Carney R. Shegerian, founder of Shegerian & Associates, a Santa Monica-based law firm specializing in employee rights, has issued a statement commending California Governor Jerry Brown for signing into law Senate Bill 400, which expands the state’s current employment discrimination protections to victims of stalking.

Effective January 1, 2014, SB 400 amends California Labor Code sections 230 and 230.1 to extend the prohibitions against discharging, discriminating against, or retaliating against employees who are known or suspected victims of domestic violence or sexual assault, to employees who are victims of stalking. SB 400 also adds a provision to Labor Code section 230 that requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

“It is always a positive when our state of California moves in the direction of enhanced worker fairness and protection from discrimination of any kind,” said Shegerian. “Victims of stalking may on the surface seem to be a relatively small population, but these people are unfortunately routinely discriminated against by employers due to stigma or insensitivity to an employee’s situation outside of the workplace. We applaud the Governor and the State of California for attempting to help remedy this serious issue with important amendments to this legislation. We hope that this will open the doors to similarly protective legislation in the future.”

An experienced trial attorney, Shegerian has tried many jury trials to verdict in both state and federal court, representing individuals that have suffered financial or emotional losses and have been wronged by employers, including major corporations. Shegerian has built a remarkable career on helping those who have been wronged in the workplace. His remarkable success rate is highlighted by over 67 jury trial wins, including 27 seven figure verdicts representing employees.

*Original link provided for archival purposes. Website or page may no longer exist.