Downey Employment Attorneys
The trial attorneys of the Akopyan Law Firm A.P.C. stand ready to fight for both employers and employees in Downey, California.
Downey, California
Downey is a city located in southeast Los Angeles. Downey is home to more than 110,000 residents. It covers approximately thirteen square miles, and encompasses the following zip codes: 90240, 90241, 90242. In the 1800’s, Downey was one of many towns to spring up along the thousands of miles of trails to the west. The city derived its name from John Gately Downey, an Irish immigrant who had come to California during the Gold Rush, and succeeded to Governor of California. He helped build the economic foundation of Southern California, effecting a transition from open cattle range to an agricultural district of small farms. In November 1859, Downey and his former drugstore partner, James McFarland, bought the 17,602 acre Rancho Santa Gertrudes for a mere $60,000. In 1873, a 96-acre parcel of the plot became the central district of a community called “Downey City,” an area with a favorable climate, fertile soil and abundant water sources. In April of 1874, the people of Downey City heard the first whistle of a Southern Pacific train lumbering into town. The extension of the Southern Pacific Railroad through Downey played a pivotal role in bringing people throughout the country to the city to reap the potential business and agricultural benefits of the land.
At the beginning of the twentieth century, many Downey pioneers had achieved success in business and politics within the city and the surrounding Los Angeles County. The downtown Downey area contained a Sunkist packing plant, a department store, banks, restaurants and mercantile shops. Downey remained largely agrarian until the development of the local aircraft industry during the post-World War II years, with light industry and tract homes replacing orange groves. The city was one of the first suburban “planned communities” with quality homes, schools and retail centers. Today, Downey is an ideal home base from which to take advantage of the business resources and cultural activities offered in Southern California. With offices in Los Angeles, Bakersfield, Oxnard, Temecula, Rancho Cucamonga, Costa Mesa, Culver City, and San Diego the Akopyan Law Firm A.P.C. is just minutes away from Downey. Our employment lawyers stand ready to provide world-class services and top-notch representation to the residents of Downey.
Do You Need The Best Employment Lawyers in Downey?
Situated advantageously, Downey offers its residents a multitude of choices when it comes to legal counsel. The city boasts an abundance of lawyers and law firms, all extending their services to the local community. Some are so eager to attract clients that they might as well knock on your door and invite themselves into your living room to make their pitch. For both employers and employees in Downey grappling with substantial legal issues, particularly those rooted in employment law, the challenge lies in identifying the right lawyer for their specific needs. This task becomes all the more daunting in the face of the ceaseless wave of attention-grabbing radio advertisements and the presence of eye-catching posters on billboards, buses, and street benches throughout the city. While most individuals turn to online searches for solutions, seeking phrases like “Downey employment lawyer” or “wrongful termination attorney in Downey” can often yield search results packed with paid advertisements from billboard lawyers. While billboard lawyers may excel in specific cases, there are scenarios where the complexity of the matter necessitates the involvement of seasoned, high-caliber legal counsel. At the Akopyan Law Firm, A.P.C., each of our attorneys boasts nearly two decades of invaluable experience, supported by a distinguished track record of success representing both employers and employees. Our firm’s hallmark lies in our unwavering commitment to quality over quantity. Our attorneys prefer to invest their time in the courtroom, vigorously advocating for our clients’ rights, rather than in a recording studio crafting catchy radio ads. We take great pride in our work and welcome your request for client references or encourage you to explore our online reviews to witness our track record firsthand. With offices located just minutes away from Downey, we are poised and prepared to provide residents with legal representation of the utmost excellence. When you choose the Akopyan Law Firm, A.P.C., you’re not only selecting legal expertise; you’re embracing a dedication to delivering the highest standards of service. Your legal needs are our priority, and we’re here to be your trusted advocates. If you seek legal representation that prioritizes quality and experience, we urge you to reach out to us today for exceptional counsel and support.
We Can Help Downey Residents With Cases Involving:
Featured Article:
Challenging Employer Pretexts in California Heart Attack Termination Cases
📌 Key Takeaways Legal Framework for Disability Termination Claims: California Government Code § 12940 and the federal ADA prohibit employers from terminating qualified employees due to a disability, including post-heart attack conditions. Pretext and Burden-Shifting Standard: On summary judgment disability discrimination cases are subject to the McDonnell Douglas framework, where employees must show a prima facie case, employers must state a lawful reason, and claimants may then demonstrate that the reason is pretextual. Indicators of Discriminatory Motive: Red flags such as shifting employer justifications, sudden negative performance documentation, or selective policy enforcement may support an inference of unlawful termination. Failure to Accommodate: Lack of engagement in the interactive process or disregard for appropriate diagnostic and clinical evaluation may signal legal noncompliance with disability accommodation duties. Comparative Treatment Evidence: When similarly situated non-disabled employees are retained under similar conditions, it may strengthen claims that termination was discriminatory. Understanding how courts examine timing, documentation, and comparative evidence helps readers recognize legal protections in post-heart attack termination cases. For individuals in Los Angeles recovering from a heart attack, being terminated shortly after returning to work can be both a personal and legal inflection point. While employers may cite neutral reasons such as restructuring or performance, disability laws under California Government Code § 12940 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq., provide protections when those reasons conceal discriminatory motives. This article explores the legal concept of pretext—a seemingly legitimate justification masking unlawful intent—and how it functions in disability-related termination cases. Understanding the nature of employer pretexts is essential for anyone concerned about the legal implications of being dismissed after a serious medical event. Legal Foundations and Burden-Shifting in Disability Discrimination Cases In the legal context, a pretext refers to an employer’s explanation for termination that appears lawful but may actually conceal discrimination. California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the ADA prohibit adverse employment actions based on a qualifying disability, such as a heart condition that substantially limits major life activities. The McDonnell Douglas burden-shifting framework that these cases often go through on summary judgment is as follows: The employee must first establish a prima facie case of discrimination—demonstrating they have a disability, were qualified for the role, and were terminated under circumstances suggesting bias. The employer must then articulate a legitimate, nondiscriminatory reason for the termination. The burden returns to the employee to show that this stated reason is a pretext for discrimination. A key issue in this phase is whether there is a causal connection between the employee’s medical condition and the termination. Evidence does not need to be direct; instead, the trier of fact considers whether inconsistencies or timing support an inference of discriminatory motivation. Employer Defense Patterns That May Raise Legal Questions Not all terminations following a medical event are unlawful. However, certain defense patterns may raise questions under FEHA and the ADA: Shifting Justifications: If an employer alters the stated reason for termination over time, this may undermine credibility. Temporal Proximity:... Read more
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