Los Angeles Wage and Hour Attorney
It’s Your Livelihood.
Your Wellbeing at Work is Equally as Important off the Clock.
A Los Angeles wage and hour lawyer plays a significant role in helping employees understand their rights and seek justice when those rights have been violated. Wage and hour laws protect workers’ rights, helping to ensure that employees are paid fairly for their jobs and are treated with respect in the workplace. No matter which industry you may be employed in, it is crucial that your rights are protected under California law.
Los Angeles Wage and Hour Lawyer
Are you owed money by your California employer? Please call Theory Law at (310) 943-3087 to speak with a Los Angeles employment lawyer. Our attorneys are well-versed in California law and have years of experience working on these types of cases. Our attorneys have a proven track record of success, which is often highlighted through our reviews and testimonials.
Although it can be possible to fight these types of cases without a lawyer, having a skilled attorney on your side can strengthen your case. Our Los Angeles wage and hour lawyers understand how important it is for employees’ rights to be protected and will work endlessly to help ensure you can seek the justice you deserve.
Understanding Wage and Hour Laws
A set of regulations designed to govern the compensation workers receive for the hours they work are referred to as wage and hour laws. These unique sets of laws set the standards for overtime pay, minimum wage, meal and rest breaks, and other elements that contribute to fair and equitable compensation. Like in other areas across the United States, employees in Los Angeles are entitled to these protections under both state and federal laws.
Federal Wage and Hour Laws: The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
Passed in 1938, The Fair Labor Standards Act is the cornerstone of federal wage and hour law in the United States. This act mandates the following protections for employees:
Minimum Wages. Employees must be paid at least the federal minimum wage. However, some cities and municipalities may have a higher minimum wage than federal when employers do business in that city or municipality. The minimum wage for the country is $7.25 an hour. However, as of 2025, California’s minimum wage is $15.50 for all employees.
Overtime Wages. When an employee works more than eight hours in a day or more than 40 hours a week, the employer must pay the employee overtime, one and one-half times the employee’s regular pay. Overtime wages cannot be waived. However, a salaried employee may not be entitled to overtime.
If you are owed wages or overtime wages after working for a California employer, you should contact a Los Angeles wage and hour attorney to discuss your options.
Child Labor Protections
The FLSA also sets standards for child labor. There are restrictions put in place for the type of work and hours minors are allowed to work to help ensure that their safety and education are not compromised.
California Wage and Hour Laws and Cases
There are many states that have even more beneficial hour and wage laws, compared to those set forth by the federal government. California is one of those states. These sets of laws go above and beyond federal standards, offering more protections for employees.
California requires all employers of the state to pay employee wages in a timely fashion. Paystubs must be itemized, and include certain information regarding the employee, the pay period, wages for the pay period, and total hours worked by the employee. Employers must have regular pay periods and the checks must not bounce.
The state has a higher minimum wage than the federal standard. Under the state’s law, non-exempt employees are entitled to a 30-minute meal break if they work more than five hours a day. Employees are also entitled to a 10-minute paid rest break for every four hours worked.
Overtime Pay
Although they are very similar, California’s labor laws have a few differences from the federal ones when it comes to overtime pay. Non-exempt employees must receive overtime pay after working more than eight hours in a day. They are also entitled to double time if they work more than 12 hours in a day.
If an employee who is scheduled to work is sent home early for an unexpected reason, they must receive at least four hours of pay for that day. There is also a two-hour rule that is set for employees who are sent home early for lack of work. In these cases, they must be paid for at least two hours of their day.
California’s wage and hour laws are stricter than federal laws, and violations of these laws and rights can result in significant penalties. Any violations of these employee rights can become legal cases.
Common Wage and Hour Violations in Los Angeles
Although these wage and hour laws exist, there are many instances where violations of them occur in the Los Angeles area. Some of the more frequent violations that occur include:
- Unpaid Overtime.
- Misclassification of Employees.
- Failure to Pay Minimum Wage.
- Wage Theft.
- Failure to Provide Meal and Rest Breaks.
If these laws have been violated, it is a good idea to get in contact with a skilled attorney so you can see what legal options you have in protecting your rights.
How a Los Angeles Wage and Hour Lawyer Can Help
Violations of wage and hour laws can be difficult for employees to identify and address on their own. This holds particularly true when they are concerned about retaliation or loss of employment. An experienced and knowledgeable wage and hour lawyer is essential in helping employees understand their rights, and helping them seek the compensation they deserve.
A wage and hour attorney can help employees in these situations by:
- Legal Consultation and Case Evaluation.
- Representation in Claims Against Employers.
- Class Action Lawsuits.
- Ensuring Compliance with Labor Laws.
FAQs
Q: What Are the Rules for Hourly Employees in California?
A: In California, hourly employees are entitled to several rights, including those that are set by federal standards and the state. These rights include minimum wage, overtime, meal and rest breaks, workplace safety, final paychecks, and other protections. If these rights are violated, employees can seek legal justice. An experienced attorney can help.
Q: What Is the 4-Hour Rule in California?
A: The four-hour rule in California states that an employer must pay an employee for at least four hours of their shift if they are sent home early. This rule does not have a minimum work requirement, applies to unexpected situations such as hazardous weather, and is based on standard shift schedules.
Q: What Are the Wage and Hour Violations in California?
A: Wage and hour violations in California can happen when an employer doesn’t pay or goes against another law that is set forth by state and federal standards. Some common violations include unpaid wages, unpaid overtime, missed breaks, misclassified employees, retaliation, and more. If any of these violations have happened to you, you should contact an attorney for help.
Q: What Is the 2-Hour Pay Rule in California?
A: The 2-hour pay rule in California refers to when an employee is sent home from work early because there is a lack of work for them to complete. In this event, the employer must pay the employee for at least two hours of their regularly scheduled shift. This is for non-exempt employees, and it is extremely important for both employers and employees to document this type of pay.
Legal Help From Theory Law
Wage and hour laws are critical in helping ensure that employees are treated fairly and compensated properly for their work. Violations of these laws occur and many workers are unaware of the options they have on the legal front. A skilled Los Angeles wage and hour lawyer can help employees navigate violations of wage and hour laws, no matter if it is on the state or federal level.
Theory Law has the ability, experience, and resources to protect your rights and accomplish your goals and needs. When you hire Theory Law, a Los Angeles wage and hour lawyer starts aggressively working on your case, so you can take care of the other things in your life. All cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, without case opening fees. If you are owed money by your employer, please contact Theory Law to speak with a Los Angeles wage and hour attorney.
How Can Theory Law Help You?
If you need help regarding a legal matter and would like to discuss it with an attorney, please call (310) 500-0206 or complete and submit the e-mail form below, and the attorney will contact you.