Wage and Hour Attorney Based in Berkeley, CA
Fighting for the Pay You Earned—and Deserve
Legal Help for California Workers Facing Unpaid Wages, Overtime Violations, and Misclassification
Whether an employee is missing overtime pay, denied proper meal or rest breaks, or wrongly classified as an independent contractor, their employer may be violating California’s strong wage and hour protections. As a wage and hour attorney based in Berkeley, Kurt helps employees across California recover unpaid wages, correct misclassification, and hold employers accountable for violations.
What Wage & Hour Violations Look Like
Wage and hour violations can occur at any size company and across industries. Many workers don’t realize their rights have been violated until the damage has already been done.
You may have a claim if your employer:
- Failed to pay overtime after 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week
- Denied proper meal or rest breaks
- Required you to work “off the clock”
- Misclassified you as exempt or as an independent contractor
- Took unlawful deductions from your paycheck
- Delayed or withheld your final paycheck
If wage theft or misclassification is suspected, the firm can review your situation and help determine your eligibility for back pay and penalties under California labor laws.
How a California Wage & Hour Attorney Can Help You
Kurt provides direct, results‑driven representation for workers seeking the compensation they’re owed:
Investigating your employment terms
The firm reviews pay records, classification, and employer practices to identify potential violations.
Documenting violations
Together, we compile pay stubs, schedules, and communication to establish unlawful wage practices.
Filing with the Labor Commissioner or courts
Kurt handles legal filings needed to recover unpaid wages, penalties, and interest.
Pursuing full compensation
The firm fights for every dollar owed, including attorney fees, penalties, and missed benefits.
The Legal Process, Step by Step
Consultation
Attorney Dreger evaluates hours worked, pay records, and classification to determine if a valid claim exists under state or federal law.
Filing the Complaint
The firm submits the appropriate claim with the California Labor Commissioner or relevant court on your behalf.
Building Your Case
We gather evidence—schedules, messages, timesheets—to present a comprehensive case for unlawful pay practices.
Seeking Justice
Whether through settlement or legal action, Attorney Dreger advocates for resolution and recovery of unpaid wages, penalties, and damages.
The Legal Process, Step by Step
Consultation
Kurt reviews the employee’s experience, identifies red flags, and determines whether discrimination laws may have been violated.
Informal Resolution
If the case has merit, we first reach out to the Defendant and suggest an informal resolution, with the goal of reaching a fair settlement.
Initiate Litigation
The firm files claims in the appropriate jurisdiction and serves the Complaint on all defendants. This initiates litigation.
Discovery and Motions
Gathers supporting documents, witness statements, and employer communications to build a strong case depending on the circumstances, motions will be filed and/or defended. Throughout the entire process, however, Kurt maintains a strong suggestion to resolve the case before trial, typically through mediation..
Resolution
Kurt seeks outcomes that restore dignity and provide meaningful compensation—whether through settlement or litigation.
Experienced Wage and Hour Lawyer in Berkeley
Over 13 years of experience helping employees recover legally entitled pay.
Worker‑Focused, Not Employer‑Aligned
The firm represents solely employees—not companies.
Representation Across California
From service workers to executives, Kurt handles wage claims statewide.
Safety and Compliance Knowledge
With a background in workplace regulation, the attorney strengthens claims involving labor‑code violations and employee mistreatment.
FAQs
Wage & Hour
What is the overtime rule in California?
Most workers must be paid overtime after 8 hours in a day or 40 hours in a week. Double-time rules may also apply.
What if my employer says I’m “exempt”?
Many employers misclassify workers. Job duties—not job titles—determine exemption.
Can I sue if I didn’t keep track of my own hours?
Yes. Witness testimony, schedules, emails, and employer records can all prove hours worked.
How far back can I recover unpaid wages?
Typically 3 years, but some cases allow recovery up to 4 years.
If You’ve Been Underpaid, Let’s Make It Right
Don’t let wage theft go unchallenged. Attorney Kurt Dreger is ready to help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation and protection you deserve.