San Diego Employment Law Firm
Fighting for Employees in Class Action Lawsuits Across California
Zakay Law Group represents employees across California in individual and collective legal actions, with a practice centered on class action lawsuits. Founded in early 2018 by a California Western School of Law graduate who spent over six years as a partner at a San Diego firm before starting this one, we built this practice around one purpose: protecting workers. We’ve recovered over $160 million for employees at companies ranging from small businesses to large national and international corporations, handling thousands of cases across industries including healthcare, hospitality, and retail.
California employment law defines what employers owe their workers and what employees can do when those obligations aren’t met. It covers wages, working conditions, discrimination, and termination. We serve workers from the San Francisco Bay Area through Los Angeles and Riverside, and free consultations are available in person, by phone, or virtually for employees anywhere in the state.
Need help with a class action lawsuit? Call Zakay Law Group today at (619) 353-8032 or contact us online for a free consultation.
Why Choose Our San Diego Employment Law Attorneys
We represent employees only. We don’t work for corporations or insurance companies, which means there’s no conflict of interest and no divided loyalty. Every legal strategy, every filing, and every courtroom argument we make is built entirely in favor of the employee. For workers facing a well-resourced corporate employer, that alignment matters. All cases are taken on a contingency fee basis with no upfront costs and no hourly fees. We collect only if we make a recovery, so the financial risk stays with us rather than with you.
Our small firm structure means each client works with a focused group rather than being handed off through layers of staff. We stay responsive by phone and email throughout what can be a lengthy process and keep clients updated as developments occur. Legal services are available in English, Spanish, and Hebrew, with staff able to communicate in all three languages from intake through resolution. Our attorneys are admitted to practice in all California state courts as well as the United States District Court for the Southern District of California and the United States District Court for the Central District of California, allowing us to pursue both state and federal employment claims without referring any part of a case to outside counsel. We also serve as lead counsel in numerous class actions and collaborate with larger law firms when cases require pooled resources to take on major corporate defendants.
Understanding Employment Law Class Action Lawsuits
A class action lawsuit is filed by one or more individuals on behalf of a larger group who share similar claims against the same employer. This structure is especially valuable when many employees have been harmed by the same conduct, whether that’s systemic wage violations, denied rest periods, or workplace discrimination. A single unpaid wage claim may be too small to pursue on its own, but the same violation affecting hundreds of workers at a major retailer becomes a case we actively build.
Class actions level the playing field by pooling resources, giving individual employees access to legal firepower they couldn’t justify for a modest claim alone. Once a court certifies the class, all affected workers are represented collectively, and any settlement or judgment applies to the entire group.
Certification requires meeting specific criteria, including numerosity, commonality of claims, typicality, and adequacy of representation. These requirements exist to ensure the case addresses the violations comprehensively and that the outcome is fair to every member of the class.
The Legal Process in Class Action Litigation
A class action typically moves through several stages: initial investigation, complaint filing, class certification, discovery, settlement negotiation or trial, and resolution. Each stage has its own demands, and the full process can take months or years depending on the complexity of the claims and whether appeals are involved.
The process begins with an investigation, during which we assess potential claims and identify the common violations shared by the affected group. If the case is viable, we file a complaint outlining the facts and legal basis for the action. The court then evaluates whether the case meets the requirements for class certification, which includes demonstrating that the claims share common questions and that the representative plaintiffs can adequately represent the class.
After certification, discovery begins. Both sides gather evidence through depositions, document requests, and interrogatories to build their evidentiary record. Settlement negotiations can happen at any point during this phase. If a settlement is proposed, the court reviews and approves it to confirm it serves the interests of the entire class. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial, where a judge or jury hears the evidence and determines the outcome.
When the class prevails, the court determines appropriate remedies, which may include monetary compensation and required changes to the employer’s practices. Compensation is then distributed to class members according to court-approved procedures.
We manage the filings, the discovery phase, and the negotiations so you can focus on your life rather than the mechanics of litigation. Throughout a process that can run for an extended period, we keep you updated on developments as they occur.
Facing workplace issues? Let our San Diego employment law firm fight for your rights. Reach out now.
Comprehensive Employment Law Services in San Diego
We provide legal representation across a wide range of employment law claims. Past class actions have included cases against a national home improvement retailer, an international hotel chain, a national medical service provider, a California staffing company, a trucking company, and a Southern California spa that misclassified massage therapists as independent contractors. The California Labor Code governs many of these claims, and our labor law attorneys know how its provisions apply across industries and employer sizes.
Wrongful Termination
Wrongful termination occurs when an employee is fired for unlawful reasons, such as violations of public policy or breach of an employment agreement. California is an at-will employment state, but that baseline has significant exceptions. If you were fired for a reason the law doesn’t permit, we can help you understand what your case may be worth and what options you have.
Discrimination
Workplace discrimination is prohibited under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and federal law. Protected characteristics include race, religion, gender, disability, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, and pregnancy. We build cases against employers who make decisions based on any of these categories and hold them accountable for conduct that violates the law.
Age Discrimination
Age discrimination involves treating an applicant or employee less favorably because of their age. If you’re 40 or older, it’s illegal for an employer to make employment decisions based on your age. We fight for workers who have faced this kind of treatment.
Disability Discrimination
Disability discrimination occurs when an employee is treated unfavorably because of a physical or mental disability. Employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations, and when they fail to do so, our attorneys pursue accountability on your behalf.
Gender & Sex Discrimination
This type of discrimination involves unfavorable treatment based on an individual’s gender or sex. We advocate for equality and stand by employees facing this kind of workplace discrimination.
LGBTQ Discrimination & Your Legal Rights
We represent members of the LGBTQ community against workplace discrimination. Our team understands the specific challenges LGBTQ employees face and works to hold employers accountable when those rights are violated.
Pregnancy Discrimination
Pregnancy discrimination occurs when an employee is mistreated because of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. California law protects workers during this period, and we enforce those protections.
Racial Discrimination
Racial discrimination in employment means treating someone unfavorably because of their race. We take a direct and persistent approach to racial discrimination claims and work to hold employers responsible for conduct that violates state and federal law.
Religious Discrimination
This discrimination involves treating an employee unfavorably because of their religious beliefs. Our firm advocates for your right to practice your faith without facing consequences at work. If you’ve experienced religious discrimination, we’re here to help.
Retaliation & Employee Rights
Retaliation occurs when an employer takes adverse action against an employee for engaging in a legally protected activity, such as reporting harassment, filing a wage claim, or requesting an accommodation. Adverse action can include termination, demotion, a pay cut, or a shift to hostile working conditions. We stand by employees who have faced retaliation and work to hold employers accountable.
Wage & Hour Disputes
Wage and hour disputes often involve unpaid wages, overtime, missed meal and rest periods, and off-the-clock work. Independent contractor misclassification is a common source of these violations, particularly in retail, hospitality, transportation, and healthcare. Our labor attorneys pursue fair compensation and employer compliance with the California Labor Code standards governing these claims.
Facing an employment law issue? Our San Diego employment law firm is ready to help. Contact us now.
Potential Damages in Employment Law Class Actions
The damages available in an employment law case depend on the specifics of the violation. Common recoveries include compensation for lost wages and benefits, reinstatement to a former position, and compensation for emotional distress. In cases where an employer’s conduct was particularly egregious, courts may also impose punitive damages. California law may allow recovery of attorney fees and litigation costs as well, which reduces the financial burden on individual class members.
Our attorneys are admitted to the United States District Court for the Southern District of California and the United States District Court for the Central District of California. That federal court admission allows us to pursue employment discrimination claims under Title VII and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) without referring any part of a case to outside counsel. When a claim involves both California and federal law simultaneously, that matters.
To discuss your options with a San Diego employment attorney, contact us online or call (619) 353-8032 today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Employment Law in San Diego
How Can I File a Claim for Wage & Hour Violations in San Diego?
Start by documenting your hours worked and comparing them against your pay stubs to identify discrepancies. If addressing the issue with your employer or HR department doesn’t resolve it, consulting an employment attorney is the next step. We can file a formal complaint with the California Department of Industrial Relations or pursue a civil class action, depending on the nature and scope of the violation. Our attorneys handle the process from filing through resolution so we can pursue the compensation available under the law.
Can I Be Retaliated Against for Reporting Violations at Work?
California law strictly prohibits retaliation against employees who report violations or participate in workplace misconduct investigations. Retaliation can include wrongful termination, demotion, a pay reduction, or a hostile work environment. If you’ve experienced any of these after exercising a protected right, document what happened and consult with an employment attorney promptly. Your rights are protected, and employers who retaliate can be held accountable.
How Long Do I Have to File an Employment Law Claim in San Diego?
Deadlines vary by claim type. Under California AB 9, effective January 1, 2020, employees generally have three years to file a discrimination or harassment complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD). Wage and hour violations may also carry a three-year statute of limitations for class actions under California law. Because deadlines differ depending on the nature of the claim, consulting an employment attorney as soon as possible is one way to help protect your right to pursue a case.
