
No worker should have to deal with workplace retaliation. It is an unfortunate reality that workers across all industries in Long Beach face misconduct at work, often for taking actions that are protected under the law. If you were subjected to workplace retaliation by an employer, you can work with a Long Beach retaliation lawyer to hold the responsible party accountable for the harm and setbacks you endured.
Workplace retaliation can threaten your career, income, and professional reputation. Esperanza Anderson is a Long Beach employment lawyer who brings more than 25 years of legal experience to protecting workers who have faced mistreatment by their employers. Before dedicating her practice to representing employees, our Founder worked at global law firms representing Fortune 500 companies. That insight guides her approach to complex disputes.
When you work with our firm, Esperanza personally handles your case rather than passing it to another attorney or staff member. She takes the time to understand how retaliation has affected your career and livelihood before developing a strategy tailored to your circumstances. Whether you face termination, demotion, reduced hours, disciplinary action, or another adverse employment action, we are prepared to advocate for your rights and pursue fair compensation.
There are approximately 16,764 registered businesses and employers in Long Beach that must comply with state and federal labor laws. California Government Code § 12940(h) protects employees from retaliation for exercising certain rights under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).
Retaliation can take many forms, from outright hostility from an employer to more subtle but equally harmful actions like missed promotional opportunities at work. An employer cannot retaliate against someone for engaging in protected acts, such as speaking out against harassment or encouraging a fellow employee to file a complaint with a government agency.
Employers also generally cannot discharge, demote, discriminate against, or otherwise retaliate against a worker because the employee opposed practices prohibited by FEHA, or they testified or assisted in a proceeding involving those rights. These protections can apply when workers speak out against unlawful workplace discrimination or harassment or participate in an investigation concerning such conduct.
Workplace retaliation can cause financial and professional harm that extends well beyond the initial adverse action. Compensation can include lost wages, lost employment benefits, emotional distress, and other damages resulting from an employer’s unlawful conduct.
Workers who were terminated or forced from their positions can also pursue compensation for future lost earnings. California law also allows punitive damages when the required legal standard is met. Other available relief can include attorney’s fees, reinstatement, and changes to workplace policies or practices.
In 2024, California’s Civil Rights Department secured 872 settlements providing almost $100 million in monetary relief to complainants and other aggrieved individuals in civil rights matters. The California Civil Rights Department also received 33,505 intake forms alleging civil rights violations, including 16,924 immediate right-to-sue employment requests.
For workers who were subjected to retaliation in Willmore, Alamitos Beach, East Village, or elsewhere in Long Beach, justice can come in the form of compensation when you hire a retaliation lawyer who understands the state’s complex retaliation laws. An experienced Long Beach retaliation attorney can manage your retaliation case with a focus on holding your employer accountable and securing fair compensation for the harm you suffered.
Filing a retaliation claim can be worth considering when an employer takes adverse action against you for engaging in legally protected activity. Depending on the circumstances, a successful claim may provide compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and other damages. The strength and potential value of a claim depend on the employer’s conduct, resulting harm, available evidence, and applicable law.
The typical settlement for a retaliation claim in California varies significantly because there is no standard settlement amount. Factors that could affect the compensation you receive include lost wages and benefits, emotional distress, the severity of the employer’s conduct, available evidence, and whether the worker suffered termination or other career setbacks.
The circumstances and damages involved ultimately help determine the potential value of an individual claim.
You can file a retaliation claim in California when an employer unlawfully punishes you for engaging in certain protected activities. California Government Code § 12940(h), for example, prohibits retaliation against workers for opposing practices forbidden under FEHA or participating in related proceedings. Other California laws protect activities such as reporting suspected legal violations or exercising certain wage-and-hour rights.
Evidence you need to prove retaliation may include emails, text messages, performance reviews, disciplinary records, witness statements, complaints to management, and documentation showing when the protected activity and adverse action occurred. Establishing a close timeline between the protected activity and an adverse employment action can help support a retaliation claim, especially when other evidence connects the employer’s decision to the protected activity.
The type of lawyer that you should hire for a retaliation case is an attorney who practices employment law. They should understand the applicable laws, both at the state and federal levels. Not all lawyers bring experience managing these types of cases.
Look for an attorney who is based in California and focuses on employment law cases. They should have at least several years of experience and a track record of holding employers accountable for violating their employees’ rights.


Workplace retaliation can threaten your career, income, and reputation, even if you were just exercising lawful actions. Attorney Esperanza Anderson has spent more than 25 years handling complex legal matters and now dedicates her practice to advocating for employees. Her firm has recovered more than $15 million for workers who have faced wrongdoing by employers. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Our founding attorney understands what it takes to stand up to employers and large companies and hold them accountable for the harm they cause. She has represented Fortune 500 companies at global law firms, and uses that experience to anticipate the strategies employers may use against their workers. Our lead litigator is also fluent in Spanish and represents employees throughout Long Beach and Los Angeles County.
Contact Esperanza Anderson today to discuss your retaliation claim.