# The Garza Firm > https://www.thegarzafirm.com > Last Updated: 2026-06-12 The Garza Firm has extensive legal experience representing employees and students who are victims of sexual harassment, sexual assault and discrimination. As former BigLaw partners, our lawyers bring over 60 years of combined legal experience handling the toughest, most sophisticated cases, representing individuals who have suffered harassment, abuse or discrimination at companies and academic institutions like the University of Southern California (USC) and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Despite having helped victims recover over a billion dollars in compensation for their injuries, The Garza Firm understands sexual harassment and discrimination continues to occur every day at workplaces and college campuses across California. The Garza Firm uses its unique experience, determination and dedication in its efforts to obtain the best possible results for its clients in each and every case. The Garza Firm doesn’t simply level the playing field between individuals and juggernaut institutions — its experience and determination provides its clients the edge. ## Contact - Phone: +1-949-570-8350 - Address: 4100 Newport Place Drive, Suite 770, Newport Beach, CA 92660 ## Locations - Newport Beach, CA - +1-949-570-8350 Areas served: California ## Practice Areas - Discrimination - Gender Discrimination - National Origin Discrimination - Race Discrimination - Retaliation - Sexual Abuse - Sexual Assault - Sexual Harassment - Internal & Independent Investigations - Personal Injury - Business Restructuring & Reorganization ## Attorneys - Sharyl B. Garza: https://www.thegarzafirm.com/sharyl-b-garza/ Sharyl Bilas Garza has over thirty years of experience representing clients in all aspects of litigation, including claims of sexual harassment, sexual abuse & more. - Oscar Garza: https://www.thegarzafirm.com/oscar-garza/ Since co-founding The Garza Firm, Oscar Garza has represented victims of sexual harassment, sexual abuse, sexual assault, and more. - Alex E. Cunny: https://www.thegarzafirm.com/alex-e-cunny/ Alex E. Cunny is a complex litigator and trial attorney who has spent his entire career zealously advocating for victims of sexual abuse and harassment. ## Key Pages - Homepage: https://www.thegarzafirm.com/ - Blog: https://www.thegarzafirm.com/blog/ - Contact: https://www.thegarzafirm.com/contact-us/ ## Reviews - Rating: 5/5 based on 140 reviews ## Practice Area Details ### California Sexual Harassment & Discrimination Lawyer https://www.thegarzafirm.com/ California sexual harassment & discrimination attorneys at The Garza Firm get justice & compensation for clients in throughout the state. ### California Discrimination Lawyer https://www.thegarzafirm.com/california-discrimination-lawyer/ Discrimination can be a challenge, especially in the workplace. If you have been affected, contact a California discrimination lawyer from The Garza Firm. ### California Gender Discrimination Lawyer https://www.thegarzafirm.com/california-gender-discrimination-lawyer/ A California gender discrimination lawyer from The Garza Firm can help you understand the next steps. You have the right to work in a safe environment. ### California National Origin Discrimination Lawyer https://www.thegarzafirm.com/california-national-origin-discrimination-lawyer/ Seek legal help from a California national origin discrimination lawyer from The Garza Firm. We can help you understand your legal rights and options. ### California Race Discrimination Lawyer https://www.thegarzafirm.com/california-race-discrimination-lawyer/ If you have faced harassment or discrimination, seek legal help from a California race discrimination lawyer from The Garza Firm. ### California Retaliation Lawyer https://www.thegarzafirm.com/california-retaliation-lawyer/ Seek legal help from an California retaliation lawyer from The Garza Firm. We’ll help you understand your legal rights. ### California Sexual Abuse Lawyer https://www.thegarzafirm.com/california-sexual-abuse-lawyer/ Contact a California sexual abuse lawyer from The Garza Firm for the right help so you and our child can move on. ### California Sexual Assault Lawyer https://www.thegarzafirm.com/california-sexual-assault-lawyer/ A California sexual assault lawyer from The Garza Firm can help you understand the process and protect your legal rights. ### California Sexual Harassment Lawyer https://www.thegarzafirm.com/california-sexual-harassment-lawyer/ We have 50 years of combined experience helping victims fight back. Contact a California sexual harassment lawyer today to get started on your case. ### California Sexual Harassment, Abuse & Assault Lawyer https://www.thegarzafirm.com/california-sexual-harassment-abuse-assault-lawyer/ If you believe that you have been the victim of sexual harassment, sexual assault or sexual abuse, contact our experienced California sexual harassment lawyers. ### California Business Restructuring & Reorganization Lawyer https://www.thegarzafirm.com/california-business-restructuring-reorganization-lawyer/ Be sure to hire California business restructuring & reorganization lawyers with a successful track record in business bankruptcy and insolvency matters. ### California Internal & Independent Investigations Lawyer https://www.thegarzafirm.com/california-internal-independent-investigations-lawyer/ Contact The Garza Firm for timely & critical internal & independent investigations in your sexual harassment, sexual abuse, or employment discrimination matter. ### California Personal Injury Lawyer https://www.thegarzafirm.com/california-personal-injury-lawyer/ California personal injury & wrongful death lawyers at The Garza Firm help car crash & other accident victims get compensation for harm caused by negligence. ### Newport Beach Gender Discrimination Lawyer https://www.thegarzafirm.com/newport-beach-gender-discrimination-lawyer/ Newport Beach employment law attorneys at The Garza Firm fight workplace sex & gender discrimination, including gender identity & expression discrimination. ### Newport Beach National Origin Discrimination Lawyer https://www.thegarzafirm.com/newport-beach-national-origin-discrimination-lawyer/ Newport Beach employment law attorneys at The Garza Firm help workers subjected to discrimination or harassment based on their country of national origin. ### Newport Beach Race Discrimination Lawyer https://www.thegarzafirm.com/newport-beach-race-discrimination-lawyer/ Newport Beach employment law attorneys at The Garza Firm get remedies & compensation for victims of race discrimination & racial harassment in the workplace. ### Newport Beach Retaliation Lawyer https://www.thegarzafirm.com/newport-beach-retaliation-lawyer/ Newport Breach employment law attorneys at The Garza Firm file claims for employees who were unlawfully retaliated against for engaging in protected activity. ### Newport Beach Sexual Abuse Lawyer https://www.thegarzafirm.com/newport-beach-sexual-abuse-lawyer/ Newport Beach sexual harassment attorneys at The Garza Firm help sexual abuse victims in Los Angles & Orange County obtain justice & compensation for their harm ### Newport Beach Sexual Assault Lawyer https://www.thegarzafirm.com/newport-beach-sexual-assault-lawyer/ Newport Beach sexual harassment attorneys at The Garza Firm help victims of sexual assault hold colleges, universities & other institutions liable for abuse. ### Newport Beach Sexual Harassment Lawyer https://www.thegarzafirm.com/newport-beach-sexual-harassment-lawyer/ Newport Beach employment law attorneys at The Garza Firm fight for victims of quid pro quo & hostile workplace environment sexual harassment & discrimination. ### Irvine Discrimination Lawyer https://www.thegarzafirm.com/irvine-discrimination-lawyer/ Irvine employment law attorneys at The Garza Firm represent victims of workplace discrimination based on sex, gender, race, color, age & more protected factors. ### Irvine Gender Discrimination Lawyer https://www.thegarzafirm.com/irvine-gender-discrimination-lawyer/ Irvine employment law attorneys The Garza Firm fight to stop gender discrimination of workers discriminated or harassed based on gender identity or expression. ### Irvine National Origin Discrimination Lawyer https://www.thegarzafirm.com/irvine-national-origin-discrimination-lawyer/ Irvine employment law attorneys at The Garza Firm get compensation for applicants & employees harmed by national origin discrimination under Title VII or FEHA. ### Irvine Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment Lawyer https://www.thegarzafirm.com/irvine-quid-pro-quo-harassment-lawyer/ Irvine employment discrimination attorneys at The Garza Firm victims of quid pro quo sexual harassment in the workplace get compensation for illegal harassment. ### Irvine Race Discrimination Lawyer https://www.thegarzafirm.com/irvine-race-discrimination-lawyer/ Irvine employment discrimination attorneys at The Garza Firm fight unlawful race discrimination & racial harassment in Los Angeles & Orange County workplaces. ### Irvine Workplace Retaliation Claims Lawyer https://www.thegarzafirm.com/irvine-retaliation-lawyer/ Irvine employment discrimination attorneys at The Garza Firm file retaliation claims for workers retaliated against for engaging in lawfully protected conduct. ### Irvine Sexual Abuse Lawyer https://www.thegarzafirm.com/irvine-sexual-abuse-lawyer/ Irvine employment law attorneys at The Garza Firm help sexual abuse victims get compensation from their employer for harm suffered due to employer’s negligence. ### Irvine Sexual Assault Lawyer https://www.thegarzafirm.com/irvine-sexual-assault-lawyer/ Irvine employment law attorneys at The Garza Firm help workers bring sexual assault claims against perpetrators & employers to recover compensation for harm. ### Irvine Sexual Harassment Lawyer https://www.thegarzafirm.com/irvine-sexual-harassment-lawyer/ Irvine employment discrimination attorneys at The Garza Firm help victims of sexual harassment recover compensation for quid pro quo & hostile work environment. ### Los Angeles Discrimination Lawyer https://www.thegarzafirm.com/los-angeles-discrimination-lawyer/ Our Los Angeles discrimination lawyer explains more about spotting discrimination in the workplace, and what you can do about it. ### Los Angeles Gender Discrimination Lawyer https://www.thegarzafirm.com/los-angeles-gender-discrimination-lawyer/ If you feel as though you are not being treated fairly at work, it is important to speak to a Los Angeles gender discrimination lawyer who can advise on your case. ### Los Angeles National Origin Discrimination Lawyer https://www.thegarzafirm.com/los-angeles-national-origin-discrimination-lawyer/ If you have been treated unfairly, our Los Angeles national origin discrimination lawyer can advise you of your legal rights. ### Los Angeles Race Discrimination Lawyer https://www.thegarzafirm.com/los-angeles-race-discrimination-lawyer/ Our Los Angeles race discrimination lawyer can help you obtain the full damages that are rightfully yours. ### Los Angeles Retaliation Lawyer https://www.thegarzafirm.com/los-angeles-retaliation-lawyer/ If you feel as though your employer has retaliated against you, our Los Angeles retaliation lawyer can advise you of your legal rights. ### Los Angeles Sexual Abuse Lawyer https://www.thegarzafirm.com/los-angeles-sexual-abuse-lawyer/ If you or a loved one has suffered from this behavior, our Los Angeles sexual abuse lawyer can help you through this difficult time. ### Los Angeles Sexual Assault Lawyer https://www.thegarzafirm.com/los-angeles-sexual-assault-lawyer/ If you have suffered due to another person’s inappropriate or illegal behavior, our Los Angeles sexual assault lawyer can help you. ### Los Angeles Sexual Harassment Lawyer https://www.thegarzafirm.com/los-angeles-sexual-harassment-lawyer/ If someone has behaved inappropriately, our Los Angeles sexual harassment lawyer can help you right the wrong. ## Recent Articles ### The Garza Firm Successfully Thwarts USC’s Efforts to Inappropriately Intimidate and Silence Our Client https://www.thegarzafirm.com/the-garza-firm-successfully-thwarts-uscs-efforts-to-inappropriately-intimidate-and-silence-our-client/ (2025-10-14) The Garza Firm Successfully Thwarts USC’s Efforts to (a) Silence a Sexual Assault Victim (our client, Iris Kim) and (b) Attempt to Destroy Evidence in a Pending Lawsuit (our client, Kyu Ri Kim). ## Frequently Asked Questions Q: Is It Ever Okay to Discriminate Based on Gender? A: In limited situations, employers can make employment decisions based on gender when hiring or assigning a person of a specific gender is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification (BFOQ). Under California law, a BFOQ exists when a job requires conducting body searches or observing another person in a state of nudity if it would be offensive to prevailing social standards if a person of another gender were present, and it would be mentally or physically harmful to the person being searched or obse... Q: What Is Quid Pro Quo Harassment? A: The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission defines quid pro quo harassment as “submission to or rejection of unwelcome sexual conduct by an individual” when used as the basis for employment decisions. Literally, quid pro quo translates to “what for what” in Latin, essentially meaning a “favor for a favor.” As such, quid pro quo harassment occurs when an employer, boss, manager, or other person of authority offers or hints at a bonus, raise, or other employment advancement in exch... Q: Are Threats That Are Never Carried Through Quid Pro Quo Harassment? A: If a manager threatens to fire an employee if she refuses to accept his request for sex, for example, and the employee refuses but the manager never carries out the threat by firing her, it is unlikely that she will be able to prove that quid pro quo harassment took place. The threat typically has to be made good upon. However, in this scenario the employee might be able to file a claim for a hostile work environment. The compensation that an employee can recover in both types of these sexual... Q: What Qualifies as Gender Discrimination in California? A: The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), the California Fair Pay Act, and the California Equal Pay Act are just some of the laws that seek to identify and prohibit gender discrimination in the workplace. It is important to note these laws cover both “sex” and “gender” discrimination. “Sex” is generally used to refer to a person’s assigned gender at birth, while “gender” is how a person chooses to identify. Indeed, California law makes it clear that gender discr... Q: How Do You Prove Quid Pro Quo Harassment? A: California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) prohibits quid pro quo harassment in the workplace. There are three basic elements involved in such harassment: Basically, if you are promised any sort of job-related benefit in exchange for a sexual favor–such as a raise or promotion–that is quid pro quo harassment. Similarly, if you are punished in any way–e.g. fired or assigned to a less desirable shift–in retaliation for rejecting such an advance, that is also harassment. In sh... Q: What Is Considered Sexual Harassment in the Workplace? A: Sexual harassment is a form of illegal sex-based discrimination under the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Sexual harassment can be divided into two broad categories: Quid pro quo harassment is often the easier type to prove. Some common examples include: As for hostile work environment harassment, there must be proof of conduct that is either “severe” or “pervasive” enough to affect your ability to do your job. A jury will lo... --- Detailed version — see https://www.thegarzafirm.com/llms.txt for summary Generated by MileMark Schema Pro