Riverside Gender/Sex Discrimination Lawyer

As one of California’s premier employment law firms, Rizio Lipinsky Heiting is committed to fighting workplace injustice and discrimination in every form. That includes discrimination due to sex or gender. We recognize that discriminatory treatment can make you feel isolated, but if gender or sex discrimination is making your road to professional success harder, there’s no need to fight your battle alone. An experienced gender and sex discrimination lawyer can be an invaluable ally. At Rizio Lipinsky Heiting, we don’t flinch from complex, challenging cases, so if you need the services of a skilled Riverside sex and gender discrimination lawyer, don’t wait.

Sex, Gender and the Law

Are sex and gender the same thing? Both the conversation and the language used to discuss these issues are continually evolving, so some confusion is probably inevitable. Technically, legal issues of inequitable treatment spurred by the victim being genetically male or female would be turned over to a sex discrimination lawyer. Meanwhile, injustices resulting from the victim’s identifying as a particular gender identity would be entrusted to a gender discrimination lawyer.

In reality, the exact legal definitions of sex and gender vary from one jurisdiction to the next. As a result, the terms are often used interchangeably, and sex discrimination is considered an umbrella term that includes any form of unfair treatment spurred by someone’s sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation or status. Thankfully, there is a growing understanding that both sex and gender discrimination has no place in the workplace, and both federal and state laws are being used to protect workers.

Are You the Victim of Sex or Gender Discrimination?

Would you recognize sex or gender discrimination in your workplace? Sadly, there are many areas where this unlawful behavior can occur:

• Hiring. A failure to recruit or hire qualified applicants because of their sex, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity is discrimination.
• Payment. When men and women who have the same job title, qualifications and responsibilities are not paid equally, sex or gender discrimination may be a factor.
• Job responsibilities and expectations. When job responsibilities are assigned along sex or gender lines or employees of different sexes or orientations are held to varying standards, it raises concerns about discrimination.
• Advancement opportunities. If employees of a particular sex, gender, orientation or gender identity are not provided the same opportunities for promotion or training as their professional peers, that is discriminatory.
• Dress codes. Gender-specific dress codes can be a form of sex or gender discrimination.
• Harassment. Harassment can involve anything from unwanted sexual advances and verbal or physical harassment that is sexual in nature to repeated misgendering or insults, jokes and taunts that create a hostile environment.

When it comes to discriminatory behaviors, the culprit can be someone of either the same or a different sex, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity as the victim. They may be a supervisor, coworker, client or customer. In some cases, the problem may be the result of a company policy. Although not all discrimination is intentional or explicit, if a policy or action harms a particular sex or gender, it may still be discriminatory. Whatever the source of the discrimination, the company must take steps promptly to address and correct the issue or it could be held liable.

Preventing Sex and Gender Discrimination in the Workplace

Discrimination spurred by sex or gender isn’t just a problem for the workers who may fall victim to it. Employers have to take the issue seriously as well. If they don’t, they may be held liable for their failure to prevent or address this unlawful behavior. Employers intent on preventing sex and gender discrimination in the workplace can take several steps:

• Create a corporate culture that promotes fairness and equality in the workplace.
• Establish clear anti-discrimination policies that include sex and gender. Review and update them regularly.
• Train both employees and managers to recognize and respond appropriately to sex and gender discrimination.
• Designate several different employees to receive complaints so that victims can come forward more comfortably.
• Document all discrimination complaints thoroughly. In addition, record the response made to any complaint.
• Respond proportionately to all discrimination complaints, but avoid letting small issues slide.
• Consult with legal counsel to establish best practices and ensure compliance.

What Should You Do If You Experience Sex or Gender Discrimination?

If you experience sex or gender discrimination, know your rights. If it is safe to do so, tell the person engaging in the discrimination or harassment that their behavior is unwelcome and must stop. If you don’t feel like that you can speak out safely, or your complaint is ignored, then review the company’s discrimination polices, and follow them as you make a complaint. If no policy exists, approach the human resources department with your complaint. Keep clear, timely records of any discriminatory behaviors, your complaints, and the company’s response. If that response is inadequate, reach out to a sex or gender discrimination lawyer for advice and assistance.

Hiring a Gender and Sex Discrimination Attorney

Working with an experienced gender and sex discrimination attorney offers many advantages. These professionals can not only help you identify unlawful behaviors but also advise you about how to effectively document them. In addition, they can educate you about your legal options and help you pinpoint the best strategy for standing up for your rights. With a mix of federal and state laws in play and a variety of requirements and deadlines to consider, making your case can seem challenging, but a skilled sex and gender discrimination attorney can help you build a strong case and avoid missteps so that you receive the compensation that you deserve.

With offices in Riverside, San Bernardino, San Francisco and Orange County, the award-winning law firm of Rizio Lipinsky Heiting is ready to serve the people of California. We’re aggressive advocates for our clients with the knowledge and resources needed to get real results. If you believe that you’ve been the victim of gender or sex discrimination in the workplace, don’t wait. Contact us today to request a free consultation and discover how we can help you.