Ventura County Employment Lawyers

Skilled legal representation for firefighters, police officers, and first responders

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At McNicholas & McNicholas, we proudly stand with those who risk their lives to keep Ventura County safe: firefighters, police officers, and other first responders. You show up when we need you most. Our job is to show up for you when your rights at work are being violated. Whether you're dealing with workplace discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or wrongful termination, we're here to fight for you.

Employment law is complex, especially when it comes to public safety professionals. You face unique challenges most workers don't, including dangerous working conditions, high-stress situations, intense scrutiny, and the pressure to stay silent even when something isn't right.

You deserve a law firm that understands that reality.

$13.1 million

$13.1
million

 

for Two Male LADPD Police Officers in Sex Discrimination and Retaliation Case.

$11.65 Million

$11.65
million

 

for an LAPD K9 Bomb Unit dog handler in retaliation case.

$10.1 million

$10.1
million

 

secured a $10.1 million verdict on behalf of a Captain at the Los Angeles Police Department, against the Los Angeles Police Department.

$5.8 Million

$5.8
million

 

against the City of Los Angeles in a retaliation case on behalf of an LAPD officer.

$5.6 Million

$5.6
million

for a Bomb Tech discrimination case.

$3.6 Million

$3.6
million

for an LAPD employee facing retaliation after standing up for a female officer who had been subjected to harassment and discrimination.

$3.59 Million

$3.59
million

for a Japanese-American police officer for harassment, discrimination, and retaliation.

$3 Million

$3
million

 

on behalf of six Whittier police officers who allegedly faced retaliation for refusing to participate in an illegal quota.

$2.8 Million

$2.8
million

secured a $2.8 million verdict on behalf of now-retired Riverside Police Department Officer Shawn Casteel against the City of Riverside.

$2.5 Million

$2.5
million

retaliation lawsuit represented four officers from the Internal Surveillance Unit, an elite sector of the LAPD’s Special Operations Division.

$2.33 Million

$2.33
million

for a female SWAT officer denied a position on an elite squad.

$2.17 Million

$2.17
million

for three LAPD female employees for discriminatory and retaliatory actions.

Quick questions

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Why first responders trust McNicholas & McNicholas

McNicholas & McNicholas is one of California's most trusted law firms for first responders. We've represented police officers, firefighters, first responders, and other public safety workers for decades, including in high-profile employment discrimination and whistleblower cases. Our team not only understands the law, but also the internal politics and pressures that can come with working for a public agency.

When you come to us, we take the time to listen to your story. We're prepared to explain your rights in plain language and give you honest advice about your legal options. And if we take your case, we fight hard because we know what's at stake.

What types of employment issues do Ventura County first responders face?

Public safety work is demanding, but that doesn't excuse illegal treatment on the job. Unfortunately, many firefighters, police officers, and EMTs in Ventura County face workplace challenges that go beyond the call of duty. Some of the most common employment law violations we handle include the following.

Discrimination

First responders should be judged based on how they perform, not their race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or religion. But in too many cases, good workers are sidelined, passed over for promotions, or subjected to unfair discipline based on bias. Whether it's subtle or blatant, employment discrimination is illegal.

Harassment

Hostile work environments are especially damaging in high-stakes jobs like firefighting and law enforcement. Harassment may come in the form of repeated derogatory remarks, sexual comments or advances, bullying, or targeted hazing. If your complaints are being ignored, or worse, if you're being punished for speaking up, you may have a strong legal case.

Retaliation

Under California and federal law, it's illegal for employers to retaliate against employees for reporting unlawful behavior, unsafe working conditions, discrimination, or harassment. Retaliation can take many forms: reassignment to less desirable shifts, denial of promotions, negative performance reviews, or outright termination.

Wrongful termination

If you were fired for reasons that violate your rights as an employee, for example, because of your race, age, disability, or whistleblower activity, you may have a claim for wrongful termination. Termination cases involving public employees often require special procedures, which is why it's important to work with an experienced Ventura County employment law attorney.

Denial of due process

As a public employee, you're entitled to procedural protections when facing discipline or termination, such as a Skelly hearing or other pre-disciplinary hearings. If your employer fails to follow these steps, your due process rights may have been violated.

Unsafe working conditions

While danger is part of the job, that doesn't mean you should accept unsafe or illegal working conditions. If you've been forced to work without proper safety equipment or punished for refusing unsafe orders, we can help you hold your employer accountable.

What California employment laws protect Ventura County safety personnel?

Firefighters, police officers, and first responders in Ventura County often work for public agencies like cities, counties, or special districts. This changes how certain employment laws apply. You may be protected under:

Knowing which laws apply in your case and how to enforce them is where our legal team comes in.

Why choose our Ventura County employment lawyers?

McNicholas & McNicholas has a long history of representing public safety professionals across California. Our clients include firefighters from city and county departments, law enforcement officers from sheriff's offices and police departments, and EMTs working for both public and private agencies. We've handled cases involving:

  • Race and gender discrimination in police and fire departments
  • Sexual harassment by supervisors or coworkers
  • Whistleblower retaliation after reporting misconduct or unsafe practices
  • Disability discrimination, including failure to accommodate injuries or PTSD
  • Wrongful demotions or terminations without due process
  • Hostile work environments fueled by favoritism or department politics

When you bring your case to us, you're not just getting any Ventura County employment law firm. You're getting advocates who understand what you're going through and are ready to fight back.

What should I do if I'm experiencing mistreatment on the job?

If you're being harassed, discriminated against, or retaliated against, it's easy to feel trapped, especially in a field where loyalty, chain of command, and silence are often emphasized. But you do have options. Here's what we recommend:

  • Document everything. Keep a written record of any incidents of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation, including dates, times, locations, and who was involved.
  • Follow internal procedures. File a complaint through your agency's HR department or internal affairs office, if appropriate. This helps preserve your rights under the law.
  • Talk to an attorney. The earlier we get involved, the better we can protect your rights and help you build a strong case.

First responders often face a culture of silence. You're expected to push through, tough it out, or keep your head down. But when your rights are being violated, you shouldn't have to suffer in silence. Whether you're a firefighter facing unsafe station conditions, a police officer targeted for speaking up, or an EMT being harassed by coworkers, we're here for you.

At McNicholas & McNicholas, we take the time to understand your situation and explain how the law applies. We know how to handle the complexities that come with government employers, union involvement, and the pressures of a public safety job.

What sets our Ventura County employment attorneys apart

Here's why Ventura County first responders choose McNicholas & McNicholas:

  • We've recovered millions for public safety workers and employees across California.
  • We don't take just any employment case. We focus on those where we can make a difference.
  • We treat our first responder clients with the respect and care they deserve.
  • Our lawyers are fierce and aren't afraid to stand up to powerful government entities, agencies, or departments.

Whether you work in Oxnard, Ventura, Camarillo, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, or any of the smaller cities or unincorporated areas in Ventura County, we're ready to help. We serve:

  • Police officers in city departments or the Ventura County Sheriff's Office
  • Firefighters from city or county fire departments
  • Paramedics and EMTs, including those working for local agencies or private employers
  • Public safety professionals in special districts or multi-agency units

No matter your uniform or badge, your rights matter.

Do you have a Ventura County employment lawyer near me?

McNicholas & McNicholas has offices at 10866 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1400, in Los Angeles. We also maintain offices in Santa Ana and Oakland. Give us a call, any time of day, seven days a week.

Get in touch with our Ventura County employment attorneys today

If you're a firefighter, police officer, or first responder in Ventura County and you're facing mistreatment at work, McNicholas & McNicholas is ready to help. We're here to review your case confidentially and explain your options without pressure. You've spent your career protecting others. Let us protect your rights. Call our offices or complete our contact form to learn more about how we can help.

Prefer to speak with someone now?

Call us for your free consultation — we’re ready to help.

310-474-1582

Call 310-299-9135 now or fill out the form above to receive a free, confidential consultation.

TESTIMONIALS

Client Success Stories

I can’t express enough gratitude for the exceptional service we received from Attorney Brandon Castor during one of the most challenging times in our lives. Our family was affected by the devastating Paradise fires, and it felt like the weight of the world was on our shoulders as we tried to navigate the aftermath.

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Leslie Lee

I can’t express enough gratitude for the exceptional service we received from Attorney BrandonI recently had a wage question and I was contacted by Jeff Ponting who grossly exceeded my expectations regarding the information he provided me. Not only did he share his expertise, but took the time to confer...

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Brad Kohler

Juan Victoria and the McNicholas team deserve more than 5 Stars. Words can't describe how grateful I am to have received help from McNicholas law firm. Juan is very SHARP, calm strategic thinker with a very approachable, down to earth manner. He is so dedicated, very hard working. I could not imagine...

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Veronica R.

Juan Victoria and the McNicholas team deserve more than 5 Stars. Words can't describe how grateful I am to have received help from McNicholas law firm. Juan is very SHARP, calm strategic thinker with a very approachable, down to earth manner. He is so dedicated, very hard working. I could not imagine...

LL
Veronica R.

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List of Agencies We are Suing or Have Sued

  • LAPD
  • LA Co Sheriff
  • Berkely PD
  • Riverside PD
  • Huntington Beach PD
  • Redondo Beach PD
  • Ukiah PD
  • Willits PD
  • City of Richmond (Non LEO/Employment)
  • Palo Alto PD
  • Santa Barbara County Sheriff
  • Chula Vista PD
  • San Joaquin County Sheriff
  • Fremont PD
  • Walnut Creek PD
  • Shasta County Sheriff
  • Contra Costa Sheriff (Non LEO/Employment)
  • El Segundo PD
  • San Diego PD
  • El Monte PD
  • Pomona PD
  • LAWA
  • Culver City PD (Non LEO)
  • Berkeley Fire/CoB (Non LEO)
  • LAFD
California