California Labor and Employment Law

An Act of Goodness

Ever come across a story that just leaves you speechless? Here’s the story that did that to me. I hope it brings a smile to your face, just like it did to mine.

Starbucks barista Sandra Andersen only knew Annamarie Ausnes as an upbeat customer who would come in the mornings (more…)

Popularity: 2%

Our National Deficit – Who Do I Blame?

Is anyone else concerned about the direction our country is heading towards? Because I know I am. Here is just one symptom of the problem, our nation’s skyrocketing budget deficit. The US has charged up its credit card like a spoiled teenager. And I believe there’s going to be hell to pay when the bill finally comes due. The fact that the world community is shunning US dollars, driving the decline of the dollar, is but a sign of (more…)

Popularity: 4%

Starbucks Baristas Win $105 Million Class Action Judgment

Fellow attorney Terry Chapko reports a $105 million award to 120,000 former and current baristas in a class action tip-sharing lawsuit against Starbucks. The suit was initiated in October 2004 by Jou Chau, a former barista in La Jolla, CA, who alleged Starbucks (more…)

Popularity: 5%

What Break Periods Am I Entitled To?

Under California law (which is much more generous to employees than federal law), if you are a non-exempt worker, you are entitled to meal and rest breaks: a 30-minute meal break if you work more than 5 hours in a workday, and 10 minutes breaks for every 4 hours you work. There are other requirements though. If your boss doesn’t comply with break requirements, they are required to pay you one extra hour of regular pay for each day on which a break violation occurred.

For the nitty gritties, see below: (more…)

Popularity: 100%

What Kind of Lawyer Do I Need?

Here’s a quiz: What kind of lawyer do you need for the following situations?
a. Your landlord won’t return your deposit even though you moved out of your apartment months ago.
b. Your boss has wrongfully terminated you because you told him you were pregnant and need time off.
c. Your vintage car has been damaged by your neighbor while he was backing out of his driveway and he refuses to pay for your $6,000 repair bill. (more…)

Popularity: 4%

Can My Employer Monitor My Web Surfing or Emails at Work?

Absolutely, yes. And what’s worse, they probably are.

Employee surveillance has never been easier thanks to advances in technology and the emergence of computers and the Internet. Employers are taking advantage like never before.

According to a recent survey conducted by the (more…)

Popularity: 4%