Racial discrimination has no place in Pasadena’s workplace or elsewhere in the state, yet some employers continue to engage in this form of workplace misconduct or condone it. If you were subjected to racial discrimination at work, you can secure legal representation from a Pasadena race discrimination lawyer who can protect your rights and secure the justice and compensation that you are owed.
A Fierce Advocate for Employees in Pasadena
Our founding attorney, Esperanza Anderson, believes that diversity makes our communities stronger and our workplaces more productive. Anyone who engages in workplace misconduct can be held financially accountable for their actions. Our firm has secured over $15 million for our clients over the past three years, and that number grows yearly. Unlike other firms in the area, all of our clients work directly with our lead attorney.
Understanding Race Discrimination in Pasadena
Race discrimination continues to be a serious issue in Pasadena workplaces, especially in sectors where large numbers of employees interact daily, such as health care, education, and professional services. Pasadena’s economy is driven by these employment sectors:
- Health Care and Social Assistance (19.8%)
- Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (13.7%)
- Educational Services (13.5%).
Together, they account for a significant portion of the city’s approximately 112,212 workers. Unfortunately, workplace discrimination often reflects broader patterns in the community. In 2023, the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations reported a 45% increase in hate crimes from the prior year. African Americans, in particular, experienced a disproportionate number of hate crimes across the county.
Legal Options for Pursuing Compensation Following Workplace Discrimination
Whether you were subjected to racial discrimination while working at Huntington Hospital, Caltech, the Pasadena Unified School District, or elsewhere, you may have multiple legal options for pursuing compensation.
After you secure legal representation, your attorney can contact your employer directly to negotiate a settlement. The next step could include filing an administrative complaint with the California Civil Rights Department or the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Both agencies investigate claims and pursue settlements.
In some cases, those agencies may issue a “right to sue” letter that allows your attorney to file a claim in court. Legal action in court could lead to compensation for your past wages, lost benefits, and potentially for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.
Benefits of Legal Representation When Pursuing Accountability and Compensation
Discrimination cases are complex, especially when facing large Pasadena employers in sectors like education, healthcare, or tech. Legal representation ensures your complaint is structured properly, deadlines are met, and your rights are fully asserted. An experienced attorney understands local procedures at the Pasadena Courthouse and how to handle evidence like performance records and discriminatory communications.
Working with an employment lawyer also helps protect you from retaliation, which can include being reassigned, demoted, or terminated after speaking up. Your attorney can guide you through each step, from filing an internal grievance to pursuing administrative claims with agencies like the California Civil Rights Department or the EEOC.
Whether your employer is a major institution like Huntington Hospital or a retail business near Old Pasadena, legal guidance increases your chances of recovering compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and career damage. Legal representation sends a clear message that you take your rights seriously.
FAQs:
Workplace discrimination includes being treated unfairly because of race, gender, age, disability, or another protected characteristic. Common examples include unequal pay, denial of promotions, harassment, or termination based on bias. Pasadena’s major industries, like healthcare and education, must comply with California’s anti-discrimination laws. If you were mistreated due to your race, you may be entitled to financial relief under state and federal law.
Yes. You do not need to quit your job to report discrimination. In fact, documenting mistreatment while still working can strengthen your case. Use written communication when possible and report issues through official internal channels. Pasadena workers are protected from retaliation under California law, even if they remain employed during the complaint process.
Discrimination claims in California are typically handled by the California Civil Rights Department or the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Pasadena workers may need to go through either agency depending on the details of their case. These agencies investigate violations and may authorize further legal action if needed. If you are unsure which avenue to pursue, a lawyer can analyze your case details and point you in the correct direction.
In most cases, you will have 180 days (potentially extended to 300) from the date of the most recent incident to file a discrimination claim with the EEOC. California’s Civil Rights Department has a similar timeframe. Pasadena employees should act quickly to gather evidence and meet all legally required deadlines. Missing the filing window could potentially bar you from using the courts to seek relief for the harm you suffered.
Useful evidence includes written communication, performance evaluations, witness statements, and records of complaints filed with HR. Documentation showing a pattern of unfair treatment, such as being denied promotions or assignments that were given to less-qualified coworkers, can also support your claim. Keep emails, notes, and any relevant documents that reflect how you were treated differently based on a protected characteristic.
Contact Esperanza Anderson Today
Racial discrimination at work can lead to serious emotional, professional, and financial hardships. If you were subjected to racial discrimination at work, the time to act is now. Our attorney brings decades of experience to the service of her clients. She can put your employer on notice that further acts of discrimination or any form of retaliation will not be tolerated.
Once you meet directly with our lead attorney, we take the time to learn about your case so you understand the facts of your case and what you are owed. Then, we can develop a plan that works to secure compensation and accountability for the harm you suffered. To schedule your consultation, contact our office today.