Understanding Workplace Discrimination

Workplace discrimination happens when an employer treats an employee unfairly based on characteristics that are protected under state or federal law. In California, it is illegal to discriminate against someone based on:

  • Race or ethnicity
  • Gender, gender identity, or gender expression
  • Sexual orientation
  • Age (40 and older)
  • Disability (physical or mental)
  • Pregnancy
  • Religion or creed
  • National origin or ancestry
  • Marital status
  • Military or veteran status

Discrimination can affect hiring decisions, promotions, job assignments, pay, layoffs, and other terms of employment. If you believe you’ve been treated unfairly because of who you are, you have legal rights — and we are here to help you exercise them.

Understanding Workplace Harassment

Harassment goes beyond rude behavior — it involves unwelcome conduct based on a protected characteristic that creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive work environment.
Examples of workplace harassment include:

  • Sexual harassment, including unwanted advances, sexual jokes, or inappropriate touching
  • Derogatory comments or slurs about race, religion, gender, or disability
  • Bullying or intimidation tactics targeted at a protected class
  • Retaliation after reporting harassment or discrimination

Both coworkers and supervisors can be responsible for harassment, and employers are legally obligated to take steps to prevent and address it.

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I cannot recommend Ron Bamieh and Anzac Jacobs highly enough.

I was wrongly accused of a misdemeanor charge. From the very beginning, Ron approached my case with incredible patience, empathy, and professionalism. He took the time to listen, understand my concerns, and explain every step of the legal process in a way that was clear and reass...

Exceptional skill and professionalism

Danielle De Smith handled our case against a school district in Ventura County with exceptional skill and professionalism. I initially approached the situation as a fiercely protective mother, ready to fight, but Danielle’s grace, expertise, and strategic approach proved fa...

I would highly recommend the Law Office of Bamieh and de Smith!

We worked with Atty Jacobs to help us with an issue with our loved one and things could have been so much worse if we hadn’t of had his expertise and compassion. When you’re in a situation when you need help with a loved one, not only are you desperate but you’r...

Bamieh & Smith were awesome and would definitely recommend.

Mr. Anzac Jacob's was one of the best Lawyer I could've been blessed with. Top to bottom , Professional, honest, caring, and he has a great heart. He did his best for me. He never made me feel like he did not care about my situation, without Mr. Jacobs and Mr. Bamieh, I think I w...

I would recommend hiring Bamieh & De Smeth.

They are very transparent and up front with you regarding your matter. Never having any experience with the matter I hired them for, they explained everything that was happening, would be happening or could happen. Meghan Sherry took on our matter and made us free welcome and nev...

First time I met Ron he welcomed me with open arms.

His sincerity and willing to help me was shown immediately. Ron stood by my side, showed up for me and checked in on my emotional well being every step of the way. Not only is he a great lawyer but a genuine person who sees good in others and wants to help good people.
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Professional, honest, and confident

From my initial conversation with Ron and his team, I was put at ease by their professionalism, honesty and confidence. He clearly described the process and what I could expect in the following months. He was thorough in his preparation and in court, he was calm and calculat...

Grateful for exceptional legal support with a better-than-expected outcome

I am so grateful to my neighbor who recommended this law firm. After being in a terrible accident where I was hit by a car on my bicycle, I wasn’t sure about contacting a lawyer, but after months and months of pain and frustration I decided to give them a call. I’m so...

I highly recommend this law office.

From the moment I stepped in for my first consultation, I felt welcomed and reassured. The team is professional, compassionate, and truly listens to their clients. I left that first meeting with a sense of relief, knowing I was in capable and trustworthy hands. Thank you for your...

Amazing firm.

Ron is straight to the point and will give his honest opinion on the case. Very knowledgeable team that will do their best. I am personally impressed on how they handled my case. They gave me light at the end of a tunnel that seemed endless.

Your Rights as an Employee in Santa Barbara

California has some of the strongest employee protection laws in the nation. If you are experiencing discrimination or harassment, you have the right to:

  • File a complaint with your employer without fear of retaliation
  • Request accommodations for disabilities or religious beliefs
  • Report harassment or discrimination to the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
  • Pursue legal action for damages, including lost wages, emotional distress, and more

At Bamieh & De Smeth, we work tirelessly to ensure your rights are upheld and your voice is heard.

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How Our Santa Barbara Employment Attorneys Can Help

Dealing with discrimination or harassment at work can be isolating and overwhelming. Our experienced attorneys can:

  • Review your case and explain your legal options
  • Assist you in filing complaints with the proper agencies
  • Negotiate with your employer for a fair resolution
  • Represent you aggressively in court if necessary

We are passionate about creating safer, fairer workplaces in Santa Barbara and beyond — and we will fight for the compensation and justice you deserve.

Take the First Step Toward Justice

If you are experiencing discrimination or harassment at work, don't suffer in silence. Contact our Santa Barbara workplace discrimination and harassment lawyers today for a free, confidential consultation. We are ready to listen, support, and advocate for you every step of the way. Call (805) 643-5555 to schedule your consultation with Bamieh & De Smeth, PLC. You deserve to work in an environment of dignity and respect — let us help you protect your rights.

Our Experienced Legal Team

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Founding Attorney, Partner Ron S. Bamieh

Danielle De Smeth

Managing Attorney, Partner Danielle De Smeth

Jennifer Yates

Attorney & Partner Jennifer Yates

Jason D. Frantz

Attorney Jason D. Frantz

Anzac Jacobs

Attorney Anzac Jacobs

Thelma Corsa

Attorney Thelma Corsa

Meghan Sherry

Attorney Meghan Sherry

Charlotte Krem

Attorney Charlotte Krem

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