Los Angeles County Firm Offers Civil Service Representation
California employment law firm represents workers
The Los Angeles County Civil Service Commission handles a variety of employment matters relating to workers from the county as well as many cities within it. This reflects the fact that government employees hold a unique place in society, because they not only serve taxpayers, but are paid by them as well. Unfairness and mistreatment that might be overlooked in the private sector is not permissible when county employees are involved. My Los Angeles firm, the Law Offices of Victor Manrique, advocates for public workers who are facing discipline, have a discrimination complaint or think that they were victimized by a violation of the rules governing civil service employment. I strive to secure compensation for employees when warranted and fight for clients’ due process rights when government employers overstep their bounds.
Discrimination protection
County employees, such as Department of Children and Family Services workers who believe they’ve been victimized by discrimination due to their status within a legally protected group can bring their complaint before the Civil Service Commission. These matters can arise from allegations of biased hiring practices or hostile treatment while on the job. Bringing a case charging discrimination based on age, sex, religion, race, disability status or some other personal characteristic can be different for a civil servant than an employee for a private sector business. Accordingly, it’s wise to retain an attorney who has significant experience representing county workers.
Retaliation and wrongful termination protection
If you’ve been fired from your civil service job because of political considerations, discrimination or the fact that you reported a problem, the financial effect could be devastating. Some L.A. County wrongful termination verdicts and settlements exceed $1 million in damages. Should you believe that your firing was meritless or that you were not provided due process, my firm can help. I conduct a thorough investigation in wrongful termination and retaliation cases to determine the true reason why a county worker was let go.
California Constitution and state law protection
Merit-based employment for civil service workers is guaranteed by the California Constitution. Moreover, the state’s Supreme Court ruled that a permanent civil service job (following the probationary period) is akin to property owned by the worker. Therefore, the position cannot be taken away without just cause. Government bodies are not the same as private employers, so L.A. County employees have protection if they exercise their free speech rights. Should you have a question about a suspension or a firing, your right to benefits under the Los Angeles County Employees Retirement Association (LACERA) fund or something else, I’ll give you a clear answer and fight for your best interests.
Contact a skillful lawyer to discuss your Los Angeles County employment matter
The Law Offices of Victor Manrique advocates on behalf of Los Angeles County civil service workers in all types of employment law matters. Please call 213-487-4733 or contact me online to make an appointment for a meeting. My Los Angeles office is on Wilshire Boulevard.
