RECENT POSTS
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
Los Angeles Fires: Employers Should Weigh Employee Needs With Current Laws
The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have significantly impacted businesses and their employees – employers should be aware of their responsibilities to support their workforce during this challenging time. Key considerations include: Wildfire Smoke Regulations:
Wage & Hour Compliance: 2025 Mileage Reimbursement Rate
On December 19, the IRS published an updated mileage reimbursement rate for 2025: $0.70 per mile, a three cent increase from the 2024 rate. The rate applies to all vehicles, electric and gas alike. Employers
PAGA: Early Evaluation Conference
This is the final of a three-part series addressing the changes to California’s Private Attorneys General Act. You can read more about the PAGA reform and recommended audit steps here, and pre-litigation conference here. In
PAGA: Employer Cure Process and LWDA Conference
This is the second of a three-part series addressing the changes in California’s Private Attorneys General Act. You can read more about the PAGA reform and recommended audit steps here. Below, we discuss an employer’s
PAGA: It’s Audit Time
Earlier this month, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 92 and Assembly Bill 2288 which amended the California Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA). The new legislation is effective immediately. The California legislature enacted PAGA 20
Hot Out of the Oven: Fast Food Council to Be Reinstated
Last year the California Legislature enacted Assembly Bill 257, with a declared purpose of improving the terms and conditions of employment of fast food workers who, according to the bill, “are the largest and fastest
California to Invalidate Out of State Non-Compete Agreements
A new California law (Senate Bill 699) expands a prohibition on non-compete agreements beyond state lines. Current law (Business and Professions Code Section 16600), provides that every contract that restrains anyone from engaging in a
COVID-19: California Nixes Negative Test Requirement to End Isolation Early
On March 3, 2023, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced changes to its COVID-19 guidelines. A few days later, the County of Los Angeles announced it will align a few of its guidelines