Publications

California employers will face a significantly more complex leave and accommodation landscape beginning on January 1, 2026. The Legislature has enacted new laws that broaden employee rights to take protected time off, expand the definition of permissible “safe time,”...

Employers across California continue to grapple with how best to balance workplace safety, employee rights, and compliance with ever-changing drug and alcohol regulations. One area that has attracted increased attention is the definition of a “safety-sensitive”...

In California, the “regular rate of pay” is used to calculate overtime pay, paid sick leave under the Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act, meal and rest period premiums, split shift premiums, and reporting time pay. Employers often assume the regular rate of pay...

Conducting workplace investigations can be tricky, especially when it comes to how much information to share with participants. Do employees accused of misconduct have a right to know the details of the complaint? Can they bring a representative to their interview?...

In California, one principle is firmly established: the workers’ compensation system is the exclusive remedy for employees who sustain work-related injuries. Rooted in the state Constitution, this system embodies the so-called “compensation bargain,” where employees...

On April 21, 2025, the California Court of Appeal issued a significant ruling in favor of employers. In Bradsbery v. Vicar Operating, the court held that revocable meal period waivers prospectively signed by employees are enforceable, unless the waivers are...

Within a few days of taking office, President Trump issued an executive order entitled “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity,” which is aimed at “terminating all discriminatory and illegal preferences” in federal agencies and in the...

With a February 21, 2025, deadline to introduce new California legislation, several employment-related bills recently were unveiled. Although some of them may not make it to the Governor’s desk, they provide a snapshot of what lawmakers will be debating during this...

On January 1, 2025, Assembly Bill 2499 expanded the definition of “victim” for purposes of certain leaves and accommodations. Eligible employees may now use California Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act sick leave when they need time off to seek relief if they...

Employee handbooks contain key employment policies. Private sector employers should not only maintain handbooks, but also understand their significance and purpose. Below we cover the most important elements of effective employee handbooks. The Purpose An employee...

Fall marks the end of California’s legislative session and Governor Newsom’s review of employment-related bills. Below is a brief summary of the key laws affecting California employers that will take effect on January 1, 2025, or later. Discrimination AB 1815 The...

During its most recent term, the California Supreme Court issued several decisions that may affect California employers. We summarize those rulings below. Clarification on Compensable Time The Court took up an appeal from the Ninth Circuit in March regarding...