How Can a National Origin Discrimination Lawyer Help?
The right San Jose national origin discrimination attorney can provide legal guidance and support through every step of the process. Your lawyer can help you collect evidence to build a strong case and bring your claims before the company’s HR department.
If your employer won’t resolve your case internally, your attorney can help you bring an official complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or California Civil Rights Department (CRD). They will represent you in negotiations, fighting to secure a fair settlement and taking your case to court if necessary.
With offices in Oakland and Walnut Creek, Venardi Zurada is local to the Bay Area and committed to serving its residents. Our firm was founded by Mark Venardi and Martin Zurada, who both have strong track records of litigating against Fortune 500 companies. We’ve recovered millions for Californians over our decades of practice, using our extensive experience to build employment law claims, pursue litigation, and fight for our clients at trial.
"I definitely recommend Venardi Zurada"
Awesome and professional team that guides you with any troubles. Also bilingual!! I definitely recommend Venardi Zurada law firm. Thank you for your hard work.
Darleen A.
"Mark’s advice was spot-on"
I retained Mark after consulting him regarding issues I was experiencing with my employer. Mark’s advice was spot-on, and he was extremely generous with both his time and billing. More importantly, Mark fought diligently for my rights throughout the process ensuring I was not taken advantage of. It can not be overstated how important it is to have a knowledgable attorney with integrity leading the way when you find yourself being bullied by a juggernaut of a corporation. Having Mark in my corner was the best decision I could have possibly made.
Chris C.
"Expert Negotiators, Genuine Care"
I am very thankful to have been represented by VZ Law Firm for my employment settlement. They did their best to negotiate a reasonable settlement amount for my case. I also felt very cared for by everyone I interacted with at the firm throughout the process. Highly recommend.
Natnael D.
"Your Best Choice for Employment Law"
If you need an employment attorney in the Bay Area, Tanya and the team at VZ are highly regarded, and I consider them the best choice. You won’t be disappointed.
Aaron F.
How Is National Origin Discrimination Different From Racial Discrimination?
While they have some similarities, discrimination based on national origin is very different from racial discrimination.
Racial discrimination focuses on a worker’s racial group or physical characteristics associated with it, such as skin color, hair texture, or facial features. In contrast, national origin discrimination focuses on where a worker is from, including traits like:
- Country of origin
- Ethnicity
- Accent or native language
- Cultural practices
Why the Difference Matters for Your Claim in San Jose
The differences between racial discrimination and national origin discrimination may seem minor, but they can dictate which legal strategies and necessary evidence are key to the success of your claim.
Whichever type of discrimination you’re facing in the workplace, the trusted employment lawyers at Venardi Zurada can help you protect your rights and hold your employer accountable.
What Legal Protections From Discrimination Do I Have in San Jose?
With California’s strong legal framework combined with federal protections, workers in the Golden State are well-defended against national origin discrimination. You have a right to a work environment free of harassment and discrimination, and you have clear legal options if your employer violates that right.
How Does California Law Protect Me Against National Origin Discrimination?
California’s Fair Employment & Housing Act (FEHA) bans discrimination based on protected categories, including national origin. The FEHA applies to all employers with five or more employees, while federal law only applies to those with 15 or more workers.
The state’s Unruh Civil Rights Act also applies these discrimination protections to all businesses, including housing and public accommodations.
Federal Laws That Can Affect Your San Jose National Origin Discrimination Case
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 includes national origin as a characteristic protected from discrimination under federal law. While both state and federal law prohibit national origin discrimination, filing a claim under FEHA may provide broader protections, stronger remedies, and easier access. An experienced San Jose employment lawyer can help explain your legal options and clear up any confusion on which path is best for you.
Who Can I Seek Damages From for National Origin Discrimination?
While managers can be individually liable for harassment under FEHA, you can only pursue discrimination claims against your employer and not specific coworkers. However, state courts have found that third-party agents of your employer—such as employee screening companies—can also be liable for employment discrimination under FEHA.
Our San Jose national origin discrimination lawyers can help you identify all potentially liable parties and pursue the maximum possible compensation for your claims.
What Damages Can I Receive for National Origin Discrimination in San Jose?
The specific damages you can recover depend on the unique circumstances of your national origin discrimination claim. Some of the available types of compensation include:
- Lost wages from wrongful termination, pay disparities, losing out on promotions, and more
- Reinstatement to your previous position
- “Front pay” for lost future income if you cannot be reinstated
- Emotional distress damages for humiliation, stress, anxiety, and other pain and suffering you’ve endured
- Punitive damages, in some extreme cases where your employer acted with intent or severe malice
At Venardi Zurada, our clients don’t pay us anything unless they win their cases. If you secure compensation, our pay will come out of your settlement, so you’ll never owe any fees out of pocket.
Our Case Results for California Workers
- $4.5 Million Discrimination Settlement: We secured significant compensation for a client who endured retaliation and discrimination in the workplace.
- $1.5 Million Discrimination Settlement: Four extremely overworked restaurant employees were fired and threatened with deportation after complaining about consistently unpaid wages. Our lawyers won at trial, then pursued the employer through six bankruptcies, fraudulent liens, and asset seizures to ensure our clients received the full compensation they deserved.
- $498,000 Discrimination Settlement: When our client faced discrimination and retaliation from their employer, our attorneys fought back and won the compensation they deserved.
Our National Origin Discrimination Lawyers Are Here to Help You Seek Justice
You deserve a workplace free of discrimination, and you have the bravery to stand up and fight for it. When you need help righting the wrongs done to you, our trusted team is only a call or click away.
With Venardi Zurada, you’re never just a case number. We prioritize personalized, client-first service, and you pay nothing unless we win your case. Contact us online or call 833-893-6763 today to schedule a free consultation with our experienced San Jose national origin discrimination lawyers.
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National Origin Discrimination FAQs
Does the Law Protect Me if I’m Discriminated Against for Being Married to Someone of a Different National Origin?
Yes, an employer cannot legally discriminate against a worker for their spouse’s national origin.
Can an Employer Ask About My Citizenship During a Job Interview?
While employers can ensure you’re permitted to work in the U.S. during a job interview, they cannot ask about your citizenship status or require you to submit certain documents before making a job offer.
What if I’m a Victim of Discrimination By Someone of the Same National Origin?
National origin discrimination is illegal regardless of who is committing it.
Can My Employer Fire Me for Speaking My Native Language During My Lunch Break?
Employers cannot legally discriminate against you for speaking your native language during your breaks.
Do I Have the Same Rights if I Am on an H-1B, L-1, or O-1 Visa?
Visa holders are also protected from discrimination based on national origin.
