Civil Rights Attorney Toni Jaramilla Fights for Victims of Discrimination and Harassment

Civil rights attorney Toni Jaramilla testified at the State Capitol regarding Assembly Bill 9 (AB9), which gives victims of discrimination or harassment additional time to file a claim under California’s anti-harassment laws.

Currently, the filing deadline is one year in which to file a complaint with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing. The bipartisan bill, which was introduced by Assembly members Eloise Reyes (D), Laura Friedman (D) and Marie Waldron (R), extends the filing deadline to three years. According to the Office of Legislative Counsel, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), “makes specified employment and housing practices unlawful, including discrimination against or harassment of employees and tenants, among others.”  

Jaramilla, with members and leaders of the California Employment Lawyers Association  (CELA), took the fight to Sacramento by appearing before the legislature and advocating to amend Section 12960 of the Government Code, relating to employment.

“Our passion for protecting an employee's civil rights and continued ability to work in an environment free of harassment has resulted in successful litigation on behalf of numerous clients,” Jaramilla said. “Existing law allows a person claiming an alleged unlawful practice to file within one year from the date the unlawful practice occurred. AB9 gives victims additional time to seek civil and administrative remedies by extending the period to three years for filing discrimination and harassment claims under FEHA.”

The extra time allows parties to resolve grievances outside of court. “Low-wage workers are especially harmed by this short filing time,” Jaramilla pointed out, “There are many reasons why workers do not immediately report discrimination or harassment. Many are afraid of retaliation which could lead to losing their jobs, or they are embarrassed, or they are afraid they will not be believed.  Many are unaware of their legal rights and therefore do not file with the DFEH (Department of Fair Employment and Housing) within the year.”

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 1900 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA  90067.

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