PASADENA SEXUAL HARASSMENT LAWYER

At Riggins Law, we have successfully litigated numerous sexual harassment claims and taken on some of the most influential individuals in Hollywood. Contact our Pasadena sexual harassment lawyer today for a free consultation.

Sexual Harassment

Federal and state law prohibit sexual harassment in the workplace. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination and takes two forms: quid pro quo and a hostile work environment.

“Quid pro quo” harassment is where an employer conditions a job benefit (e.g., promotion or raise) upon sexual favors. To establish quid pro quo harassment, a Pasadena sexual harassment lawyer must show: (1) that a supervisor with authority over the employee subjected them to unwelcome sexual advances, conduct, or comments and (2) the employee’s reaction to the harassment affected the employee’s compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment. For example, a sexual harassment claim exists where an employee refuses their supervisor’s advances and is demoted.

In contrast, “hostile environment” sexual harassment is where the sexual conduct unreasonably interferes with an employee’s work performance and creates an offensive work environment. To establish a hostile environment sexual harassment claim, an employee must show: (1) they were subjected to unwelcome sexual advances, conduct, or comments based on their sex, and (2) that the harassment was so severe or pervasive as to create an abusive work environment.