Unpaid Wages Lawyer in Bakersfield
If your employer has withheld wages, overtime, or benefits you’ve earned, you don’t have to fight alone. Our Bakersfield unpaid wages attorneys pursue every dollar you’re owed, enforce your legal rights, and hold employers accountable while maximizing your recovery.
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Only Pay When You Win
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Fighting for Every Dollar You’ve Earned
You work hard for your paycheck. It’s a simple agreement: you provide your time and labor, and your employer pays you what you are legally owed. Unfortunately, too many employers in Bakersfield and across Kern County break this fundamental promise. Whether through intentional wage theft or careless errors, failing to pay employees their rightful wages is illegal, and it can throw your life into financial chaos.
At Marquee Advocacy Group, we believe that every worker deserves to be paid fully and fairly for their labor. If your employer has withheld your wages, denied you overtime, or violated California’s labor laws, you don’t have to accept it. Our experienced unpaid wages lawyers in Bakersfield are here to fight for you. We stand up to companies that try to boost their profits by taking money out of their employees' pockets, and we work tirelessly to recover every cent you are owed.
You are not just a number on a payroll sheet. You are a hardworking individual, and your labor has value. When that value is disrespected, we are here to be your voice and your strength.
YOU DON’T PAY UNLESS WE WIN
What is Wage Theft? Common Violations We Fight
Wage theft can take many forms, from blatant refusal to pay to complex schemes designed to confuse employees. California has some of the strongest wage and hour laws in the country, but violations are still widespread. Our Bakersfield employment attorneys have seen it all and are prepared to handle any type of unpaid wage claim, including:
Unpaid Overtime
California requires 1.5× pay for hours over 8 in a day or 40 in a week, and for the first 8 hours on the seventh day. Double-time is owed after 12 hours in a day or 8 hours on the seventh day. Many employers ignore or miscalculate these rules
Minimum Wage Violations
All California employers must pay at least the state minimum wage. Paying below this rate is a direct violation of wage and hour law.
Off-the-Clock Work
Employees must be paid for all time under employer control, including working through breaks, preparing for shifts before clocking in, or completing tasks after clocking out.
Employee Misclassification
Employers often label workers as independent contractors or exempt managers to avoid overtime, breaks, and benefits. If you’re treated like an employee but classified otherwise, you may be misclassified.
Illegal Deductions
Employers cannot take the cost of uniforms, tools, or business losses from your paycheck without your clear, written consent.
Meal & Rest Break Violations
California requires a 30-minute meal break after 5 hours and a 10-minute paid rest break every 4 hours. If these are denied, employees earn one hour of pay per missed break.
Withheld Final Paychecks
Final wages must be paid immediately upon termination or on the last day if you quit with 72 hours’ notice. Late payment triggers waiting time penalties—one day’s wages for each day delayed, up to 30 days.
About Marquee Advocacy Group
At Marquee Advocacy Group, we believe employees are the backbone of Bakersfield’s economy. From farmworkers and oilfield crews to nurses, teachers, and office professionals, Kern County thrives because of its workforce. Yet too often, these workers are underpaid, overworked, or mistreated.
Our firm was built to level the playing field. As a premier Bakersfield labor law firm, we focus exclusively on employee representation—not employers. We’ve built a reputation for fighting aggressively in cases such as:
Get Your Free ConsultationWrongful Termination
Being fired for reasons that violate the law—such as discrimination, retaliation, or refusing to participate in illegal activities. We help employees who were let go unfairly get compensation, lost wages, and justice.
Workplace Discrimination
Employees cannot be treated differently because of their age, gender, race, disability, religion, national origin, pregnancy, or other protected characteristics. Discrimination can include unfair treatment, denied promotions, reduced hours, or being replaced due to bias.
Workplace Harassment & Hostile Work Environments
Harassment can be verbal, physical, or sexual. It includes offensive jokes, unwanted touching, intimidation, or any behavior that creates a toxic or unsafe environment. We help victims hold employers accountable for failing to stop harassment.
Workplace Retaliation
It is illegal for employers to punish employees for reporting wrongdoing, filing complaints, requesting accommodations, or standing up for their legal rights. Retaliation can include termination, demotion, cut hours, threats, or negative performance reviews.
Unpaid Wages and Overtime
Many workers don’t receive the pay they are legally owed. This includes unpaid overtime, minimum wage violations, missed meal/rest breaks, withheld commissions, or off-the-clock work. We fight to recover every dollar employees deserve.
Employee Misclassification
Some employers wrongly label workers as “independent contractors” or “salaried exempt employees” to avoid paying overtime, benefits, or providing legal protections. We help employees challenge misclassification and recover unpaid wages and benefits.
Leave of Absence Violations
Workers are legally entitled to certain leaves—such as family leave, medical leave, pregnancy leave, and disability leave. Employers cannot deny these leaves, cut hours, demote employees, or fire them for taking time off legally.
Breach of Employment Contracts
If an employer breaks a written, verbal, or implied agreement—whether related to pay, job duties, termination terms, or benefits—the employee may have a legal claim. We help enforce contractual rights and seek compensation.
Whistleblower Protection
Employees who report unsafe working conditions, fraud, wage theft, or illegal activity are protected by law. Employers cannot fire or punish whistleblowers. We help ensure their rights are protected and pursue damages when retaliation occurs.
Why Employees Across Bakersfield Trust Us?
The truth is, many workers hesitate to contact an attorney because they fear retaliation, costs, or the complexity of the legal system. But at Marquee Advocacy Group, we make the process simple, accessible, and risk-free.
No Win, No Money Promise
You pay nothing unless we win your case. Our contingency model ensures every worker—no matter their financial situation—gets fair access to justice.
Local Experience
Our team understands Bakersfield’s industries firsthand, from agriculture and oil to healthcare and education. We know the challenges local workers face every day.
Focused on Employment Law
We don’t handle every type of case—only workplace law. This exclusive focus allows us to deliver stronger strategies and better results for employees.
When you need an employment lawyer in Bakersfield, you deserve someone who understands not only the law but also the industries and pressures unique to Kern County.
YOU DON’T PAY UNLESS WE WIN
Industries at High Risk for Wage Violations in Bakersfield
While wage theft can happen in any industry, we often see a high number of violations in sectors that are crucial to Bakersfield’s economy, including:
Oil and Gas
The demanding schedules and complex pay structures in the oil fields can lead to frequent overtime violations and misclassification issues.
Agriculture
Farmworkers are among the most vulnerable employees and often face minimum wage violations and failure to pay for all hours worked.
Construction
Prevailing wage laws on public works projects are often violated, and workers may be denied proper overtime pay.
Hospitality and Retail
These industries frequently see violations related to off-the-clock work, missed breaks, and tip disputes.
No matter your industry, if you suspect your employer is not paying you correctly, you have the right to seek justice.
Recent Victories
From executives to construction workers, we fight for people who have been wronged. Below is a selection of our recent results.
Disability Discrimination
Wage & Hour Class Action
Retaliation - Leave
Gender Discrimination
Association - With Disabled Family Member
Racial Discrimination
Wage & Hour Class Action
Sexual Harassment
* Past results don't guarantee future outcomes. Every case is unique.
Real Stories. Real Results.
Over $100 Million recovered for our clients. Here is what they have to say about working with us.
D. Valenzuela
Employment Law Client
Phil Leggett
Employment Law Client
Shane Steiner
Employment Law Client
Jeff Phillips
Employment Law Client
YOU DON'T PAY UNLESS WE WIN
Why You Need an Unpaid Wages Lawyer
Facing off against an employer can be intimidating. They have resources, HR departments, and corporate lawyers on their side. Hiring a dedicated Bakersfield unpaid wages lawyer from Marquee Advocates levels the playing field and gives you the power to fight back effectively.
We Know the Law Inside and Out
California’s Labor Code is complex, but we understand every nuance. We calculate the full value of your claim—including unpaid wages, interest, liquidated damages, and statutory penalties that can double or triple what you’re owed.
You Pay Nothing Upfront
We take unpaid wage cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning no out-of-pocket costs. We invest our time and resources into your case and only get paid if we win a settlement or verdict for you.
We Protect You From Retaliation
It’s illegal for your employer to fire, demote, or punish you for filing a wage claim. If they do, we take immediate action by filing additional retaliation or wrongful termination claims to hold them fully accountable.
We Maximize Your Recovery
Employees who file claims alone often miss out on significant penalties. We pursue every dollar available—including wage statement penalties and waiting time penalties—to ensure you recover the maximum compensation allowed by law.
We Handle Everything for You
From gathering pay stubs and evidence to negotiating with your employer’s attorneys and taking your case to court if necessary, we manage the entire process so you can focus on your life while we fight for justice.
We Build a Strong, Evidence-Backed Case
Wage claims succeed when supported by solid proof. We gather time records, schedules, emails, payroll data, and witness statements to create a clear, undeniable timeline that strengthens your case and boosts your chances of a maximum recovery.
YOU DON’T PAY UNLESS WE WIN
What Can You Recover in an Unpaid Wages Lawsuit?
A successful wage and hour claim can secure far more than just your missing pay. Depending on the specifics of your case, we can fight to recover:
- Unpaid Minimum and Overtime Wages: The foundation of any claim is the actual wages you were denied.
- Interest: You are entitled to interest on your unpaid wages from the date they were due.
- Liquidated Damages: In many cases, you can recover "liquidated damages," which is an amount equal to the unpaid wages plus interest, effectively doubling your recovery.
- Waiting Time Penalties: If your employer failed to pay your final wages on time, you could be awarded up to 30 days of pay.
- Meal and Rest Break Premiums: You can receive one hour of pay for each day you were denied a proper break.
Related Services in Bakersfield
Wrongful Termination Lawyer in Bakersfield
Workplace Harassment Lawyer in Bakersfield
Workplace Retaliation Lawyer in Bakersfield
Unpaid Wages Lawyer in Bakersfield
Employee Misclassification Lawyer in Bakersfield
Leave of Absence Attorney in Bakersfield
Breach of Employment Contract Lawyer in Bakersfield
Whistleblower Protection Lawyer in Bakersfield
Frequently Asked Questions
The deadlines, or statutes of limitation, can be complex. Generally, you have three years to file a lawsuit for most wage violations, including unpaid overtime and minimum wage. For some claims, like those based on a written contract, you may have up to four years. Because these deadlines are strict, it is vital to speak with an attorney as soon as you suspect a problem.
Don't Wait to Reclaim Your Hard-Earned Money
Your paycheck is your livelihood. When an employer fails to pay you what you've earned, they are not just breaking the law—they are putting your financial stability at risk. At Marquee Advocacy Group, we are passionate about defending the rights of Bakersfield’s workers. We have the experience, resources, and dedication to hold employers accountable and recover the wages you are rightfully owed.
The first step is a free, confidential consultation. There is no risk and no obligation. Contact us today to tell us your story. Let us show you how we can fight for you. Remember our promise: you pay nothing unless we win.
YOU DON’T PAY UNLESS WE WIN