Age Discrimination Lawyers in Los Angeles

Age Discrimination in the Workplace

Age discrimination happens more often in the workplace than you might think. In California, it is illegal for an employer to treat job applicants or employees unfavorably because they are 40 years of age or older. Despite strict state and federal protections—such as the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)—thousands of experienced workers are targeted every year through biased hiring, unfair layoffs, or forced retirement.

Many employers refuse to comply with the law, leaving older workers to face the devastating consequences of workplace bias. At Mesriani Law Group, our Los Angeles age discrimination attorneys are dedicated to helping victims pursue all available remedies for their losses. We have helped clients throughout California obtain justice and maximum compensation for their claims. Our experienced legal team handles every aspect of your case, providing the powerhouse representation you need so you can focus on moving forward.

What Constitutes Age Discrimination?

Discrimination isn’t always obvious. Common examples include:

• Hiring & Promotion: Being passed over for a younger, less qualified candidate.

• Termination: Being fired, laid off, or forced to quit due to your age.

• “Coded” Language: Being told the company needs “fresh energy” or “digital natives.”

• The Performance Trap: Receiving sudden negative reviews after years of excellence.

• Benefits & Pay: Receiving lower pay or fewer benefits than younger colleagues in the same role.

• Exclusion: Being left out of important meetings or denied training on new technology.

The Laws That Protect You

We utilize both state and federal frameworks to build your case:

• FEHA (California Fair Employment and Housing Act): Protects workers at companies with 5 or more employees.

• ADEA (Federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act): Protects workers at companies with 20 or more employees.

Proving Your Case

To win an age discrimination claim, we focus on proving four key elements:

1. You are 40 years old or older.

2. Your employer is covered by anti-discrimination laws.

3. You suffered an adverse employment action (termination, demotion, pay cut, etc.).

4. Your age was a motivating factor behind that action.

Compensation You Can Recover

If you have been a victim of ageism, you may be entitled to:

• Economic Damages: Back pay, lost future earnings (front pay), and lost benefits.

• Non-Economic Damages: Compensation for emotional distress, pain and suffering, and loss of reputation.

• Punitive Damages: Awarded in cases where the employer acted with malice.

• Attorney Fees: Your legal costs may be covered by the employer if we win.

The 180-Day Deadline

Time is critical. In California, you generally have a limited window—often as short as 180 days from the date of the discriminatory act—to file a workplace claim. Missing this deadline could permanently bar you from seeking justice.