Recent Blog Posts
What Is California’s Law on Final Paychecks?
According to California employment law, individuals are entitled to their final paycheck almost immediately after willfully leaving or getting terminated from a job. If an individual quits their job, they are entitled to their final paycheck within 72 hours. If an individual is terminated from their job, then the employer is required by law… Read More »
Smoke Break Laws in California
Savvy California employees know that they are guaranteed certain breaks throughout the day, including rest breaks and meal breaks. They know that they are guaranteed overtime for working enough hours in a workday or workweek if they are paid by the hour. It’s less well-known whether certain employees are guaranteed the right to additional… Read More »
What Are the California Tip Laws?
California’s labor laws protect employees. California workers benefit from a minimum wage, mandatory meal and rest breaks, overtime payment, and other protections. Some issues, however, are not always so clear-cut. Gratuities, or tips, paid by customers are meant to be voluntary, but in the U.S. it’s all but guaranteed in the service industry. Many… Read More »
Are Unpaid Internships Illegal in California?
Internships have become a staple of the higher education experience in America. For many, landing the right internships can help with gaining invaluable experiences to help further your career. But for others, internships — especially unpaid ones, can lead students to wonder whether they’re getting an experience worth their time. Federal Guidance on Unpaid… Read More »
Do Employers Have to Pay for Jury Duty in California?
Jury duty, while not always welcomed, is a civic duty of every American. If you are one of the lucky many who are selected for jury duty, you may be wondering, what do you do if you have to miss work to carry out this obligation? In California, employers are not required to pay… Read More »
Is Severance Pay Taxable? Know Your Options
A severance package can be an unexpected and emotionally charged payout for any employee. Just as unexpected might be the sudden tax responsibility that comes along with a severance package. You do have some options on your side when it comes to navigating a settlement package and what your responsibilities are come tax time…. Read More »
California Holiday Pay: What are the Laws?
California law offers many protections for workers, including guaranteed minimum wage, meal breaks, rest breaks, and overtime pay for most hourly workers. As the holidays approach, many employees are performing mental calculations to decide whether to take those days off or make some extra cash. Many businesses offer special pay rates for working on… Read More »
Are Non-Competes Enforceable?
California employment law tends to lean heavily in favor of employee protections, and California law generally is very pro-competition (meaning against monopolistic power and any other restraints on trade). Non-compete agreements appear at first blush to be a restraint on trade as well as on employee freedoms. Especially when worded very broadly, they can… Read More »
Types of Workplace Retaliation in California (and Examples)
California law protects workers from unlawful retaliation. Employers who punish employees for complaining about illegal conduct or for otherwise performing actions that are protected by the law may be liable for retaliation. There are a number of different bases for a retaliation claim, and retaliation can take a variety of forms. Continue reading for… Read More »
What Are Illegal Firing Practices?
California and federal laws protect employees against wrongful termination for a number of reasons. Although most California employees are “at will,” which gives employers wide latitude in choosing when and whether to fire employees, certain firing practices are considered unlawful. Employees who have been wrongfully terminated can seek to be reinstated, recover back pay,… Read More »
