Request a Consultation
(949) 387 - 7200

Practice Areas

Class Action Attorneys for
Employment Law

Serving California & Washington

Serving California & Washington Image

For over two decades, James Hawkins APLC has helped employees stand up to employers and large corporations. We understand the tactics companies use to avoid accountability, and we fight hard to protect your rights and secure justice. If you and your coworkers believe you have grounds for a class action lawsuit, our team can review your situation and guide you through the process. We handle a variety of employment-related class action cases. Explore our practice areas:  

California Practice Image

California
Practice Areas

read more
washington Parctice Image

Washington
Practice Areas

read more

Frequently
Asked
Questions

Below are the top questions we get asked about class actions and how the Law Office of James Hawkins APLC can help guide you through the process.

What is a Class Action?

A class action is a lawsuit filed by one or more individuals on behalf of a larger group of people who have suffered similar harm, often at the hands of the same employer. Instead of each employee filing a separate lawsuit, the claims are combined into one case.

In federal court, class actions are governed by Rule 23 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, which requires:

  • Numerosity: The group is large enough that individual lawsuits would be impractical.
  • Commonality: There are shared legal or factual issues.
  • Typicality: The representative’s claims are typical of the group.
  • Adequacy: The representative and their attorneys can fairly protect the class.

Many wage-and-hour employment cases are also brought as “collective actions” under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which allows workers to pursue unpaid wages and overtime on behalf of similarly situated employees.

James Hawkins APLC focuses on representing employees in employment-related class and collective actions. If you want to learn more about your rights or see if you qualify, reach out today for a free consultation.

The Law Office of James Hawkins APLC focuses on employment-related class and collective actions in California and Washington. Common cases include:

  • Discrimination: Violations of laws such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, including race, gender, age, disability, or other protected-status discrimination.
  • Overtime & Minimum Wage Violations: Unpaid overtime, off-the-clock work, or sub-minimum wages under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and state wage laws.
  • Meal & Rest Break Violations: Failure to provide legally required breaks or premium pay, especially under California law.
  • Wrongful Termination: Unlawful firings based on discrimination, retaliation, or violations of public policy.
  • Sexual Harassment & Hostile Work Environment: Systemic workplace harassment is prohibited by federal and state law.
  • Holiday & Sick Leave Violations: Failure to provide protected leave or retaliation for using it.
  • Business Expense Reimbursement: Failure to reimburse employees for necessary work-related expenses.
  • Consumer-Related Employment Claims: Unlawful business practices that financially harm workers.

Laws like the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 exist to ensure fair pay, safe workplaces, and equal treatment. When employers fail to comply, and violations affect groups of employees, a class or collective action can help hold them accountable and recover unpaid wages and damages.

If you experienced the same workplace violation as other employees, such as unpaid overtime, missed breaks, or discriminatory policies, you may qualify. Our team can review your job duties, pay records, and employer practices to help determine eligibility. Reach out today to get started.

How you join a class action depends on the type of case:
  • Rule 23 Class Actions: If you fall within the class definition, you are typically automatically included once the court certifies the class. You will receive a court-approved notice explaining the case and your right to opt out if you choose.
  • FLSA Collective Actions: Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), you must affirmatively opt in by signing and filing a consent form with the court.
If you believe you may qualify for a class or collective action, the Law Office of James Hawkins APLC can review your situation, confirm your eligibility, and guide you through the process.
Joining a class action against a large corporation allows employees to stand together and level the playing field. Large employers often have significant legal and financial resources, and class actions give workers collective strength. Key benefits include:
  • Strength in Numbers: A unified case increases leverage and impact.
  • Lower Individual Cost: Most employment class actions are handled on a contingency basis, meaning no upfront attorney’s fees.
  • Efficiency: Claims are resolved in a single coordinated case rather than multiple lawsuits.
  • Protection from Retaliation: Federal law, including the Fair Labor Standards Act, prohibits retaliation for asserting wage rights.
  • Meaningful Recovery: Employees may recover unpaid wages, overtime, penalties, and other damages.
When workplace violations affect groups of employees, joining a class action can be one of the most effective ways to hold a large corporation accountable.

Protect Your Rights Today

Think you may be eligible for a class action or have grounds to file one? Contact us today. Our team will listen to your story, review your case, and guide you on the best path forward to protect your rights and seek justice.

schedule a consultation

Industries We Serve

Energy
Health
Sales
Oil and Gas
Labor
Aerospace
Food Service
IT
Real Estate
Pharmaceutical
Education
Agriculture
Independent
Contractor
Construction
Trucking and
Logistics
Manufacturing
Waste
Management
Technology
Retail and
Hospitality
contact us