Escondido Gender Discrimination Lawyer

Escondido Gender Discrimination Attorney

Gender discrimination in the workplace is still a major problem, even 60 years after the passage of the Civil Rights Act. Both men and women experience gender discrimination, and discriminatory practices on the part of employers can have significant effects on an employee’s livelihood, career advancement, and future opportunities. If you are in the Escondido area and experiencing gender discrimination, an Escondido gender discrimination lawyer can help you.

About Frank S. Clowney, III

I am Frank S. Clowney, III, and employment law is a major focus of my legal practice. I advocate for my clients as they seek justice for unfair treatment in the workplace. With my successful track record and deep knowledge of gender discrimination laws, I can help you understand your legal position, communicate with your employer, and work toward a satisfactory resolution.

What Is Considered Gender Discrimination in California?

It is illegal for an employer to discriminate against an employee because of the employee’s sex or gender. Discrimination based on sex has been illegal since the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Gender discrimination, specifically, regardless of sex, is a somewhat newer concept, as it is only in recent decades that the concept of gender has been legally separate from the concept of sex.

Legislation

While the Civil Rights Act is assumed to include sex, gender, and gender expression, these are not explicitly protected classes under that legislation. However, in California, the Fair Employment and Housing Act, or FEHA, expands protected classes to include gender, gender identity, and gender expression, regardless of a person’s biological sex.

Any time an employee is treated differently by an employer because of their gender, the behavior is likely gender discrimination. Here are some examples of gender discrimination in the workplace: 

• A female candidate is offered a promotion instead of a more qualified male candidate.
• A female job applicant is asked whether she has children.
• A female employee is asked whether she plans on having more children.
• An employee dress code requires female employees to wear skirts or dresses while allowing male employees to wear pants.
• Employees of one gender are paid more than employees of the other gender doing the same job, with similar or equal qualifications.

Gender discrimination also applies to issues surrounding pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. Discriminating against an employee based on any of these things can be considered gender-based discrimination, since these things are closely related to sex and gender.

How Common Is Gender Discrimination?

Gender discrimination is incredibly prevalent, even today. In fact, 70% of women and 35% of men in technology fields say that they have been passed over for promotions based on their gender. On a more general note, 58% of women in the United States workforce report having faced gender-based discrimination in the process of getting hired, in the course of their work, or when pursuing promotions.

What Can You Do if You Are the Victim of Gender Discrimination?

If you believe you have been or are currently being discriminated against because of your gender, there are several steps you can take to work toward a solution. 

• Document everything. You should start by documenting every instance of gender-based discrimination you experience. Save emails, text messages, and voicemails if applicable. Collect these and any other evidence you have (e.g., examples of how your employer has treated other employees, whether favorable or not).
• Hire a gender discrimination lawyer. It is always advisable to seek knowledgeable legal counsel when you are facing gender discrimination. Your lawyer can review the case and any evidence you have gathered and help you determine if you have a case and what the next steps should be.
• Contact your human resources department. If you are still working for the employer who is discriminating against you, ask your lawyer if it is advisable to contact your human resources department and report the problem. In many discrimination cases, going through the employer-provided channels is considered a necessary step.

FAQs About Escondido, CA Gender Discrimination Laws

When Should I Contact an Escondido Discrimination Lawyer?

You should contact an Escondido discrimination lawyer as soon as you suspect you might be a victim of gender-based discrimination. From the very beginning, your attorney can give you legal advice and help you make decisions about how you pursue fair treatment. Your lawyer can communicate with your employer on your behalf, file a legal claim for you, and even represent you in court if the case goes that far.

Is My Escondido Gender Discrimination Case Likely to Go to Trial?

No, your gender discrimination case is not likely to go to trial. In most civil matters, when a plaintiff has a legitimate case supported by evidence, the defendant is most likely to simply settle the case before it ever reaches the inside of a courtroom. Your attorney can provide you with an educated guess about the likelihood of your case reaching the trial stage.

How Much Does an Escondido Gender Discrimination Lawyer Cost?

The cost to hire a gender discrimination lawyer in Escondido can vary significantly based on the particulars of the case, the time the attorney expects to spend working on it, and the individual attorney’s rates and fee structure. However, many lawyers work on a contingency basis, which means the client pays no up-front fee. Instead, the lawyer gets a percentage of any settlement they secure for the client.

Does Gender Discrimination Only Apply to Women?

Anyone, regardless of their biological sex, gender, gender identity, or gender expression, can be a victim of gender-based discrimination. Any time a person experiences adverse action or inaction solely because of gender, there is likely a legitimate basis for a gender discrimination claim. If this is the case, an experienced gender discrimination lawyer can help.

Meet Our Attorney

The Law Office of Frank S. Clowney III brings over four decades of focused experience to employment, personal injury, and maritime law. The firm provides steady, knowledgeable representation in matters involving workplace disputes, serious injuries, and maritime claims, offering a practical, results-driven approach shaped by years of experience in California courts.

Since founding his practice, attorney Frank S. Clowney III has earned a strong reputation throughout San Diego for his professionalism, integrity, and dedication to achieving fair outcomes. With extensive trial experience and a deep understanding of employment and maritime law, the firm is trusted for its strategic advocacy and personalized client care.

Hire An Escondido Gender Discrimination Lawyer Today

If you have been discriminated against based on your gender in Escondido, CA, you do not have to accept injustice and unfair treatment. With the help of an experienced legal team, you can make sure your voice is heard. Contact our office today for a consultation to discuss your case and find out how we can assist you.