Central Coast Employment Lawyer Protecting Workers’ Rights
Fighting for workers in Santa Cruz, San Benito, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara counties who’ve been fired unfairly, retaliated against, or discriminated against.
Fighting for Central Coast Workers Who’ve Been Wronged
Rolling hills. Oak trees. The ocean breeze blowing through lettuce fields in Salinas or vineyards in Santa Barbara. The Central Coast is a beautiful place to live and work. But it’s not always easy to work here.
Sometimes, employers don’t play fair. They fire people who speak up. They discriminate because of health conditions, pregnancy, or age. They punish workers for doing the right thing.
When that happens, it’s not just a job that’s lost—it’s dignity, income, health insurance, retirement, and often a sense of self.
I’m John McCarthy, founder of Central Coast Employment Law. I was born and raised on the Central Coast. I know the industries, the local employers, and the local courts. And I know how hard it can be for regular people around here to find a lawyer who actually listens—and who will fight for them.
I don’t take every case. But if I believe you’ve been truly wronged, I’ll fight like hell to make things right.
Why Central Coast Workers Struggle to Find Help
People often think employment law only happens in big cities like San Francisco or Los Angeles. But the Central Coast has plenty of hardworking people who face real workplace problems—and not enough lawyers who focus on helping them.
I’ve seen workers across Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara counties struggle with:
Getting fired for taking medical leave
Being punished for speaking up about unsafe conditions
Facing retaliation after complaining about harassment
Losing jobs after cancer diagnoses
Being pushed out because of age or pregnancy
It’s not always easy for these workers to find someone local who understands the law—and who’s willing to stand up to large employers or corporate defense firms.
That’s why I built Central Coast Employment Law.
Meet John McCarthy, Central Coast Employment Lawyer
I’m John McCarthy, founder of Central Coast Employment Law. I was born and raised here on the Central Coast, and I’ve dedicated my career to fighting for California workers who’ve been treated unfairly.
If you’ve been fired, discriminated against, harassed, or feel like your employer is trying to push you out, you deserve answers. I focus on cases involving:
Wrongful termination
Workplace discrimination
Retaliation and harassment
Wage and hour violations
I’m a locally grown, nationally recognized, award-winning employment lawyer—and I’m here to help you figure out your next step.
Not sure if you have a case? Let’s talk. Your case evaluation is free and completely confidential.
How We Help Central Coast Workers
Wrongful Termination
California is an at-will employment state—but that doesn’t mean employers can fire you for illegal reasons.
If you’re fired because you complained about discrimination, took medical leave, blew the whistle on illegal activity, or simply because of who you are, that’s wrongful termination.
I help workers who’ve been fired for:
Reporting harassment or discrimination
Taking medical leave or disability leave
Standing up against unsafe or illegal practices
Pregnancy or family responsibilities
Age or health conditions
If you’ve been fired and it feels wrong, reach out. If I think we can help, I’ll get you scheduled for a free, confidential, initial consultation. If I don’t think we can help I’ll provide resources to help you understand the law, find a lawyer, and protect your rights, typically the same business day.
Whistleblower Retaliation
Speaking up shouldn’t cost you your job.
Yet, I’ve represented countless workers who were retaliated against simply because they reported illegal or unsafe activity. Retaliation can look like:
Sudden poor performance reviews
Demotion
Pay cuts
Harassment
Or getting fired outright
California has some of the strongest whistleblower laws in the country. But enforcing those rights often requires a fight.
I help whistleblowers protect their careers and hold employers accountable. If you’ve been retaliated against, let us know.
Disability & Cancer Discrimination
If you’re facing cancer, chronic illness, or a disability, the last thing you should have to worry about is losing your job.
California law requires employers to:
Engage in a good-faith interactive process
Provide reasonable accommodations
Not fire or demote you simply because of your medical condition
Too often, employers look for excuses to push workers out after they become sick or injured. I’ve handled cases where:
Workers were denied medical leave
Employers refused simple accommodations
Employees were fired shortly after disclosing a diagnosis
Cancer discrimination is especially cruel—and surprisingly common. I’ve represented workers who lost jobs because bosses decided they were “too sick” to keep working.
If you’re dealing with this, talk to me. I’ll help you understand your rights.
Pregnancy & Family Leave Discrimination
Pregnancy discrimination still happens in California workplaces every day. Employers can’t:
Refuse to hire you because you’re pregnant
Demote you for taking pregnancy leave
Deny you reasonable accommodations
Fire you for taking family leave under the CFRA or FMLA
I’ve represented women who were fired while on maternity leave—or pushed out quietly once they returned. It’s illegal, and it’s unacceptable.
If you’re pregnant, planning for family leave, or returning to work and facing hostility, reach out. I’m here to help.
Age Discrimination
California workers over 40 are protected from being fired, demoted, or overlooked simply because of age. But employers still:
Pass over older employees for promotions
Give younger workers better assignments
Create paper trails of “performance issues” to push out older staff
Replace older workers with younger, cheaper hires
I help older workers protect their livelihoods and dignity. If you think you’ve been terminated because of your age, let us know.
Other Types of Workplace Discrimination
Discrimination comes in many forms. I sometimes handle cases involving:
Not every workplace dispute is illegal discrimination. But if you’re facing unfair treatment, I’ll help you figure out whether the law protects you—and if I’m not the right lawyer for you, I’ll help you find someone who is.
Your Rights Under California Employment Law
California has some of the strongest laws in the country to protect workers from harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and wrongful termination. But knowing your rights—and when an employer has crossed the line—isn’t always easy. Here’s a quick guide to how the law protects you.
Harassment and Discrimination
California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) makes it illegal for your employer to harass or discriminate against you based on protected traits like:
Race or national origin
Gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity
Age (40 and over)
Disability or medical conditions, including cancer
Religion
Pregnancy or family responsibilities
Your employer can’t treat you unfairly, deny you opportunities, or create a hostile work environment because of who you are.
Retaliation
It’s also illegal for your employer to retaliate against you for standing up for your rights. Retaliation can include:
Demotion
Pay cuts
Reduced hours
Being written up unfairly
Getting fired
If you’ve reported harassment, discrimination, unsafe working conditions, wage violations, or any other illegal conduct, the law protects you from being punished for speaking up.
Wrongful Termination
California is an at-will employment state, but there are important exceptions. It’s illegal for your employer to fire you for:
Complaining about discrimination or harassment
Taking medical or family leave you’re entitled to under the law
Reporting illegal activities or safety issues
Refusing to participate in illegal conduct
If you’ve been fired for any of these reasons, that’s called wrongful termination.
Not Sure If What Happened to You Is Illegal?
Many workers aren’t sure whether what’s happening to them is simply unfair—or actually illegal. That’s where talking to an employment lawyer can help.
Know Your Rights: California Wage and Hour Laws
In California, wage theft is a real problem. It happens when employers don’t pay workers the money they’re legally owed. Sometimes it’s obvious, like a paycheck that’s short. Other times it’s more subtle—like skipping meal breaks or refusing overtime pay.
Here’s what every worker on the Central Coast should know about wage and hour laws.
Minimum Wage
California’s minimum wage is higher than the federal minimum—and it’s going up nearly every year. But it’s not the same everywhere. Some cities and counties have even higher rates.
No matter where you work in California:
Your employer has to pay you at least the state or local minimum wage for every hour worked.If you’re salaried, your salary must be high enough to meet California’s minimum salary requirements—which is usually at least twice the minimum hourly wage for full-time work.
If you’re being paid less than minimum wage—or if you’re told you’re “exempt” but your salary is too low—that’s wage theft.
Overtime Pay
California has some of the strictest overtime laws in the country. Here’s the basic rule:
More than 8 hours in a single workday? You’re owed time-and-a-half for those extra hours.
More than 12 hours in a single workday? Those extra hours should be paid at double your regular rate.
More than 40 hours in a week? Overtime applies even if you didn’t go over 8 hours in any single day.
Employers often try to get around overtime laws by calling workers “independent contractors” or “exempt.” But job titles alone don’t decide whether you’re owed overtime—the law looks at what you actually do.
Meal and Rest Breaks
In California:
Meal Breaks:
If you work more than 5 hours in a day, you’re entitled to a 30-minute meal break.
If you work more than 10 hours, you’re entitled to a second meal break.
Meal breaks should be unpaid only if you’re completely relieved of work duties. If your boss makes you stay at your desk or keep working, they owe you pay.
Rest Breaks:
For every 4 hours worked, you’re entitled to a 10-minute paid rest break.
Rest breaks must be uninterrupted—you can’t be forced to stay “on call.”
What if Your Employer Breaks the Law?
If your employer isn’t following California’s wage and hour laws, they’re breaking the law—and they could owe you unpaid wages, penalties, and interest.
Don’t assume wage theft only happens in big cities. It’s a real problem right here on the Central Coast.
If something doesn’t feel right—trust your instincts.
I help Central Coast workers understand their rights and fight back when employers try to cheat them out of wages. Even if I can’t personally take your case, I’ll point you in the right direction.
Why Having an Employment Lawyer Matters
Facing problems at work—whether it’s harassment, discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination, or wage theft—can leave you feeling stressed, anxious, and completely alone.
Trying to handle it all yourself can be overwhelming. You might not even be sure if what’s happening to you is illegal. That’s where an experienced employment lawyer makes a real difference.
Understanding Your Rights
California’s employment laws are some of the strongest in the country—but they’re also complicated. Each type of claim—like wrongful termination, retaliation, or discrimination—has specific legal standards and deadlines.
A good employment lawyer knows how to navigate these laws and help you understand:
✅ What your rights are
✅ Whether you have a valid legal claim
✅ What evidence you’ll need to prove your case
✅ How much your case might be worth
Advocacy and Negotiation
When you hire a lawyer, you’re not just hiring someone to fill out paperwork. You’re hiring an advocate.
If I take your case, I’ll stand up for you every step of the way. That means:
Negotiating directly with your employer to try to reach a fair settlement
Representing you in mediation or hearings
Taking your case to trial if that’s what it takes to get justice
Employers—and their lawyers—often take your claim more seriously when they know you’ve got someone fighting in your corner.
No Upfront Costs for Most Cases
I know hiring a lawyer feels out of reach for many people. That’s why most employment cases I handle are on a contingency fee basis.
That means:
✅ No upfront fees
✅ No hourly charges
✅ You only pay if we win your case
You Deserve Fair Treatment
You deserve to be treated fairly at work. And you deserve to know the truth about your rights and your options.
If you’re dealing with harassment, discrimination, retaliation, or wage issues, don’t try to handle it alone. Let’s talk. I’ll listen to your story, tell you honestly whether you have a case, and help you figure out your next step—free and confidential.
Our Roots Run Deep on the Central Coast
John was born and raised on the Central Coast, and it’s where he and his family chose to call home.
Top-rated employment attorney, serving the Central Coast counties of Santa Cruz, San Benito, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and beyond.
- Locally Grown - Nationally Known -
I’m John McCarthy, and the Central Coast has always been home for me. I grew up here—and even though I’ve built a reputation across the country, my roots keep me grounded in this community.
Over the years, I’ve become known for guiding people through some of the toughest moments of their lives. Whether it’s workplace harassment, discrimination, retaliation, or wrongful termination, I stand up for workers who’ve been treated unfairly.
I’m passionate about taking on corporate misconduct and fighting for everyday people. That commitment has earned me recognition from the American Bar Association, a perfect 10.0 rating on Avvo, and honors from Super Lawyers.
At the end of the day, I’m here to help my neighbors—and anyone who needs someone in their corner..
What people are saying:
Favorite Results
$30,000,000
Some other lawyer tried to settle it for $5,000,000
$500,000
Was told by multiple lawyers had no case.
$2,500,000
Lost on summary judgment. Won on appeal. Jury awarded punitive damages.
$400,000
Was told by prior lawyer to settle for $10,000.
Central Coast Employment Lawyer on a Contingency Fee
I know that going up against your employer can feel overwhelming—and expensive. Most people can’t afford to pay a lawyer out of pocket just to find out if they have a case. That’s why I handle most employment cases on a contingency fee basis.
Here’s what that means:
No upfront fees. You don’t pay me anything when we start your case.
No hourly billing. I don’t charge by the hour or nickel-and-dime you with bills.
I only get paid if we win. My fee comes as a percentage of any settlement or judgment we recover, or directly from your employer as part of a court order. If there’s no recovery, you owe nothing for my time.
Contingency fees level the playing field. They make it possible for everyday workers to stand up to big corporations or government employers—without worrying about how to pay for a lawyer.
If you’ve been treated unfairly at work and want to know your options, let’s talk. Your case evaluation is free and completely confidential.