Enforcing the Rights California Law Protects
We pursue civil rights claims arising from discrimination in public accommodations, housing, business, and government conduct, including cases under the Unruh Civil Rights Act and federal civil rights statutes.
Trujillo & Winnick LLP represents individuals whose civil rights have been violated under California and federal law. Civil rights claims arise in a wide range of settings — clubs and organizations, housing, public accommodations, business dealings, and encounters with government agencies.
Areas of Practice
Public Accommodations & Private Clubs
California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act extends to qualifying private clubs and business establishments. Where a club exercises discriminatory membership or service practices, civil rights claims may arise. Trujillo & Winnick LLP has experience evaluating and litigating claims under the Unruh Act.
Housing Discrimination
The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and federal Fair Housing Act prohibit discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of housing. We evaluate claims arising from discriminatory refusals to rent or sell, differential terms, and discriminatory advertising.
Race, National Origin & Ethnicity
Claims involving adverse treatment based on race, ethnicity, national origin, or ancestry in public, commercial, or organizational settings.
Retaliation for Protected Complaints
When an individual makes a complaint of discrimination or exercises civil rights protected activity and then suffers adverse action, a retaliation claim may arise independent of the underlying discrimination claim.
Government Actor Claims
Claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 against government actors who violate constitutional or civil rights under color of state law.
Litigation Approach
Civil rights litigation often involves contested facts, institutional defendants, and significant procedural complexity. Trujillo & Winnick LLP evaluates each matter carefully for legal merit, available evidence, and damages before recommending litigation.
Each civil rights matter is evaluated on its own facts. Allegations in a complaint are not judicial findings. Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Unruh Civil Rights Act?
California's Unruh Civil Rights Act (Civil Code § 51) prohibits discrimination in business establishments on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, and other protected characteristics. Private clubs that meet the statutory definition of a 'business establishment' may be covered.
What types of civil rights claims do you evaluate?
We evaluate discrimination in public accommodations, private clubs, housing, business dealings, and government action. We also handle Section 1983 civil rights claims involving government actors.