Let the “Business Team of the Year” Assist With Your Employment Law Needs.

Trusted Advisors.

Tenacious Advocates.

16000 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 1000, Encino, CA 91436Tel: (818) 817-7570 | Fax: (818) 530-7746

About The Firm

Employment law issues are often complex, emotionally charged, and require immediate attention. Bernstein & Friedland, P.C. is committed to meeting its clients’ employment-related needs and providing high-quality legal representation in a cost-effective manner. More than a law practice, Bernstein & Friedland, P.C. serves as trusted advisors and tenacious advocates for its clients. The firm offers the experience and dedication necessary to handle matters efficiently and effectively.

The San Fernando Valley Business Journal awarded Polina Bernstein and Diana Friedland the distinction of “Business Team of the Year” at the publication’s 13th Annual Women in Business Awards.

From 2014 through 2022 Los Angeles Magazine named Polina Bernstein one of “Southern California’s Super Lawyers.” For six consecutive years prior to that, Ms. Bernstein was awarded one of “Southern California’s Super Lawyers – Rising Stars,” placing her among the top 2.5 percent of the best up-and-coming attorneys in Southern California.

From 2019 through 2022 Angeles Magazine named Diana Friedland Bernstein one of “Southern California’s Super Lawyers.” From 2013 through 2018, Ms. Friedland was named one of “Southern California’s Super Lawyers – Rising Stars.”

The Los Angeles Daily Journal profiled Bernstein & Friedland, P.C. in its article titled “Sister Act.”

Core Practice Areas

Wrongful termination claims

Discrimination and/or harassment on the basis of disability, medical condition, sex, pregnancy, age, religion, sexual orientation and identity, race, marital status, ethnicity, national origin, military service and other legally protected categories

Wage and hour claims, such as unpaid wages, unpaid overtime, missed meal and rest breaks, misclassification of salaried employees and independent contractors, and related claims

Violation of federal and state leave of absence laws, including under the Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA), California Family Rights Act (CFRA), Pregnancy Disability Leave Law (PDL), among other laws

Retaliatory discharge and whistleblower claims

Criminal background checks, drug testing, and credit checks

Employment tort litigation, including negligent hiring and retention, negligent supervision, defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, assault and battery, and invasion of privacy

Employee handbooks

Severance agreement negotiation

Employment-related agreements, including confidentiality, non-compete, non-solicitation, and independent contractor agreements

Workplace investigations of complaints for sexual harassment and other illegal employment practices

Breach of Contract

Accommodation of employees with disabilities

Reductions in force

WARN Act compliance

Employee theft and misuse of company property

Claims under Business & Professions Code section 17200 et seq.

Trade secret protection and misappropriation claims

Meet The Team

Press, Publications and Awards

Media

Overtime Mistakes

Does your Employer Have to Tell You Why They’re Firing You?

Can Employers Require Overtime Work?

Should You Refuse to Sign a Bad Performance Review?

When are Salaried Employees Entitled to Overtime?

How to Get Sued by Your Employees

What Not to Do When an Employee is Stealing

Should You Quit or Be Fired?

Managers: Are You Documenting Enough?

To learn more about employment law, follow us on:

Testimonials

Diana is a fighter-- she is a fiercely effective and strong advocate who will unapologetically protect you and your company no matter what. She responds to our questions and concerns within a day and genuinely cares about us as clients. She is the best writer, the most sincere and caring attorney, and exactly the type of advocate I was searching for. What makes her unique is her creative problem solving skills and winning legal strategies as well as her attention to the most minute details that suddenly invalidate any lie we hear from the opposing party. I would recommend her tenfold and would not hesitate to retain her services whenever needed. Trust me-- I have worked with hundreds of attorneys as general counsel and common sense is not common, nor is an attorney of this caliber-- she is simply one of the best out there, above five stars. Hands down.

I was referred to Bernstein & Friedland by a close family friend to represent me in an employment case. Polina was just as she was reputed to be - extremely bright, professional, tough, and approachable. I was greatly impressed and comforted by Polina's knowledge and her energy and enthusiasm in her advocacy. Polina and her staff were always accessible and frequently communicated to me their progress and case strategy. In such a stressful time for me, Polina provided the attention, empathy, and guidance I needed to see the case through. Every time we got off the phone, I felt less stressed and more relieved and confident in a positive outcome. I felt that she always had my family's best interests at heart. Polina did a fantastic job advocating for my rights and being my voice during a very touchy and stressful case. Together Polina and Diana achieved a resolution to my case that I am very pleased with. When you work with Polina and Diana, you get a team of clever, organized, and dedicated professionals and I cannot recommend them enough.

I offer my deepest thanks to Polina Bernstein, not only for her amazing work and legal acumen, but for the support she provided to me during one of the most difficult times in my life. She believed in me when I had a hard time believing in myself. She showed me that some good could come from a terrible situation, then made that good actually happen--which still feels pretty miraculous to me. I will be forever grateful to Polina, Diana, and Alex for advocating brilliantly on my behalf and achieving an outcome that has given me the time and space I need to rest, recover and heal.

This incredible tag team was everything we could have hoped for during a highly stressful, very touchy time. Not only did they communicate quickly and thoroughly with us regarding our case, but they assuaged our fears and concerns about it as well. While we would hope that all employment situations are mutually beneficial, mutually respected relationships, if you find yourself in a situation where you need positive results, Polina and Diana give everything of themselves. Thank you, ladies. You have truly changed our lives.

Polina and Diana are two of the most amazing attorneys that I have ever met. I will never forget how much they helped me in my situation with my former employer. They were nice, empathetic, and strong advocates for my rights. They helped me through the process every step of the way, always made themselves available to me, and answered any and every question I had regarding my situation. I would strongly recommend them to anyone who needs help in the area of employment law. I am greatly appreciative for their professionalism and strong work ethic!

We were recently referred to Diana Friedland and I couldn't be happier with this referral. Diana is phenomenal. I hired her to help us during my initial meeting with her. She is extremely knowledgeable and I realized how much attention she was paying to the smallest details. She took her time during our initial meeting and went through everything with me. I did not feel like I was being rushed through my appointment so she could move on to another client. This is an attorney you can actually get a hold of as well. She answers your phone calls, responds to your emails, which is so important to me. I am so happy to have her in my corner now. If you need any employment law attorney do not hesitate to call her.

My situation was a shock and they helped me through one of the most difficult situations in my life. Diana and Polina informed me every step of the way. They responded quickly with answers to questions, doubts and concerns. And they also recommended a real estate attorney for another issue with my case and she was awesome. They are experts in CA Employment law. I interviewed ten firms which were highly recommended through friends and lawyers, and I knew after a few phone calls and one meeting with them that I was in the right place. They are warm, caring and highly professional and went above and beyond. Diana and Polina are experts in their field! I recommend this firm!

Contact Us

16000 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 1000, Encino, CA 91436

Tel: (818) 817-7570 | Fax: (818) 530-7746

[email protected]

BERNSTEIN & FRIEDLAND, P.C.