Employment Litigation
Successful representations of major public and private employers in FEHA, Title VII, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, whistleblower, disability accommodation, and a variety of related workplace tort claims. Extensive experience as lead trial counsel in state and federal courts, administrative hearings, and alternative dispute resolution processes.
Employment Law Policies and Practice
Employment law is complex. Federal and state laws overlap, but differ in significant ways. The laws are constantly changing. If you have employees, you need a current and comprehensive Employee Handbook. Smart employers develop a set of policies that you and your managers can consistently apply to hiring, discipline, termination, and other employee actions. Get the right policies and practices in place and you will avoid 90% of the employment law problems that trip up small businesses.
Hiring and Employee On-Boarding
Start on the right foot with every employee. Make sure your hiring processes - advertising, interviewing, document requirements, and background checks - are in order. Protect your business, and convey your professionalism to new employees, with practical and complete employee on-boarding practices and materials.
Supervisor and Employee Training
Workplace training for supervisors and employees is required. It's also good business. California now requires anti-discrimination and harassment training for any employer with five or more employees. It is a smart idea for all employers. Additional employee training on workplace privacy, workplace safety, operating vehicles and machinery, all promote a professional work environment and lower risk for your business.
Workplace Investigations
When a business is faced with a significant employee complaint, a prudent employer initiates (and may be required to initiate) a workplace investigation. While an investigation may sometimes be handled internally, a skilled outside investigator brings experience, objectivity, and a well-documented assessment to support effective risk management and decision making.
Employee Discipline and Termination
Employee discipline and termination is stressful for owners, managers, and affected employees. Promote professionalism and protect your business in these critical decisions. Effective policies and practices, and sound legal advice, are crucial to managing these events.
Executive and Employee Compensation
Many businesses have complex compensation schemes for executives, key technical employees, and commission-based sales personnel. Make sure your compensation agreements are legal, are easy to manage, and protect the expectations of the parties.
Employee Benefits and Workers' Comp Insurance
As your business provides benefits to employees, consult with us on best practices and for referrals to experienced benefits providers. Make sure your business complies with employee benefits laws and maintains appropriate insurance coverages for your activities.