Employment Law

As a small business owner in California, understanding and complying with employment law is critical to your success. Employment-related disputes can be costly and time-consuming, but with the right legal guidance, you can protect your business from avoidable risks. From wage and hour compliance to employee classification and workplace safety, ensuring that your employment practices are legally sound from the outset can save you significant headaches down the road.

Crucial Areas of Employment Law Every Business Owner Must Address:

• Wage and Hour Compliance: California has some of the most employee-friendly wage and hour laws in the country. Ensuring that your employees are properly classified (exempt vs. non-exempt) and paid in compliance with minimum wage, overtime, and meal/rest break requirements is essential. In Schaefer v. County of San Diego (2015), the court reinforced the importance of proper wage classification and the risk of misclassifying employees, which can result in hefty back pay claims and penalties.

• Employee Classification: Misclassifying workers as independent contractors rather than employees can lead to serious legal consequences, including fines and back pay claims for wages and benefits. In Dynamex Operations West, Inc. v. Superior Court (2018), this landmark ruling established the "ABC test" for determining employee versus independent contractor status, which greatly expanded protections for workers in California.

• Workplace Discrimination and Harassment Prevention: California law mandates that businesses maintain a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Policies should be in place to ensure compliance with these regulations, reducing the risk of lawsuits. In Harris v. City of Santa Monica (2013), the court highlighted the importance of having strong anti-harassment policies and training programs in place to avoid liability for workplace harassment.

Getting employment law right the first time not only shields you from costly lawsuits but also ensures a fair and respectful working environment that promotes employee loyalty and productivity. With the complex and evolving nature of California employment laws, having an experienced attorney guide you through the legal requirements can be the difference between smooth operations and expensive legal battles.

Don’t navigate this alone. Contact us today.