Employee Representation

Do you have legitimate cause to complain about violations of your workplace rights, but you’re feeling vulnerable in the face of your employer’s power and influence? For that same reason, are you hesitant to report an illegal or unethical activity you witnessed on the job?

You have recourse and rights. You have options and champions on your side at Anticouni & Ricotta – a force in the practice of employment law for almost 50 years.

Exceptional Employee Representation On California’s Central Coast

At Anticouni & Ricotta, we have zero tolerance for hostile work environments created by legal issues such as:

• Wrongful termination: You cannot be fired due to your inclusion in a protected class or as retaliation for legal action, such as reporting harassment.
• Sexual harassment: Harassment can include insults, jokes or a hostile work environment. Also includes quid pro quo sexual harassment. 
• Wage and hour claims and overtime class actions: You must be paid properly by your employer, which includes time-and-a-half for eight to 12 hours and double time for more than 12 hours. 
• Labor commissioner claims: Cases may include misclassification of employees or independent contractors. 
• Unpaid wages: You may need to seek back wages that have not yet been paid. 
• Employment contracts and severance agreements: It can be considered wrongful termination if it is done in violation of a standing contract. 
• Workplace discrimination: Discrimination focuses on protected classes, such as age, religion, national origin, gender, sex, race or disability status. 
• Family and Medical Leave Act, and California Family Rights Act: Your rights must be honored under these acts addressing family and medical leave, potentially regarding issues like protecting your job during maternity leave. 
• Overtime compensation: California authorizes overtime for hours in excess of eight in one day, or double time for work in excess of 12 hours in one day.
• Whistleblower claims: Whistleblowers have protections under the law and should not have to worry about retaliation.

We are open to your ideas, proficient at investigations that turn up supporting evidence and eloquent in expressing your objectives in court when litigation is needed. While we always strive to resolve matters through mediation and negotiations, we are not averse to litigation, trial and arbitration.

What To Know Before Suing Your Employer

One of the most important things to know before suing your employer is that retaliation is illegal. For instance, if you file a sexual harassment complaint and your employer retaliates by cutting your pay, reducing your hours or firing you, that’s a violation of your rights as an employee. Many people are often hesitant to take the next step because they simply don’t know what protections they have, and they’re worried about their career.

The next thing to know is that it helps your case to gather as much evidence as possible. Witness statements that back up your story can strongly support your case. You’ll want to create a journal detailing the events that happened and everything you remember about them. It can also help to back this up with other forms of evidence, such as pictures, videos or copies of text messages, email messages, social media messages and any other communications.

It can feel intimidating to sue your employer, but having an experienced attorney on your side can help you explore all of your options.

We want to hear your side of the story. Contact Anticouni & Ricotta to schedule an appointment for an initial consultation. Call us in Santa Barbara today at 805-699-5968 or email us here.