San Diego Employment Law Attorneys
Employment Litigation in San Diego, California
San Diego is one of California’s largest and most diverse cities — a place where coastal beauty meets innovation and opportunity. With a population of over 1.3 million residents, San Diego serves as the economic and cultural heart of Southern California’s southernmost region. Its identity is shaped by a mix of industries that include defense, technology, healthcare, tourism, education, and biotechnology, each contributing to a workforce as varied as the city itself.
Founded in 1769 as California’s first Spanish mission and presidio, San Diego evolved from a small port and naval town into a major urban center by the twentieth century. It became a city of national significance during World War II, when the defense and shipbuilding industries expanded rapidly. Today, San Diego continues to thrive as a hub of research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Its neighborhoods — from Downtown and Hillcrest to La Jolla, North Park, and Mira Mesa — each reflect a unique mix of history, culture, and business activity that makes San Diego both dynamic and distinctive.
Akopyan Law Firm, A.P.C. represents employees and employers throughout the city of San Diego in all aspects of employment litigation. Our attorneys focus exclusively on employment law disputes and bring extensive trial experience to every case we handle.
Employment Law in San Diego
San Diego’s economy and workforce are among the most diverse in the nation. With employers ranging from global corporations to small family-owned businesses, the city is home to nearly every type of workplace imaginable. This diversity also means that employment disputes can arise in any industry and take many forms — from issues of wrongful termination or discrimination to disputes over wages, hours, or workplace conduct.
California’s employment laws are among the most comprehensive and employee-protective in the country. These laws establish detailed requirements for how employers must treat workers, compensate them, and address workplace problems. When those laws are violated — intentionally or unintentionally — litigation often becomes necessary to resolve the matter.
Akopyan Law Firm provides representation in employment litigation involving wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wage-and-hour violations. Our attorneys approach every case with preparation, professionalism, and purpose. We represent both employees and employers in courts throughout San Diego County and across California.
Representation for San Diego Employees
Employees across San Diego’s many industries — from healthcare and education to hospitality, manufacturing, and technology — work hard to support their families and build their careers. When they encounter unlawful treatment in the workplace, the consequences can be significant.
Akopyan Law Firm stands up for employees whose rights have been violated under California law. We handle cases involving discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, or other protected categories; sexual or workplace harassment; retaliation for reporting misconduct; wrongful termination; and unpaid wages or overtime. Our attorneys provide strong advocacy, guiding clients through each stage of the litigation process with skill and determination. We understand the stakes involved in employment disputes and work tirelessly to secure outcomes that protect our clients’ interests and restore their confidence.
Employment Litigation for San Diego Employers
San Diego’s employers face an evolving and often challenging legal landscape. Businesses must navigate an extensive framework of state and federal employment laws that govern everything from hiring and termination to pay practices and workplace investigations. Even well-intentioned employers can find themselves defending against claims that carry serious financial and reputational risks.
Akopyan Law Firm represents employers in employment-related litigation throughout San Diego. We handle cases involving discrimination, retaliation, harassment, wrongful termination, and wage-and-hour disputes. Our attorneys have deep experience in courtroom advocacy and are equipped to defend our clients effectively in both state and federal courts. We focus on providing strategic, efficient representation that protects our clients’ interests and supports long-term stability for their businesses.
San Diego’s Economy and Workforce
San Diego’s workforce reflects the breadth of its economy and geography. The presence of major universities, research institutions, and biotech companies has made the city a center for science and innovation. At the same time, the region’s strong military and defense presence — including Naval Base San Diego, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, and Camp Pendleton nearby — has shaped both its culture and its economy. Tourism, hospitality, healthcare, and education also play major roles in sustaining employment throughout the city.
This combination of industries creates a highly skilled, dynamic workforce. It also means that employment disputes in San Diego can vary widely — from executive-level contract issues to hourly wage claims and everything in between. Akopyan Law Firm has experience litigating across this full spectrum, offering representation that reflects both the complexity and diversity of San Diego’s workplaces.
Neighborhoods and Employment Culture
Each part of San Diego has its own economic identity. Downtown and the Gaslamp Quarter are home to businesses in hospitality, law, and finance. La Jolla and Sorrento Valley host technology and life sciences firms. Mission Valley, Mira Mesa, and Kearny Mesa anchor retail, manufacturing, and logistics sectors. Farther inland, communities like Rancho Bernardo, Carmel Mountain, and Poway contribute to the region’s corporate and technology base.
Employment issues in San Diego mirror this diversity — arising in restaurants and hospitals, laboratories and offices, classrooms and construction sites. Akopyan Law Firm’s litigation practice is designed to meet these wide-ranging needs with experience, insight, and adaptability.
Why Choose Akopyan Law Firm for Employment Litigation
Employment disputes require more than knowledge of the law — they demand strategy, persistence, and the ability to litigate effectively. Akopyan Law Firm brings all of these qualities to every case we take. Our attorneys are experienced trial lawyers who understand how to build strong cases, negotiate effectively, and present persuasive arguments in court.
Our firm’s sole focus on employment litigation allows us to dedicate the time, energy, and resources needed to deliver results. We represent employees seeking justice and employers defending their rights with equal skill, precision, and commitment.
Contact Akopyan Law Firm, A.P.C.
If you are an employee or employer in San Diego facing an employment-related dispute, Akopyan Law Firm is ready to help. Our attorneys focus exclusively on employment litigation and have extensive experience handling cases throughout Southern California.
To discuss your case or schedule a confidential consultation, contact Akopyan Law Firm, A.P.C. today. Our team provides skilled representation and dedicated advocacy in every employment law matter we handle.
We Can Help San Diego Residents With Cases Involving:
Featured Article:
Wrongful Termination vs. Lawful Discharge: Identifying Illegal Firing After Back Injury in California
📌 Key Takeaways Facing termination after a back injury demands clarity on what is lawful and what may violate California’s protections. Recognize Statutory Red Flags: Termination tied closely to a back injury disclosure may violate FEHA provisions prohibiting disability-based discharge, failure to accommodate, or refusal to engage in the interactive process. Distinguish Legitimate from Illegal Termination: A lawful discharge is supported by documented, pre-existing performance issues or proven undue hardship, not sudden adverse actions post-injury disclosure. Spot Interactive Process Failures: Ignoring accommodation requests, refusing discussions, or rejecting alternatives without undue hardship justification can breach California Code of Regulations § 11068. Identify Improper Accommodation Denials: Blanket rejections without individualized assessment or failure to consider reassignment to a vacant position can violate Government Code § 12926(p). Act Within Legal Timeframes: Deadlines for taking action can be short, making early consultation with a qualified employment attorney critical. Clear statutory alignment and prompt legal guidance protect your rights after a back injury. Employment laws are subject to change and may have exceptions. Excerpts provided below are current as of 2025. Consultation with a qualified employment law attorney is essential for case-specific guidance. 1. Identifying Concrete FEHA Violations in Back Injury Cases Indicators of Potential Violation: Termination soon after disclosing a back injury. Documented refusal by the employer to engage in the interactive process. Written denial of reasonable accommodation requests. Sudden, negative performance reviews post-disclosure. Relevant Statutory Language: California Government Code § 12940(a): “It is an unlawful employment practice… [f]or an employer, because of the… physical disability… of any person, to… discharge the person from employment.” California Government Code § 12940(k): “It is an unlawful employment practice… [f]or an employer… to fail to make reasonable accommodation for the known physical… disability of an applicant or employee.” California Government Code § 12940(m): “It is an unlawful employment practice… [f]or an employer… to fail to engage in a timely, good faith, interactive process with the employee… to determine effective reasonable accommodations.” 2. Distinguishing Lawful from Unlawful Termination Under California Law Lawful Terminations May Involve: Legitimate business reasons unrelated to disability. Documented performance issues predating injury disclosure. Demonstrated undue hardship consistent with statutory standards. Potentially Unlawful Terminations May Involve: Adverse employment action closely following back injury disclosure without legitimate, documented justification. Refusal to consider accommodations before termination. 3. Recognizing Interactive Process Failures Indicators: Employer ignores written accommodation requests. Employer refuses to discuss possible adjustments. Alternative accommodation suggestions dismissed without analysis of hardship. Relevant Statutory Language: California Code of Regulations, Title 2, § 11068(a): “It is unlawful for an employer… to fail to engage in a timely, good faith, interactive process with the employee… to determine effective reasonable accommodations.” 4. Common Patterns in Reasonable Accommodation Denials Indicators: Blanket denials without individualized assessment. Employer fails to evaluate possible job restructuring. No effort to explore reassignment to a vacant position. Relevant Statutory Language: California Government Code § 12926(p): “‘Reasonable accommodation’ may include… job restructuring, part-time or modified work schedules, reassignment to a vacant position, acquisition or modification of equipment or... Read more
Denied Reasonable Accommodations for Your Back Injury? What California Law Requires from Employers
📌 Key Takeaways When your back injury limits your work, knowing California’s accommodation rules can be the key to protecting your livelihood. FEHA Provides Stronger Protections: California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act offers broader disability accommodation rights than federal law, especially for employees with back injuries. The Interactive Process is Mandatory: Employers must engage in a good-faith, two-way discussion to identify effective accommodations that allow you to perform essential job functions. Accommodations Can Be Varied: Options may include, but are not limited to, ergonomic equipment, modified schedules, or workplace adjustments tailored to your functional limitations. Employer Duties Have Limits: Requests may be declined if they impose undue hardship, remove essential job functions, or create a direct safety threat that cannot be mitigated. Information Exchange is Critical: Clear communication and appropriate documentation are essential to ensuring employers understand and respond to accommodation needs. Understanding these principles empowers you to navigate workplace challenges with confidence while keeping your career on track. California Statutory Framework Overview Under California law, the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) generally requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified employees with disabilities, which may include back injuries. FEHA’s protections are often broader than those found in the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), meaning that an employee in California may have additional rights not available under federal law. A physical condition that limits major life activities—such as lifting, bending, or standing for extended periods—can meet the statutory definition of a disability. These legal frameworks aim to protect employees across various industries, including physically demanding fields such as construction, healthcare, warehouse work, and manufacturing. Employer Obligation Concepts California law requires employers to engage in an interactive process with employees who request accommodations due to a disability. This process is intended to be a collaborative, good-faith dialogue focused on identifying and implementing effective workplace adjustments. Potential accommodations may include changes to the work environment, adjustments to job duties, or modifications to work schedules. The goal is to enable the employee to perform the essential functions of the position while ensuring that the employer’s operations can continue effectively. Back Injury Accommodation Categories For employees with back injuries, reasonable accommodations may include, but are not limited to: Workplace modifications such as ergonomic chairs, adjustable desks, or reconfigured workstations. Schedule adjustments like flexible start times, split shifts, or reduced work hours. Supportive equipment including lumbar cushions, standing desks, or specialized lifting aids. These accommodations are designed to help the employee carry out essential job functions without causing undue hardship to the employer. Statutory Limitation Concepts FEHA recognizes that an employer’s obligation to accommodate is not without limits. Three primary legal concepts define these boundaries: Undue hardship – An accommodation may not be required if it would cause significant difficulty or expense for the employer. Essential functions – These are the fundamental job duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without accommodation. Direct threat – An employer may not be required to implement an accommodation if it would... Read more
Understanding California Disability Discrimination Laws After a Back Injury
📌 Key Takeaways If you've faced job consequences after a back injury, understanding your legal rights could change everything. FEHA Covers Back Injuries: Under California law, back injuries that limit major life activities qualify as protected disabilities requiring workplace accommodations. Interactive Process Is Not Optional: Employers must engage in a good-faith, timely discussion about accommodations or risk violating Gov. Code § 12940(n). Accommodation Denials Raise Legal Flags: Refusing reasonable modifications without demonstrating undue hardship may breach FEHA mandates under § 12940(m). Documentation Strengthens Your Position: Preserving written communications, medical restrictions, and employer responses helps establish whether statutory violations occurred. Timing Can Signal Retaliation: Terminations or negative treatment shortly after injury disclosures may indicate retaliatory motives subject to legal scrutiny. Empowered employees ask the right questions—and know when to call a qualified employment attorney. Identifying Disability Discrimination Under California Law Back injuries are recognized as potential disabilities under California Government Code § 12926. California law defines a disability as a condition that limits major life activities, including lifting, walking, or working. An employee with a qualifying back injury may be protected by the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Disability discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee unfavorably due to a protected medical condition. Conduct such as termination, demotion, or reassignment may qualify as an unlawful employment practice under FEHA. Unwelcome differential treatment based on an employee’s disability status may raise red flags about the employer’s compliance with California law. California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) Statutory Framework FEHA applies to employers with five or more employees in California. The statute—outlined in California Government Code §§ 12900–12996—provides specific protections against disability discrimination and requires employers to comply with clear procedural obligations. Under California law, generally, an employer must engage in a timely, good-faith interactive process to determine whether reasonable accommodations are available. These accommodations are intended to help qualified individuals perform the essential functions of their position without imposing undue hardship on the employer. FEHA protections are distinct from but complementary to the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Where both laws apply, the statute offering the greatest level of protection to the employee is typically utilized. Concrete Statutory Violations in Back Injury Discrimination Cases Employers operating in physically demanding industries—such as construction, manufacturing, logistics, or healthcare—are more likely to face disability-related claims when they fail to accommodate work restrictions resulting from back injuries. A failure to engage in the interactive process is a violation of California Government Code § 12940(n). Similarly, refusing to provide a reasonable accommodation, where one is available and does not impose an undue hardship, may violate § 12940(m). Common patterns that may indicate statutory violations include: Terminating an employee shortly after medical leave related to a back injury Reassigning an employee to unfavorable duties without exploring accommodations Ignoring medical documentation or refusing to discuss modified work responsibilities Retaliatory actions following a disability disclosure or accommodation request may also constitute separate violations under FEHA, particularly when they result in adverse employment consequences. Evidence Documentation... Read more
Wrongful Termination Due to Back Injury in California: Your Legal Rights
📌Key Takeaways When facing job loss after a back injury, understanding your rights and an employer’s legal duties is essential to protecting your livelihood. Know the Legal Protections: California’s FEHA and the federal ADA both prohibit disability discrimination and safeguard employees with qualifying back injuries. Demand the Interactive Process: Employers must engage in a good faith, timely discussion to explore reasonable accommodations before making termination decisions. Spot Red Flags in Terminations: Sudden job loss after disclosing a back injury, refusal to discuss accommodations, or inconsistent reasons for firing may indicate unlawful conduct. Understand Reasonable Accommodation: Modifications to job duties, equipment, or schedules that enable essential job performance are required unless they cause undue hardship to the employer. Consult a Qualified Attorney Promptly: Given the complexity and fact-specific nature of these cases, timely legal evaluation is crucial to understanding available options. Protecting your employment starts with knowing your rights and recognizing when professional guidance is critical. Back injuries can significantly affect a person’s ability to work, particularly in physically demanding occupations. In California, the law provides specific protections for workers in these circumstances. When a termination occurs after an employee experiences a back injury, the situation may raise important questions about disability protections, employer obligations, and whether the termination may be unlawful. This article focuses on general legal principles and statutory frameworks without offering legal advice or creating a professional advisor relationship. It reflects California law as of the date of publication and may not reflect future changes. For current, case-specific evaluation, consultation with a qualified employment law attorney is essential. 1. The Impact of Back Injuries in the Workplace Back injuries can range from temporary strains to long-term spinal conditions. Their legal significance often depends on whether they limit an employee’s ability to perform essential job functions—the fundamental duties of a position. California law distinguishes between work-related and non-work-related injuries, but the legal protections afforded under disability statutes may apply to both if the condition meets the statutory definition of a physical disability. Under California Government Code § 12926, a disability generally includes any condition that limits a major life activity, such as working. Hypothetical Example: An employee in a warehouse position develops a chronic back condition that prevents lifting over 20 pounds. If this limitation affects essential job functions, it may trigger legal protections under state and federal law. 2. California’s Legal Framework Two principal statutes govern disability-related employment protections in California: Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) – Under California law, FEHA prohibits employment discrimination based on physical disability, including qualifying back injuries. It generally applies to employers with five or more employees and often offers broader coverage than federal law. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – Federal law that prohibits disability discrimination for employers with 15 or more employees. While nationwide in scope, its protections sometimes differ from FEHA’s, making consultation important for understanding how both apply in a specific situation. Because laws are subject to change, readers should verify statutory language with official state or... Read more
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