Harassment based on any protected characteristic including sex is illegal.  Harassment occurs when an employee experiences a pattern of unwanted behavior, comments or visual displays that negatively impacts the employee’s ability to do his or her job. Sexual harassment includes same sex harassment or harassment based on sexual orientation. Some examples of workplace harassment and related illegal conduct are:

• Hostile work environment.
• Sexual assault / sexual advances.
• Abuse of power / verbal abuse / lewd comments.
• Requiring sexual favors for advancement or benefits (“Quid Pro Quo”).
• Pregnancy discrimination.
• Failure to correct harassment in the workplace.
• Retaliation for reporting harassment

Your employer will most likely have an anti-harassment policy and the law requires that you make a good faith effort to resolve your complaint within that existing policy. In addition, careful documentation and recording of the offending activities and the responses of your employer will also be required to seek relief in the courts.

The Law Offices of G. Samuel Cleaver can help you with all aspects of a sexual harassment claim from counseling on how to avoid retaliation when making an internal complaint to negotiations with your employer for a settlement or exit agreement to taking your case to a jury trial if necessary. If you have experienced workplace harassment contact the Law Offices of G. Samuel Cleaver by email or call 323-648-6676.

The Law Offices of G. Samuel Cleaver, provides legal services throughout California, including the cities of Los Angeles (L.A.), Glendale, Santa Monica, Burbank, Anaheim, Costa Mesa, and Irvine; Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, San Diego County, Ventura County, Santa Barbara County, Kern County and Fresno County; and the Inland Empire.