Liane Ly Law understands that wage disputes can be stressful and financially damaging. Our experienced wage dispute lawyers in Los Angeles are dedicated to protecting your right to fair compensation under California’s strict labor laws.
We thoroughly investigate each case, from unpaid overtime to wage theft and misclassification issues, ensuring that every aspect of your claim is examined to help you recover what you are rightfully owed.
A wage dispute arises when an employer fails to properly compensate employees for their work. Common wage disputes include unpaid overtime, withheld wages, minimum wage violations, failure to provide meal or rest breaks, and employee misclassification (such as being wrongly labeled an independent contractor). Our legal team explains every facet of wage disputes, ensuring that you understand your rights under California’s robust labor laws.
California law mandates that employees be paid fairly and on time. However, many employers attempt to circumvent these rules through subtle tactics, such as denying overtime pay or misclassifying workers. Our skilled wage dispute lawyers in Los Angeles scrutinize payroll records, time logs, and employment contracts to uncover any violations and build a strong case on your behalf.
At Liane Ly Law, we begin by conducting a comprehensive review of your employment history and payment records. This personalized consultation helps us identify the nature and extent of your employer’s violations. From gathering pay stubs and timesheets to obtaining witness statements, we leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of justice.
Once we’ve built a complete picture of your situation, we develop a tailored legal strategy designed to recover unpaid wages, penalties, and additional compensation if warranted. Our team emphasizes clear communication throughout the process, ensuring that you fully understand each step as we work to secure the best possible outcome for your case.
Liane Ly Law is proud to serve employees across Los Angeles, from Downtown to Hollywood and beyond. We understand the challenges many workers face in a fast-paced, competitive job market, and we are committed to offering legal solutions tailored to the needs of our community.
Beyond legal representation, we strive to educate employees about their wage rights, providing guidance and support as they navigate complex disputes. As your trusted wage dispute lawyer in Los Angeles, we are here to ensure that your hard work is properly recognized and compensated.
Liane’s passion extends beyond the courtroom. She dedicates her time to pro bono legal services, empowering low-wage workers and undocumented immigrants seeking asylum. She is also deeply involved with non-profits that advocate for workers’ rights, ensuring that her commitment to justice goes beyond her practice.
With over 15 years of experience, Liane has built a reputation for providing compassionate, results-driven representation. Her work has taken her to state and federal courts, where she has achieved significant victories for workers across a wide range of industries. Whether addressing wage disputes, fighting against wrongful termination, or standing up to discrimination, Liane approaches each case with the belief that every worker’s story matters.
At Liane Ly Law, we’re not just about legal representation—we’re about changing lives.
We understand the courage it takes to speak up against unfair treatment and the impact losing your job can have on every aspect of your life. We’re here to stand by your side every step of the way. Let us help you reclaim your voice and achieve the justice you deserve.
Relentlessly pursuing justice with passion, precision, and unwavering commitment to protect your rights and achieve the results you deserve.
Delivering expert legal representation with integrity, reliability, and a steadfast focus on achieving the best outcomes for our clients.
Bringing years of proven expertise to navigate complex legal challenges and secure justice for our clients.
Employment Lawyer Los Angeles Common Questions and Answers
Yes and no. You do not have to be an employee of a business to sue them for unpaid wages, but the claims of an independent contractor may be a different type of claim from those an employee would file.
Instead of filing a claim with the California Labor Commissioner, independent contractors may file civil lawsuits for breaches of contract. If you were not paid according to the terms of the contract you and the client agreed to, you have a valid claim.
Employees have legal rights and protections that independent contractors do not. If an employee is misclassified by their employer as an independent contractor, the employee may miss out on guaranteed minimum wages, mandated paid breaks, time off from work (e.g., sick days, vacation days), and overtime pay.
The solution may be to file a lawsuit against your employer as if you are an employee. Your employer may try to have the case dismissed because they classified you as an independent contractor, but we may convince the court to declare this classification incorrect.
Your employer cannot legally fire you solely for filing a wage dispute claim. This would be illegal retaliation. It is common for employers to attempt to terminate employees who file legal claims to try to silence them, but do not allow yourself to be intimidated. If your employer tries to fire you or otherwise retaliate, get help from your lawyer.
First, you should get a lawyer who can review your situation and advise you of your legal options. If your employer cannot pay what they owe, is there another arrangement we can agree to? Maybe they can pay you in monthly installments or a lump sum now that is not quite worth everything they owe, with the remainder to be paid later.
First, you should get a lawyer who can review your situation and advise you of your legal options. If your employer cannot pay what they owe, is there another arrangement we can agree to? Maybe they can pay you in monthly installments or a lump sum now that is not quite worth everything they owe, with the remainder to be paid later.
You may file a wage dispute claim even if you are not a United States citizen. California State labor laws protect all workers regardless of immigration status.
Employers sometimes try to silence non-citizen or undocumented workers by threatening to call ICE or otherwise report them to the authorities. Just remember, you are protected by our state’s labor laws regardless of your immigration status, and we can make your employer pay you what you are owed.
Evidence we may need to prove your wage dispute claims includes, but is not limited to…
Some wage disputes are the result of clerical errors rather than an intentional withholding of pay. If you notice that you are being underpaid, talk to an attorney first, and then approach your employer. They may quickly correct the mistake once it is brought to their attention, and there may be no need for further action.
However, if your employer denies the errors and refuses to pay what you are owed, your attorney should help you take formal legal action.
An employer is required to pay overtime if an employee works more than 8 hours in a day, or more than 40 hours in a week. Overtime pay is worth one and one-half times the regular rate of pay.
Generally, most hourly employees must be paid overtime, but salaried workers may also receive overtime under specific conditions. Many salaried workers mistakenly believe they are not entitled to overtime and end up missing out on overtime pay. Whether a salaried employee is entitled to overtime pay depends on the size of their salary and the nature of their job duties.
In California, an employer must pay employees immediately upon termination. However, if the employee quits, the employer must pay them their final paycheck within 72 hours.
If you were recently fired or quit a job and never received your final paycheck, call a lawyer for help immediately.
Building a case can take time, and we may need to gather a lot of evidence and information before we take your claims to court.
First, you should document everything related to the work you perform and the pay you receive. Save information about the hours you work, when you clock in and out, and your pay stubs.
Any communication with your employer about your pay should also be saved. This includes phone calls, emails, text messages, and messages on any apps you use for work.
It is imperative that you document any time you are denied pay, including not receiving breaks or not being paid overtime.
It may be a good idea to bring your concerns directly to your employer. If you do, try to do it in writing, such as by text or email, so we can easily make copies. Even if they deny everything and refuse to pay you your fair wages, we will still have this confrontation documented to present as part of our evidence.
Before confronting your employer, you should seek help from an attorney. They can help you prepare for the confrontation and explain what kind of evidence and information you should take with you. They can also explain what happens next if your employer refuses to pay.
