Legal Help for California Public Sector Workers
Protecting the rights of teachers, city workers, and government staff across the state.
Public sector workers keep California running: educators, administrators, city staff, and state employees all serve vital roles in our communities. These public servants provide services that benefit the entire community and support the economy. At Hershey Law, we’re here to protect them.
If you’ve experienced discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination, or whistleblower backlash in your public service role, you have rights – and we’re ready to fight for them. Public servants have shaped California’s economy and welfare for decades, making a lasting impact through their dedication. We’ve helped clients across California navigate complex employment laws, recover damages, and hold public employers accountable.
Our Public Sector Worker Services
Hershey Law represents public sector workers in a wide range of employment law disputes. We have extensive experience representing a diverse workforce across various public sector organizations and public sectors, including employees from government agencies, state-owned enterprises, and other entities providing public services. Our deep understanding of California labor protections and public-sector procedures allows us to act fast and with purpose.
Whistleblower Protection
Speaking out shouldn’t cost you your job. Under the California Whistleblower Protection Act, public employees who report misconduct, fraud, or unsafe conditions are legally protected. Public employees are also protected when they report illegal conduct, violations, or fraudulent activity within their departments or offices.
To file a whistleblower complaint, employees or members of the public sector workforce should complete the appropriate form and submit their reports to the proper authority, such as the California State Auditor’s Office, which investigates complaints and safeguards whistleblowers. State government, federal, and local agencies are required to provide annual notices and post notices to employees about their rights under the Whistleblower Protection Act, as outlined in the relevant California Government Code section. Departments must ensure these notices are distributed and accessible.
Both employees and members of the public sector workforce are protected when acting in the interest of business integrity and public service.
If you’ve been punished for doing the right thing, we’ll help you build your case and pursue justice.
Wrongful Termination
Were you let go for reasons that feel suspicious or retaliatory? Public employers must follow strict termination rules. If your firing violated policy, law, or public interest protections, we’re ready to challenge it. If your firing was unlawful, you may be entitled to recover lost wages and benefits.
Discrimination
Discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, or any protected category is illegal, even in government workplaces. We’ll help you document and fight back against discriminatory practices.
Retaliation
Public employees often face retaliation for standing up against injustice. From denied promotions to hostile work environments or suspension, we’ve seen it all, and we know how to fight it.
Government Layoffs
Was your layoff part of a larger political strategy or a disguised punishment? We analyze your case to determine if it was legal, fair, and justified.
Our Service Areas
Hershey Law proudly represents public sector workers employed by state and local government agencies throughout California, including:
- Los Angeles
- Orange County
- San Diego
- Ventura
- Lancaster
- Glendale
- Burbank
- Beverly Hills
- Santa Monica
- Long Beach
- Pasadena
- San Bernardino
- Santa Ana
- Riverside
- Irvine
- Newport Beach
- Anaheim
- Fresno
- Sacramento
- San Jose
- Oakland
- San Francisco
- Silicon Valley
- Sonoma County
Wherever you work in California, we’re only a phone call away.
Who we Help
Teachers and Education Workers
Educators may face retaliation for union activity, advocating for students, or raising concerns about unethical conduct. Our attorneys represent teachers, school staff, and university employees across California in whistleblower and employment law matters.
City and State Employees
If you're employed by a city department or California state agency, you have specific legal protections. We help government workers handle retaliation, layoffs, and labor code violations with confidence.
Government Contractors and Public Service Staff
Even if you’re not directly employed by a government agency, you may still be entitled to labor protections. If your role involves public service, Hershey Law is here to help.
Why Choose Us
At Hershey Law, we don’t back down from powerful employers. We’ve taken on large cities, government agencies, and contractors – and won.
- $27.5 million jury verdict for whistleblower retaliation
- Millions recovered for wrongfully terminated public workers
- Named Super Lawyers Rising Stars
- Featured in the LA Times for high-profile public interest cases
- We offer state-wide representation with deep knowledge of public-sector employment law
Meet Our Team
Our attorneys have years of experience representing public employees in California courts. We understand how to handle sensitive government cases and navigate union, civil service, and school board procedures.
But more importantly, we listen, we care, and we deliver results.
Simran Grewal
Worried Your Public-Sector Severance Package Is Unfair?
Public employees are often pressured into signing severance agreements that don’t reflect the full value of their rights. Before you sign anything, talk to us. We’ll help you review the terms and negotiate a better deal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What protections do public employees have in California?
Public sector workers are protected by state labor laws, civil service rules, and additional protections like the California Whistleblower Protection Act.
How does the California Whistleblower Protection Act work?
It protects public employees who report legal violations, mismanagement, gross waste of funds, or threats to public health or safety from retaliation by their employer.
Can teachers be retaliated against for advocating for students?
No. If you’re speaking out about unlawful or unethical school policies, you are protected. We’ve helped many educators defend their rights.
What should I do if I report misconduct and face retaliation?
Document everything and reach out to an attorney immediately. The sooner we act, the stronger your case.