Before hiring, many employers run a background check to see if an applicant has a criminal history. California employers should be aware of California’s so-called “ban the box” law that regulates when and how employers can run background checks. California’s ‘Ban the...
Can employers require female employees to wear makeup at work?
Some women in Santa Monica enjoy wearing makeup while others decide it is not necessary for them. Women who regularly do not wear makeup may decide not to wear it to work. Still, some employers have dress codes that include wearing makeup. Can female workers be...
Am I entitled to family leave under the FMLA?
Many employers offer their employees vacation time, sick time and personal days to take some time to focus on things outside of work. Sometimes, however, an employee will require additional time off to deal with illness or other major life changes. Employers covered...
How to avoid discrimination in performance appraisals
As an employer, you have to stay on your toes if you want to avoid being accused of discrimination. This means that your policies and practices have to be well-thought out, and the way you treat your employees has to be fair. This is easier said than done, and one...
Should I sue for wrongful termination?
California is an at-will state when it comes to employment, which means, generally, your employer can fire you at any time, for any reason. However, there are certain situations where you may have a claim for wrongful termination. What is and is not wrongful...
Are your business interests threatened by employment litigation?
Business leaders in companies throughout California – from small businesses to large – work hard every day to put their companies in a position to succeed. The last few years in particular have probably been more challenging than many of those business leaders have...
Fighting for your company in employment law litigation
Any company or organization in California that finds itself embroiled in litigation likely finds the effort to be a drain on resources. But, when it comes to allegations of employment law violations, fighting back and doing so in a steadfast manner may be the only...
Understanding the California Family Rights Act
There may come a time when an unexpected event requires you to take an extended period off work. You may sustain an injury or develop an illness, or you may need to take care of a sick or injured child or family member. Sometimes, these occurrences require more time...
Remember these items when drafting employee handbooks
Employers can draft and utilize a well-drafted handbook to avoid lawsuits and pursue their business mission. But, too often, these documents remain unchanged for a long time and any errors or ambiguities can cause problems long after these documents are drafted....
Employers may need to rethink NDAs after judge’s ruling
For many California employers, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) are a crucial aspect of employment contracts. This is to protect sensitive information from being compromised, especially if an employee leaves to go work for a competitor. However, that has extended to...