Find verified employment law lawyers in San Diego. Employment law attorneys represent workers and employers in disputes arising from the workplace: wrongful termination, wage and hour violations, workplace harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and non-compete agreements. They navigate both federal law (Title VII, the ADA, the FLSA) and state-level protections, which can be more expansive than federal minimums.
Employment Law lawyers in San Diego — frequently asked questions
How do I find a Employment Law lawyer in San Diego?
Browse the profiles on this page — each listing has San Diego as a primary location and Employment Law as a declared practice area. Compare experience, editorial verification, languages, and contact channels, then reach out directly. No referral fees apply.
What qualifies as wrongful termination?
Wrongful termination occurs when an employer fires an employee in violation of a law or public policy — for example, because of the employee's race, sex, religion, disability, national origin, age (40+), or because the employee reported illegal activity (whistleblowing). Most U.S. employees are 'at-will,' meaning they can be fired for any reason or no reason, but not for an illegal reason. An employment attorney can evaluate whether the circumstances of your termination cross the legal line.
How long do I have to file an employment discrimination claim?
Federal deadlines are strict: you typically have 180 days (or 300 days in states with their own anti-discrimination agencies) to file a charge with the EEOC before you can sue under federal law. State-level claims often have different deadlines. Because these filing windows are short and vary by type of claim, it is important to speak with an employment attorney promptly after an incident.
Can I sue my employer for unpaid overtime?
Employees misclassified as exempt or independent contractors, or whose hours are incorrectly recorded, may be entitled to back pay, liquidated damages equal to the unpaid amount, and attorney's fees under the Fair Labor Standards Act. State wage laws may provide additional remedies. An employment attorney can review your pay records and job duties to assess whether a claim is viable.