Employment Law Advice

Compliance with all the laws governing the employment relationship and the avoidance of liability requires an understanding of the applicable rules and the best methods for implementation of employment policies. We know the rules in detail and have broad experience communicating those details to clients and in developing policies that make operational sense. The Your Employment Lawyer Program provides access to an employment lawyer whenever needed. Our employment law attorneys will answer clients’ unique questions and provide strategic solutions designed to reduce cost and exposure to employment claims. This off-site service provides prompt and practical guidance via telephone, email or fax.

Compliance with the laws governing the hours employees may work and the payment of wages and benefits requires an understanding of federal, state and local law.  Unfortunately, these laws have thousands of technical requirements, many of which are contrary to “industry practices.” Moreover, California law provides lucrative incentives for employees and their attorneys to find violations and file class action lawsuits.  We know the details and nuances in the law and have extensive experience making the law work for clients. Through audits and employee-specific advice, we make sure clients avoid mistakes and cut off exposure to liability.

Employee medical issues often require the simultaneous application of five distinct areas of law; workers’ compensation law, disability discrimination law, leave law, privacy law and contract law.  The applicable law may be federal, state or local.  In many instances it is a complex combination of them all.  The potential for making an honest mistake and stepping on a landmine is extremely high even for a knowledgeable employer.  We are experts in providing advice on how to manage employee medical issues without violating the law and without undue hardship on operational efficiency.

Employees in California have the legal right to more time off from work for more reasons than employees in any other state.  The dizzying array of laws include time off to vote; for medical issues; to care for family; to serve in the military; to serve the community; as a crime victim; to learn to read; to recover from addictions; for jury duty; to bond with children; to attend the school functions of a child; and to donate organs.  Moreover, each form of protected leave under the law carries with it detailed regulations and employer mandates.  We are leave law experts, and we know how to plan and document leaves in a way that virtually eliminates the potential for liability.

California employers have specific duties when it comes to complaints of unlawful harassment. Most employers are not familiar with all the specifics, and they do not receive enough complaints to become skilled at responding. This can lead to mistakes that increase exposure and prolong litigation. We regularly analyze complaints of harassment that come from a wide variety of situations. Moreover, we know employment litigation. This gives us the ability to provide unparalleled guidance on resolving the complaint efficiently, and at the same time, ensuring that “bad evidence” and liability will not arise out of the response.

There can be fear and anxiety surrounding disciplining an employee and or separating employment when clients are unsure of how to move forward without potentially stepping on a landmine. Not having clear communications and documentation can lead to claims that are harder or nearly impossible to defend, not to mention costly. By accessing legal guidance before moving forward in disciplining or possibly terminating, clients can seek fact pattern specific legal support that can lead to saving thousands of dollars in legal defense fees.

We have extensive experience in drafting a wide variety of agreements applicable to the employment relationship. We know contract law and the particular nuances applicable to the employment relationship. As a result, clients receive agreements that serve the desired purpose without unnecessary delay or cost.

Employment Agreements
The existence of an employment agreement does not eliminate employment disputes or litigation.   In fact, a poorly conceived and written agreement will increase the potential for a dispute and litigation; the exact opposite of what it is supposed to do.  Legalese and fancy language does not increase the value of an agreement.  On the other hand, precise wording and careful consideration of contract law is critical in achieving the desired result.  We know how to achieve the proper balance.

Confidentiality & Trade Secret Agreements
Maintaining the confidentiality of information can be critical.  Release or misuse of proprietary information can be devastating.  Release or misuse of private information can result in costly litigation. Unfortunately, California law does not favor employers in the protection of their interests.  It is therefore critical to know the details of the law and have extensive experience in developing agreements that work.  We do.

Severance Agreements
Severance agreements can be used for numerous purposes including ending the employment relationship on a positive note and eliminating the possibility of costly litigation.  Achieving the desired effect of the agreement requires knowledge of multiple areas of law and careful drafting.  We know how to make agreements that work and how to counsel clients in using them.

Other Agreements
Agreements between employers and employees can take many forms and serve many purposes.  The law permits some agreements and prohibits others.  We have drafted all kinds of agreements to serve our clients’ interests from employee loan agreements to on-duty meal period agreements to relocation expense reimbursement and recapture agreements.  We listen to clients and use our knowledge of the law to create agreements that achieve the desired result.