$100M+

Recovered for employees

2,500+

Workers represented

$0

Owed unless we win

California Employment Image
California Employment Image
Welcome To Chami Law

California employment lawyers

At Chami Law, we believe every employee deserves to be treated fairly, respected in the workplace, and paid what they have earned. When those rights are violated, we are here to stand up for you, protect your rights, and fight for the justice you deserve.

Protecting Workers Across Southern California One Case at a Time.

Why Choose Us

Representation That Feels Personal.

We Put You First:

Your case is personal, and we treat it that way. We take the time to listen, understand your concerns, and make sure you feel supported every step of the way.

We Keep You Informed:

You shouldn’t have to wonder what’s happening with your case. We prioritize clear communication, answer your questions, and keep you informed so you can feel confident in the process.

We Know How Employers Operate:

We understand the tactics employers and their attorneys may use to defend workplace claims. That experience allows us to anticipate challenges and build a stronger strategy for your case.

We’re Dedicated to Your Case:

We don’t believe in rushing through cases to reach a quick resolution. We take the time to investigate the facts, gather evidence, and pursue the best possible outcome.

Awards & Recognition

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Top Attorney Employment
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Case Results

Results built through preparation.

Chami Law
Trusted Advocacy for California Workers

Chami Law Employment Lawyers

Pouya B. Chami

Founder and Managing Attorney

Pablo F. Colmenares

Senior Associate

Riss Aguilar

Associate

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re dealing with a workplace dispute or have questions about your rights, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Our team is here to listen, answer your questions, explain your options, and help you understand what steps may be available. Whether you’re still employed, have recently left your job, or aren’t sure if you have a legal claim, reaching out is a good place to start. 

Below, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions we hear from California employees. Every situation is different, however, and general information can’t replace advice about your specific circumstances. If you have concerns about your workplace or believe your rights may have been violated, contact Chami Law for a free, confidential consultation. In this consultation, our team will listen to your story, answer your questions, help you understand your options, and determine the best path forward. 

What should I do if my employer is not paying me overtime?

If you’re working overtime and not getting paid for it, you may have a claim. In California, many employees are entitled to overtime pay when they work more than eight hours in a day or 40 hours in a week. Start by tracking your hours and saving your pay stubs, schedules, time records, or messages about your hours. Even if your employer didn’t record all of your time or told you that you weren’t eligible for overtime, you may still have rights. 

If you believe you’re owed overtime, contact our team. We can learn more about your situation, help you understand your rights, and discuss your options. 

In California, most employees are entitled to meal and rest breaks during the workday. The exact rules depend on your job and circumstances, but your employer generally cannot deny you the breaks you’re legally entitled to. If you work more than five hours in a day, you’re generally entitled to a 30-minute meal break. You may also be entitled to paid rest breaks depending on how many hours you work. If your employer regularly asks you to skip breaks, discourages you from taking them, or requires you to work through your meal period, you may have a legal claim. In some circumstances, you may also be entitled to additional pay when required breaks aren’t provided. If you’re not getting the breaks you’re entitled to, reach out to our team. We can learn more about your situation, explain your rights, and help you understand your options. 

You should be paid for all the time you spend working. If your employer asks you to work before you clock in, stay after you clock out, answer emails on your own time, or work through an unpaid meal break, you may need to be paid for that time. 

Sometimes, off-the-clock work isn’t as obvious. You may feel like you’re expected to arrive early, finish a few things after your shift, or respond to messages after hours without actually being told to do so. If your employer knows (or should know) you’re working, simply not recording those hours doesn’t necessarily mean you’re not entitled to be paid for them. 

Those extra minutes and hours can also add up. In some cases, unpaid work can push you into overtime and mean you’re owed even more. If you’re regularly working without being paid, don’t assume it’s just part of the job. Track the hours you work and save any relevant messages, schedules, or time records. Reach out to our team to discuss what’s happening and learn whether you may be entitled to unpaid wages.

Potentially, yes. California has some of the strongest employee protections in the country, including laws that protect your right to be paid for the work you perform. Unpaid wage claims can involve overtime, minimum wage, missed meal and rest breaks, unpaid commissions, illegal deductions, or work performed off the clock. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to pursue a claim through the California Labor Commissioner’s Office or through a lawsuit. If you believe your employer owes you wages, reach out to our team. We can learn more about what happened, help you understand your rights and what you may be entitled to recover, and discuss the best path forward. 

Wrongful termination means being fired for a reason that violates the law. While California is an at-will employment state, employers cannot fire someone for an illegal reason, such as discrimination or retaliation for exercising certain legal rights. Wrongful termination isn’t always obvious. What happened before you were fired, how your employer treated other employees, and the reason your employer gave for the termination can all be important. If you believe you were wrongfully terminated, save any relevant emails, messages, performance reviews, or other documents, then reach out to our team. We can listen to what happened, help you understand your rights, and determine whether you may have a claim. 

If you reported harassment and your employer isn’t taking your complaint seriously, you don’t have to put up with it. Keep a record of what happened, when you reported it, who you reported it to, and how your employer responded. Save relevant emails, messages, or other communications, especially if the harassment continues or your treatment at work changes afterward. California law protects employees from workplace harassment, and depending on the circumstances, you may have options beyond your employer’s internal process. 

You don’t have to wait for your employer to figure it out on their own. If your complaint has been ignored or you’re experiencing retaliation, contact our team. We can listen to what happened, help you understand your rights, and discuss your options.