RECENT POSTS
Bad Apple: Employee Searches are Compensable Time
The California Supreme Court clarified in a highly anticipated decision, that time spent waiting for and undergoing mandatory exit searches of personal items is considered compensable time under California’s Wage Orders. In Frlekin v.Apple Inc.,we
Franchise 101: Wrong Tools to Avoid California Courts; and Don’t Terminate the Hand That Delivers Your Pizza
Franchisor 101: The Wrong Tools to Avoid California Courts The Ninth Circuit ruled that a California Matco Tool franchisee, John Fleming, could bring a class action wage and hour suit in California, even though a
Why Should I Get My Estate Planning Done Now?
Last Sunday I learned that my mother’s dear friend who is very active, hikes daily, gardens daily, does senior yoga weekly, eats a healthy diet, and has many volunteer and social commitments that keep her
Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Do NOT Pay Off – Just Ask the DFEH
We previously wrote about Riot Games’ $10,000,000 settlement of a class action lawsuit for alleged discrimination, retaliation and harassment. Although many may consider this a generous settlement, the State of California disagrees. In an unusual
Employers, in case you were wondering, your employees cannot compete with you
Many California laws seek to restrict the terms and conditions an employer may place on an employee during employment. Yesterday, the California Court of Appeal confirmed that Business and Professions Code Section 16600 is not
Good News for California Employers Following a Difficult 2019 Legislative Session
On January 1, 2020, California businesses faced several new laws that may significantly impact business operations, including AB 5 (codifying the “ABC” test) and AB 51 (restricting the use of mandatory arbitration). On the positive
SECURE Act Creates Need for Estate Plan Review
Congress recently passed the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (SECURE Act, or the “Act”) implementing one of the most substantial pieces of retirement plan legislation in years, into law. The bill was
Employers: California Assembly Bill 51 on Hold For Now
We previously highlighted Assembly Bill 51, which prohibits employers from requiring employees or applicants for employment to “waive any right, forum, or procedure for a violation” of the Fair Employment and Housing Act or the
Unlawful, or Just Mean? California Appellate Court Decides Discrimination Case
People with disabilities have legal protections under both federal and state law. California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) prohibits an employer from taking adverse actions against a person because of a person’s disability, perceived
Franchise 101: Open Season for Poaching in Washington; and Corralled Franchise Claims
Franchisor 101: Open Season for Poaching in Washington Washington State’s Attorney General settled a case against sandwich franchisor, Jersey Mike’s, over antipoaching provisions in its franchise agreements. Since 2018, Washington State has made agreements with