Gender Discrimination Attorney San Francisco

Gender discrimination can create an unfair work environment that affects your career, well-being and financial stability. Employees experiencing this form of discrimination are treated unfairly because of their sex, gender identity or gender expression. It’s important to understand that you don’t have to put up with these experiences; you’re being subjected to illegal practices that can undermine your professional growth and emotional health.

If you believe you have been a victim of gender discrimination, it is crucial to understand your rights and the legal protections available. With over 25 years of experience, the Law Offices of Alan F. Cohen has been a steadfast advocate for employees throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. We are dedicated to offering the compassionate and effective representation necessary to secure the justice you rightfully deserve.

How Gender Discrimination Appears in the Workplace

Gender discrimination can be subtle or overt, but its impact is always significant. Recognizing the signs is the first step toward taking action.

Common forms of gender discrimination include:

• Hiring and Promotions: Denial of a job or promotion despite superior qualifications, in favor of a less qualified candidate of a different gender.
• Unequal Pay: Receiving lower pay than a colleague of a different gender who performs the same or substantially similar work.
• Job Assignments: Being given less desirable tasks, projects or shifts based on your gender.
• Termination: Being fired or laid off for reasons related to your gender, pregnancy or gender identity.
• Harassment: Enduring derogatory comments, unwelcome advances or a hostile environment based on your sex. This also includes sexual harassment.
• Benefits: Receiving fewer benefits or being denied certain privileges that are available to employees of a different gender.

Discrimination can also be tied to pregnancy. Employers cannot discriminate against an employee because of pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.

Legal Protections Against Gender Discrimination

Both federal and California state laws offer robust protections against gender discrimination in the workplace. Understanding these laws can empower you to stand up for your rights.

• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: Companies with 15 or more employees are prohibited from discriminating based on sex under this federal law. Employees are protected in onboarding, firing, wages and other terms of employment.
• California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA): FEHA provides even broader protections, applying to employers with five or more employees. The law explicitly forbids discrimination based on sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation. FEHA also covers pregnancy discrimination, requiring employers to provide reasonable accommodations.
• California Equal Pay Act: This law requires employers to equally pay employees who perform “substantially similar work.”

Stand for Equality in Your Workplace

No one should have to endure discrimination at work. If you believe your rights have been violated, taking legal action can help you achieve justice and promote a more equitable workplace for everyone. Contact the Law Offices of Alan F. Cohen for a consultation. We will examine the details of your case, provide professional insight and develop a strategy to pursue the best possible outcome. Let us provide the advocacy and compassionate representation you need to move forward.