Accomplished Oakland Lawyers Fight Sexual Harassment Allegations

Experienced attorneys defend California employers served with lawsuits

Sexual harassment cases are often nuanced and complicated, requiring careful analysis and vigorous defense. Since 1998, the employment attorneys at Bay Oak Law in Oakland, California have worked to protect the rights of Bay Area employers facing harassment allegations. We are skilled at marshaling and evaluating evidence to determine the course of action that best serves your business interests, including mediation or arbitration of claims. When litigation becomes necessary, we work cost-effectively in taking all steps necessary to protect your position.

Determined counselors help resolve workplace harassment cases

Employers are liable for sexual harassment committed by supervisors and agents. If an employee reports harassment, managers and human resources officers should work to remedy the alleged issue promptly before it turns into a bigger problem. An employee may obtain a right-to-sue letter from the Department of Fair Employment & Housing or may ask the DFEH to investigate a complaint. Our employment lawyers counsel our business clients on how to respond effectively in these situations.

Workplace sexual harassment may take any of the following forms:

• Hostile work environment — Persistent harassing behavior, whether it involves touching, suggestive language, romantic requests or other misconduct, can leave an employee feeling that workplace conditions have become sexually oppressive.
• Quid pro quo — This form of harassment involves an executive, manager or supervisor’s attempt to trade job benefits or perks for sexual favors.
• Promotions or payment — California businesses cannot make employment or compensation decisions influenced by an employee’s gender, sexual orientation or marital status.
• Retaliation — It is discriminatory to discipline or to take any other adverse action against an employee for reporting sexual harassment or participating in an investigation.

We provide strategic counsel throughout the investigatory process. If claims proceed to litigation, we work to achieve a just resolution.

Helping businesses comply with anti-harassment training requirements

By 2020, California employers with five or more employees will be required to provide supervisors with at least two hours of sexual harassment prevention training or education. All employees must receive at least one hour of training or education within six months of starting a job. Instruction can be provided in a classroom setting or via an interactive online course or webinar and must be completed every two years. The training must be provided by an employment law attorney or another qualified professional. Bay Oak Law assists businesses in meeting their legal obligations by offering clear, informative and efficient sexual harassment education.

Contact respected Oakland sexual harassment defense lawyers for a free initial consultation

At Bay Oak Law in Oakland, California, we represent Bay Area employers in preventing and resolving sexual harassment claims. To schedule a free initial consultation with our office, call us at 510-208-5500 or contact us online.