Employment Law in Oakland, CA
When your employer breaks the law, the power imbalance can feel impossible. It isn't. For 15 years, Marek & Ruiz has represented employees — and only employees — against the companies that wronged them, recovering more than $85 million. You pay nothing unless we win.
What Happened at Work?
If your employer crossed a legal line, you have rights and options. Select your situation for a free, confidential review.
⚖️ No Fee Unless You Win 📞 Free, Confidential Consultation — (510) 555-0172
One Side. Always the Employee's.
Marek & Ruiz was founded by attorneys Julia Marek and Diego Ruiz on a single, unwavering principle: we represent employees, never employers. No divided loyalties, no conflicts — just workers, and the fight to protect their rights.
We know the tactics companies use, because we know exactly how the other side thinks. For 15 years, we've stood up to employers big and small — from local businesses to national corporations — and recovered more than $85 million for the people they wronged. When you're up against an employer and its lawyers, you deserve a firm that fights only for you.
- ✓We represent employees only — never employers
- ✓15 years and $85M+ recovered for workers
- ✓We know the tactics companies use
- ✓No fee unless we win your case
Turning Your Rights Into Results
Employment cases are won through evidence, strategy, and pressure. Here's how we build yours.
We Listen & Evaluate
We hear your story in full, review the facts, and tell you honestly whether you have a strong case — for free.
We Build the Evidence
We gather documents, records, and witnesses to prove what your employer did and what it cost you.
We Apply Pressure
We demand accountability, negotiate hard, and file suit when needed to force a fair result.
We Win Your Recovery
We pursue every remedy you're owed — lost wages, damages, and change — and you pay only if we win.
Was your employer in the wrong? You don't have to accept it. Get a free, confidential consultation — no cost, no pressure, and no fee unless we win.
The Law Is on Your Side More Than You Think
Most employees have no idea how much the law protects them. California and federal law give you powerful rights — to a workplace free of discrimination and harassment, to every dollar of the wages you've earned, to medical and family leave, and to speak up without retaliation.
Employers count on you not knowing this. We make sure you do. If something happened at work that felt wrong, it may well have been illegal — and there may be a remedy, and a deadline. A free, confidential conversation is the fastest way to find out where you stand.
- ✓A workplace free of discrimination and harassment
- ✓Every dollar of the wages you've earned
- ✓Protection from retaliation for speaking up
Getting Help Is Easy and Free
From your first call to your recovery, we make standing up for yourself simple and risk-free.
Free Consultation
Tell us what happened in a free, confidential conversation. We'll tell you honestly whether you have a case.
We Take It On
If we take your case, we handle everything — the evidence, the filings, and the employer's lawyers.
We Fight for You
We build your case, apply pressure, negotiate hard, and go to trial if that's what a fair result requires.
You Recover
We pursue the wages, damages, and justice you're owed — and you pay nothing unless we win.
You May Have a Claim If…
Not sure whether what happened crosses a legal line? These are the situations we help with every day.
You were fired for the wrong reason
Termination for reporting misconduct, taking protected leave, or discriminatory reasons may be illegal.
You were treated differently
Discrimination based on race, sex, age, disability, religion, or other protected traits is against the law.
You experienced harassment
A hostile work environment or unwanted advances that HR failed to fix may give you a claim.
You weren't paid correctly
Unpaid overtime, missed breaks, or off-the-clock work are among the most common — and winnable — claims.
You were punished for speaking up
Retaliation for reporting wrongdoing or asserting your rights is illegal, and it's exactly what we fight.
Your leave rights were denied
If you were denied or punished for taking medical or family leave you were entitled to, we can help.
Employees We've Stood Up For
I was fired weeks after reporting harassment, and I felt powerless. Marek & Ruiz proved it was retaliation and won a settlement that changed my life. They believed me when it mattered and fought like it was personal.
My employer stiffed dozens of us on overtime for years. Marek & Ruiz took it on, recovered what we were owed, and made the company change its practices. They gave a bunch of ordinary workers a real voice.
After years of discrimination, HR did nothing. These attorneys did. They handled everything with strength and compassion and got me justice and a settlement I never thought possible. I finally felt heard.
They explained my rights clearly, told me honestly what my case was worth, and never pressured me. When my employer's lawyers tried to bully me, Marek & Ruiz didn't flinch. I'm so grateful I called them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire you?
Nothing up front. We work on a contingency fee, which means there's no cost to hire us and our fee comes only from what we recover for you. If we don't win, you owe us no attorney fee. Your consultation is always free.
Can I be fired for talking to a lawyer?
It is illegal for your employer to retaliate against you for asserting your legal rights, including consulting an attorney. If retaliation happens, that itself may become an additional claim. Your consultation with us is completely confidential.
Is there a deadline to file a claim?
Yes, and employment deadlines can be surprisingly short — sometimes just months, depending on the type of claim. Because waiting can cost you your case, it's important to contact us as soon as possible.
Will I have to go to court?
Many cases settle without a trial, but employers offer their best terms only to firms prepared to go the distance. We prepare every case to win in front of a jury, which is often exactly why they settle fairly.
What is my case worth?
It depends on the facts — the harm you suffered, your lost wages, and the strength of the evidence. At your free consultation, we'll give you an honest assessment based on our 15 years and $85M+ in recoveries.
Is my consultation really confidential?
Completely. Everything you share is protected and confidential, whether or not you decide to move forward. You can tell us the full story with no risk.
You Have More Power Than You Think
If your employer broke the law, you don't have to face them alone. Get a free, confidential consultation from a firm that represents only employees — and charges nothing unless you win.
Tell Us What Happened
Share your situation and a Marek & Ruiz attorney will respond within one business day — confidentially, and with no obligation.