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Los Angeles · Representing California employees
Los Angeles Meal & Rest Break Lawyer
Working through lunch or unable to take rest breaks? Tell our Los Angeles office about your shift length, staffing, break instructions, and whether time was deducted from your pay.
Request a free initial consultationUnderstanding the issue
Meal periods and rest breaks have different rules. For covered nonexempt employees, meal periods generally must be duty-free, while required rest breaks are paid. Shift length, industry rules, and permitted exceptions affect the analysis.
The question is not only whether a break appears on a timecard. Describe whether work interrupted it, whether staffing allowed it, and whether a supervisor required you to remain available.
What we review
- Shift start and end times and when breaks occurred
- Interruptions, coverage problems, or automatic deductions
- Break policies, waivers, and any premium payments
What to prepare
- Timecards and schedules
- Messages about break coverage or working through meals
- Pay statements and signed break-related forms
Frequently asked questions
Lunch was deducted even though I worked. What should I bring?
Bring timecards and pay statements for the affected shifts, along with any messages asking you to work during lunch. Explain whether you recorded or reported the missed break.
My timecard shows a meal break I worked through. What should I prepare?
Identify example dates, the work performed, and who assigned it. Bring the corresponding timecard and pay statement if available.
Are meal periods and rest breaks interchangeable?
No. They are separate protections. Explain both types of breaks during the consultation.
Consultation and timing
Filing deadlines depend on the claim and procedure. Tell us about an approaching deadline, agency notice, or signature request when contacting us. Requesting a consultation does not extend a deadline or establish an attorney-client relationship.
This page provides general information, not advice for a specific case or a guarantee of an outcome.
Official resources
Related practice areas
Tell us what happened.
Discuss the facts and possible next steps in a free initial consultation.