San Diego Employment Law

Standing up for what happens at work.

Representing both employees and employers in San Diego's most consequential workplace disputes, from wrongful termination to wage-and-hour claims.

Your livelihood
is worth defending.

Few disputes feel as personal as the ones that happen at work. A sudden termination, a pattern of harassment, unpaid wages, or retaliation for doing the right thing can affect not only your income, but your sense of security and self-worth.

Jack Fernandes Law represents employees throughout San Diego in these moments, and also advises employers who want to resolve disputes fairly and stay compliant with California's demanding labor laws. That dual perspective sharpens our strategy on either side of a matter.

California has some of the strongest worker protections in the country, but those protections only help if they are asserted correctly and on time. We help you understand your rights, evaluate the strength of your claim, and pursue the outcome that best fits your goals, whether that means a negotiated resolution or trial.

01 What We Handle

A.01

Wrongful Termination

Terminations that violate the law, including those based on discrimination, retaliation, breach of contract, or public policy.

A.02

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment and hostile-work-environment claims, and the employer's duty to prevent and promptly correct them.

A.03

Disability Discrimination

Adverse treatment because of a disability or medical condition, in violation of California's Fair Employment and Housing Act.

A.04

Failure to Accommodate

An employer's failure to provide reasonable accommodation or to engage in the good-faith interactive process the law requires.

A.05

Willful Misclassification

Employees misclassified as independent contractors or exempt workers to avoid wage, overtime and benefit obligations.

A.06

Wage Statement & Final Pay Violations

Labor Code claims for inaccurate itemized wage statements and failure to pay all wages owed upon termination.

A.07

PAGA Representative Actions

Private Attorneys General Act claims that let aggrieved employees pursue civil penalties for Labor Code violations on behalf of the state.

A.08

Retaliation & Whistleblower

Adverse action taken against employees for reporting illegal conduct, filing complaints, or exercising protected rights.

02 How We Help

i Confidential case review We listen to what happened, review your documents, and give you a candid assessment of your rights and options under California law.

ii Strategy & deadlines We identify the claims worth pursuing and the deadlines that apply, then build a strategy aligned with your goals, whether resolution or litigation.

iii Negotiation & demand Many employment matters resolve through skilled negotiation. We press your position firmly while keeping you informed at every turn.

iv Litigation when needed When a fair resolution isn't offered, we are prepared to file suit and try your case with the rigor it demands.

03 Employment Law FAQ

Is California an at-will employment state?

Yes. California is an at-will state, so an employer can generally end employment at any time for any lawful reason. But there are crucial exceptions, you cannot be fired for an illegal reason such as discrimination, retaliation for protected activity, or in violation of public policy or a contract.

How do I know if I was wrongfully terminated?

A termination may be wrongful if it was based on a protected characteristic, in retaliation for reporting illegal conduct or exercising a legal right, in breach of a contract, or in violation of public policy. If any of these may apply, it's worth having an attorney review the circumstances.

How long do I have to file a claim?

Deadlines vary by claim type and can be short. Many discrimination and harassment claims must first go through an administrative agency within a set window, and wage claims have their own limitation periods. Because missing a deadline can bar your claim, consult an attorney promptly.

Do you represent employers too?

Yes. We represent both employees pursuing claims and employers defending against them or seeking to ensure compliance, a dual perspective that informs sharper strategy on both sides.

Request a Consultation

Facing a problem at work?

Tell us what happened. We'll help you understand your rights, your consultation is confidential and carries no obligation.

Call (619) 935-9678 Request online →

The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice, nor does it create an attorney–client relationship. California employment law is complex and fact-specific; deadlines may apply to your claim. Please consult a qualified attorney about your individual situation.