Where to Find an Age Discrimination Attorney in San Francisco 2026

Age discrimination in the workplace is illegal, yet many San Francisco employees face unfair treatment due to their age. If you’ve been passed over for promotions, wrongfully terminated, or subjected to a hostile work environment because of your age, you need a San Francisco age discrimination attorney to protect your rights. Here’s how to find the best legal representation in the Bay Area.

Understanding Age Discrimination Laws in California

Before searching for an attorney, it’s essential to understand the laws that protect you:

Federal Law: The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) protects employees aged 40 and older from discrimination in hiring, firing, promotions, and benefits.
California Law: The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) offers even stronger protections, covering employers with five or more employees—a lower threshold than the ADEA’s 20-employee requirement.

If you suspect age discrimination, document everything—emails, performance reviews, witness statements—and consult an attorney as soon as possible.

Where to Find a Qualified Age Discrimination Attorney in San Francisco

1. Legal Directories

Start your search with trusted legal directories:

California State Bar Association: Use the State Bar’s attorney search tool to verify licenses and check for disciplinary history.
Avvo: This platform provides attorney ratings, reviews, and detailed profiles, including experience with age discrimination cases.
Martindale-Hubbell: A reputable directory for finding attorneys with peer reviews and client feedback.

Pro Tip: Look for attorneys with high ratings in employment law and specific experience handling age discrimination cases in San Francisco.

2. Local Referrals

Colleagues or Friends: Ask if they’ve worked with an employment attorney in San Francisco. Personal referrals often lead to trustworthy representation.
San Francisco Bar Association: The Bar Association of San Francisco offers a lawyer referral service to connect you with vetted attorneys.
Nonprofit Organizations: Groups like the AARP or California Employment Lawyers Association (CELA) may provide recommendations or resources for age discrimination cases.

3. Online Reviews and Testimonials

Websites like Google Reviews, Yelp, and Lawyers.com can offer valuable insights into an attorney’s reputation. Pay attention to:

Client testimonials about communication, results, and professionalism.
Case outcomes—have they successfully handled age discrimination lawsuits or settlements in San Francisco?

4. Free Consultations

Most attorneys offer free or low-cost initial consultations. Use this opportunity to:

Ask about their experience with age discrimination cases in San Francisco.
Inquire about their success rate and typical case outcomes.
Discuss fees—many employment attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning you only pay if you win.

Red Flags to Avoid

Not all attorneys are equal. Steer clear of:

Lack of specialization: Avoid general practitioners; you need someone focused on employment law.
Poor communication: If they’re unresponsive during the consultation, they may be worse during your case.
Unrealistic promises: No attorney can guarantee a win, but they should provide a clear strategy.

Next Steps for Victims of Age Discrimination

If you believe you’ve been a victim of age discrimination in San Francisco:

Document everything—emails, performance reviews, witness statements.
File a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
Consult an attorney to explore your legal options, including filing a lawsuit.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right San Francisco age discrimination attorney can make all the difference in your case. By leveraging legal directories, referrals, and consultations, you’ll be well-equipped to choose an advocate who will fight for your rights.