Whether you are facing wrongful termination, workplace discrimination, retaliation, disability accommodation issues, wage and hour disputes, or an employment lawsuit, the decisions you make early on can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
At the Law Office of Arkady Itkin, we represent both employees and employers throughout Sacramento and Northern California in a wide range of employment law matters. Our approach is straightforward: before taking action, we help our clients understand their legal rights, evaluate their practical options, and develop the strategy that best advances their goals.
Employment disputes rarely come in one-size-fits-all packages. The best legal strategy for a nurse employed by a major hospital in Roseville may be very different from the strategy appropriate for an executive, a public employee, or the owner of a small business downtown Sacramento. We take the time to understand the facts of your particular situation before recommending a course of action.
We regularly represent clients in California state and federal courts, as well as before administrative agencies and tribunals, including the Labor Commissioner’s Office (DLSE), State Personnel Board (SPB), Skelly hearings, the Department of Consumer Affairs, and other administrative proceedings.
Employment law is the primary focus of our practice. We have spent years representing both employees and employers in workplace disputes involving:
- Wrongful termination
- Workplace retaliation
- Disability discrimination and accommodations
- Harassment claims
- Wage and hour disputes
- Public employee disciplinary matters
- Whistleblower claims
- Severance agreement negotiations
- Employment contract disputes
- Administrative hearings and appeals (Skelly, SPB, and PERB hearings)
- Employment litigation in California state and federal courts, representing both employees and employers
One of our greatest strengths is our experience representing both sides of employment disputes. Understanding how employers evaluate risk and defend claims, while also understanding the challenges employees face when navigating workplace conflicts, provides valuable strategic insight that benefits our clients. Many employment problems can be resolved long before they become lawsuits. Often, knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what action to take before a dispute escalates into a legal case.
If You Have Not Been Fired Yet
Many employees mistakenly believe they should not speak with an employment attorney until after they have been terminated. In reality, some of the most important decisions are made before that happens. Just becuase you don’t have a “ripe” wrongful termination case, doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from legal and practical guidance of an attorney.
If you believe your employer is preparing to terminate you because of discrimination, retaliation, disability-related issues, or other unlawful conduct, seeking legal advice early may significantly improve your options. In some situations, it may be possible to discourage an unlawful termination or help position your case more favorably if litigation later becomes necessary. Before resigning, filing an internal complaint, requesting a leave of absence, or taking any other significant step, it is often worthwhile to understand both the legal and practical consequences of your decisions.
If Your Business Has Been Sued by an Employee
Being served with an employment lawsuit can be stressful, but it is rarely a situation that calls for panic or impulsive decisions. Employers frequently have significant legal and strategic options available to them. The manner in which a case is handled during its earliest stages often has a substantial impact on litigation costs and the ultimate outcome of the dispute.
We represent employers in a broad range of employment matters and work closely with our clients to develop practical and cost-effective strategies designed to protect their businesses while aggressively defending against inappropriate claims when necessary.
If You Are Unhappy With Your Current Attorney
Not every attorney-client relationship is the right fit. We regularly step into pending employment cases originally filed by self-represented litigants or other attorneys. If you are dissatisfied with your current representation because of poor communication, strategic disagreements, or concerns regarding the handling of your case, we would be happy to discuss your options.
Even if we ultimately determine that we are unable to represent you, a second opinion from an experienced Sacramento employment lawyer may help you better understand the strengths, weaknesses, and potential strategies available in your case.
Practical Advice. Strategic Representation.
Employment disputes are often emotionally difficult and financially significant. Our goal is not simply to explain what the law says—we help our clients determine what course of action makes the most sense under their particular circumstances. Whether you are an employee trying to protect your career or an employer protecting your business, we are committed to providing practical, strategic, and effective legal representation every step of the way.
