Unwelcome advances, behaviors or requests that are sexual in nature, these are perhaps the most obvious forms of sexual harassment which can occur in the workplace. However, did you know someone can experience sexual harassment even when sex is not the focus?...
Legal Issues Blog
Understanding the Family and Medical Leave Act
If you need to take time off of work due to family or medical reasons, you may worry that you will not be able to return to work in your same position, or even the same company. However, the Family and Medical Leave Act ("FMLA") provides for job-protected leave for...
What are the exceptions to the minimum wage law?
Minimum wage is the amount employers must pay to employees. While your hourly rate may be more, it cannot be under this wage. However, there are exceptions to the minimum wage law. The California Department of Industrial Relations explains certain categories of...
Does your employer’s dress code discriminate against you?
If your employer has a dress code in place with which you must comply, can you do anything about it if you disagree with it? Probably not, unless you can prove that the dress code discriminates against you under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or one or more...
When should companies offer severance pay?
Employers may offer severance pay to workers upon termination or involuntary loss of employment. While California does not require companies to provide severance options, business owners should know when it can be beneficial. Honoring dedicated employees with...
What constitutes reasonable accommodation?
The Americans with Disabilities Act, or "ADA", prevents employers from being able to discriminate against you based on your disability when you apply for a job. They must also provide you with reasonable accommodations that allow you to work productively and perform...
What is a severability clause?
As a business owner, you will certainly come across numerous instances in your career where you will need to draft contracts. Whether it is with employees, contractors, business partners or other providers of services, you need to create a strong binding agreement in...
The Equal Pay Act and gender discrimination lawsuits
Employers must provide equal compensation for their employees regardless of their gender. The U.S. Department of Labor notes that the Equal Pay Act of 1963 protects the rights of men and women who perform jobs requiring substantially the same skills. Compensation may...
How do I proceed with an employment discrimination lawsuit?
There are many legal protections in California meant to shelter employees from discrimination at work. According to the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, employers cannot discriminate against you based on your religion, race, ethnicity, physical disability,...
Effective strategies for preventing contract disputes
Disputes over contracts are common, but they have the capacity to take considerable time and attention away from running your business. Though every contract dispute may not be preventable, there are certain things you might do as a California business owner to reduce...