In most lawsuits, the plaintiff files a complaint on his or her own behalf. But in a class-action lawsuit, one or multiple plaintiffs bring a claim on behalf of a larger group. The larger group is called the “class.” Therefore, class-action certification is the process of defining the class. In other words, what common injury... Read...
You have a right to work in an environment without discrimination. State and federal laws create and protect this right. You also have a right to seek relief in a civil complaint if your employer discriminates against you. But what kind of relief can you expect from a fight to protect your rights? Are you... Read...
When an employment relationship does not work out, you want to leave the bad experience behind you. But what happens when an employer tells lies about you that follow you and tarnish your reputation? If your employer does not have a defense, you can sue them for defamation of character. Proving defamation of character is... Read...
The requirements of your job can include so much more than your daily tasks. You might have to complete training sessions, attend performance reviews, or submit to a drug test. What happens if you fail a drug test? Can you get fired for failing a drug test? The answer to this question is maybe, and... Read...
Starting a class-action lawsuit can be an efficient way to relieve multiple victims of the same bad actor. There is often safety when a group acts as a unified front, and a class-action suit can be a less stressful way for multiple employees to stand up to an unscrupulous employer. While this kind of lawsuit... Read...
Unfortunately, mass layoffs happen. Although California’s labor laws cannot save a financially distressed company, the state has put into place important regulations to help protect some vulnerable employees. The California WARN Act — the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act — requires many mid-sized and large companies that are planning mass layoffs to give sufficient... Read...
It’s Friday night and, after a long week at work, you’re ready to have a relaxing weekend. Just as you’re about to lie down on the couch, however, your phone starts to buzz. It’s a text from your manager. The message says, “I need you to come in tomorrow morning.” “But I’m off,” you reply.... Read...
Losing your job is never easy. After losing your job, you may have to scramble to find work, open your own business, or find some way of making money to survive. Finding work or starting your own business may be even more difficult if your previous employer made you sign a non-solicitation agreement. Like many... Read...
If your employer hasn’t paid you for all your work hours, you may be experiencing wage theft. The California Labor Commissioner’s Office, also called the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE), enforces the state’s wage and hour laws. When you report a labor law violation, DLSE will review your complaint and determine if your employer... Read...
In a competitive labor market, against the backdrop of The Great Resignation, many employees are reevaluating their working conditions. For some people, this means seeking a job with better benefits or finding an employer that allows remote work. Other employees may discover that their employers are violating labor laws. Federal and state laws protect employees... Read...