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.

How to Recognize and Document Workplace Discrimination: Tips from a Workplace Discrimination Lawyer

Workplace discrimination can create a toxic environment, undermine employee confidence, and violate legal protections. However, identifying and effectively documenting discriminatory behavior is essential for holding employers accountable. This guide provides practical advice to recognize workplace discrimination and build a strong case, with insights from an experienced workplace discrimination lawyer. What Is Workplace Discrimination? Workplace discrimination occurs when […]

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mediation

MARRIOTT RISKS PREGNANT EMPLOYEE’S HEALTH AND THAT OF HER TWIN NEWBORNS FOR PROFIT

CALIFORNIA LAWSUIT ALLEGES PREGNANCY DISCRIMINATION, PREGNANT WORKERS FAIRNESS ACT VIOLATIONS & RETALIATION On December 11, 2024, Valerian Law filed a complaint on behalf of a client against Marriott International, Inc., Marriott International Administrative Services, Inc., Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, LLC, and the head of sales and marketing for the Westin Maui Resort & Spa. 

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pregnancy discrimination lawyer

The Reality of Workplace Pregnancy Discrimination: When to Consult a Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer

Workplace pregnancy discrimination is a challenging reality that many employees face today, impacting both new and expecting mothers in all sectors. Despite legal protections, outdated assumptions about women’s ability to balance motherhood and work persist, leading to unfair treatment and missed opportunities. This article sheds light on how pregnancy discrimination can affect employment, what federal

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Equal Pay and Promotion in California: What You Need to Know

Have you ever felt a nagging suspicion that you’re being underpaid compared to your colleagues? Or perhaps you’ve watched less qualified coworkers climb the corporate ladder while you remain stuck on the same rung, despite your consistent hard work and positive reviews. If these scenarios sound familiar, you’re not alone, and you may be experiencing

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racial discrimination

Racial Discrimination in Employment – How It Impacts Promotions, Pay & More

Racial discrimination in the workplace remains a persistent issue, affecting employees across various industries in California and beyond.  Employers need to be aware how systemic racism perpetuates itself within organizations, particularly when power over people is abused. Despite laws prohibiting such practices, many workers continue to face unfair treatment based on their race or ethnicity.

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Sue Employer for Misclassification

Misclassified as a Contractor or Manager: Can You Sue Your Employer for Misclassification?

In California, employee misclassification is a serious issue that often leaves workers without the protections and benefits they rightfully deserve. Whether you’re labeled as an independent contractor or given a managerial title that doesn’t match your duties, misclassification can have significant impacts on your rights and compensation. This article aims to help you understand misclassification,

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overtime pay in california

Overtime Pay in California: Misclassified Workers Take Heart, It’s the Employer’s Burden to Prove You Are Not Entitled To Overtime Pay

Misclassified employees in California often face an uphill battle when fighting for overtime pay. Despite the clear legal protections afforded to non-exempt employees under California labor law, many employers continue to misclassify workers as exempt, denying them their rightful overtime wages. Understanding Misclassification One of the most common ways employers misclassify employees is by assigning them

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Microaggressions

Microaggressions: Recognizing and Addressing Subtle Workplace Discrimination

Microaggressions are subtle forms of discrimination often expressed through words or actions, that can create a hostile work environment. While overt discrimination is easier to identify, microaggressions can be more insidious and challenging to address. Understanding these behaviors is crucial for protecting your rights in the workplace. What are Microaggressions? A microaggression is a subtle,

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hostile work environment

Hostile Work Environment: Recognizing and Addressing Workplace Harassment

A hostile work environment in California occurs when harassment or discrimination creates an intimidating, offensive, or hostile atmosphere for employees. This harassment must be: Unwelcome and offensive to the recipient Based on protected characteristics (e.g., race, gender, age, religion, disability) Severe or pervasive enough to alter working conditions Interfering with work performance or psychological well-being

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non compete clause california

Groundbreaking New FTC Rule Bans Non-Compete Clauses Once and For All

By Dan L. Gildor & Xinying Valerian Non-compete clauses prohibit employees from working for competitors or starting their own competing businesses for a certain period after leaving a job. Such clauses have long been viewed as an unscrupulous tool used by companies to unfairly restrict workers’ career mobility, suppress wages, and hamper innovation. Californias Stance

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