Respected Bay Area Firm Defends Employers Accused of Discrimination

Experienced Oakland attorneys fight claims of age, race and gender bias

Discrimination in the workplace is illegal under both state and federal law if the employer’s acts have nothing to do with job performance or qualifications or other legitimate concerns. If your business is contending with claims of discrimination, the lawyers at Bay Oak Law in Oakland will battle to protect your interests. Since 1998, our firm has represented Bay Area businesses.in defense of all types of discrimination complaints, including those based on disability, age, race, religion, gender or gender expression, military status and other protected characteristics. We also counsel employers on adherence to federal and California law.

Skilled attorneys develop evidence-backed defenses

Our employment lawyers are skilled at mounting a comprehensive defense against discrimination claims, raising such arguments as:

  • Legitimate motivation — A hiring decision made based on an employee’s job performance and qualifications is legitimate under California’s at-will employment law. However, if discrimination was a substantial motivating factor for management’s actions, an employee may still have a valid claim. We are skilled at rebuffing assertions that the employer’s stated reasons were merely pretexts for illegal discrimination.
  • Late filing of a claim — Generally, a discrimination claim must be filed with the Department of Fair Employment & Housing (DFEH) within one year of the alleged discrimination. In addition, a plaintiff has one year to file a lawsuit after obtaining a right-to-sue letter from the DFEH. With rare exception, claims that are not timely filed may be dismissed.
  • Legal requirements — In California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) applies only to organizations that regularly employ five or more people. Depending on the type of discrimination alleged, an employee may not have the legal option of filing a claim with the DFEH.

Our lawyers will seek favorable resolution of claims though arbitration and mediation. If litigation becomes necessary, we will work assiduously to defend your position while keeping a close eye on minimizing your costs.

Seasoned lawyers help businesses contend with EEOC retaliation claims

A common complaint received by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is retaliation for reporting discrimination or for seeking an accommodation for a disability. If discrimination is alleged at your business, our knowledgeable employment lawyers can advise you on a proper response that avoids any actions that could result in an additional retaliation claim.

Contact knowledgeable Oakland employer defense attorneys to schedule a free consultation

Bay Oak Law represents San Francisco Bay Area employers in defense of workplace discrimination claims. To schedule a free initial consultation with one of our qualified employment attorneys, call our Oakland, California office at 510-208-5500 or contact us online today.