Harassment

Harassment Attorneys

Everyone is entitled to a workplace that is free from sexual harassment, whether from a manager or a coworker. California law protects employees against harassment, including in situations tied to their gender identity or sexual orientation. California law further prohibits sexual harassment not just in traditional employment but also in business, service, or professional relationships such as with doctors, attorneys, investors, landlords, teachers, and others.

At Olivier & Schreiber PC, we understand the devastating effects of workplace sexual harassment and are committed to helping employees seek justice. Our experienced attorneys have a deep understanding of California employment laws and will provide the guidance you need for a fair outcome.

Who We Help

We help employees dealing with a wide range of situations involving harassment, such as:

• Employees subjected to unwelcome sexual comments, messages, staring, or physical contact, even if they are unsure whether it rises to a legal violation.
• Employees whose manager or supervisor implies that a raise, promotion, or continued employment depends on accepting sexual attention or favors.
• Employees who dread going to work due to frequent sexual remarks, images, rumors, or repeated advances.
• Employees harassed by a coworker, client, contractor, or vendor rather than a direct supervisor.
• Employees who were written up, demoted, given worse shifts, or fired after reporting harassment or rejecting unwanted conduct.
• Employees who suspect something is wrong but are unsure whether the form of harassment is serious enough to act on.

Whatever your circumstances, our attorneys are ready to fight for the fair treatment you deserve.

Sexual Assault and Types of Unlawful Sexual Harassment

Sexual assault is the unwanted touching of an intimate part of another person for the purpose of sexual arousal, sexual gratification, or sexual abuse. Sexual assault is a crime. It is also unlawful for employers to allow such conduct in the workplace or at work-related events. 

There are two main types of sexual harassment:

• Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment – This means “something for something” and occurs when someone (typically a manager or supervisor) offers something of value (e.g., a raise or promotion) or threatens something (e.g., termination) in exchange for a demand of sexual favors. Quid pro quo sexual harassment can be implied; if a reasonable person would understand the conduct to be a demand or a threat, harassment is occurring.
• Hostile Work Environment Sexual Harassment – This occurs when an employer subjects an employee to unwelcome sexual conduct severe enough to interfere with their work performance or foster an intimidating work environment. Whether the conduct is considered pervasive depends on a range of factors, including its nature, frequency, and the context in which it takes place. In California, a single incident may suffice to create a hostile work environment if it “unreasonably interferes” with the workplace or creates an “offensive working environment.” Also, harassment may occur when employees are not the direct target of harassment but witness harassment of other employees or favoritism toward an employee on the basis of sex.

Employers are legally obligated to investigate all claims of sexual harassment in the workplace and to take immediate steps to end the harassment. A failure to investigate may expose employers to additional liability. Furthermore, it is illegal for employers to retaliate against employees who have complained about situations they reasonably believe to constitute sexual harassment.

How Our Firm Offers Support

Our attorneys at Olivier & Schreiber PC are committed to representing workers, never the companies or employers that harm them, so your voice remains the priority in every case. We provide:

• Compassionate, Client-Centered Support: Harassment cases are deeply personal. Our attorneys listen with empathy, explain your legal options clearly, and guide you through the process so you never feel alone.
• Skill in Retaliation Claims: If you were demoted, transferred, given worse shifts, or fired after reporting harassment, we know how to prove retaliation and fight for the justice you deserve.
• Protection Against Third-Party Harassment: When harassment comes from a coworker, client, customer, or vendor, we understand your employer’s legal duty to act and your options when they fail to do so.

With a track record of significant recoveries for workers of all kinds, our team brings real leverage to harassment claims and holds employers accountable for the harm they allow.

Contact Experienced Harassment Counsel

If you are facing harassment at work, you do not have to deal with it alone. The attorneys at Olivier & Schreiber PC have successfully represented survivors of sexual harassment and assault in employment, education, and business relationships. We understand and appreciate the trauma that such conduct causes, and we work closely with our clients to formulate the right approach to redressing these wrongs. We have helped dozens of individuals navigate the legal process to vindicate their rights and have recovered millions of dollars for our clients.

If you believe you are or have been a victim of sexual harassment or assault in the workplace, or a victim of retaliation for complaining about such conduct, please contact us so that we may assist you.

FAQs About Harassment in California