How To Select a Bakersfield Employment Lawyer

Bakersfield is one of California’s most identifiable cities, boasting a warm climate and an ideal location within the state. The city sits at the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley, which is one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world. The combination of a diverse economy, strategic location, and affordable living makes Bakersfield an attractive location for businesses and job seekers alike.

However, like many cities in California, Bakersfield is subject to many laws and regulations for the workplace. These are put in place by the California Labor Code, which grants workers some of the most comprehensive protections in the country. Despite these laws, employment disputes and issues can still come up, which may require the services of an employment lawyer. Navigating the complex legal landscape of employment law and ensuring that your rights and interests are protected, though, requires you to select the right Bakersfield employment lawyer.

Put Your Trust In Experienced Bakersfield Employment Lawyers

Nobody wants to be in a situation where their employer violates their rights in the workplace, yet this is a common occurrence throughout Bakersfield. This can leave you feeling isolated and violates the trust that should be the basis of your relationship with your employer.

At Maison Law, we understand how difficult this situation can be. Don’t face it alone. Put your trust in our team of experienced Bakersfield employment lawyers.  We have the knowledge and skills to help you navigate the complex world of employment law and achieve a favorable outcome for your case. To learn more, contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Working in Bakersfield

Bakersfield offers a range of employment opportunities across multiple industries and sectors. With its relatively low cost of living compared to other California cities, Bakersfield can be an attractive option for those looking for work in the region. Due to its location, the agriculture and transportation industries are two of Bakersfield’s largest employers. In fact, Bakersfield and the surrounding area enjoy a high percentage of employment compared to the overall labor force in the area, employing nearly 363,000 workers according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Specifically, though, the major employment industries in Bakersfield include the following:

• Agriculture – One of the largest industries in Bakersfield is agriculture, with the city producing a wide variety of crops such as almonds, citrus, grapes, and pistachios. The city’s fertile soil, mild climate, and ample water supply make it an ideal location for agriculture. The industry provides jobs in a variety of areas, including farming, harvesting, packaging, transportation, and distribution.
• Oil and Gas – The oil and gas industry is a significant part of Bakersfield’s economy, with many companies headquartered in the city. Bakersfield has been a major oil-producing region for over a century, and the industry continues to play a critical role in the city’s economy, supporting a range of other businesses in the city, including suppliers, service providers, and contractors.
• Transportation and Logistics – Because of its location within California, Bakersfield is a transportation hub. It has several major highways and rail lines passing through the city, providing jobs in logistics and transportation.
• Construction – Bakersfield has a booming construction industry, with several large construction projects underway, providing employment opportunities for construction workers and contractors.
• Healthcare – Another major employer in Bakersfield is the healthcare industry. The city has several hospitals and medical centers that offer jobs in healthcare administration, nursing, and other medical professions.
• Education – The city also has a strong educational sector that provides significant and fulfilling opportunities. It encompasses a variety of positions, from teachers and administrators to support staff and education specialists.
• Retail – The retail sector in Bakersfield also includes numerous smaller businesses, such as boutiques, specialty stores, and local markets. Overall, the retail industry is a significant contributor to the local economy and provides a wide range of job opportunities for residents.

The common thread to all these industries and workers in Bakersfield is California’s workplace laws. They apply across all workplaces in California, which means that there are a number of issues that can potentially come up for workers throughout the area.

What Employment Law Issues Come Up in Bakersfield?

As in any city, there are a variety of employment law issues that can arise in Bakersfield. California’s Labor Code offers extensive protections for employees in the city. Even with these laws in place, there are still common employment law issues that may come up in Bakersfield. These commonly include:

• Discrimination and harassment – One of the most pressing issues for employees throughout Bakersfield is discrimination and harassment. Discrimination and harassment in the workplace can be based on an employee’s race, gender, age, religion, or other protected characteristics. Along the same lines, Bakersfield workers may be subjected to harassment in the workplace, which can include unwelcome conduct or other harassment based on these characteristics. The main law that protects employees in this area is the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).
• Wage and hour disputes – The Labor Code has several requirements for employers regarding how they pay and classify their employees. As a result, Bakersfield workers may have disputes with their employers regarding minimum wage, overtime pay, meal and rest breaks, and other wage and hour issues.
• Wrongful termination – Another common employment law issue in Bakersfield involves wrongful termination. This occurs when an employee is fired for illegal reasons that violate California law, like reporting harassment or unsafe conditions, or being fired for discriminatory reasons based on the FEHA’s protected characteristics or activities.
• Workplace safety – Like all other employers in California, Bakersfield employers have a duty to provide a safe workplace for their employees. Still, employees in the city and beyond may face issues related to workplace safety, including inadequate safety equipment, training, or policies.
• Privacy violations – California law also protects employees’ privacy. Employers in Bakersfield must comply with state and federal laws regarding employee privacy, which protect employees’ personal information and prohibit employers from engaging in certain types of monitoring or surveillance without a legitimate business reason.

One of the difficulties with employment law, especially in a job market as diverse as Bakersfield, is that there are numerous circumstances that can lead to these issues in the workplace.  Many of these circumstances are completely beyond your control as an employee. However, when these issues do come up, it means that you need to take action and in order to fully pursue that, you need the help of an experienced Bakersfield employment lawyer.

Selecting a Bakersfield Employment Lawyer

The key to an employment law claim in Bakersfield is selecting the right lawyer for you. This, obviously, depends on the circumstances surrounding your particular issue. Whether this involves disputes over your wages and hours or your safety in the workplace, choosing an experienced Bakersfield employment lawyer can meet your needs. Still, there is a process for selecting an employment lawyer in Bakersfield that can do this. This process includes:

• Determining your needs – Consider the specific employment issue you are facing and what type of legal representation you require. For example, if you are facing discrimination in the workplace, you may want to find a lawyer who specializes in employment discrimination law.
• Researching potential lawyers – Look for employment lawyers in Bakersfield with experience handling cases similar to yours. You can search online, ask for referrals from trusted sources, or check with local bar associations for a list of qualified attorneys.
• Reviewing their credentials – Once you have identified potential lawyers, review their credentials, including their education, experience, and success rate in cases similar to yours. You can also check their disciplinary record with the State Bar of California.
• Scheduling a consultation – Many employment lawyers, including our team of Bakersfield employment lawyers, offer free initial consultations. These initial meetings can give you the opportunity to discuss your case, ask questions, and get a sense of their communication style and approach. This will help you determine if they are a good fit for your situation.
• Consider their fees – Cost is a pressing issue for most clients that have employment law issues, as they typically have resulted in job loss or a major loss of income. Consequently, many employment lawyers–our firm included–work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront and the firm takes their fee as a percentage of the final result of your case. When choosing a lawyer, make sure to understand their fees and any additional costs upfront.
• Trust your instincts – Finally, trust your instincts and choose a lawyer with whom you feel comfortable and confident. You want a lawyer who will listen to your concerns and work tirelessly to protect your rights and interests.

By following these steps, you can select the right employment lawyer in Bakersfield to help you navigate your legal issues and protect your rights in the workplace. We are confident that we can meet your needs in this area.

Maison Law Can Provide You With Support and Confidence

More than anything, our team of experienced Bakersfield employment lawyers can provide you with support and confidence as you navigate your employment law issues. At Maison Law, we have a proven track record of success in helping clients throughout Bakersfield achieve the fair treatment and results they deserve under California law. Through our experience and client-specific approach, we can provide you with the same. Contact us today to set up a free, initial consultation with our team to learn more about how we can help you.