RECENT POSTS
No Good Deed: How Non-Profit Employers Should Properly Classify Volunteer Services
When does a volunteer legally become an employee? For California’s nonprofit sector, the answer just got a lot clearer. A recent California appellate case, Spilman v. Salvation Army, provides a roadmap for distinguishing between employees
New Court Ruling Allows California Employers to Evict Former Resident Managers When Employment Ends
The California Court of Appeals’ recent decision in De Paolo v. Rosales clarifies the rights of an employer to evict an on-site resident manager following termination of employment. Employers who provide housing as part of
Upcoming Minimum Wage Increases: What L.A. Employers Need to Know for July 2026
Employers in Los Angeles should prepare for adjustment to the minimum wage starting July 1, 2026: Location Current Rate (until June 30, 2026) New Rate (Starting July 1, 2026) City of Los Angeles $17.87 $18.42
Wage Complaints in California: Lessons from Contreras v. Green Thumb Produce
What should employers do when an employee complains about not being paid enough? For most employers, it is a difficult conversation to have. In Contreras v. Green Thumb Produce (Dec. 2025) 116 Cal. App. 5th
New Compliance Alert: “Know Your Rights” Notice Due February 1
The California Labor Commissioner released a “Know Your Rights Act” notice template, in accordance with Senate Bill 294, that was approved last fall. All employers must provide this notice to their employees on or before
The CalSavers Registration Deadline is Approaching
by Lewitt Hackman’s Employment Practice Group What is CalSavers? CalSavers is a state-run retirement savings program designed for California employees over the age of 18 whose employers do not offer private retirement plans. Under California
Off-the-Clock: What Employers Should Do When an Employee Complains about After Hours Misconduct
[Law Clerk Molly Thorpe contributed.] Generally, a coworker’s misconduct outside of work does not constitute harassment under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). However, management or Human Resources receiving complaints should not ignore such
Good Faith Requires Action: The New Standard for Employer Defense
[Law Clerk Molly Thorpe contributed.] As defense attorneys, we often encounter matters where an employer’s good-faith mistake gives rise to wage and hour litigation. While ignorance of the law generally provides no defense, a good-faith
California Increases State Minimum Wage
California is increasing its minimum wage to $16.90 per hour effective January 1, 2026. This represents a 40-cent increase from the current minimum wage of $16.50, which took effect on Jan. 1, 2025. The state
California Cities Increase Minimum Wage
On July 1, 2025, several California cities will increase their local minimum wage. For example, the City of Los Angeles is increasing minimum wage to $17.87 per hour. Los Angeles County is increasing its minimum