Author name: Xinying Valerian

Xinying Valerian is the Founder and Managing Partner of Valerian Law, where she represents employees across California in class action and individual employment matters, including wage and hour, discrimination, and whistleblower cases. A seasoned trial lawyer and negotiator, she has helped secure over $44 million in class and representative action settlements and numerous six- and seven-figure individual recoveries. Xinying is known for her leadership in high-profile employment cases against major technology companies and for providing trusted, empathetic advocacy for women and workers of color.

paga attorney

California’s Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA)

When employers violate workers’ rights, PAGA gives employees the power to enforce the law and protect others. Under California’s Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA), employees can step into the shoes of the state and take legal action against employers that violate the Labor Code. But this is about more than individual claims. PAGA empowers employees […]

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disability discrimination in the workplace

Workplace Disability Rights & Accommodations in CA

Disability discrimination in the workplace remains one of the most pressing issues employees face today. Even though federal and state laws provide strong protections, workers often find themselves dealing with bias, denial of reasonable accommodations, or even retaliation after disclosing a disability. Understanding your rights is the first step to protecting yourself and ensuring fair

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EqualPayValerian

Equal Pay Issues in Incentive Compensation Packages – Legal Guide

Incentive or Equity compensation has become an increasingly common benefit in California, especially in the tech and startup sectors. Instead of offering only salary and traditional benefits, many employers provide stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs), or other equity-based incentives as part of an employee’s compensation package. Research shows that a lot of inequities exist

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Wage theft california

Class Action 101: How Workers Can Stand Together Against Wage Theft

Wage theft is a serious issue in California, affecting workers across industries, from farm laborers to tech workers. It occurs when employers fail to pay workers what they are legally owed. This can include unpaid overtime, forcing employees to work off the clock, denying meal or rest breaks, or misclassifying workers to avoid paying benefits.

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Overtime in California

“Is My Job Cheating Me Out of Overtime?” – Overtime in California

If you’ve ever worked late and wondered whether you’re being paid fairly, you’re not alone. Many workers across California don’t realize they may be owed overtime pay, or worse, are being cheated out of it altogether. California labor laws are some of the strongest in the country when it comes to protecting workers, but that

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Neurodivergence in the Workplace

Neurodivergence in the Workplace: Legal Rights, Challenges, and Opportunities

Neurodivergence is an umbrella term that encompasses a range of neurological differences, including but not limited to autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other cognitive or developmental variations. As awareness of neurodiversity grows, so does the responsibility of employers to create inclusive work environments and the opportunity for employees to advocate for meaningful accommodations. Neurodivergent employees bring

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Employee rights under labor laws in California regarding breaks, Meal break rules under labor laws in California, Paid rest breaks: What labor laws in California state, Understanding labor laws in California for workplace breaks, Worker rights: labor laws in California for meal and rest periods

Labor Laws in California: Your Right to Meal and Rest Breaks at Work

Feel pressured to work through breaks? In California, meal and rest breaks are protected legal rights that employers must provide you under California’s labor laws. This simple guide explains what these laws require and what you should do if your rights are violated. Meal Breaks: Your Rights Under California’s Labor Laws Understanding your meal break

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