Whistleblower Protection Lawyer in Bakersfield
If you were punished for speaking up about illegal or unethical practices at work, you’re not alone. Our Bakersfield whistleblower protection attorneys defend your rights, stop retaliation, and fight to secure justice, safety, and the compensation you deserve for doing the right thing.
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No Upfront Costs Or Fees
Only Pay When You Win
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Courage Has a Voice. We Make Sure It’s Protected
Doing the right thing is rarely easy. Exposing illegal activity, fraud, or dangerous practices at your job is an act that requires a special kind of courage. People who take this brave step—known as whistleblowers—are more than just employees; they are guardians of public trust, protectors of taxpayer money, and often the last line of defense against corporate greed and corruption. You are a hero, but you should not have to be a martyr.
The moment you decide to speak out, you may feel isolated and vulnerable. Your employer, a powerful entity with immense resources, may turn against you. They may threaten your job, your reputation, and your financial security. This is why California and the federal government have enacted powerful whistleblower protection laws. These laws are designed to be your shield, allowing you to report wrongdoing without fear of reprisal.
At Marquee Advocacy Group, we are champions for the courageous. Our Bakersfield Whistleblower Protection Lawyers are dedicated to defending employees who dare to expose the truth. We understand the enormous pressure you are under and the high stakes involved. We combine aggressive legal strategy with compassionate client care to protect not only your rights but your future. If you have witnessed wrongdoing, you don't have to carry this burden alone. We will stand with you, protect you, and fight for you every step of the way.
YOU DON’T PAY UNLESS WE WIN
California Labor Code § 1102.5
This is California’s primary whistleblower protection law and one of the strongest in the country. It protects employees in both the public and private sectors. Under this law, you are protected if you report information that you have "reasonable cause to believe" is a violation of a local, state, or federal law, rule, or regulation. Key features include:
Internal and External Reporting
You are protected whether you report the wrongdoing to an external government or law enforcement agency, or internally to a supervisor or someone else in the company with the authority to investigate and correct the issue.
Protection for Refusing to Participate
The law also protects you from retaliation if you refuse to participate in an activity that would result in a violation of the law.
Job Duties Don't Matter
Even if reporting violations is part of your job description (e.g., you are a compliance officer), you are still protected from retaliation for doing so.
Effective January 1, 2025, California law has been enhanced, now requiring all employers to post a notice informing employees of their whistleblower rights, underscoring the state's commitment to protecting those who speak up.
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
The National Impact: Why Whistleblowers Are Crucial
The data on whistleblower cases reveals a stunning truth: individual employees are the single most effective weapon against corporate and government fraud. The financial recoveries and the prevalence of retaliation highlight why expert legal help is indispensable.
- In 2024, a former employee of the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training won an $8.7 million jury award in a whistleblower retaliation lawsuit she filed against the agency.
- The High Risk of Retaliation: The courage to report comes at a high price. The 2023 Global Business Ethics Survey found that 46% of U.S. employees who reported misconduct experiencing some form of retribution.
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 Absolutely Need a Whistleblower Lawyer
Navigating a whistleblower claim is one of the most complex and high-stakes endeavors in the legal world. Attempting to do this alone is not just ill-advised; it can be catastrophic to your claim and your career.
To Protect Your Identity and Your Career
We understand that your career is on the line. We take every possible step to protect your confidentiality. If retaliation does occur, we will immediately act to protect your rights.
To Maximize Your Financial Recovery
We fight to ensure you receive the maximum possible reward. In a retaliation case, we pursue every category of damages you are owed, including lost wages, emotional distress, and punitive damages designed to punish the employer.
To Counter Powerful Corporate Law Firms
The moment you blow the whistle, you are going up against a company with a team of high-priced lawyers whose only job is to discredit you and defeat your claim. You need an equally powerful legal team in your corner. We level the playing field.
The Marquee Method: No Win, No Money
At Marquee Advocacy Group, we believe that the heroes who expose fraud and corruption should not be blocked by the cost of legal fees. Our No Win, No Money Marquee Method is our commitment to ensuring justice is accessible to everyone with the courage to come forward.
You Pay Nothing Upfront
We handle whistleblower retaliation and qui tam cases on a contingency fee basis. This means there are absolutely no upfront costs or hourly fees. We front all the costs of litigation, which can be substantial.
We Only Get Paid If You Win
Our fee is a percentage of the money we recover for you. In a retaliation case, this comes from your settlement or verdict. In a qui tam case, our fee comes out of the reward you receive from the government.
No Win, No Money—A Firm Promise
If we are not successful in recovering money for you, you owe us absolutely nothing. This model removes all financial risk from your decision to pursue justice and ensures our interests are perfectly aligned with yours.
YOU DON’T PAY UNLESS WE WIN
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
You don't have to be a lawyer or be 100% correct. The legal standard under California Labor Code § 1102.5 is that you must have "reasonable cause to believe" that a violation occurred. As long as your belief is reasonable, even if you are ultimately mistaken, you are protected from retaliation.
Your Courage Deserves a Champion. Contact Us Today.
Your decision to speak out against wrongdoing could save taxpayer money, protect public safety, and bring an end to illegal and unethical practices. It is an act of profound integrity, and you do not have to walk this path alone.
If you have witnessed fraud or other illegal activities at your workplace, contact Marquee Advocacy Group for a 100% free and completely confidential consultation. Let our experienced Bakersfield Whistleblower Protection Lawyers review your case, explain your rights, and help you devise a safe and effective strategy. Your identity and your career are our top priorities. Take the first brave step—let us provide the protection you need to see it through.
YOU DON’T PAY UNLESS WE WIN