Calabasas Employment Law

Serving Throughout All of California

Navigating employment law requires understanding both state and local nuances. While California laws offer broad employee protections, enforcement can vary within Los Angeles County. Local courts like the Van Nuys Courthouse East handle many employment disputes, each with unique procedures that may impact outcomes. Familiarity with these procedures is a significant part of how we at Gaines & Gaines, APLC approach each case, ensuring clients receive informed counsel at every step.

In Calabasas, industries such as technology and entertainment frequently drive employment concerns, including contract disputes and employee classifications. By leveraging our deep insights into these industries, our team of attorneys can provide clients with tailored legal strategies that reflect the unique dynamics of the local employment landscape.

Speak with an experienced employment law attorney in Calabasas. Contact us online or call (866) 400-4450now for your free consultation. We're here to help.

Wage & Hour Violations

Although California implements extensive labor laws to help ensure employees are fairly treated, many employers violate them in various ways. For instance, they may fail to pay employees on time upon termination, make unlawful deductions from employees’ paychecks, and so on.

One crucial wage and hour law to be aware of is California’s minimum wage law. As of January 1st, 2017, the California minimum wage will be increased every year as required by state law.

Understanding wage and hour laws is crucial for all California workers. Employees should be aware of their rights regarding breaks, compensation, and job classifications to ensure they are not being exploited. In addition to state regulations, federal laws provide further protections, and navigating these can be complex. Knowledgeable legal support can clarify these rights and offer guidance if there is a suspicion of rights being violated. Get in touch with a qualified employment law attorney in Calabasas at Gaines & Gaines, APLC right away.

• We have included a table of the latest minimum wage rate schedule on our Wage & Hour Violations page.

Meal & Rest Breaks

California employment law also requires employers to provide meal and rest breaks and ensure that employees take those breaks on time. Therefore, one violation of the law is if an employee skips a meal break or does not take a meal break on time.

Some key takeaways of the meal and rest break requirements are:

• 30-minute unpaid meal breaks must be provided to employees working more than 5 hours.
• Employees should take meal breaks within the first 5 hours of work. 
• Employers should offer second meal periods to shifts exceeding 10 hours (this may be waived in some circumstances).

Overtime Laws

Most California employees are entitled to overtime pay, protected by California and federal laws. Generally, workers are entitled to:

• 1.5 times the regular rate of pay for any hours worked over 40 hours in a week
• 1.5 times the regular rate of pay for any hours over 8 hours in one day
• 2 times the regular rate of pay when working more than 12 hours in one day

Clarifying rights under overtime laws can save employees from systemic underpayment. Employees should document their hours scrupulously and seek legal guidance if disputes arise. Understanding common misclassifications can safeguard employees against unjust labor practices.

Some common positions are generally not qualified for overtime pay, such as certain executives and independent contractors. However, some companies intentionally misclassify employees as independent contractors when they are regular employees.

Our Calabasas employment lawyers can help you take legal action if you have been denied overtime pay and determine whether you have been misclassified for that purpose. 

Other Practice Areas

Navigating these practice areas often requires professional legal advice. Our team at Gaines & Gaines, APLC emphasizes understanding your rights and pursuing justice in cases of wrongful treatment in the workplace. We are committed to defending employees' rights and ensuring fair treatment throughout California. Knowledgeable guidance can often make the critical difference in the outcome of complex employment disputes.

We work with clients on other important employment-related disputes, including those related to:

Commissioned Employees

There are many ways employers fail to comply with federal and state law in paying commissions and minimum pay to sales employees. For instance, an employer cannot withhold commissions until the employee has been with the company for some time. Commissioned employees not classified as “outside salespersons” are entitled to minimum wage and overtime wages.

Wrongful termination

Regarding termination, employment relationships in California are “at will,” which means both employers and employees may terminate the employment for any reason that is not illegal. As such, termination may be unlawful, retaliatory, or fall under the scope of unfair dismissal if the termination is based on discrimination or some other retaliatory action (e.g., against a whistleblower). 

Discrimination and harassment

Employment discrimination occurs when an employer (or even a co-worker or customer) discriminates against a person based on their protected classification (e.g., gender, race, nation of origin, or religion). Discriminatory acts may include firing someone, denying an application or interview, or withholding pay.

Similarly, harassment might occur if an employer or co-worker creates a hostile working environment. Harassment becomes sexual when it involves inappropriate touching and obscene talk perpetrated by or against a member of any sex.

Expense reimbursement

Employers in California also need to reimburse employees for all expenses or losses incurred due to the discharge of their duties. Expenses could range from driving expenses to cell phone use.

Secure legal assistance quickly by connecting with an employment law lawyer at Gaines & Gaines, APLC. Call (866) 400-4450 or fill out our online form to move forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Common Employment Law Issues?

In Calabasas, as in many urbanized areas in California, common employment law issues include wage disputes, employee misclassification, and workplace harassment. Another significant concern is wrongful termination, where employees may be dismissed for unlawful reasons such as retaliation or discrimination. The entertainment and tech sectors in this region also bring unique challenges, including contract disputes and non-compete clauses. Our lawyers are experienced in handling such issues, offering personalized legal strategies that align with local regulations and industry standards. Do not hesitate to reach out to a skilled employment law attorney near you at Gaines & Gaines, APLC.

How Can I File a Complaint Against My Employer in Calabasas?

Filing a complaint against an employer in Calabasas usually begins with gathering documentation, such as pay stubs, emails, and any records that support your claim. You can then approach the California Labor Commissioner to file your complaint formally. It's often beneficial to work with an employment law attorney at Gaines & Gaines, APLC. We can guide you through the nuances of your case and help ensure that all procedures are followed correctly to provide the best chance of a favorable outcome.

What Should I Know About Representing Employees in Calabasas?

Representing employees in Calabasas requires an understanding of both state laws and particular local practices. Our approach at Gaines & Gaines, APLC involves a client-centered strategy, ensuring transparent communication throughout the legal process and tailoring our actions to the individual needs of our clients. This focus on client interaction and informed legal planning underpins our dedication to achieving the best outcomes in employment law issues.

If you are dealing with a labor dispute, reach out to our team of experienced attorneys at Gaines & Gaines for legal support. We work exclusively with and for employers, and we are committed to helping you obtain the compensation you are due as a worker. 

• For additional information about our employment law practice and California’s employment litigation process, visit our frequently asked questions page.

Schedule an initial consultation with an employment law lawyer near you at Gaines & Gainesto get started on your employment law case. Let’s protect your rights as a California worker today.