Firm Home · Legal Resources · Legal FAQs

Documentation

What records, emails, and evidence to preserve when preparing a California employment or wage-and-hour claim.

Start with a timeline

Write a dated list: hire, promotions, complaints, medical leave, write-ups, schedule cuts, and termination. Dates often matter more than adjectives. If you already complained internally, keep the email or HR ticket number.

Records that frequently matter

Pay stubs, time records, schedules, and reimbursement receipts for wage and hour claims
Offer letters, handbooks, and performance reviews (especially a sudden drop after protected activity)
Emails, texts, Slack, and photos of whiteboard or posted schedules
Medical notes, leave paperwork, and accommodation requests for disability accommodation issues
Names of witnesses and managers—not just “HR”

For retaliation-specific proof, see the retaliation evidence guide. For filing windows, see filing deadlines.

Do not wait to copy what you can lawfully keep

Forward personal copies of emails you are allowed to retain. Do not take confidential trade-secret files or other employees’ private data. If access may be cut off at termination, export what is yours first. Then use the intake form or Contact Us to send a short summary.

Call (800) 566-4868 Contact Us

Common questions

Answers we give on every page before you call. More detail is on our full FAQ page.

Do I have a case?

If you faced discrimination, harassment, retaliation, unpaid wages, wrongful termination, leave denial, or a refused disability accommodation, you may have claims. Whether your facts support a case depends on the evidence, deadlines, and applicable law—we evaluate that in consultation.

How much does it cost?

Initial consultations are typically free. If we take the matter, fees are usually explained in a written agreement before you hire us. Many employment cases are handled on contingency (see below).

Do you work on contingency?

In many employment matters, yes—attorney fees may be collected only if there is a recovery, subject to a signed fee agreement. Costs and fee arrangements can vary by case type; we confirm the terms up front.

How long will my case take?

Some matters resolve in months; contested lawsuits can take a year or longer through discovery, mediation, arbitration, or trial. Timing depends on the claims, court or arbitrator calendars, and whether the other side fights. See how long employment lawsuits take.

What should I bring?

Bring or upload what you have: a short timeline, pay stubs or time records, emails and texts, write-ups or reviews, medical or leave paperwork, and the names of witnesses or managers. See our documentation guide.

Free consultation?

Yes—initial consultations are typically free and confidential. Contacting us does not create an attorney–client relationship until there is a signed written agreement.

What happens after I contact you?

Our intake team reviews what you send, follows up if we need more detail, and screens deadlines and claim types. If the matter may be a fit, we schedule a consultation to discuss options, risks, and next steps—or we let you know promptly if we cannot help.