Employment & Labor

California's employment and labor laws are seeing rapid change. From the "Me-Too" Movement bringing more harassment cases to the Dynamex case making workers in California presumable employees rather than independent contractors. There is no shortage of lawsuits or claims by employees or independent contractors against employers. The laws often cuts against small business owners and have converted workplaces into mine fields. That isn't to say there aren't steps business owners can take to mitigate their risk. 

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It is vital that employers take diligent steps in equipping themselves with the right tools and knowledge to run a successful business with employees. Some good practices to start with are establishing written policies and procedures, training all levels of staff on proper workplace behavior and keeping accurate payroll records. 

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I've counseled employers of various sizes on litigation prevention, post- litigation strategy and general employment practices. California employment law makes it easy for an employee to sue by removing a major financial barrier, attorney fees. Most employment plaintiff lawyers take cases on contingency because the employment and labor laws award attorney fees to a prevailing employee-plaintiff at trial. 

Business owners should consult with an employment attorney; do not wait until you are in a lawsuit to begin tightening operations. Some of the services I offer- employment litigation defense, appearances before government agencies, handbook review, site visits and employment/ independent contractor agreement drafting.