Mr. Velarde believes every worker deserves respect, dignity, and a safe, fair workplace. When your employer crosses a line, it’s not just a legal issue – your livelihood and your peace of mind are at stake.
Mr. Velarde is here to level the playing field. With deep knowledge of California labor laws and a passion for justice, he holds employers accountable and advocates fiercely for workers’ rights.
”“I retained Mr. Velarde for a Wrongful Termination case. I found him to be reliable and trustworthy. He was compassionate when I was frustrated. He explained things when I was confused. He tolerated my bad jokes. Mr. Velarde took a great deal of time with me making sure I felt confident and reassured in my case. He was also very honest no matter what the news was. In the end, he won my case! Great attorney and human.”
- Erin F.
”“I had the privilege to work with Michael Velarde, Esq. after experiencing a difficult workplace situation. From the moment I reached out to him for legal advice, he was incredibly compassionate and proactive. He kept me updated through the entire process and ensured that I understood the legal proceedings in a thoughtful and concise manner. His deep understanding of employment law comes through, with his years of experience and the results he achieves for his clients. He is a rarity in the business.”
- Kelly E.
”“Working with Michael was my second experience working with a civil litigation attorney. This experience was by far the best. As a person with a disability it is difficult for me to make decisions, but the way that Michael explained things made it easy to. I am very thankful that I found my Attorney Michael because he is very knowledgeable in employment law and is great at explaining it to me. When working with Michael I knew he really cared about getting justice for the situation I went through, and he did.”
- Elias R.
Discrimination or harassment at the workplace can completely upend a person’s life.
With more than a decade of experience in employment law, Mr. Velarde has seen clients struggle with everything from sexual harassment to wrongful termination and retaliation.
Velarde & Velarde represents employees in a wide range of employment law matters, from serious rights violations to subtle but damaging forms of workplace misconduct. Here are some of Mr. Velarde’s practice areas:
Whether your case involves a single act of retaliation or a long-standing pattern of discrimination, Mr. Velarde has the experience to hold your employer accountable and stand up for your rights in a court of law.
California offers some of the strongest employee protections in the United States, but just having these rights on paper doesn’t mean employers always follow them.
When Mr. Velarde takes on a case, he wants to help his clients understand what the law actually says, what protections apply to their situation, and what steps they can take to make their voices heard.
The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), the Labor Code, and related laws provide comprehensive safeguards for workers. These include:
Even though these laws exist, enforcement often depends on employees knowing their rights and taking action. Many employers violate the law due to ignorance, cost-cutting, or outright disregard. Common violations include:
Employers often count on the fact that workers won’t speak up. Let Mr. Velarde help you prove them wrong.
When you hire Michael Velarde, you’re not just hiring any lawyer. You’re signing up to work with Michael, a passionate advocate with a background in civil rights and a deep commitment to workers’ justice.
Representation by Michael Velarde means an honest assessment of your case, frequent communication, fierce advocacy both in and out of the courtroom, and extensive knowledge of California employment law.
Mr. Velarde will handle every step of the process, from reviewing your case to standing by your side in court, if necessary. At the end of the day, his focus is on getting results for his clients.
If your employer treats you differently, and subjects you to an adverse employment action based on a protected trait like sex/gender, disability, or pregnancy, talk to Mr. Velarde to find out if you have a claim.
Wrongful termination happens when an employee is fired for an illegal reason, such as discrimination, retaliation, or in violation of public policy or a contract. There are a number of different laws and regulations that an employer could violate, so it’s best to consult with an experienced employee rights attorney.
Depending on the circumstances, a variety of behaviors could be considered sexual harassment. This can include unwelcome sexual advances, comments, “jokes”, or any conduct that creates a hostile or offensive work environment. The question is whether the work environment has become hostile, intimidating, offensive, oppressive, or abusive, due to the employee’s sex/gender, or other protected status.
Not necessarily. Many employment cases settle out of court, but Mr. Velarde is fully prepared to take your case to trial if that’s what it takes to get justice.
You don’t have to put up with mistreatment at work. Mr. Velarde is ready to help you understand your rights, stand up to your employer, and get the justice you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
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