Wage and Compensation Disputes Lawyer in San Diego, CA

Wage disputes can happen for a number of reasons. To make matters worse, federal and California labor laws for employee wages can be extensive and complicated.

Fortunately, there are many protections for employees under California employment law. If you believe your employer owes unpaid wages or is under-compensating you or other employees, our firm of experienced employment law attorneys can help you navigate those legal issues.

Understanding California Laws Relating to Wage Discrepancy

If there is any possibility an employer is misclassifying you as an employee, contact an employment law firm to get clarification on those specific laws. Laws apply to anyone classified as a non-exempt employee under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). If you believe you’ve been misclassified as an independent contractor, our law office of employment attorneys can help you navigate your wage claims in accordance with FLSA and the local California Labor Code in San Diego County.

We would be happy to provide context around FLSA, California Labor Law, and San Diego Employment Law, so get in touch if you’d like a case evaluation. Our team can provide legal advice and help you learn more about taking action or getting involved with a class-action lawsuit.

Employment Lawyers Are Helpful If You Need Guidance On:

  • Claims related to California’s hourly minimum wage
  • Unpaid overtime
  • Rest breaks
  • Pay disputes related to hours worked
  • Payroll deductions
  • Employment misclassification
  • Any other scenarios in which you believe your employer is not fairly compensating employees for time worked

About HKM Employment Attorneys

When you need assistance navigating employment law in San Diego, HKM Employment Attorneys would be happy to offer a Consultation to help you better understand local and federal guidelines. Our team is experienced in a number of practice areas and can navigate employment-related issues, from discrimination and wrongful termination, to wage and compensation disputes.

If you’re in Southern California and believe that an employer is providing unfair wages or under-compensating employees, contact our law firm so we can help you navigate labor law. That includes feeling you are owed rest periods, meal breaks, or overtime pay. You can also reach out if you’d simply like to understand your legal rights better.

Our California law offices are also accustomed to handling employee complaints related to sexual harassment, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as well as matters concerning Civil Rights Act issues. We also have additional office locations across the country and can offer expert insight into local laws wherever you live.

SAN DIEGO EMPLOYMENT LAW ATTORNEYS

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Paul Wang profile picture
Paul Wang
August 29, 2026
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If you’re looking for an employment lawyer, chances are you’ve already exhausted many of your options and need someone who will genuinely advocate for you. Cecilia and Gloria are a godsend if that describes your situation. I spoke with numerous firms before choosing HKM, and Cecilia immediately stood out. She is exceptionally sharp and experienced, but also incredibly empathetic—a combination I did not find with many other attorneys. That balance makes her both reassuring to work with and the kind of lawyer employers take seriously. Cecilia was patient throughout the process and took the time to explain the often-complex sequence of escalation steps, while also giving candid and realistic assessments of my situation. I especially appreciated that she did not overpromise. Her advice was thoughtful, practical, and grounded in experience. HKM also has a somewhat unique structure. Each office has the personal feel and attention of a boutique firm, while being part of a larger organization whose offices can support one another. That means you can receive individualized attention while also having access to a strong litigation team when a case requires or justifies it.
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Dudley Venable
August 19, 2026
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HKM Employment Attorneys – Cecilia N. Brennan and Her Team Cecilia N. Brennan and her team at HKM Employment Attorneys were amazing. From the beginning, they were professional, supportive, and attentive. They kept me updated throughout the entire process and took the time to explain everything to me in a way that was easy to understand. I always felt informed and knew what to expect every step of the way. I truly appreciate the hard work, professionalism, and care that Cecilia and her team provided. I would highly recommend Cecilia N. Brennan and HKM Employment Attorneys to anyone looking for an employment attorney.
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G M
July 21, 2026
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Working with Cecilia and Dana was a very positive experience. From the beginning, they were professional, responsive, and took the time to explain each step of the process in a way that was easy to understand. I always felt informed about what was happening, and my questions were answered promptly and thoroughly. They handled everything for me and made what could have been a very stressful situation much easier to navigate. They gave straightforward, honest advice, communicated clearly, and never made unrealistic promises. I hope I never need a lawyer again, but if I do, this is the first place I’ll call. I’m grateful for their guidance and would recommend them to anyone looking for knowledgeable, trustworthy legal representation.
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Ivan Martinez
July 20, 2026
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Quiero expresar mi más sincero agradecimiento a la licenciada Cecilia y a todo su equipo por el excelente trabajo que realizaron en mi caso. Desde el primer día me trataron con respeto, profesionalismo y honestidad, haciéndome sentir tranquilo durante todo el proceso. Gracias a su experiencia y dedicación, logramos obtener un excelente acuerdo en la mediación. Estoy muy agradecido por todo su apoyo y recomiendo ampliamente a la licenciada Cecilia y a su equipo a cualquier persona que necesite abogados comprometidos y que realmente luchan por sus clientes. ¡Muchas gracias por todo!
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Rana G
July 18, 2026
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Cecilia Brennan was a pleasure to work with and I’d definitely recommend her and her firm!
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Theresa Davis
July 12, 2026
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Working with Cecilia was one of the best decisions I made. She was genuinely kind, honest, and a strong advocate throughout the entire process. She handled everything she could so I didn't have to be directly involved, kept me informed without ever making me feel overwhelmed, and made me feel supported from beginning to end. I truly appreciated having someone I could trust in my corner, and I was very happy with the outcome. Thank you again Cecilia!
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Carson Lamberth
June 30, 2026
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My experience with HKM was amazing! I spoke with Cecilia who was extremely kind and helpful in assisting me for what I needed.
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Erica Lenore
January 13, 2026
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I had the privilege of working with Cecilia Brennan during a complex and high-stakes employment matter, and I cannot recommend her highly enough. From the very beginning, Cecilia demonstrated exceptional judgment, clarity, and professionalism. She has a rare ability to quickly understand nuanced situations and provide guidance that is both strategic and deeply grounded in experience. Cecilia is measured, responsive, and deeply respectful of confidentiality. She was mindful of both immediate decisions and long-term implications, and her integrity was evident at every step. She also connected me with the right legal resources when additional expertise was needed, which spoke volumes about her professionalism and judgment. I would highly recommend Cecilia and HKM Employment Attorneys to anyone seeking experienced, ethical, and trustworthy employment counsel.
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Pri
October 21, 2025
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Cecelia is a blessing to this world! She knows her stuff and has empathy. I highly recommend her.
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Patrick F
October 6, 2025
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For most of us, seeking legal counsel can be an intimidating process. HKM SD was not the first firm I spoke with, but I was extremely fortunate to ultimately find them. Working with Cecilia Brennan and Gloria Casillas felt like having a team on my side who practice law for all the right reasons and truly cared about me. I found them professional, thorough, and surprisingly accessible/available. I cannot say enough positive things and will be forever grateful for their help.
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Thomas Hernandez profile picture
Thomas Hernandez
May 6, 2025
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I had an outstanding experience with HKM. Cecilia Brennan and Gloria Casillas were knowledgeable, responsive, and truly advocated on my behalf. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and clear communication made a challenging process much easier and I’m eternally grateful for all their diligence and service. I highly recommend their services to anyone seeking trusted legal representation.
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Leon Glasser
May 4, 2025
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Amazing firm that was dedicated to going above-and-beyond with empathy and tenacity that made a difficult experience easy, safe, and understood, even across time zones. I wish these kinds of services were never needed, but when they are, I would trust Cecilia Brennan and Gloria Casillas again in a heartbeat. Thank you for making a multi-chaotic time in my life make some semblance of sense. Literal lifesavers.