Employees' "Vested Vacation" Pay: What Employers Need to Know about Providing Vacation in California
There is no legal requirement in California for an employer to provide its employees with either paid or unpaid vacation time. However, most employers do provide vacation benefit either to ensure its employees get needed …
A New Weapon Has Emerged in Defending Lawsuits Under the Americans with Disabilities Act
Unfortunately, lawsuits under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) are becoming a fact of life for business in America. These lawsuits are not only costly but are difficult to defeat. The United States government has …
Use It or Lose It
Would you want another business to “freeload” off your business’ goodwill? If your business does not protect its trademarks and service marks, that is exactly what can happen. If another business wants to use your business’ mark, …
Employers Need to Cope with Medical Leave Laws in 2007
If your company is subject to the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) or the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), it is important to recognize these laws impose many obligations beyond the mere duty to …
Tips for Hiring and Firing: What Every Business Owner Should Know
Although it may not always be the most pleasant aspect of the job, hiring and firing is an essential part of running every business. To prevent potential lawsuits, all employers should be aware of the …
Personal Liability for Retaliation is Yet Another Burden for Supervisors
In 1998, the California Supreme Court ruled supervisors were not personally liable for damages resulting from wrongful termination or discrimination. The California Supreme Court recently granted review of Jones v. The Lodge at Torrey Pines where a …
The 'Captain of the Ship' Doctrine Gets a New Set of Sails
Fields v. Yusuf A physician is not liable for the negligent actions of hospital employees and staff who are not employed by the physician. There are, however, two key instances where a physician can be …
Employer Investigations into Claims of Employment Discrimination: Are They Protected by Attorney-Client Privilege and Work Product Doctrine?
More and more these days employers are doing their due diligence when it comes to complaints from an employee about employment discrimination in the workplace. When an employee makes a claim against its employer regarding …
Preparing for Deposition as the Defendant Physician
The deposition of the defendant physician is critical to the successful defense of a medical malpractice or elder abuse claim. The plaintiff takes the physician’s deposition to evaluate two things: the medicine and the witness talking …
Recovery of Attorney’s Fees, A Benefit for the Public Good?
Earlier this year, the United States Supreme Court decided in AT&T Mobility Inc. v. Concepcion that companies can enforce a contract provision that requires customers to arbitrate their disputes individually. Many feared this decision could effectively end consumer class …
