Is Your Employer Discriminating in Hiring or Promotions? Fight Back at WorkRight Law, APC

California law gives you strong protections against discrimination in the workplace — including during hiring, promotions, and training opportunities. Unfortunately, many employers still use unlawful practices that hurt qualified workers and applicants. At WorkRight Law, APC, we help employees fight back and hold employers accountable.

Your Rights Under California Law

Under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), it is illegal for employers to make decisions based on:

• Race or color

• Religion

• National origin or ancestry

• Physical or mental disability

• Medical condition

• Marital status

• Sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions)

• Gender identity or sexual orientation

• Age (40 and over)

(See California Government Code § 12940 et seq.)

If your employer uses tests, interviews, or selection criteria that disadvantage people in any of these protected categories, they may be breaking the law.

Common Illegal Hiring and Promotion Practices

You may have a claim if your employer:

• Asks illegal or discriminatory questions on job applications or during interviews

• Denies promotions or training opportunities in a biased or unequal way

• Uses “no transfer” policies that segregate employees by gender, race, or other protected categories

• Hires or promotes people based on criteria that aren’t job-related or are applied inconsistently

• Involves outside agencies that engage in discriminatory hiring practices

Background Checks: Know Your Rights

Under California’s Fair Chance Act (Gov. Code § 12952, effective January 1, 2018), employers with five or more employees cannot ask about your criminal history until after they’ve made you a conditional job offer. If they later withdraw that offer, they must follow strict notice and process requirements.

Even Third Parties Can Be Held Liable

In a 2024 California Supreme Court ruling, the court made clear that third-party companies involved in hiring (such as staffing agencies or testing services) can also be held liable under FEHA if they contribute to discrimination.

Stand Up for Your Rights with WorkRight Law, APC

If you’ve been denied a job, passed over for promotion, or treated unfairly during the hiring process, you don’t have to stay silent. WorkRight Law, APC has nearly two decades of experience representing employees who’ve been discriminated against, harassed, or wrongfully terminated.

Call us today at (562) 760-8803 or visit WorkRightLaw.com

Your consultation is 100% free and confidential. Fight Back at WorkRight Law, APC — Because You Deserve Better.