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California Minimum Wage Increases in 2027
Effective January 1, 2027, the California minimum wage will rise to $17.40 per hour for all employers, regardless of size, representing a 50-cent increase from the current statewide minimum wage of $16.90 per hour. The
California Divorce: Most Important Documents to Hold On to
Divorces in California often require extensive documentation, and the records spouses keep—or fail to keep—can significantly impact the outcome of their cases. Divorcing spouses must complete and file multiple legal forms to initiate the dissolution
Franchise 101: A Rub in the Right Direction; and Side Hustles Can Bite Back
Franchisor 101: A Rub in the Right Direction A federal district court in New Jersey transferred a case brought by a New Jersey-based franchisee against its franchisor to the Eastern District of Missouri, where the
California Court Rules: Harassment Based on Sexual Orientation Is Sexual Harassment
A recent court of appeals case, Decloedt v. Radnet Management, Inc. establishes that harassment based on an employee’s sexual orientation qualifies as “sexual harassment” under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). The ruling also
The M&A Journey: From Competing Bids to Board Approval
Earlier this year, Netflix and Warner Bros., longtime entertainment giants, made headlines not because of a show or movie but for a major corporate acquisition. On Dec. 5, 2025, Netflix Inc. and Warner Bros. Discovery,
Franchise 101: A Taxing Move; and Trade Secrets That Tip the Scale
Franchisor 101: A Taxing Move A federal court in Missouri granted franchisor H&R Block’s motion for summary judgment, finding H&R Block could immediately terminate a franchisee’s franchise agreements without an opportunity to cure, after the
Strange Behavior Isn’t Enough: When is a Disability Disclosed to an Employer?
When it comes to an employer’s duty to engage in the interactive process with employees, the employer’s knowledge becomes an important focal point. That is, exactly when, if at all, did the employer know that the employee
What Franchisors Need to Know About the Maryland Franchise Reform Act
In 2026, various states reformed franchise laws to significantly impact the franchisor-franchisee relationship. Recently, Maryland lawmakers approved legislation that follows this trend. On May 12, Gov. Wes Moore signed Senate Bill 415 and House Bill
Franchise 101: No Parent Trap; and Leaving A Light On, For Withheld Funds
Franchisor 101: No Parent Trap A group of franchisees filed a petition to compel arbitration against two franchisor entities and their parent company. The district court found that the franchisees failed to show the parent
Remote Work and Wage-Hour Compliance: Hidden Risks in the Hybrid Workplace
The widespread adoption of fully remote and hybrid work arrangements brings lasting changes to how and where hourly employees perform their jobs. While much of the public conversation focuses on productivity, collaboration, and corporate culture,