Recent Blog Posts
California Expands Leaves for Victims of Violence
On January 1, 2025, Assembly Bill (AB) 2499 officially took effect in California. The law provides important legal protections to employees who have been the victim of violence or who have a close family member who has been the victim of violence. Here, our California employment attorney provides an overview of the key things… Read More »
As of January 1, 2025, Local Agencies Have the Right to Play a More Active Role in Workplace Discrimination Cases in California
On September 26, 2024, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill (SB) 1340 into law. The legislative reform—officially taking effect starting on January 1, 2025—will empower municipal and local government agencies to play a more active role in enforcing the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Here, our California employment lawyer provides an… Read More »
California’s Workplace Restraining Order Law is Now in Effect
In September of 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom signed California Senate Bill (SB) 428 into law which officially took effect on January 1, 2025. The regulation enhanced employers’ ability to seek a temporary restraining order to protect their employees. More specifically, it allows employers to take action and get a restraining order for an employee… Read More »
What Businesses Should Know About California’s New Law Regarding Independent Contractors
In 2024, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill (SB) 988 , which is referred to as the “Freelance Worker Protection Act,” Into law. This legislation, which officially took effect on January 1, 2025, could have very important implications for businesses and organizations—”hiring entities”—that rely on the contributions of independent contractors. Here, our California… Read More »
A Guide for Employers: What is Kin Care Leave in California?
Under California law , employees may use up to half of their allotted sick leave benefits to care for a qualifying family member dealing with a qualifying health condition. California Labor Code § 233. Here, our California employment lawyer provides a guide to California’s Kin Care Leave for employers. Key Points Employers Should Know… Read More »
What Employers in California Should Know About Wildfire Smoke and Workplace Safety Standards
The tragic wildfires have caused horrific damage throughout Los Angeles and Southern California. As reported by the California Globe, a preliminary estimate of the January 2025 wildfire damage in the Los Angeles area already exceeds $270 billion. Additionally, wildfire smoke is a health and safety hazard to the surrounding areas. Employers in California in… Read More »
California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA) Votes to Move Forward With Formal Rule-Making for AI-Based Employment Decisions
On November 8, 2024, the California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA) voted 4 to 1 in favor of moving forward with the formal rule-making process for certain issues involving Automated Decision-Making Technology (ADMT), including significant employment decisions. Future regulations could potentially have major implications for companies and organizations interested in using AI to make/contribute to… Read More »
Sexual Harassment Settlement Provides Lesson for Employers in California
On December 10, 2024, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) confirmed that an employer in California agreed to settle a sexual harassment claim. Wireless World LLC—a cell phone retailer from Sacramento, CA—will pay $107,916 as part of the agreement. The case is instructive for employers as it shows the importance of taking a proactive… Read More »
What Employers Should Know About Mediation in California
As defined within the 2024 California Rules of Court, mediation is a process through which a “neutral person facilitates communication between the disputants to assist them in reaching a mutually acceptable agreement.” Mediation is a highly effective tool to resolve a wide range of legal conflicts, including employment discrimination claims, wrongful termination claims, wage… Read More »
California Supreme Court Rules Single “Slur” Sufficient for Employer Liability
On July 29, 2024, the California Supreme Court ruled that a single discriminatory “slur”” uttered in the workplace is sufficient to establish employer liability for discrimination. In the case of Twanda Bailey v. San Francisco District Attorney’s Office, et al., the court held that the employer is liable for a breach of the state’s… Read More »