California employment lawyers at Abramson Labor Group

Abramson Labor Group is a California employment law firm that represents employees, not employers, in workplace disputes across the state. Our attorneys handle wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wage and hour cases on a contingency basis. With more than 1,900 Google reviews (4.5 stars) and a record of multi-figure results for workers, we help California employees take a stand and pursue the justice they deserve.

Why California Employees Choose Abramson Labor Group

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

  • More than 1,900 client reviews. Abramson Labor Group holds a 4.5-star rating across more than 1,900 Google reviews (as of September 2026).
  • Documented case results. Our results for California workers include $1.7 million for a wrongful termination, $1.5 million for a sexual harassment case, $500,000 for a pregnancy discrimination case, and $380,000 for a retaliation and racial discrimination case. Every result reflects a real matter the firm handled. See our case results.
  • We represent employees only. We do not defend employers. Our interests stay aligned with the workers we serve.
  • Founded by a trial-tested advocate. Founding partner Zev Abramson built Abramson Labor Group in 2015 after training in complex litigation, including multidistrict litigation against major corporations. He is a member of the California Employment Lawyers Association (CELA), the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles (CAALA), and the National Trial Lawyers Association, and his recognitions include the Top 100 Jury Verdicts of California (2020) and the Top 100 Jury Verdicts in the United States for Labor and Employment (2024). Read Zev Abramson’s full bio.
  • Contingency representation. You pay nothing unless we win. Initial case reviews are free and confidential.
  • Statewide reach from a Burbank base. We serve employees throughout California, with deep roots in Los Angeles County and the greater Burbank area.

What to Look For in a California Employment Lawyer

The best California employment lawyer for your case is one who focuses on employment law, represents employees rather than employers, has a documented track record in your specific type of claim, and works on contingency so your costs align with your outcome. These are the factors most California employees weigh when choosing representation:

  • Focus on employment law. A firm that concentrates on workplace claims knows California’s specific protections, which are among the strongest in the country.
  • Employee-side representation. Firms that represent employers have different incentives. Confirm the firm represents workers.
  • A documented track record. Look for real, verifiable results and reviews, not self-declared rankings.
  • Experience in your type of claim. Wrongful termination, wage and hour, discrimination, and harassment are distinct areas. Ask whether the firm handles yours.
  • Clear fee structure. Most employee-side California employment lawyers work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless there is a recovery.
  • Communication and accessibility. You should understand who is handling your case and how to reach them.

Abramson Labor Group focuses exclusively on representing California employees and handles every case on a contingency basis.

Employment Cases We Handle

Abramson Labor Group represents California employees across the full range of workplace claims. If your situation is not listed, contact us and we will tell you honestly whether we can help.

Our California Employment Attorneys

Abramson Labor Group’s team is led by founding partner Zev Abramson, who founded the firm in 2015 to represent employees across California. Zev earned his J.D. from Loyola Law School and trained in complex litigation before dedicating his practice entirely to workers’ rights. He is recognized among the Top 100 Jury Verdicts of California (2020) and the Top 100 Jury Verdicts in the United States for Labor and Employment (2024).

Behind Zev is a full team of attorneys and legal staff serving employees statewide. Meet the Abramson Labor Group team.

Areas We Serve

Abramson Labor Group represents employees throughout California. We serve major markets across the state, including:

See our full Areas We Serve page for every California community we cover.

What does an employment lawyer in California do?

A California employment lawyer represents employees in disputes with their employer over workplace rights. That includes evaluating whether an employer broke state or federal law, filing complaints with agencies such as the California Civil Rights Department or the Labor Commissioner, negotiating settlements, and taking a case to court or arbitration when needed. Abramson Labor Group handles these steps for employees in wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wage and hour matters across California.

What laws protect California employees?

California workers are protected by both state and federal law. The main protections cover discrimination and harassment, retaliation, wages and hours, and job-protected leave:

  • Discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act makes it unlawful for an employer to discriminate against, harass, or retaliate against a worker based on a protected characteristic such as race, sex, age, disability, religion, national origin, or pregnancy (Cal. Gov. Code § 12940). The California Civil Rights Department enforces these protections.
  • Wages and hours. California law sets rules for minimum wage, overtime, and meal and rest breaks, and requires the timely payment of final wages. These rights are enforced by the California Labor Commissioner’s Office.
  • Whistleblower protection. An employer may not retaliate against a worker for reporting a reasonably suspected violation of a law, rule, or regulation (Cal. Labor Code § 1102.5).
  • Job-protected leave. The California Family Rights Act and related laws provide job-protected leave for a serious health condition, to care for a family member, or to bond with a new child. See the California Civil Rights Department for eligibility rules.
  • Federal protections. Federal laws also apply, including Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, and the Family and Medical Leave Act, enforced by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the U.S. Department of Labor.

Where both state and federal law apply, California’s protections are often the stronger of the two. An employment lawyer can identify which laws fit your situation.

How much does an employment lawyer in California cost?

Employee-side California employment lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fees upfront and the fee is a percentage of any settlement or verdict recovered on your behalf. If there is no recovery, you owe no attorney fee. Abramson Labor Group handles qualifying employee cases on contingency and offers free, confidential case reviews, so you can find out where you stand without financial risk.

How do I know if I have an employment law case in California?

You may have a case if your employer fired you for an unlawful reason, failed to pay wages you earned, harassed you based on a protected characteristic, denied you legally required leave or accommodations, or retaliated against you for reporting illegal conduct. The clearest way to know is a free case review with an employment lawyer who can evaluate the specific facts of your situation. Abramson Labor Group offers free, confidential case evaluations for California employees.

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

The deadline depends on the type of 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 a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, and one year after the department issues a right-to-sue notice to file a lawsuit (Cal. Gov. Code § 12960; § 12965). Most unpaid wage and overtime claims have a three-year deadline under Code of Civil Procedure § 338. These deadlines can be complex and some are shorter, so it is important to consult an attorney as soon as possible.

Can I sue my employer in California if I still work there?

Yes. Under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act, it is unlawful for an employer to discharge, expel, or otherwise discriminate against a person because they opposed practices the Act forbids, or filed a complaint, testified, or assisted in a proceeding (Cal. Gov. Code § 12940(h)). If you file a claim or a government-agency complaint while still employed, your employer cannot legally fire, demote, or otherwise punish you for it. If they do, you may have a separate retaliation claim. Many employees consult an attorney while still employed to understand their options before taking action.

What is the difference between an employment lawyer and a labor lawyer?

The terms overlap, but they usually describe different work. Employment lawyers handle individual claims between a worker and an employer, such as wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and unpaid wages. Labor lawyers focus on union-related matters, including collective bargaining and disputes under the National Labor Relations Act. Abramson Labor Group represents individual employees in employment claims across California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Abramson Labor Group represent employees or employers?

Abramson Labor Group represents employees only. We do not defend employers, so our interests stay aligned with the workers we serve across California.

Is the first consultation really free?

Yes. Case reviews are free and confidential, and we handle cases on a contingency basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover for you.

What types of employment cases does the firm handle?

We handle wrongful termination, retaliation, sexual harassment, wage and hour violations, and discrimination based on race, age, pregnancy, disability, and other protected characteristics, along with whistleblower claims.

Do I have to go to court?

Not necessarily. Many employment claims resolve through negotiation or settlement. If a fair resolution is not possible, our attorneys are prepared to take a case to trial or arbitration.

Request a Free California Employment Law Case Review

At Abramson Labor Group, we represent California employees in workplace disputes across the state. If you believe your employer has violated your rights, we offer a free, confidential case review. You do not pay anything unless we win. Request your free case review or call our office to get started.

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. For advice about your specific situation, request a case review.