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California Employment Law Glossary

Demand Letter
Legal Process & Claims

 

Definition


 

A demand letter is a formal pre-litigation letter sent by an attorney on behalf of an employee to the employer, outlining the legal violations, the damages claimed, and the remedy sought - typically within a specified response deadline. A well-crafted demand letter signals seriousness, establishes a legal record, and frequently prompts settlement discussions before a formal claim is filed. In California, demand letters can be particularly effective when combined with a clear PAGA notice to the Labor and Workforce Development Agency.


Frequently Asked Questions

A strong demand letter outlines the specific legal violations, the damages you're claiming, supporting facts, and a clear deadline for the employer to respond.

It's not strictly required, but a demand letter carries far more weight, and is more likely to prompt a serious response, when sent by an attorney on your behalf.

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See Also

PAGA Claims  ·  California Labor Code Claims  ·  DLSE Wage Claim

This glossary is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship with Lawyers for Employee and Consumer Rights. Laws change - for advice specific to your situation, contact our office for a free case review.