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The Cowan Law Firm
Employment & Civil Rights Law,
Business Litigation & Class Actions
Phone: (310) 394-
Fax: (310) 394-
Email: info@cowan-
Two Locations
BEVERLY HILLS
9301 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 609
Beverly Hills, California 90210
SANTA MONICA
401 Wilshire Blvd., 12th Floor
Santa Monica, CA 90401
© The Cowan Law Firm
Phone: (310) 394 -
Fax: (310) 394 -
9301 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 609
Beverly Hills, California 90210
Employment Attorney
Business Trial Lawyer
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-
Please contact a Sexual Harassment Attorney at The Cowan Law Firm today by calling (310) 394-
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-
In addition, the California Supreme Court has held that sexual harassment can be not only conduct of a sexual nature, but also non-
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.
Contact us at (310) 394-
Conveniently located in Santa Monica, The Cowan Law Firm represents businesses and individuals who live and work in the region.