, or reporting harassment, wage violations, or unsafe conditions. Employees wrongfully terminated for asserting their rights may have a strong case for legal action.
Workplace Discrimination
Workplace discrimination occurs when an employee is treated unfairly because of protected characteristics such as race, gender, age, disability, or religion. In California, workers are protected under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), as well as federal laws like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These laws prohibit discriminatory hiring, firing, pay, promotion, and workplace practices.
Sexual Harassment Claims
Workplace harassment can take many forms, including verbal abuse, physical conduct, and online or digital harassment, such as emails or messages. Employers are legally required to take reasonable steps to prevent harassment, investigate complaints, and stop misconduct once they become aware of it. In Bakersfield, employees can report harassment through their employer’s internal channels or file complaints with state and federal agencies that handle employment claims throughout Kern County.
Wage & Hour Disputes
Unpaid overtime, minimum wage violations, or the misclassification of employees as exempt from labor protections are common issues in wage and hour disputes. Workers must carefully review pay stubs, employment contracts, and applicable labor laws to ensure they are receiving fair compensation. In Bakersfield, employees can pursue claims with the California Labor Commissioner’s Office or other state labor boards to recover unpaid wages and penalties.
Retaliation Claims
Retaliation occurs when an employer punishes an employee, through firing, demotion, or other adverse actions, after the employee reports workplace issues, including whistleblower retaliation. Common examples include reporting safety violations, harassment, discrimination, or wage law violations. California law protects workers from retaliation and allows them to take legal action to seek remedies if they face unfair treatment for asserting their rights.
Employment Contract & Non-Compete Disputes
Employment contract and non-compete disputes happen when someone breaks the rules of a contract, which can include agreements that limit competition or restrict certain actions. In California, non-compete agreements are generally unenforceable except in limited circumstances, so it is crucial to review any contract carefully. These disputes often require legal guidance to protect employee rights and ensure fair treatment under state law.Wrongful Termination
Wrongful termination in Bakersfield occurs when an employee is fired for illegal reasons under California law, such as discrimination or retaliation. Common examples include termination due to race, age, gender, disability, or reporting harassment, wage violations, or unsafe conditions. Employees wrongfully terminated for asserting their rights may have a strong case for legal action.
Workplace Discrimination
Workplace discrimination occurs when an employee is treated unfairly because of protected characteristics such as race, gender, age, disability, or religion. In California, workers are protected under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), as well as federal laws like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These laws prohibit discriminatory hiring, firing, pay, promotion, and workplace practices.
Sexual Harassment Claims
Workplace harassment can take many forms, including verbal abuse, physical conduct, and online or digital harassment, such as emails or messages. Employers are legally required to take reasonable steps to prevent harassment, investigate complaints, and stop misconduct once they become aware of it. In Bakersfield, employees can report harassment through their employer’s internal channels or file complaints with state and federal agencies that handle employment claims throughout Kern County.
Our Legal Process for Bakersfield Clients
Step 1: Free Case Evaluation
We offer a free case evaluation to review your situation, identify potential claims, and discuss options with a Bakersfield employment lawyer.
Step 2: Legal Strategy & Personalized Plan
Develop a customized plan based on your case facts, goals, and the specific labor laws that apply in Bakersfield.
Step 3: Negotiation or Litigation Representation
Represent you in employment litigation, handling settlement talks, mediation, or trial proceedings to protect your rights.
Step 4: Case Resolution & Follow-Up
Ensure the outcome is enforced, guide next steps, and maintain communication after your case closes.
Mercer Legal Group is recognized for its aggressive, results-driven legal counsel. We are delighted to be your legal partner with no upfront fees and a commitment to your success. Our staff will fight for your rights throughout the process to get you justice and compensation. Start rebuilding your life and preserving your rights with a free consultation now.
At Mercer Legal Group, our employment law team in Bakersfield provides comprehensive employment law services with local insight and personalized strategies tailored to each client’s unique situation. We understand the challenges workers face across Kern County and approach every case with unwavering dedication, ensuring your goals align with California labor laws.
Our firm is proud of our successful history in employment law cases, and our bilingual staff members are dedicated to clear and effective communication with all our clients. We prioritize transparency, compassionate support, and keeping you informed every step of the way, so you feel confident and supported throughout your legal journey.
Mercer Legal Group has secured successful outcomes in various employment cases. These include hostile work environments and discrimination claims. In these cases, we represented multiple employees against discriminatory conduct by management and recovered millions in compensation.
Our case results also include retaliation claims, such as representing an employee who was terminated after complaining about wage and hour violations, demonstrating the firm’s ability to hold employers accountable and pursue justice on behalf of workers.
Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes, and every case is unique. Results will depend on the specific facts and legal issues involved.
Facing workplace challenges can be stressful, but understanding your rights is the first step toward protection. Our FAQ section answers common questions about employment law in Sherman Oaks, helping you navigate legal options with confidence and clarity.
Costs for an employment attorney in Sherman Oaks vary based on how your lawyer charges: many work on a contingency fee basis (typically 25–40% of your settlement), meaning you pay only if you win and usually nothing upfront. Some attorneys instead bill hourly rates (often around $250–$500+ per hour) or flat fees for specific services, and you should always ask about fees and free consultation options before hiring.
In California, the deadline to file an employment claim depends on the type of case. For example, discrimination or harassment claims with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) generally must be filed within three years, while wage-and-hour claims with the California Labor Commissioner typically must be filed within three years as well, though some claims may have shorter or longer deadlines depending on the circumstances.
Yes. We have experience representing employees against large employers in Sherman Oaks, including major corporations, retail chains, and healthcare institutions. Our team is prepared to take on well-resourced employers to protect your rights and pursue fair compensation.
Suing an employer doesn’t have to be prohibitively expensive. Many employment discrimination attorneys in Sherman Oaks work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you typically pay nothing up front and only owe a percentage if you win your case, making legal representation accessible even against large employers.
To prove unfair treatment at work, you need to document incidents such as discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or wage violations, including emails, messages, performance reviews, and witness accounts. Consistent records and evidence showing a pattern of mistreatment can strengthen your case and support legal action against your employer.
