Workplace Discrimination Attorney Based in Berkeley, California
Standing Up for Fair Treatment at Work
Legal Support for Employees Facing Discrimination in California
Discrimination at work is more than unfair—it’s illegal. Employees who have been fired, demoted, or mistreated because of their race, age, gender, disability, or another protected category may have grounds for a legal claim. As a Berkeley based employment lawyer, Kurt represents employees across California and helps them assert their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.
What Workplace Discrimination Looks Like
Discrimination isn’t always obvious. In many cases, it appears through patterns of unequal treatment, retaliation, or exclusion based on who an employee is or where they come from. When mistreatment is tied to a protected trait, California law may provide strong protections.
You may have a case if you were targeted because of:
- Race, color, or national origin
- Sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation
- Age (40+) or a physical or mental disability
- Pregnancy or family caregiving responsibilities
- Religion or cultural background
Employees who have been passed over, demoted, harassed, or terminated because of who they are or where they come from may be protected under state or federal law. Kurt helps clients take action and understand their legal options.
How a California Employment Lawyer Can Help You
As a seasoned workplace discrimination attorney in Berkeley, Kurt provides clear, structured representation at every step:
Investigating and gathering evidence
Kurt documents patterns, behaviors, and employer actions that may violate state or federal discrimination laws.
Filing with the appropriate jurisdiction.
The firm prepares and submits all required documentation with the appropriate agencies to protect and preserve employee rights.
Negotiating a settlement or litigating in court
Advocates for full compensation—whether through negotiation, mediation, or trial.
Pursuing damages and remedies
Potential recovery may include lost wages, emotional distress damages, reinstatement, or punitive damages depending on the case.
The Legal Process, Step by Step
Consultation
Attorney Dreger reviews the employee’s experience, identifies red flags, and determines whether discrimination laws may have been violated.
Filing the Complaint
The firm files claims with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), depending on the circumstances.
Case Development
Dreger Law gathers supporting documents, witness statements, and employer communications to build a strong case.
Resolution
Attorney Dreger seeks outcomes that restore dignity and provide meaningful compensation—whether through settlement or litigation.
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 Discrimination Lawyer in Berkeley
Kurt has over 13 years of experience practicing California employment law exclusively for workers.
Personal, One-on-One Service
Clients work directly with Kurt—not with paralegals or multi-layered staff.
Statewide Representation
The firm serves clients across Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, Santa Clara County, and throughout California.
Occupational Health Expertise
With a background in workplace safety and health, Kurt brings added insight to cases involving disability, medical issues, or workplace exposure.
FAQs
Workplace Discrimination
How do I know if workplace treatment counts as discrimination?
Discrimination occurs when you’re treated differently because of a protected characteristic such as race, age, disability, gender, or national origin. If negative actions followed a disclosure, complaint, or protected trait, you may have a claim.
Do I need to file with the EEOC or CRD before suing my employer?
Yes. Most discrimination claims require filing with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) or the EEOC before a lawsuit can move forward. Dreger Law handles this process on your behalf.
What compensation is available in a discrimination case?
Employees may recover lost wages, emotional distress damages, job reinstatement, and sometimes punitive damages depending on the employer’s conduct.
Can discrimination occur even if no one made direct comments?
Yes. Discrimination can be shown through patterns such as exclusion, demotion, unfair discipline, or unequal treatment—even without verbal comments.
Speak With a Discrimination Lawyer Who Understands What You’re Up Against
No employee should face discrimination alone. Kurt provides clear guidance, strong advocacy, and support for clients who’ve had their rights violated at work.