Protecting Workers’ Rights Throughout the Bay Area

Oakland, located in the heart of the East Bay, is home to a thriving mix of industries—from healthcare and education to logistics, tech, and public service. With its diverse workforce and growing economy, the city provides countless employment opportunities. However, it also sees its share of workplace disputes, mistreatment, and legal violations. At the Nourmand Law Firm, APC, our Oakland employment lawyers are committed to protecting the rights of employees across Alameda County. Whether you are facing discrimination, wage theft, harassment, or retaliation, we are here to help.

Oakland’s Diverse Workforce Deserves Strong Legal Protections

As one of the most racially and culturally diverse cities in the country, Oakland’s labor force reflects a wide range of identities and experiences. California employment law is among the strongest in the nation, offering protections to workers regardless of race, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or immigration status. Still, some employers continue to violate those protections—intentionally or through carelessness. When your rights are violated on the job, you deserve legal representation. The Nourmand Firm understands the law and does everything possible to hold employers accountable.

Wrongful Termination

California is an at-will employment state, but that does not give employers the right to fire someone for unlawful reasons. If you were terminated because of your race, gender, disability, pregnancy, age, religion, or for engaging in protected activity such as whistleblowing or requesting medical leave, you may have a wrongful termination claim.

An experienced Oakland employment lawyer at the Nourmand Law Firm, APC, can review the circumstances of your termination and determine whether your employer’s actions violated California or federal law.

Workplace Discrimination

Workplace discrimination can take many forms—being passed over for promotions, receiving unequal pay, or enduring unfair discipline because of a protected characteristic. Under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), it is illegal for employers to treat workers unfairly due to race, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age (40+), religion, or disability.

Discrimination can be overt or subtle. Employers may claim neutral reasons for their decisions, but a pattern of unfair treatment or biased remarks can help reveal the real motive. If you believe you have been targeted because of who you are, we can help you build a strong case.

Sexual Harassment

Every worker has the right to feel safe and respected in their workplace. Unfortunately, sexual harassment remains far too common in Oakland and throughout California. Unwanted touching, sexual comments, suggestive emails, or demands for sexual favors are all forms of harassment—and they are illegal.

Both hostile work environment and quid pro quo harassment are prohibited under California law. Employers are required to prevent and promptly address complaints of harassment. If they fail to do so, they may be held liable. Whether the harassment came from a supervisor, coworker, or customer, our firm will fight for your rights.

Retaliation and Whistleblower Protection

Employees who report illegal conduct—such as unsafe conditions, discrimination, harassment, wage violations, or fraud—are protected from retaliation under both FEHA and California Labor Code section 1102.5. Retaliation may include termination, demotion, suspension, or even more subtle forms like reduced hours or increased scrutiny.

If your employer took action against you after you spoke up about illegal or unethical behavior, you may have a claim. Our Oakland employment lawyers understand how to prove retaliation, even when employers try to mask it as a legitimate business decision.

Wage and Hour Violations

Workers in Oakland are entitled to fair pay for their time. That includes minimum wage, overtime, rest and meal breaks, and accurate pay stubs. Unfortunately, employers frequently cut corners—misclassifying employees as independent contractors, failing to pay for off-the-clock work, or denying proper breaks.

Oakland has its own minimum wage ordinance, currently above the state rate, and employers must comply with the higher local standard. If you suspect that your employer has shorted your pay, withheld wages, or failed to compensate you correctly, we can help recover what you are owed.

Disability and Medical Leave Violations

California law protects workers who need accommodations for disabilities or time off for serious medical conditions. Whether you need time to care for yourself or a family member, or require modifications to your job duties, your employer must engage in a good faith interactive process.

If you were denied leave under the California Family Rights Act (CFRA), the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), or were terminated while recovering from a disability, legal action may be appropriate. We help workers stand up to employers who ignore their obligations under the law.

How Do You Prove an Employment Law Violation?

Employment law claims are often met with denial, deflection, or vague justifications from employers. Proving a violation typically requires a mix of documentary evidence, witness testimony, and legal analysis. Key forms of evidence may include:

• Emails, texts, or memos showing discriminatory intent or policy violations
• Performance reviews or disciplinary records used to justify adverse actions
• Pay stubs or timesheets documenting wage and hour issues
• Complaints or reports made to HR or external agencies
• Testimony from coworkers or others with firsthand knowledge

Our team will work with you to gather and present the strongest possible evidence.

Contact an Oakland Employment Lawyer at the Nourmand Law Firm, APC

When your rights at work are violated, you may feel isolated or intimidated. However, you do not have to fight alone. At the Nourmand Law Firm, APC, we have decades of experience standing up to employers who break the law. Our Oakland employment lawyers are ready to protect your rights and pursue justice on your behalf. If you believe your employer has acted unlawfully, contact us today for a free consultation. We are proud to serve workers in Oakland and throughout Alameda County. Let us help you take the first step toward accountability and fair treatment. You can reach us at 800-700-WAGE or by filling out our secure online contact form.