There are so many times that clients call or come into the office shocked that they are being sued for a wage and hour dispute. The claims could allege things such as the employee was working off the clock, unpaid overtime, failure to be provided meal and rest breaks and the list goes on.
The company owner tells me they have been in business for quite some time, usually decades, and have never been sued before. To the business owners, whether a pre-litigation demand letter or the actual filing of a lawsuit, it is beyond upsetting to be in this position. They tell me that they are nice and generous to their employees. And they are. They have run their business the same way for years and not needed an employment lawyer. Their mistake – is running their business the same way for years and thinking they did not need an employment lawyer unless they were sued.
There is much more to employment law than defending wage and hour claims (or other types of employment lawsuits–think wrongful termination due to retaliation, harassment, whistleblowing) for an employer if they get sued. Good employment lawyers know how to prevent legal problems before you get sued—because anyone can sue you at any time for any reason no matter what in California. It is vital that businesses have a knowledgeable employer lawyer audit your policies & practices at least once a year. This ensures everything from paystubs to handbooks are reviewed, updated as needed and you get an objective review in light of the complicated California Labor Laws in effect covering your business and how you run it. No two businesses are alike (unless you run multiple locations!) and the policies & practices should not be the same either.
Make sure your business is 2026 California Labor Compliant and start the New Year off with proper and legally correct policies & procedures. To learn more, or talk to the experienced employer lawyers at Chauvel & Glatt, call 650-573-9500 or go to www.ChauvelLaw.com.
