Best Sexual Harassment Attorneys Serving San Diego and Southern California
Protecting Employees from Workplace Harassment and Abuse
Sexual harassment in the workplace remains one of the most damaging and underreported forms of misconduct employees face. It violates a worker’s fundamental right to a professional environment free from intimidation, coercion, or inappropriate behavior. Beyond the emotional toll, harassment can destroy careers, financial stability, and confidence.
At Akopyan Law Firm, A.P.C., our mission is to stand up for employees in San Diego and throughout Southern California who have suffered workplace harassment. We are dedicated to helping victims reclaim their dignity, hold wrongdoers accountable, and recover the compensation they deserve.
Understanding What Sexual Harassment Really Means
Sexual harassment includes any unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature that interferes with an employee’s ability to perform their job or creates a hostile environment. It can be verbal, physical, visual, or digital, and it can happen to anyone, regardless of gender or position.
Although some acts are overt, others are subtle or disguised as jokes or banter. What matters is the effect—if the conduct makes someone feel demeaned, threatened, or uncomfortable, it may qualify as harassment under California law.
Common Types of Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment in the workplace typically falls into one of two main categories:
- Quid Pro Quo Harassment
This occurs when a supervisor or person in authority conditions employment benefits such as promotions, pay raises, or job security on the acceptance of sexual advances. It can also include threats of punishment or termination for rejecting such conduct. - Hostile Work Environment
This type of harassment occurs when persistent or severe sexual behavior creates an intimidating, offensive, or hostile work environment. Repeated sexual jokes, inappropriate touching, explicit comments, or the display of suggestive materials can all contribute to such an atmosphere. Even seemingly minor acts can collectively amount to unlawful harassment when they occur frequently or are pervasive.
Examples of Workplace Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment can take many forms, including:
• Unwanted sexual advances, propositions, or flirtation
• Inappropriate physical contact or touching
• Lewd jokes, comments, or remarks about appearance or body
• Circulation of explicit images, emails, or messages
• Sexual gestures, innuendo, or “humor”
• Repeated requests for dates or personal meetings after being declined
• Retaliation for rejecting sexual conduct
Whether the behavior comes from a supervisor, coworker, client, or contractor, employers are legally obligated to prevent and correct it.
California Laws Protecting Victims of Sexual Harassment
California provides some of the strongest workplace protections in the nation. Several key laws prohibit sexual harassment and retaliation against those who report it.
Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)
Under the FEHA, it is unlawful for any employer with five or more employees to harass or discriminate against an employee, applicant, or contractor based on sex, gender, gender identity, or gender expression. The law also forbids retaliation against anyone who reports harassment or assists in an investigation.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
This federal law prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sex and applies to most employers across the United States. While Title VII sets the national standard, California’s FEHA often provides broader and more employee-friendly protections.
Other Relevant California Laws
- Labor Code Section 1102.5: Protects whistleblowers from retaliation for reporting illegal activity, including sexual misconduct.
- Civil Code Section 51.9: Allows victims to seek damages when sexual exploitation occurs within professional or business relationships.
- Government Code Section 12950.1: Requires employers to provide harassment prevention training to both supervisors and employees.
Recognizing Subtle or Indirect Harassment
Not all harassment is obvious. In many cases, it unfolds gradually or through behaviors that seem harmless on the surface. Subtle forms of harassment can include microaggressions, exclusion from meetings or projects after rejecting unwanted attention, and spreading rumors to damage someone’s reputation. Such behaviors can create a toxic environment that discourages employees from speaking out or performing their best work.
The Lasting Impact of Sexual Harassment
The harm caused by sexual harassment is both personal and professional. Victims often experience anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. Many leave otherwise promising careers, fearing further humiliation or retaliation. The emotional, psychological, and financial consequences can be severe, but victims have rights, and they are not alone.
Steps to Take if You Experience Sexual Harassment
If you believe you have been harassed at work, taking prompt, strategic action is critical.
- Document Everything
Keep detailed notes of every incident, including dates, times, locations, and witnesses. Save texts, emails, or other communications that show what happened. - Report the Harassment
Follow your company’s reporting procedures, typically through HR or management. If your supervisor is involved, report the conduct to another department or executive. Always put your complaint in writing and retain copies. - Seek Outside Support if Needed
If your employer fails to act or retaliation follows, contact an attorney immediately. You can also file complaints with the California Civil Rights Department (formerly DFEH) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). These agencies can investigate and issue a “right to sue” notice if appropriate.
How a San Diego Sexual Harassment Attorney Can Help
Dealing with harassment alone can be overwhelming. An experienced employment attorney can help you understand your rights, preserve evidence, and guide you through the legal process.
At Akopyan Law Firm, A.P.C., our attorneys conduct comprehensive investigations, gather critical evidence, communicate with employers and agencies on your behalf, negotiate settlements to achieve maximum recovery, and represent clients in court when litigation becomes necessary.
Our team has successfully handled numerous sexual harassment cases and understands the tactics employers use to minimize or deny responsibility. We work to level the playing field and pursue justice for our clients.
What to Expect from the Legal Process
- Initial Consultation: We review your situation confidentially, explain your rights, and assess potential claims.
- Filing a Complaint: We help file with the EEOC or Civil Rights Department before proceeding to court.
- Investigation: Agencies and attorneys gather evidence and interview witnesses.
- Negotiation or Mediation: Many cases are resolved through private settlement or mediation.
- Litigation: If necessary, we file suit and represent you in trial to pursue justice and fair compensation.
Successful cases may result in back pay and lost wages, emotional distress damages, punitive damages for egregious misconduct, and recovery of attorney’s fees and costs.
Choosing the Right Sexual Harassment Attorney in San Diego
Finding the right lawyer can feel daunting. San Diego has no shortage of attorneys, but not all have deep experience in employment law or the sensitivity these cases require. When choosing representation, look for proven experience, a strong reputation, and a personal connection with the attorney handling your case.
At Akopyan Law Firm, A.P.C., we have earned the trust of clients and peers alike through meticulous preparation, professionalism, and compassion. We approach each case with care, understanding that these matters involve more than legal issues—they involve lives, dignity, and healing.
We limit the number of cases we accept so that each client receives focused, high-quality attention. Many of our clients come through referrals, a reflection of the confidence we inspire and the results we achieve.
Speak Directly with an Experienced San Diego Sexual Harassment Lawyer
If you have been sexually harassed or subjected to a hostile work environment, do not wait to seek help. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.
Contact Akopyan Law Firm, A.P.C. today to speak directly with an experienced San Diego sexual harassment attorney. Every consultation is private and confidential. Our attorneys have decades of combined experience representing victims of workplace harassment and are ready to help you take the next step toward justice, accountability, and recovery.
Areas Served:
The litigation and trial attorneys of the Akopyan Law Firm, A.P.C. provide services throughout Southern California including but not limited to Adelanto, Agoura Hills, Alhambra, Aliso Viejo, Altadena, Anaheim, Apple Valley, Arcadia, Arleta, Atwater Village, Azuza, Bakersfield, Baldwin Park, Banning, Beaumont, Bell, Bell Gardens, Bellflower, Beverly Hills, Blythe, Boyle Heights, Brea, Brentwood, Buena Park, Burbank, Calabasas, Calimesa, Camarillo, Canoga Park, Canyon Lake, Carson, Carlsbad, Cathedral City, Cerritos, Chatsworth, Chino Hills, Chino, Chula Vista, Claremont, Coachella, Colton, Compton, Costa Mesa, Corona, Coronado, Covina, Culver City, Cypress, Dana Point, Del Mar, Desert Hot Springs, Diamond Bar, Downey, Duarte, Eagle Rock, East Hollywood, East Los Angeles, Eastvale, Echo Park, El Cajon, El Monte, El Segundo, El Sereno, Encinitas, Encino, Escondido, Fontana, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Gardena, Garden Grove, Glassell Park, Glendale, Glendora, Granada Hills, Hacienda Heights, Hawthorne, Hemet, Hesperia, Highland Park, Highland, Hollywood, Hollywood Hills, Huntington Beach, Huntington Park, Imperial Beach, Indian Wells, Indio, Inglewood, Irvine, Jurupa Valley, La Canada Flintridge, La-Crescenta Montrose, La Habra, La Mesa, La Mirada, La Palma, La Puente, La Quinta, La Verne, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lakewood, Lake Balboa, Lake Elsinore, Lake Forest, Lancaster, Lawndale, Lemon Grove, Lincoln Heights, Loma Linda, Long Beach, Los Alamitos, Los Angeles, Los Feliz, Lynwood, Manhattan Beach, Mar Vista, Maywood, Menifee, Mission Hills, Mission Viejo, Monrovia, Montclair, Montebello, Monterey Park, Moorpark, Moreno Valley, Murrieta, National City, Newbury Park, Newhall, Newport Beach, Norco, North Hills, North Hollywood, Northridge, Norwalk, Oceanside, Ontario, Orange, Oxnard, Pacific Palisades, Pacoima, Palos Verdes, Palmdale, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Panorama City, Paramount, Pasadena, Perris, Pico Rivera, Placentia, Pomona, Porter Ranch, Rancho Cucamonga, Rancho Mirage, Rancho Santa Margarita, Redondo Beach, Reseda, Rialto, Riverside, Rosemead, Rowland Heights, San Bernardino, San Clemente, San Diego, San Dimas, San Gabriel, San Fernando, San Jacinto, San Juan Capistrano, San Pedro, Santa Ana, Santa Clarita, San Marcos, Santa Monica, Santee, Sawtelle, Seal Beach, Shadow Hills, Sherman Oaks, Silver Lake, Simi Valley, South El Monte, South Gate, South Pasadena, South Whittier, Stanton, Studio City, Sun Valley, Sunland, Sylmar, Tarzana, Temecula, Temple City, Thousand Oaks, Toluca Lake, Torrance, Tujunga, Tustin, Twentynine Palms, Upland, Valencia, Valley Glen, Valley Village, Van Nuys, Ventura, Victorville, Vista, Walnut, West Covina, West Hills, West Hollywood, West Puente Valley, Westchester, Westminster, Westwood, Whittier, Wildomar, Winnetka, Woodland Hills, Yorba Linda