Pregnancy Discrimination Protecting Rights. Pursuing Justice.

Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer in Irvine

Fighting Pregnancy Discrimination for Irvine Workers Since 2008

Pregnancy discrimination costs workers their jobs, their income, and their dignity. At Jackson APC, we represent Irvine employees who have been pushed out, passed over, or retaliated against because of a pregnancy. Our employment practice covers discrimination, retaliation, and wrongful termination, and includes cases where employers deny accommodations or refuse to engage in the good-faith interactive process California law requires. That litigation depth matters when we take your claim to court.

We’ve spent more than 16 years holding powerful companies accountable across mass tort, consumer, and employment litigation, and we’ve recovered millions of dollars for our clients. When a company treats your pregnancy as a liability rather than a protected condition, we know how to build the case.

If you believe you’ve experienced pregnancy discrimination in Irvine, contact Jackson APC at (949) 828-3303 for a free consultation. We work on a contingency-fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

How Pregnancy Discrimination Shows Up at Work

Discrimination rarely comes with a written explanation. Employers find indirect ways to act on bias, which is why recognizing the patterns matters.

Common forms of pregnancy discrimination include:

Hiring refusal: Declining to hire a qualified candidate because she is pregnant or might become pregnant
Termination or demotion after disclosure: Firing, demoting, or passing over an employee for promotion after she announces her pregnancy
Denied accommodations: Refusing a pregnant employee’s request for modified duties, a temporary transfer, or other reasonable adjustments
Retaliation: Punishing an employee for requesting pregnancy-related leave or accommodations, or for reporting discriminatory treatment

Federal & California Laws That Protect Pregnant Employees

Multiple laws create overlapping protections for pregnant workers. Which ones apply to your situation depends on the specifics of your employer and your claim.

Federal Protections

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, as amended by the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, prohibits sex discrimination based on pregnancy. The federal Pregnant Workers Fairness Act adds a requirement that covered employers provide reasonable accommodations for limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, unless doing so would cause undue hardship.

California Protections

California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act goes further. For employers with five or more employees, FEHA makes it unlawful to discriminate against employees or applicants because of pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition. It also prohibits pregnancy-based harassment regardless of employer size. The California Civil Rights Department enforces FEHA and investigates complaints.

What to Expect Working with Jackson APC

Our founding attorney, Armond M. Jackson, is a member of The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, and our attorneys have litigated hundreds of cases. We don’t approach employment claims as quick settlements to be closed; we invest the strategy and resources each case requires.

When you contact us, we start by assessing the facts of your situation. We gather evidence, including employment records, communications, and witness statements, to build a clear picture of what happened. If negotiation doesn’t produce a fair resolution, we’re prepared to pursue litigation in Orange County Superior Court. We also offer bilingual services in English and Spanish.

Start Your Pregnancy Discrimination Case Today

You don’t have to accept what happened to you. We offer free consultations for Irvine workers who believe they’ve been discriminated against because of a pregnancy, and we work on contingency, meaning there’s no cost to you unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

Call Jackson APC at (949) 828-3303 to speak with our team today.

California Leave Rights During & After Pregnancy

California law provides two separate leave entitlements that can run consecutively, giving eligible employees a longer combined period of protected leave than either law provides on its own.

Pregnancy Disability Leave

Under Pregnancy Disability Leave, employers with five or more employees must provide up to four months of disability leave when an employee is disabled by pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition. There is no minimum length-of-service requirement to qualify.

California Family Rights Act Bonding Leave

Separately, the California Family Rights Act provides up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave to bond with a new child.

The Interactive Accommodation Process

When a pregnant employee requests an accommodation, California law doesn’t leave the outcome to the employer’s discretion. The employer must engage in a good-faith interactive process to identify what reasonable accommodations are possible. Refusing to participate in that process, or denying an accommodation without genuinely exploring alternatives, can itself be a violation of the law.

Deadlines for Filing a Pregnancy Discrimination Claim

Acting promptly protects your options. California employees generally have three years from the date of the discriminatory act to file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, a window extended from one year by Assembly Bill 9, which took effect in 2020. These are general timelines; your specific situation may be affected by factors that alter the applicable deadline.

Filing with the California Civil Rights Department is ordinarily a required step before pursuing a FEHA lawsuit in civil court. Once the CRD issues a right-to-sue notice, you typically have one year to file. Missing either deadline can close the door on an otherwise valid claim, so reaching out to an employment attorney early can give you the clearest picture of your options.

Request a Free Consultation

Call us at (949) 828-3303 or fill out the form below to get started.

First Name
Please enter your first name.
Last Name
Please enter your last name.
Phone
Please enter your phone number.

This isn't a valid phone number.
Email
Please enter your email address.

This isn't a valid email address.
Are you a new client?
Please make a selection.
How can we help you?
Please enter a message.
By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from Jackson APC at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy

What Sets Us Apart

Accessible and Responsive

We keep clients informed and involved throughout the legal process. Our team is committed to clear communication, honest feedback, and straightforward guidance from day one.
Litigation with Purpose

Every case we take on is grounded in a commitment to justice and long-term impact. We approach each matter with clear intent and a focus on results that make a difference.
Strategy Over Shortcuts

We don’t rush cases, we build them. From investigation to litigation, we take the time and apply the resources necessary to pursue meaningful outcomes.
No Upfront Fees, Ever

We offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis. That means you don’t pay unless we recover for you, because access to justice shouldn’t come with financial barriers.

“Felt Protected”
“I really felt taken advantage of until Jackson APC stepped in and vindicated my rights.”

Vanessa L.
“Positive Impact”
“If I ever need legal assistance, I will go to Jackson APC.”

Leslie B.
“Fought For My Rights”
“This firm did what was necessary in order to get the result I deserved.”

Eladio B.
“Thankful”
“Jackson APC listened to my story and empathized with my circumstances.”

B. Taylor

View All Reviews

Let’s Talk About What Happened

If you’ve been harmed by a dangerous product or unfair treatment at work, reach out today.

Contact Jackson APC