Women's Employment Attorney in Encinitas, California
Representing mothers and women in workplace discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination, and severance cases across San Diego and California.
Gaulin Law, APC is a women's employment law firm based in Encinitas, California, serving North County San Diego and the surrounding area. Founded by attorney Michelle Gaulin, the firm fights for employees who have been discriminated against, retaliated against, or wrongfully terminated because of their pregnancy, gender, or decision to start a family. If your workplace rights have been violated, schedule a free consultation to discuss your situation.
Protecting Women's Workplace Rights in San Diego and Across California
The sudden negative performance reviews after you announced your pregnancy. The "budget cuts" that only affected you after you requested family leave. The shift in responsibilities or demotion right after you submitted a request for accommodations.
These aren't coincidences, they're warning signs of discrimination. You deserve to have your experience validated and your rights protected.
You might be feeling:
Betrayed by an employer you trusted
Uncertain about whether what happened counts as discrimination
Overwhelmed by the thought of “taking on” a company with more resources
Worried about your financial future or health benefits while unemployed
Questioning whether you did something wrong
The truth is: Your employment rights have time limits known as statutes of limitations, and companies count on you staying silent. Gaulin Law is here to protect your rights and fight for the outcome you deserve.
Women's Employment Law Practice Areas
Fired, demoted, or denied accommodations during or after pregnancy? California and federal laws including FEHA, CFRA, and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act protect you.
Gender-Based Workplace Discrimination
Unequal pay, exclusion from opportunities, or different standards than male colleagues. Gaulin Law represents women in gender discrimination cases under FEHA and Title VII.
Wrongful Termination
Your employer cannot fire you for illegal reasons, including pregnancy, gender, taking protected leave, or reporting workplace violations.
Severance Negotiations
Before you sign, make sure you understand what you are giving up. Gaulin Law reviews severance terms, identifies leverage, and negotiates for better compensation and protections.
Retaliation Claims
Punished for reporting discrimination, requesting accommodations, or taking FMLA or CFRA leave? That is illegal under California law.
Meet Attorney Michelle Gaulin
You Deserve an Advocate Who Gets It
As a mother and employment attorney with nearly 15 years of legal experience, Michelle founded Gaulin Law to focus exclusively on representing women and mothers in workplace disputes. Her background as a former auditor, corporate financial investigator, and litigator gives her a unique perspective on how discrimination impacts your career and long-term earning potential.
Bar Admissions:
California
Central District of California
Northern District of California
What Makes Us Different:
We focus exclusively on women's workplace rights and severance negotiations
We understand both the legal complexities and emotional toll of discrimination
We remove financial barriers with contingency-based representation
What Working With Gaulin Law Looks Like
Step 1: Free 30-Minute Consultation
We listen to your complete story, validate your experience, and determine if you have a strong legal case. You’ll speak directly with Michelle, won’t feel rushed, and will end the call feeling like you’ve truly been heard.
Step 2: Building Your Case
If we believe you have an actionable case and you retain our firm, we’ll develop a personalized legal strategy, draft your complaint or demand letter, and begin negotiations or litigation based on what's best for your situation.
Step 3: Fighting for What You Deserve
We pursue fair compensation for your losses, accountability from your employer, and policy changes that will protect other women.
You only pay if we win.*
*excludes severance negotiation matters
Step 4: You Move Forward With Confidence
Many of our clients find that reaching a resolution gives them the financial stability and emotional closure to rebuild their professional lives with renewed confidence.
Our Commitment To You: You Don’t Pay Unless We Win.
Justice shouldn't depend on your bank account. We know that losing your job creates financial stress that makes hiring an attorney feel impossible. That's why we work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless we secure a financial resolution for you.*
What this means:
No upfront legal fees
We're invested in achieving the best possible outcome
You can focus on your well-being while we handle the legal fight
Access to specialized expertise regardless of your financial situation
*Note: Severance negotiations are handled separately from our contingency fee structure. Schedule your free consultation today to discuss your options.
Ready to Share Your Story?
When your career has been derailed unfairly, you deserve an advocate who will fight for the justice you deserve.
Schedule your free 30-minute consultation to discuss your situation, understand your rights, and explore your options.
No pressure, no obligation.
Common Questions About Employment Discrimination in California
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Under California employment law, it may be discrimination if you experienced negative treatment at work related to your pregnancy, gender, family responsibilities, disability, or age. Common warning signs include sudden performance issues after announcing pregnancy, being passed over for opportunities after requesting an accommodation, or facing different standards than your male colleagues. A free consultation with Gaulin Law can help determine if you have a legal case.
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At Gaulin Law, our employment discrimination and wrongful termination cases in San Diego and across California are handled on contingency. That means you pay nothing upfront and nothing during your case. We only get paid if we win compensation for you, and our fee is paid directly from that settlement or award. If we do not win, you owe us nothing. Severance negotiations are handled under a separate fee structure.
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Most employment discrimination cases in California follow a general process: filing a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD), an investigation period, and then either a negotiated settlement or litigation. Some cases resolve in a few months through negotiation, while others that go to litigation can take a year or more. Gaulin Law will give you realistic expectations during your consultation and keep you informed at every stage.
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California employment discrimination claims have specific filing deadlines known as statutes of limitations. In most cases, you must file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) within three years of the discriminatory act. However, deadlines can vary depending on the type of claim and the laws involved. If you are facing discrimination, retaliation, or a hostile work environment, contact Gaulin Law in Encinitas as soon as possible so we can evaluate your case and preserve your rights.
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Gaulin Law is a women's employment law firm located in Encinitas in North County San Diego. We represent women and mothers in workplace discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination, and severance cases throughout San Diego County, Orange County, Riverside County, Los Angeles County, and all of California.
