California Attorney Toni Jaramilla Supports #MeToo Movement

Renowned civil and workers’ rights attorney Toni Jaramilla, past Chair and member of the California Employments Lawyers Association (CELA) is making major contributions through legislative advocacy. Jaramilla has been working with CELA leaders and other civil rights allies to review language of various new legislation inspired by the #MeToo movement.

She recently testified at the State Capitol before the Senate Judiciary on the need to ban non-disparagement agreements as a condition of employment and the use of agreements that require employees to release their civil rights claims, including claims of sexual harassment and assault as a condition of continued employment or in exchange for a bonus or pay raise.

Additionally, Jaramilla has been involved in the drafting and reviewing of new bills that would ban “secret settlements,” also called non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), “gag order provisions” or “hush money” settlements in sexual harassment and assault claims.

“Non-disclosure agreements in sexual harassment and sexual assault claims should be prohibited as against public policy because it prevents the public from knowing about predatory conduct. Victims are silenced when we should be protecting their right to speak their truth,” noted Jaramilla.

Another bill looks to extend the statute of limitations for filing sexual harassment and discrimination claims. In California, a victim has one year to file a harassment or discrimination claim with the Department of Fair Employment & Housing, a mandatory step before filing a lawsuit in court under the Fair Employment and Housing Act. This new bill would extend the statute to three years, giving victims more time to come forward. Victims of harassment or discrimination are often afraid to come forward immediately due to many reasons such as shame, fear of retaliation, or not understanding their legal rights.

About Toni Jaramilla, A Professional Law Corporation 
Toni Jaramilla is committed to achieving the best possible results for employees who have experienced problems in the workplace. Serving clients throughout Los Angeles, her focus is on achieving positive social change for workers. Through zealous and ethical advocacy, lawyers at the firm have built a reputation for excellence in the practice of employment and labor law. For more information, please call (310) 551-3020, or visit http://www.jaramilla.com. The office is located at 12100 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 600, Los Angeles, CA 90025.

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