Do I Need a Lawyer for Unpaid Wages in California? | Free Assessment

How much do you believe you're owed in unpaid wages?

What type of wage violation occurred?

Are you still employed by this employer?

Do you have documentation of hours worked and pay received?

Are other employees affected by the same violation?

How large is the employer?

✅

You Can Likely Handle This Yourself

Your case appears straightforward. California has excellent free resources for recovering unpaid wages without an attorney.

Recommended steps:

Send a formal demand letter to your employer
File a wage claim with the Labor Commissioner (DLSE)
The Labor Commissioner will investigate for free
Claims under $25K can go to Small Claims Court

Generate Wage Demand Letter

⚖️

You Should Consult an Employment Attorney

Your case has complexities that would benefit from legal representation. Many employment attorneys work on contingency.

Why an attorney makes sense:

Large amounts at stake justify professional help
Misclassification cases require legal expertise
Retaliation claims are complex
Class action potential increases your leverage
Attorneys can recover additional penalties

Book $125 Consultation Find Employment Attorney Or Send Demand Letter First

🤔

Start with a Demand Letter, Then Decide

Your case could go either way. We recommend sending a demand letter first - many employers settle quickly once they receive formal notice.

Smart approach:

Send demand letter (gives employer 10 days to respond)
If ignored, file with Labor Commissioner (free)
If case gets complex, consult attorney
California law adds penalties for willful violations

Generate Demand Letter

California Unpaid Wages: DIY vs. Hiring a Lawyer

California has some of the strongest wage protection laws in the country, plus a free enforcement agency (the Labor Commissioner) that will pursue your claim at no cost.

When DIY Works Well

Final paycheck issues: Employers must pay within 72 hours (quit) or immediately (fired)
Clear overtime violations: You have pay stubs showing hours worked
Small amounts: Under $12,500 qualifies for Small Claims Court
Single employee: Your individual claim is straightforward

When You Need a Lawyer

Misclassification: You were wrongly classified as exempt or independent contractor
Retaliation: You were fired or demoted for complaining about wages
Class action potential: Company-wide violations affecting many employees
Large amounts: Over $25,000 at stake
Complex commission disputes: Unclear commission structures or clawbacks

California Wage Claim Process

Option	Cost	Best For
Demand Letter	Free	First step - often resolves quickly
Labor Commissioner (DLSE)	Free	Most wage claims - they investigate for you
Small Claims Court	$30-75	Claims under $12,500
Employment Attorney	Usually contingency	Complex cases, large amounts, class actions

California Wage Penalties

California law provides significant penalties beyond just the unpaid wages:

Waiting time penalties: Up to 30 days of wages for late final paychecks
Meal/rest break premiums: 1 hour of pay per day of violation
Pay stub violations: $50-$4,000 per employee
Interest: 10% per year on unpaid wages
Attorney fees: If you win, employer pays your attorney

Do I Need a Lawyer for Unpaid Wages?