Abramson Labor Group represents employees in San Jose and across Santa Clara County in workplace disputes, including wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and unpaid wages. We represent employees, not employers, and we handle cases on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we win. From tech workers to service and healthcare staff, we help Silicon Valley employees hold employers accountable when workplace rights are violated.

Why San Jose Employees Choose Abramson Labor Group

Employees choose Abramson Labor Group for a documented record of results, a focus on representing workers rather than employers, and a no-fee-unless-we-win structure. Here is what stands behind that, in facts rather than claims:

  • More than 1,900 client reviews. A 4.5-star rating across more than 1,900 Google reviews (as of September 2026).
  • Documented results for California workers. Our results include $1.7 million for a wrongful termination, $1.5 million for a sexual harassment case, and $500,000 for a pregnancy discrimination case. See our case results.
  • We represent employees, not employers. Our interests stay aligned with the workers we serve.
  • Led by a trial-tested advocate. Founding partner Zev Abramson built the firm in 2015 to represent California employees.
  • No fees unless we win. Case reviews are free and confidential.

Employment Law in San Jose: What Local Workers Should Know

San Jose is the heart of Silicon Valley, and its workforce faces a distinct set of issues. Tech and startup employers often misclassify workers as exempt to avoid paying overtime, or lean on restrictive agreements that do not hold up under California law. Long hours, “performance-based” layoffs, and pressure around equity and severance are common. Alongside tech, the city’s large healthcare, retail, and service sectors see the more familiar wage, break, and discrimination claims.

Two points of California law matter to many San Jose workers. First, San Jose sets its own minimum wage above the state floor: $18.45 per hour as of January 1, 2026, for anyone who works at least two hours per week within city limits, under the city’s Minimum Wage Ordinance (City of San Jose). Second, non-compete agreements are almost always void in California, so a clause barring you from joining a competitor is usually unenforceable (Bus. & Prof. Code § 16600), a point that matters in a region built on job mobility.

What to Look For in a San Jose Employment Lawyer

The right lawyer for your case focuses on employment law, represents employees rather than employers, has a track record in your type of claim, and works on contingency. When you compare firms, weigh these factors:

  • Employee-side focus. Some firms represent employers. Confirm the firm represents workers.
  • A documented track record. Look for verifiable results and reviews, not self-declared rankings.
  • Experience in your claim type. Tech misclassification, wrongful termination, discrimination, and harassment are distinct areas. Ask whether the firm handles yours.
  • Local knowledge. Familiarity with Silicon Valley employers, the San Jose wage ordinance, and the Santa Clara County courts can matter to how your case is handled.
  • Clear fees. Most employee-side lawyers work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless there is a recovery.

Where San Jose Employment Cases Are Filed

Most San Jose employment lawsuits are filed at the Santa Clara County Superior Court (Santa Clara County Superior Court). Some federal claims proceed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California instead. Many claims begin with an administrative complaint to the California Civil Rights Department or the Labor Commissioner before any lawsuit. You do not need to visit a courthouse to start. Most matters begin with an agency complaint or a demand, and many resolve through negotiation before trial.

Employment Cases We Handle for San Jose Workers

Serving San Jose and Nearby Communities

From our Burbank office, Abramson Labor Group represents employees across California, including San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, and the wider Silicon Valley. We also serve workers in Fremont, Oakland, and Hayward. See our California employment lawyers page for statewide coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum wage in San Jose?

San Jose sets its own minimum wage above the California state floor. As of January 1, 2026, the rate is $18.45 per hour, and it applies to anyone who works at least two hours per week within city limits, regardless of where they live (City of San Jose). If your employer paid you less than the city rate for work performed in San Jose, you may have a wage claim.

I work in tech. Is my non-compete or IP agreement enforceable?

A true non-compete is almost always void in California, no matter how it is worded (Bus. & Prof. Code § 16600). Employers sometimes bury restrictions inside broad IP-assignment or confidentiality agreements, which is why it is worth having an attorney review what you signed. Attempting to enforce a void non-compete can itself violate California law.

How much does a San Jose employment lawyer cost?

Abramson Labor Group handles employee cases on contingency, so you do not pay anything unless we win. Your case evaluation is free, and you will not pay for legal counsel or court fees out of pocket. If we win a settlement or verdict, our fee is a share of that recovery. If there is no recovery, you owe no attorney fees.

What is the deadline to file an employment claim in California?

The deadline depends on the claim. For discrimination, harassment, and retaliation under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act, you generally have three years from the unlawful act to file with the California Civil Rights Department, and one year after a right-to-sue notice to file a lawsuit (Cal. Gov. Code § 12960). Most unpaid wage and overtime claims have a three-year deadline (Code of Civil Procedure § 338). Some deadlines are shorter, so contact an attorney as soon as possible.

Request a Free San Jose Employment Law Case Review

If you believe your employer has violated your rights, Abramson Labor Group offers a free, confidential case review. You do not pay ANYTHING unless we win. Request your free case review or call our office at (213) 493-6300.

Last updated: September 2026.

This page provides general information about California employment law and does not constitute legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.