What counts as sexual harassment in California?
California law recognizes two main forms of sexual harassment, and both are illegal:
- Quid pro quo — a supervisor ties a job benefit (a promotion, a raise, or simply keeping your job) to a sexual demand.
- Hostile work environment — unwelcome sexual conduct, comments, or advances that are severe or pervasive enough to make your workplace abusive.
Harassment can come from a supervisor, a coworker, or even a customer or client your employer allowed to keep harassing you. It doesn't have to be physical to be unlawful.
"There were no witnesses" — you can still have a strong case
Harassment usually happens behind closed doors, and harassers count on it being your word against theirs. It isn't. Cases are built on your account, texts and emails, the harasser's pattern with other employees, inconsistencies in the employer's story, and medical or physical evidence. I have resolved cases where the only direct witnesses were the client and the person who harassed them.
Your employer's duty — and your protection from retaliation
California employers must take reasonable steps to prevent and correct harassment. When they ignore complaints, fail to investigate, or punish the person who spoke up, they can be held fully accountable. It is also illegal to retaliate against you for reporting — that can be a separate claim on top of the harassment.
What you can recover
A successful harassment claim can include lost wages and benefits, emotional-distress damages, punitive damages when the conduct is egregious, and your attorney's fees and costs.
How I handle your case — at no cost to you
I take harassment cases on contingency and with discretion. You pay nothing up front and nothing out of pocket, and you'll work directly with me — in English or Spanish. If there's no recovery, you owe me nothing.