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Santa Monica Sexual Harassment Attorney Jeffrey Cowan

Santa Monica Sexual Harassment Attorney Jeffrey W. Cowan is devoted to fighting zealously to protect the rights of his clients, including plaintiff employees who have endured sexual harassment at work and defending employers against allegations of sexual harassment.

If you have reason to believe that you are or have been sexually harassed by your co-workers, managers, executives, or any 3rd party vendor, or if you believe that false allegations of sexual harassment have been brought against you, a skilled Santa Monica Sexual Harassment Lawyer at The Cowan Law Firm can help you prevail during settlement negotiations or litigation.

Please contact a Sexual Harassment Attorney at The Cowan Law Firm today by calling (310) 394-1420 to make an appointment for a comprehensive, confidential consultation. We have successfully represented hundreds of clients in sexual harassment matters in Santa Monica and throughout Los Angeles County.  

Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Sexual Harassment is a species of gender discrimination. Both California Law and Federal Law protect an employee from sexual harassment in the workplace. In California, the Fair Employment and Housing Act (“FEHA”), codified in Government Code § 12940 et seq, prohibits sexual harassment. Its prohibitions about sexual harassment apply to workplaces with as few as one employee.

The corresponding Federal Law is Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.S. 2000e et seq). This Federal Law, however, applies only to employers with 15 or more employees. Its legal remedies are less generous than those available under the FEHA.

Generally, sexual harassment is unwelcome verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature that is severe or pervasive and affects working conditions or creates a hostile work environment. Typically, a single incidence of sexual conduct is not harassment, unless it is particularly severe, whereas ongoing sexual conduct directed at an employee constitutes “pervasive.” Also, an employer may not retaliate against an employee for complaining about instances of sexual harassment or participating in an investigation of sexual harassment.

There are two categories of sexual harassment: (1) quid pro quo and (2) hostile work environment. Quid pro quo is more straightforward. It involves the conditioning of sexual conduct to get or keep a job, job benefit, raise, or promotion. (“Sleep with me if you want to be hired.” “You’re more likely to get that promotion if you go away with me for the weekend.”)

Hostile environment sexual harassment occurs when there is pervasively abusive, offensive, or hostile conduct in the workplace. Examples include talking about sex, exposing one’s genitals, teasing co-workers about their sexuality, posting photographs of naked persons in plain view, leering at co-workers or undressing them with your eyes, and repeatedly pestering someone for dates or sex (even without any threats) despite knowing that such advances are unwelcome.

In addition, the California Supreme Court has held that sexual harassment can be not only conduct of a sexual nature, but also non-sexual (but abusive) conduct motivated by the harasser’s desire to have sex or the refusal of the victim to have sex. Roby v. McKesson Corporation, 47 Cal. 4th 686, 708-711 (2010).

Before filing a lawsuit, a harassment victim must file an administrative complaint (or “charge”) with either the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing or the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or analogous state agency.

For examples of Sexual Harassment matters that we have handled successfully, please click on settlements & verdicts and on news.

Schedule Your Consultation with a Santa Monica Sexual Harassment Attorney

Contact us at (310) 394-1420 to make an appointment for your confidential consultation. Whether you’re a victim of sexual harassment or have been accused of sexual harassment, our Santa Monica Attorneys can help you take back your life and recover your reputation.

Conveniently located in Santa Monica, The Cowan Law Firm represents businesses and individuals who live and work in the region.