{"id":2701,"date":"2025-08-12T17:01:41","date_gmt":"2025-08-12T17:01:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/g96.dce.mytemp.website\/?page_id=2701"},"modified":"2026-09-30T10:46:48","modified_gmt":"2026-09-30T10:46:48","slug":"discrimination","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/discrimination\/","title":{"rendered":"Discrimination"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id2701_c16f8b-34{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kb-row-layout-id2701_c16f8b-34 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:end;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id2701_c16f8b-34 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:end;}.kb-row-layout-id2701_c16f8b-34 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem );row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem );max-width:1242px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;min-height:400px;grid-template-columns:repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr));}.kb-row-layout-id2701_c16f8b-34{background-image:url('http:\/\/g96.dce.mytemp.website\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/rsw_900m-13.webp');background-size:cover;background-position:53% 26%;background-attachment:scroll;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.kb-row-layout-id2701_c16f8b-34 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.79;background-color:var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id2701_c16f8b-34 > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-right:100px;padding-left:100px;grid-template-columns:repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr));}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id2701_c16f8b-34 > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:0px;padding-right:30px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:30px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id2701_c16f8b-34 > .kt-row-column-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-column:nth-child(1 of *:not(style)){order:2;}.kb-row-layout-id2701_c16f8b-34 > .kt-row-column-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-column:nth-child(2 of *:not(style)){order:1;}.kb-row-layout-id2701_c16f8b-34 > .kt-row-column-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-column:nth-child(3 of *:not(style)){order:12;}.kb-row-layout-id2701_c16f8b-34 > .kt-row-column-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-column:nth-child(4 of *:not(style)){order:11;}.kb-row-layout-id2701_c16f8b-34 > .kt-row-column-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-column:nth-child(5 of *:not(style)){order:22;}.kb-row-layout-id2701_c16f8b-34 > .kt-row-column-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-column:nth-child(6 of *:not(style)){order:21;}.kb-row-layout-id2701_c16f8b-34 > .kt-row-column-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-column:nth-child(7 of *:not(style)){order:32;}.kb-row-layout-id2701_c16f8b-34 > .kt-row-column-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-column:nth-child(8 of *:not(style)){order:31;}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id2701_c16f8b-34 alignnone has-theme-palette3-background-color kt-row-has-bg wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-layout-overlay kt-row-overlay-normal\"><\/div><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-equal kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-bottom\">\n<style>.kadence-column2701_8a0272-b1 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:30px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px;}.kadence-column2701_8a0272-b1 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2701_8a0272-b1 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column2701_8a0272-b1 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2701_8a0272-b1 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column2701_8a0272-b1 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column2701_8a0272-b1 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2701_8a0272-b1{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2701_8a0272-b1 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column2701_8a0272-b1 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column2701_8a0272-b1, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column2701_8a0272-b1:not(.specificity){margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2701_8a0272-b1 inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_c86fb9-5a, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_c86fb9-5a[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_c86fb9-5a\"]{padding-bottom:20px;line-height:65px;font-style:normal;color:#ffffff;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_c86fb9-5a mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_c86fb9-5a[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_c86fb9-5a\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_c86fb9-5a img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_c86fb9-5a[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_c86fb9-5a\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_c86fb9-5a, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_c86fb9-5a[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_c86fb9-5a\"]{font-size:35px;line-height:52px;}}<\/style>\n<h1 class=\"kt-adv-heading2701_c86fb9-5a wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_c86fb9-5a\">Discrimination<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-theme-palette-9-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4b41e1ed36c9af9a192a48cdbf1bc960 wp-block-paragraph\">Michael Trust founded Michael Trust Law, APC after more than 35 years in HR leadership across entertainment, healthcare, higher education, finance, banking, solar energy, and other industries, including managing approximately 35,000 disability and leave-of-absence cases. He holds the SPHR, PHRca, and SHRM-SCP credentials. The PHRca is a California-specific HR credential focused on California employment law and HR practice. According to HRCI&#8217;s published pass-rate statistics at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hrci.org\/pass-rates\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.hrci.org\/pass-rates<\/a>, the PHRca has the lowest pass rate of all HRCI credentials \u2014 47% as of December 31, 2025, compared with 71\u201384% for HRCI&#8217;s other certifications \u2014 and only 293 candidates worldwide tested for it in 2025. That HR-systems background helps identify HR process issues early, which can shape legal analysis on both sides.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column2701_2752b9-1b > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2701_2752b9-1b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column2701_2752b9-1b > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2701_2752b9-1b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column2701_2752b9-1b > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column2701_2752b9-1b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2701_2752b9-1b{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2701_2752b9-1b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column2701_2752b9-1b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2701_2752b9-1b inner-column-2\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-id2701_d21400-29 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id2701_d21400-29 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id2701_d21400-29 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem );row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem );max-width:1242px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id2701_d21400-29 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:1;background-image:url('https:\/\/stage.startertemplatecloud.com\/e10\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2021\/01\/wave_tr_bg.png');background-size:auto;background-position:center center;background-attachment:scroll;background-repeat:repeat;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id2701_d21400-29 > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-right:100px;padding-left:100px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id2701_d21400-29 > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-right:0px;padding-left:0px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id2701_d21400-29 alignnone has-theme-palette4-background-color kt-row-has-bg wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-layout-overlay kt-row-overlay-normal\"><\/div><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column2701_8534a5-55 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:90px;padding-right:20px;padding-bottom:180px;padding-left:20px;}.kadence-column2701_8534a5-55 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2701_8534a5-55 > 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.kadence-column2701_8534a5-55:not(.specificity){margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2701_8534a5-55 inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id2701_ea10ed-af{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:30px;}.kb-row-layout-id2701_ea10ed-af > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id2701_ea10ed-af > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id2701_ea10ed-af > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);max-width:1242px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;grid-template-columns:repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr));}.kb-row-layout-id2701_ea10ed-af > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id2701_ea10ed-af > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr));}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id2701_ea10ed-af > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id2701_ea10ed-af alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column2701_122f44-11 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.kadence-column2701_122f44-11 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2701_122f44-11 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column2701_122f44-11 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2701_122f44-11 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column2701_122f44-11 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column2701_122f44-11 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2701_122f44-11{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2701_122f44-11 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column2701_122f44-11 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2701_122f44-11 inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kadence-column2701_21a215-ba > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column2701_21a215-ba > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:10px;padding-right:10px;padding-bottom:10px;padding-left:10px;}.kadence-column2701_21a215-ba > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2701_21a215-ba > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column2701_21a215-ba > .kt-inside-inner-col{row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-lg, 4rem);column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2701_21a215-ba > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column2701_21a215-ba > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column2701_21a215-ba > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2701_21a215-ba{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2701_21a215-ba > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column2701_21a215-ba > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2701_21a215-ba inner-column-2\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_019ae9-13, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_019ae9-13[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_019ae9-13\"]{padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;font-size:45px;line-height:1.4em;font-weight:600;font-style:normal;text-shadow:0px 0px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_019ae9-13 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_019ae9-13[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_019ae9-13\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_019ae9-13 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_019ae9-13[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_019ae9-13\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_019ae9-13, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_019ae9-13[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_019ae9-13\"]{text-shadow:0px 0px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_019ae9-13, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_019ae9-13[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_019ae9-13\"]{text-shadow:0px 0px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);font-size:var(--global-kb-font-size-lg, 2rem);}}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading2701_019ae9-13 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading has-theme-palette-8-color has-text-color\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_019ae9-13\">Employer Discrimination Defense<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column2701_b6fe83-69 > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column2701_b6fe83-69 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:10px;padding-right:10px;padding-bottom:10px;padding-left:10px;}.kadence-column2701_b6fe83-69 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2701_b6fe83-69 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column2701_b6fe83-69 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2701_b6fe83-69 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column2701_b6fe83-69 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column2701_b6fe83-69{align-self:center;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column2701_b6fe83-69{align-self:auto;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column2701_b6fe83-69 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column2701_b6fe83-69 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2701_b6fe83-69{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column2701_b6fe83-69{align-self:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column2701_b6fe83-69{align-self:auto;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column2701_b6fe83-69 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2701_b6fe83-69 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column2701_b6fe83-69{align-self:center;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column2701_b6fe83-69{align-self:auto;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column2701_b6fe83-69 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column2701_b6fe83-69 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2701_b6fe83-69 inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_ba2777-f9, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_ba2777-f9[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_ba2777-f9\"]{font-size:17px;line-height:31px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_ba2777-f9 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_ba2777-f9[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_ba2777-f9\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_ba2777-f9 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_ba2777-f9[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_ba2777-f9\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading2701_ba2777-f9 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading has-theme-palette-9-color has-text-color\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_ba2777-f9\"><strong>Michael Trust Law, APC<\/strong>&nbsp;defends California employers against discrimination claims. We help businesses comply with state and federal laws, respond to employee complaints, and protect operations from costly litigation.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id2701_bd9c9a-a1{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kb-row-layout-id2701_bd9c9a-a1 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id2701_bd9c9a-a1 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id2701_bd9c9a-a1 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem );row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem );max-width:1140px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id2701_bd9c9a-a1 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id2701_bd9c9a-a1 > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-right:100px;padding-left:100px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id2701_bd9c9a-a1 > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-right:0px;padding-left:0px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id2701_bd9c9a-a1 alignnone has-theme-palette8-background-color kt-row-has-bg wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column2701_0ce1ad-d2 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2701_0ce1ad-d2 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column2701_0ce1ad-d2 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2701_0ce1ad-d2 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column2701_0ce1ad-d2 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column2701_0ce1ad-d2 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2701_0ce1ad-d2{position:relative;}.kadence-column2701_0ce1ad-d2, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column2701_0ce1ad-d2:not(.specificity){margin-top:-120px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2701_0ce1ad-d2 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2701_0ce1ad-d2, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column2701_0ce1ad-d2:not(.specificity){margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column2701_0ce1ad-d2 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2701_0ce1ad-d2 inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-image2701_48517a-86 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image2701_48517a-86\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"http:\/\/g96.dce.mytemp.website\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/senior-man-sitting-at-a-computer-with-no-vacancies-displayed-highlighting-unemployment-issues.-9831079-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"anti-discrimination\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-2866\" srcset=\"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/senior-man-sitting-at-a-computer-with-no-vacancies-displayed-highlighting-unemployment-issues.-9831079-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/senior-man-sitting-at-a-computer-with-no-vacancies-displayed-highlighting-unemployment-issues.-9831079-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/senior-man-sitting-at-a-computer-with-no-vacancies-displayed-highlighting-unemployment-issues.-9831079-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/senior-man-sitting-at-a-computer-with-no-vacancies-displayed-highlighting-unemployment-issues.-9831079-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/senior-man-sitting-at-a-computer-with-no-vacancies-displayed-highlighting-unemployment-issues.-9831079-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/senior-man-sitting-at-a-computer-with-no-vacancies-displayed-highlighting-unemployment-issues.-9831079-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<style>.kadence-column2701_afb660-f4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);}.kadence-column2701_afb660-f4 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2701_afb660-f4 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column2701_afb660-f4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2701_afb660-f4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column2701_afb660-f4 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column2701_afb660-f4 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2701_afb660-f4{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2701_afb660-f4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column2701_afb660-f4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2701_afb660-f4 kb-section-dir-vertical\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-row-layout-id2701_0b8403-ac > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id2701_0b8403-ac > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id2701_0b8403-ac > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id2701_0b8403-ac > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id2701_0b8403-ac > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id2701_0b8403-ac > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id2701_0b8403-ac alignnone has-theme-palette2-background-color kt-row-has-bg wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column2701_da36f4-f1 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2701_da36f4-f1 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column2701_da36f4-f1 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2701_da36f4-f1 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column2701_da36f4-f1 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column2701_da36f4-f1 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2701_da36f4-f1{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2701_da36f4-f1 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column2701_da36f4-f1 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2701_da36f4-f1 kb-section-dir-vertical\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_38874d-c7, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_38874d-c7[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_38874d-c7\"]{text-align:left;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_38874d-c7 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_38874d-c7[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_38874d-c7\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_38874d-c7 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_38874d-c7[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_38874d-c7\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_38874d-c7[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_38874d-c7\"] a, .kt-adv-heading-link2701_38874d-c7, .kt-adv-heading-link2701_38874d-c7 .kt-adv-heading2701_38874d-c7[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_38874d-c7\"]{color:var(--global-palette9, #ffffff);}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_38874d-c7[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_38874d-c7\"] a:hover, .kt-adv-heading-link2701_38874d-c7:hover, .kt-adv-heading-link2701_38874d-c7:hover .kt-adv-heading2701_38874d-c7[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_38874d-c7\"]{color:var(--global-palette9, #ffffff);}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_38874d-c7[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_38874d-c7\"] a, a.kb-advanced-heading-link.kt-adv-heading-link2701_38874d-c7{text-decoration:none;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading2701_38874d-c7 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading has-theme-palette-9-color has-text-color hls-none\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_38874d-c7\">A typical FEHA discrimination defense scenario involves an employee in a protected class alleging that an adverse action \u2014 termination, demotion, denied promotion \u2014 was motivated by the protected characteristic. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/scocal.stanford.edu\/opinion\/harris-v-santa-monica-34162\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/scocal.stanford.edu\/opinion\/harris-v-santa-monica-34162\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Harris v. City of Santa Monica <\/em>(2013) 56 Cal.4th 203<\/a>, even in mixed-motive cases the employer may avoid most damages by showing the same action would have been taken without the protected characteristic. The reason offered must be the employer&#8217;s actual reason at the time \u2014 Harris does not permit post hoc justifications constructed after the litigation begins.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<style>.kadence-column2701_7c56a1-c1{max-width:1140px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;}.wp-block-kadence-column.kb-section-dir-horizontal:not(.kb-section-md-dir-vertical)>.kt-inside-inner-col>.kadence-column2701_7c56a1-c1{-webkit-flex:0 1 1140px;flex:0 1 1140px;max-width:unset;margin-left:unset;margin-right:unset;}.kadence-column2701_7c56a1-c1 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);padding-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column2701_7c56a1-c1 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2701_7c56a1-c1 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column2701_7c56a1-c1 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2701_7c56a1-c1 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column2701_7c56a1-c1 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column2701_7c56a1-c1 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2701_7c56a1-c1{position:relative;}@media all and (min-width: 1025px){.wp-block-kadence-column.kb-section-dir-horizontal>.kt-inside-inner-col>.kadence-column2701_7c56a1-c1{-webkit-flex:0 1 1140px;flex:0 1 1140px;max-width:unset;margin-left:unset;margin-right:unset;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2701_7c56a1-c1 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-column.kb-section-sm-dir-vertical:not(.kb-section-sm-dir-horizontal):not(.kb-section-sm-dir-specificity)>.kt-inside-inner-col>.kadence-column2701_7c56a1-c1{max-width:1140px;-webkit-flex:1;flex:1;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;}.kadence-column2701_7c56a1-c1 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2701_7c56a1-c1 kb-section-dir-vertical\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kadence-column2701_2a4a3a-2e{max-width:1140px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;}.wp-block-kadence-column.kb-section-dir-horizontal:not(.kb-section-md-dir-vertical)>.kt-inside-inner-col>.kadence-column2701_2a4a3a-2e{-webkit-flex:0 1 1140px;flex:0 1 1140px;max-width:unset;margin-left:unset;margin-right:unset;}.kadence-column2701_2a4a3a-2e > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);}.kadence-column2701_2a4a3a-2e > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2701_2a4a3a-2e > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column2701_2a4a3a-2e > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2701_2a4a3a-2e > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column2701_2a4a3a-2e > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column2701_2a4a3a-2e > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2701_2a4a3a-2e{position:relative;}@media all and (min-width: 1025px){.wp-block-kadence-column.kb-section-dir-horizontal>.kt-inside-inner-col>.kadence-column2701_2a4a3a-2e{-webkit-flex:0 1 1140px;flex:0 1 1140px;max-width:unset;margin-left:unset;margin-right:unset;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2701_2a4a3a-2e > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-column.kb-section-sm-dir-vertical:not(.kb-section-sm-dir-horizontal):not(.kb-section-sm-dir-specificity)>.kt-inside-inner-col>.kadence-column2701_2a4a3a-2e{max-width:1140px;-webkit-flex:1;flex:1;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;}.kadence-column2701_2a4a3a-2e > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2701_2a4a3a-2e kb-section-dir-vertical\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",  \"@type\": \"LegalService\",  \"name\": \"Michael Trust Law, APC\",  \"description\": \"California employment law firm representing private-sector employees and employers throughout California in matters including wage and hour, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, leave and disability, and termination.\", \"serviceType\": \"Employer Discrimination Defense\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/discrimination\",  \"telephone\": \"+1-424-634-9333\",  \"email\": \"michaeltrust@michaeltrustlaw.com\",  \"priceRange\": \"$$\",  \"address\": {    \"@type\": \"PostalAddress\",    \"streetAddress\": \"703 Pier Avenue, Suite B367\",    \"addressLocality\": \"Hermosa Beach\",    \"addressRegion\": \"CA\",    \"postalCode\": \"90254\",    \"addressCountry\": \"US\"  },  \"areaServed\": {    \"@type\": \"State\",    \"name\": \"California\"  },  \"founder\": {    \"@type\": \"Person\",    \"name\": \"Michael Trust, Esq.\",    \"jobTitle\": \"Attorney\",    \"hasCredential\": [      \"SPHR (HR Certification Institute)\",      \"PHRca (HR Certification Institute, California-specific)\",      \"SHRM-SCP (Society for Human Resource Management)\"    ]  },  \"sameAs\": [    \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/caemploymentlawyer\/\",    \"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/MichaelTrustLaw\",    \"https:\/\/apps.calbar.ca.gov\/attorney\/Licensee\/Detail\/356354\"  ]}<\/script><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\":[\n    {\n      \"@type\":\"Question\",\n      \"name\":\"We want to discipline an employee in a protected class for legitimate performance reasons. How do we minimize discrimination exposure?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\":{\n        \"@type\":\"Answer\",\n        \"text\":\"The documentary record from before any protected activity or accommodation request typically determines defensibility. Harris v. City of Santa Monica (2013) 56 Cal.4th 203 limits damages where the employer can show that the same action would have been taken without consideration of the protected characteristic \u2014 but Harris does not permit post hoc justifications constructed after litigation begins. Contemporaneous, consistent documentation matters.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\":\"Question\",\n      \"name\":\"Do we have to engage in an interactive process for a religious accommodation request?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\":{\n        \"@type\":\"Answer\",\n        \"text\":\"Yes. FEHA's interactive-process obligation applies to religious accommodation as well as disability accommodation. The accommodation must be granted absent undue hardship, and the documentary record of the conversation typically determines the outcome of any later claim.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\":\"Question\",\n      \"name\":\"An employee said they were associated with someone in a protected class. Does that create liability?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\":{\n        \"@type\":\"Answer\",\n        \"text\":\"Associational discrimination is recognized under FEHA. Adverse action because of an employee's relationship with someone in a protected class can be actionable. The analysis is fact-specific.\"\n      }\n    }\n  ]\n}\n<\/script>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_87d3dc-ec, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_87d3dc-ec[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_87d3dc-ec\"]{font-size:30px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_87d3dc-ec mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_87d3dc-ec[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_87d3dc-ec\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_87d3dc-ec img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_87d3dc-ec[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_87d3dc-ec\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading2701_87d3dc-ec wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_87d3dc-ec\">California Discrimination Defense \u2014 Employer Counsel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">FEHA&#8217;s discrimination protections apply to employers with 5 or more employees for most claims (<a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=12940.&amp;lawCode=GOV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cal. Gov. Code \u00a712940(a)<\/a>). The analytical framework most California courts apply to single-motive disparate-treatment cases is the <em>McDonnell Douglas<\/em> burden-shifting test. For mixed-motive cases, California applies the &#8220;substantial motivating factor&#8221; standard from <a href=\"https:\/\/scocal.stanford.edu\/opinion\/harris-v-santa-monica-34162\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/scocal.stanford.edu\/opinion\/harris-v-santa-monica-34162\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Harris v. City of Santa Monica <\/em>(2013) 56 Cal.4th 203<\/a>, which is a meaningfully lower threshold for plaintiffs than the federal &#8220;but-for&#8221; standard in some contexts.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_db051f-88, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_db051f-88[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_db051f-88\"]{font-size:30px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_db051f-88 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_db051f-88[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_db051f-88\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_db051f-88 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_db051f-88[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_db051f-88\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading2701_db051f-88 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_db051f-88\">How Discrimination Defense Works in Practice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most successful FEHA defenses are built before a claim is filed, through documented performance management, consistent application of policies across comparators, careful documentation of legitimate non-discriminatory reasons contemporaneous with the adverse action, and trained decision-makers. Disability discrimination, failure-to-accommodate, and failure-to-engage-in-the-interactive-process claims each have their own framework under <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=12940.&amp;lawCode=GOV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cal. Gov. Code \u00a712940(m)-(n)<\/a> and require a separate analytical approach. Whether the employer&#8217;s position is defensible turns on the documentary record, the decision-maker&#8217;s testimony, and the consistency of comparator treatment \u2014 all fact-specific.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_0d2984-dc, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_0d2984-dc[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_0d2984-dc\"]{font-size:30px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_0d2984-dc mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_0d2984-dc[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_0d2984-dc\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_0d2984-dc img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_0d2984-dc[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_0d2984-dc\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 id=\"background-checks\" class=\"kt-adv-heading2701_0d2984-dc wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_0d2984-dc\">Background Checks for California Employers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">California employers face two overlapping sets of restrictions before running or acting on a background check. Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, an employer must provide a standalone written disclosure and obtain the applicant&#8217;s written authorization before procuring a consumer report, and before taking any adverse action based on that report must provide a pre-adverse action notice, a copy of the report, and a summary of rights, then allow a reasonable opportunity to respond (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.govinfo.gov\/app\/details\/USCODE-2023-title15\/USCODE-2023-title15-chap41-subchapIII-sec1681\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">15 U.S.C. \u00a71681 et seq.<\/a>). California layers additional requirements on top: the Investigative Consumer Reporting Agencies Act imposes parallel state disclosure obligations and limits reportable convictions to a seven-year lookback period (<a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=1786.&amp;lawCode=CIV\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=1786.&amp;lawCode=CIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Civ. Code \u00a7\u00a71786 et seq.<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=1786.18.&amp;lawCode=CIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">1786.18<\/a>); the Fair Chance Act bars employers with five or more employees from asking about conviction history before a conditional offer, and requires an individualized assessment, written notice, and an opportunity to respond before rescinding an offer based on conviction history (<a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=12952.&amp;lawCode=GOV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cal. Gov. Code \u00a712952<\/a>); and <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=432.7.&amp;lawCode=LAB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Labor Code section 432.7<\/a> restricts consideration of arrests not resulting in conviction, diversion program participation, and sealed or expunged records. Employers may not shift the cost of a required background check onto an applicant or employee: Labor Code sections 401 through 405 require the employer to bear the cost of any bond or security it requires as a condition of employment, and Labor Code section 2802 requires reimbursement of necessary expenses a current employee incurs in the discharge of duties. Whether a particular hiring or promotion decision complies with this framework is fact-specific and depends on the timing, the disclosures given, and the process followed after any adverse finding.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_22f33f-6a, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_22f33f-6a[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_22f33f-6a\"]{font-size:30px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_22f33f-6a mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_22f33f-6a[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_22f33f-6a\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_22f33f-6a img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_22f33f-6a[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_22f33f-6a\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 id=\"failure-to-prevent\" class=\"kt-adv-heading2701_22f33f-6a wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_22f33f-6a\">The Duty to Prevent Discrimination and Harassment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">FEHA does not just prohibit discrimination and harassment; it separately requires employers to take all reasonable steps necessary to prevent them from happening. An employer that fails to do so can face liability for that failure alone, independent of whether the underlying harassment or discrimination claim succeeds. Courts look at concrete measures: a written policy, a functioning complaint procedure, training, and prompt follow-through when a complaint is made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=12940.&amp;lawCode=GOV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cal. Gov. Code \u00a712940(k)<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_504b23-9e, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_504b23-9e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_504b23-9e\"]{font-size:30px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_504b23-9e mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_504b23-9e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_504b23-9e\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_504b23-9e img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_504b23-9e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_504b23-9e\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 id=\"zero-tolerance-policy\" class=\"kt-adv-heading2701_504b23-9e wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_504b23-9e\">Zero-Tolerance Policies as a Defense Tool<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A clearly written, consistently enforced zero-tolerance policy for discrimination and harassment is one of the strongest pieces of evidence an employer can offer to show it met its prevention duty under FEHA. The policy only helps if it is actually followed: courts and juries look past the document itself to whether the employer investigated complaints promptly and applied its own rule consistently, including to supervisors and high performers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=12940.&amp;lawCode=GOV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cal. Gov. Code \u00a712940(k)<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_f0cdfb-4b, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_f0cdfb-4b[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_f0cdfb-4b\"]{font-size:30px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_f0cdfb-4b mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_f0cdfb-4b[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_f0cdfb-4b\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_f0cdfb-4b img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_f0cdfb-4b[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_f0cdfb-4b\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading2701_f0cdfb-4b wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_f0cdfb-4b\">When to Contact Us<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Discrimination defense is most cost-effective when policies, documentation, and manager training are audited proactively. Contact Michael Trust Law, APC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Initial contact does not create an attorney-client relationship \u2014 see <a href=\"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/disclaimers\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"3208\">Disclaimers<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=12940.&amp;lawCode=GOV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cal. Gov. Code \u00a712940<\/a>(a); <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=12940.&amp;lawCode=GOV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cal. Gov. Code \u00a712940<\/a>(m)-(n); <a href=\"https:\/\/scocal.stanford.edu\/opinion\/harris-v-santa-monica-34162\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Harris v. City of Santa Monica <\/em>(2013) 56 Cal.4th 203<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.govinfo.gov\/app\/details\/USCODE-2023-title15\/USCODE-2023-title15-chap41-subchapIII-sec1681\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">15 U.S.C. \u00a71681 et seq.<\/a> (Fair Credit Reporting Act); <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=1786.&amp;lawCode=CIV\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=1786.&amp;lawCode=CIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cal. Civ. Code \u00a7\u00a71786 et seq.<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=1786.18.&amp;lawCode=CIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">1786.18<\/a> (Investigative Consumer Reporting Agencies Act); <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=12952.&amp;lawCode=GOV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cal. Gov. Code \u00a712952<\/a> (Fair Chance Act); <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=432.7.&amp;lawCode=LAB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lab. Code \u00a7432.7<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=401.&amp;lawCode=LAB\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=401.&amp;lawCode=LAB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lab. Code \u00a7\u00a7401\u2013405<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=2802.&amp;lawCode=LAB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cal. Lab. Code \u00a72802<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_cd174a-e1, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_cd174a-e1[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_cd174a-e1\"]{font-size:20px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_cd174a-e1 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_cd174a-e1[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_cd174a-e1\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_cd174a-e1 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_cd174a-e1[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_cd174a-e1\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"kt-adv-heading2701_cd174a-e1 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_cd174a-e1\">Explore Related Employer Services<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/g96.dce.mytemp.website\/wage-hour-pay-equity\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wage &amp; Hour Compliance<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/g96.dce.mytemp.website\/retaliation-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Retaliation Defense<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/g96.dce.mytemp.website\/employment-contracts-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Employment Contracts<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/g96.dce.mytemp.website\/whistleblower-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Whistleblower Defense<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/topics\/\">\r\n            Browse all California employment law topics\r\n            <span aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span>\r\n        <\/a>\r\n    <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-id2701_86c1b7-08 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id2701_86c1b7-08 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id2701_86c1b7-08 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);max-width:1140px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id2701_86c1b7-08 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id2701_86c1b7-08 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id2701_86c1b7-08 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id2701_86c1b7-08 alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column2701_e0f374-a0 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2701_e0f374-a0 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column2701_e0f374-a0 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2701_e0f374-a0 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column2701_e0f374-a0 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column2701_e0f374-a0 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2701_e0f374-a0{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2701_e0f374-a0 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column2701_e0f374-a0 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2701_e0f374-a0\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kadence-column2701_a349aa-88 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-md, 2rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-md, 2rem);}.kadence-column2701_a349aa-88 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2701_a349aa-88 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column2701_a349aa-88 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2701_a349aa-88 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column2701_a349aa-88 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column2701_a349aa-88 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2701_a349aa-88{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2701_a349aa-88 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column2701_a349aa-88 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2701_a349aa-88 inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_a36c70-19, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_a36c70-19[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_a36c70-19\"]{text-align:center;font-size:30px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_a36c70-19 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_a36c70-19[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_a36c70-19\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_a36c70-19 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_a36c70-19[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_a36c70-19\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading2701_a36c70-19 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_a36c70-19\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n<style>.kt-accordion-id2701_429215-86 .kt-accordion-inner-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:0px;}.kt-accordion-id2701_429215-86 .kt-accordion-panel-inner{border-top:0px solid transparent;border-right:0px solid transparent;border-bottom:0px solid transparent;border-left:0px solid transparent;padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);}.kt-accordion-id2701_429215-86 > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header{border-top:1px solid #f2f2f2;border-right:1px solid #f2f2f2;border-bottom:1px solid #f2f2f2;border-left:1px solid #f2f2f2;border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;background:var(--global-palette9, #ffffff);color:#555555;padding-top:9px;padding-right:13px;padding-bottom:9px;padding-left:13px;}.kt-accordion-id2701_429215-86:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle )  > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id2701_429215-86:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle )  > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:#555555;}.kt-accordion-id2701_429215-86:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger{background:#555555;}.kt-accordion-id2701_429215-86:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id2701_429215-86:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:var(--global-palette9, #ffffff);}.kt-accordion-id2701_429215-86 > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover, \n\t\t\t\tbody:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id2701_429215-86 .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible{color:#444444;background:#eeeeee;border-top:1px solid #878787;border-right:1px solid #878787;border-bottom:1px solid #878787;border-left:1px solid #878787;}.kt-accordion-id2701_429215-86:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id2701_429215-86:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before, body:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id2701_429215-86:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle ) .kt-blocks-accordion--visible .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, body:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id2701_429215-86:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle ) .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:#444444;}.kt-accordion-id2701_429215-86:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger, body:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id2701_429215-86:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger{background:#444444;}.kt-accordion-id2701_429215-86:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id2701_429215-86:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before, body:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id2701_429215-86:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, body:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id2701_429215-86:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:#eeeeee;}.kt-accordion-id2701_429215-86 .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible,\n\t\t\t\t.kt-accordion-id2701_429215-86 > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active{color:#ffffff;background:#444444;border-top:1px solid #444444;border-right:1px solid #444444;border-bottom:1px solid #444444;border-left:1px solid #444444;}.kt-accordion-id2701_429215-86:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle )  > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id2701_429215-86:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle )  > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:#ffffff;}.kt-accordion-id2701_429215-86:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger{background:#ffffff;}.kt-accordion-id2701_429215-86:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id2701_429215-86:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:#444444;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-accordion-id2701_429215-86 .kt-accordion-panel-inner{border-top:0px solid transparent;border-right:0px solid transparent;border-bottom:0px solid transparent;border-left:0px solid transparent;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-accordion-id2701_429215-86 > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header{border-top:1px solid #f2f2f2;border-right:1px solid #f2f2f2;border-bottom:1px solid #f2f2f2;border-left:1px solid #f2f2f2;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-accordion-id2701_429215-86 > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover, \n\t\t\t\tbody:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id2701_429215-86 .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible{border-top:1px solid #878787;border-right:1px solid #878787;border-bottom:1px solid #878787;border-left:1px solid #878787;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-accordion-id2701_429215-86 .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible,\n\t\t\t\t.kt-accordion-id2701_429215-86 > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active{border-top:1px solid #444444;border-right:1px solid #444444;border-bottom:1px solid #444444;border-left:1px solid #444444;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-accordion-id2701_429215-86 .kt-accordion-inner-wrap{display:block;}.kt-accordion-id2701_429215-86 .kt-accordion-inner-wrap .kt-accordion-pane:not(:first-child){margin-top:0px;}.kt-accordion-id2701_429215-86 .kt-accordion-panel-inner{border-top:0px solid transparent;border-right:0px solid transparent;border-bottom:0px solid transparent;border-left:0px solid transparent;}.kt-accordion-id2701_429215-86 > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header{border-top:1px solid #f2f2f2;border-right:1px solid #f2f2f2;border-bottom:1px solid #f2f2f2;border-left:1px solid #f2f2f2;}.kt-accordion-id2701_429215-86 > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover, \n\t\t\t\tbody:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id2701_429215-86 .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible{border-top:1px solid #878787;border-right:1px solid #878787;border-bottom:1px solid #878787;border-left:1px solid #878787;}.kt-accordion-id2701_429215-86 .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible,\n\t\t\t\t.kt-accordion-id2701_429215-86 > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active{border-top:1px solid #444444;border-right:1px solid #444444;border-bottom:1px solid #444444;border-left:1px solid #444444;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-accordion alignnone\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-wrap kt-accordion-id2701_429215-86 kt-accordion-has-5-panes kt-active-pane-0 kt-accordion-block kt-pane-header-alignment-left kt-accodion-icon-style-basic kt-accodion-icon-side-right\" style=\"max-width:none\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-inner-wrap\" data-allow-multiple-open=\"false\" data-start-open=\"0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-pane kt-accordion-pane kt-accordion-pane-1 kt-pane2701_ab3bff-54\"><h3 class=\"kt-accordion-header-wrap\"><button class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-header kt-acccordion-button-label-show\" type=\"button\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title-wrap\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title\"><strong><strong>We want to discipline an employee in a protected class for legitimate performance reasons. How do we minimize discrimination exposure?<\/strong><\/strong><\/span><\/span><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger\"><\/span><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel kt-accordion-panel-hidden\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel-inner\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_de68ce-5f, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_de68ce-5f[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_de68ce-5f\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_de68ce-5f mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_de68ce-5f[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_de68ce-5f\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_de68ce-5f img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_de68ce-5f[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_de68ce-5f\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading2701_de68ce-5f wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_de68ce-5f\">The documentary record from before any protected activity or accommodation request typically determines defensibility. <a href=\"https:\/\/scocal.stanford.edu\/opinion\/harris-v-santa-monica-34162\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/scocal.stanford.edu\/opinion\/harris-v-santa-monica-34162\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Harris v. City of Santa Monica <\/em>(2013) 56 Cal.4th 203<\/a> limits damages where the employer can show that the same action would have been taken without consideration of the protected characteristic \u2014 but Harris does not permit post hoc justifications constructed after litigation begins. Contemporaneous, consistent documentation matters.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-pane kt-accordion-pane kt-accordion-pane-3 kt-pane2701_c545da-0d\"><h3 class=\"kt-accordion-header-wrap\"><button class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-header kt-acccordion-button-label-show\" type=\"button\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title-wrap\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title\">Do we have to engage in an interactive process for a religious accommodation request?<\/span><\/span><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger\"><\/span><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel kt-accordion-panel-hidden\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel-inner\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_a2246c-7c, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_a2246c-7c[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_a2246c-7c\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_a2246c-7c mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_a2246c-7c[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_a2246c-7c\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_a2246c-7c img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2701_a2246c-7c[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_a2246c-7c\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading2701_a2246c-7c wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2701_a2246c-7c\">Yes. FEHA&#8217;s interactive-process obligation applies to religious accommodation as well as disability accommodation. The accommodation must be granted absent undue hardship, and the documentary record of the conversation typically determines the outcome of any later claim.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-pane kt-accordion-pane kt-accordion-pane-4 kt-pane2701_7e7e62-99\"><h3 class=\"kt-accordion-header-wrap\"><button class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-header kt-acccordion-button-label-show\" type=\"button\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title-wrap\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title\">An employee said they were associated with someone in a protected class. Does that create liability?<\/span><\/span><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger\"><\/span><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel kt-accordion-panel-hidden\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel-inner\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Associational discrimination is recognized under FEHA. Adverse action because of an employee&#8217;s relationship with someone in a protected class can be actionable. The analysis is fact-specific.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column2701_59e652-16 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2701_59e652-16 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column2701_59e652-16 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2701_59e652-16 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column2701_59e652-16 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column2701_59e652-16 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2701_59e652-16{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2701_59e652-16 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column2701_59e652-16 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2701_59e652-16\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<section aria-labelledby=\"legal-guidance-heading\" style=\"background-color:#1f344a; padding:60px 20px; text-align:center;\">\n  <h3 id=\"legal-guidance-heading\" style=\"font-size:2.2rem; line-height:1.3; margin-bottom:20px; color:#ffffff;\">\n   Protect Your Business Against Discrimination Claims\n  <\/h3>\n <p style=\"color:#ffffff; font-size:1rem; line-height:1.6; max-width:800px; margin:0 auto 30px;\">\n    Michael Trust Law, APC helps employers comply with anti\u2011discrimination laws, defend against claims, and safeguard operations. Contact  Michael Trust Law, APC to discuss your situation.\n  <\/p>\n  <a href=\"http:\/\/g96.dce.mytemp.website\/contact\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Contact Michael Trust Law, APC to get expert legal guidance\" style=\"display:inline-block; background-color:#0B3A6A; color:#ffffff; padding:14px 28px; font-size:1rem; font-weight:600; text-decoration:none; border-radius:6px;\">\n    Contact Michael Trust Law, APC Today\n  <\/a>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discrimination Michael Trust founded Michael Trust Law, APC after more than 35 years in HR leadership across entertainment, healthcare, higher education, finance, banking, solar energy, and other industries, including managing&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1377,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_EventAllDay":false,"_EventTimezone":"","_EventStartDate":"","_EventEndDate":"","_EventStartDateUTC":"","_EventEndDateUTC":"","_EventShowMap":false,"_EventShowMapLink":false,"_EventURL":"","_EventCost":"","_EventCostDescription":"","_EventCurrencySymbol":"","_EventCurrencyCode":"","_EventCurrencyPosition":"","_EventDateTimeSeparator":"","_EventTimeRangeSeparator":"","_EventOrganizerID":[],"_EventVenueID":[],"_OrganizerEmail":"","_OrganizerPhone":"","_OrganizerWebsite":"","_VenueAddress":"","_VenueCity":"","_VenueCountry":"","_VenueProvince":"","_VenueState":"","_VenueZip":"","_VenuePhone":"","_VenueURL":"","_VenueStateProvince":"","_VenueLat":"","_VenueLng":"","_VenueShowMap":false,"_VenueShowMapLink":false,"_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":true,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"hide","_kad_post_layout":"fullwidth","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"unboxed","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"hide","_kad_post_feature":"hide","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2701","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2701","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2701"}],"version-history":[{"count":62,"href":"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2701\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7717,"href":"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2701\/revisions\/7717"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1377"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2701"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}