At Elite Employment Law, we are committed to protecting the rights of workers who face age discrimination. As an experienced employment attorney, we understand the devastating impact that age-based prejudice can have on careers and livelihoods.
If you believe you have been a victim of age discrimination, we want to help. Contact our Irvine employment law attorney today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your concerns.
Why Choose Our Irvine Age Discrimination Lawyer
At Elite Employment Law, we fight for the rights of workers who have experienced age discrimination. Our attorney has a deep understanding of both federal and California state employment laws and can provide comprehensive legal support.
We offer free, confidential consultation to listen to your concerns and evaluate your case. We will explain your rights and legal options and help you determine your next steps.
If we represent you, we will negotiate with your employer to try and reach a fair resolution. We will also assist you with filing the necessary complaints with the appropriate agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH).
Our firm will work with you to collect and analyze evidence to support your claim. If we are unable to reach a fair settlement, we will take your case to trial and fight to get the justice you deserve.
Age Discrimination in California
Age discrimination occurs when an employee or job applicant is treated unfavorably due to their age, particularly if they are 40 years old or older. This form of discrimination is illegal under both federal and California state law. At Elite Employment Law, we recognize that age discrimination can occur in different scenarios including:
- Hiring Practices. Refusing to hire qualified candidates because they are considered “too old” for the position.
- Promotion and Advancement. Denying promotions or career development opportunities to older workers in favor of younger employees.
- Termination. Laying off or firing older employees while retaining younger workers in similar positions.
- Hostile Work Environment. Subjecting older workers to age-related harassment or creating a work atmosphere that is unwelcoming to older employees.
- Forced Retirement. Pressuring employees to retire once they reach a certain age.
- Compensation and Benefits. Providing lower salaries or fewer benefits to older workers compared to their younger counterparts in similar roles.
Age discrimination can be either direct or indirect. Direct discrimination involves overt actions or statements related to an employee’s age, while indirect discrimination may involve policies or practices that disproportionately affect older workers, even if they appear neutral on the surface.
Legal Protections Against Age Discrimination
California workers are protected by state and federal laws designed to prevent age discrimination:
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
The federal ADEA, enacted in 1967, prohibits discrimination against workers aged 40 and older in all aspects of employment, including hiring, firing, pay, job assignments, promotions, layoffs, training, and benefits.
Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)
The California FEHA offers even broader protections than federal law. It applies to employers with five or more employees and covers various employment practices, including:
- Advertisements for jobs
- Applications and interviews
- Hiring decisions
- Promotions and demotions
- Working conditions
- Termination and layoffs
Under FEHA, it is illegal for employers to:
- Refuse to hire or employ a person
- Refuse to select a person for a training program leading to employment
- Discharge, bar, or discriminate against a person in compensation or in terms, conditions, or privileges of employment
These protections apply to individuals aged 40 and older and help ensure that experienced workers are not unfairly disadvantaged in the workplace. Unfortunately, age discrimination still happens so it is important to know what signs to look for.
How to Recognize The Signs of Age Discrimination in Irvine
At Elite Employment Law, we encourage workers to be vigilant about potential signs of age discrimination. Some common ones include:
- Age-related comments or jokes
- Sudden negative performance reviews
- Disproportionate layoffs of older workers
- Exclusion from meetings or projects
- Pressure to retire
- A pattern of hiring younger employees
- Describing ideal candidates as energetic or youthful
Contact Our Irvine Age Discrimination Lawyer Today
Age discrimination can have profound effects on your career, financial stability, and emotional well-being. If you believe you have been a victim of age discrimination in the workplace, we want to help.
Standing up against age discrimination not only protects your rights but also contributes to creating fairer, more inclusive workplaces for all generations.
Elite Employment Law is ready to help protect your rights and achieve justice for you. Schedule your free consultation today.