2026 California Employment Law Update — Watch the Replay & Download the Slides

Presented by: Andrea Suarez ParisRecorded live on: November 12, 2025Duration: 1 hour Watch the Replay If you missed the live session, you can now watch the full 2026 California Employment Law Update Webinar below. This session covers the new 2026 California employment laws and shares practical tips and resources to keep help employers prevent costly technical mistakes. Download the Slide Deck All attendees and readers are welcome to access the presentation slides.The deck includes summaries of each new law, compliance checklists, and key deadlines. What We Covered The 2026 employment law updates do not involve major overhauls. Instead, they are smaller but meaningful compliance details that can be costly to employers if they go unnoticed. These are the “small mounds” that can trip employers who are not paying attention. Below is a summary of what was covered in the webinar. Why This Matters Even small compliance oversights can lead to significant consequences. A missed or incomplete training record, an outdated notice, or an incorrect wage rate can result in penalties, lawsuits, or Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) claims. The annual … Continue reading

In: Employment Law, New Laws, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

2026 California Employment Law Update Webinar: What Employers Need to Know

Are you prepared for what’s coming? California employment laws evolve fast, and 2026 is bringing significant changes that employers need to prepare for now. From expanded protections to new compliance requirements, staying ahead is not just smart, it protects your business from costly legal pitfalls. Join us for a free, one-hour live webinar designed to help California employers navigate the updates coming in 2026 with clarity and confidence. Date & Time Wednesday, November 12, 202512:00 – 1:00 PM PSTLive on Zoom What You’ll Learn During this session, we’ll cover: Who Should Attend This webinar is ideal for: If you manage employees in California, this is for you. Why Attend?          Subscribe to our newsletter * indicates required          Email Address  *                   First Name  *                   I am:  *                          A Business OwnerAn Attorney/AdvisorInterested in General Laws                                                                       Please read our disclaimer.

In: Employment Law, New Laws | Leave a comment

How to Prepare for Your First Call with an Employment Lawyer in California

If you’re reaching out for a California employment lawyer consultation, chances are you are likely dealing with something important and maybe even stressful. Feeling overwhelmed about talking to a lawyer? This guide—and the free checklist at the end—will help you feel confident and prepared for your first legal consultation. How you prepare for your first attorney call can make all the difference. That initial legal consultation with an attorney can affect whether you find an attorney who is right for you and the results you get. Whether it’s an employment issue or another legal matter, you may be asking “what should I prepare before talking to an employment lawyer?” or “what documents should I bring to my first consultation?” Here’s how to set yourself up for success and make the most of your time in an attorney consultation: 1. Write a Simple Timeline of Workplace Events Before your call, write down a simple timeline of what happened. Include dates, names, and key events. For employment law consultations, that might look like: Having these details organized will make your story clearer … Continue reading

In: What to Do | Leave a comment

The Power of the Referral: How Saying No Can Build A Stronger Network

A wise colleague once told me, “You will always regret the client you take, but not the ones you don’t take.” Over time, I’ve found this to be true. As lawyers, we sometimes feel obligated to take on every client that walks through our doors. But the reality is, not every case is the right fit—whether it’s due to personality, expertise, or capacity. However, you can still help the potential client when they are not a good fit for you by finding them another lawyer who is perfect for them. A well-placed referral can build trust, strengthen your professional network, and ultimately grow your practice. Here’s why saying “no” could be the best thing for everyone. 1. Not Every Client Is the Right Fit—And That’s Okay The benefit of running your own practice is the freedom to choose the people you work with and the types of problems that you solve. You get to work with clients on cases that align with your expertise, values, interests, and capacity. Taking on the wrong client or type of case can lead to: … Continue reading

In: What to Do | Leave a comment

Employer Guide | Preparing for DHS and ICE Investigations & Raids

With increasing workplace immigration enforcement, employers must be prepared for visits from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). ICE agents may appear at business to 1. investigate compliance with workplace rules as they relate to immigration laws (Form I-9 audit) or 2. enforce immigration laws (an ICE raid or an attempt to detain a worker). The thought of having any type of government agent appear at your workplace is stress inducing. However, knowing your rights and having a response plan will ease your anxiety. Here is a step-by-step guide to handling ICE visits and audits while ensuring compliance with the law. 1. Understanding ICE Workplace Actions ICE may seek to enter a business for three main reasons: Key Takeaway: Be prepared for each of these scenarios by understanding your rights and responsibilities. 2. Preparing for an ICE Visit Proactive planning can prevent confusion and legal missteps. Employers should: 3. What to Do When ICE Arrives Best Practice: If possible, record the event on video to document any potential legal violations. 4. Handling a Form … Continue reading

In: Employment Law, New Laws, Uncategorized, What to Do | Leave a comment

How to Use AI for Job Search & Interviews | Smarter Career Moves

In today’s fast-paced job market, Artificial Intelligence (AI) isn’t just for tech companies—it’s a game changer for anyone looking to advance their career. Whether you’re actively job hunting or preparing for an interview, AI tools can give you the competitive edge you need. Here are a few ways you can leverage AI to make your job search and interview preparation smarter, faster, and more efficient. 1. Streamlining Job Search with AI AI tools like LinkedIn’s job recommendations or specialized job boards use algorithms that match job seekers with roles based on their skills, experience, and preferences. These platforms analyze vast amounts of data to find the most suitable listings, cutting down the time spent searching. 2. Optimizing Your Resume with AI AI-powered resume builders can help you tailor your resume to specific job descriptions. Tools like Jobscan scan your resume and compare it to job listings, recommending keyword adjustments that make your application stand out to Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). 3. Interview Prep with AI-Powered Simulations One of the most innovative ways AI supports job seekers is through interview preparation. … Continue reading

In: Employment Law, What to Do | Leave a comment

2025 Employment Practices Audit: Protect Your Business with a Comprehensive Review

As we kick off 2025, it’s time for employers to conduct an in-depth Employment Practices Audit. This audit isn’t just a checklist—it’s an essential step to ensure your workplace remains compliant with California’s ever-evolving employment laws. By auditing key areas of your business, you can reduce legal risks, promote a positive workplace culture, and avoid potential disputes with employees. Let’s take a closer look at how to audit each important area. 1. Hiring Practices: Ensuring Fairness and Compliance Review all job descriptions to ensure they align with California’s anti-discrimination laws (e.g. no questions about prior pay, disabilities, criminal records, and a new one…having a valid driver’s license). Examine your interview questions and selection processes to make sure they are free from bias. Also, ensure that your background check policies comply with state and federal laws, particularly those surrounding criminal records. 2. Wage and Hour Compliance: A Critical Review Wage and hour compliance is a priority for California employers. To avoid costly lawsuits or penalties, you’ll want to ensure: Given recent updates to the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA), it’s crucial … Continue reading

In: Employment Law, Uncategorized, What to Do | Leave a comment

2025 California Employment Law Updates: Webinar Recap and Presentation Download

2025 is set to bring critical changes to California employment laws, and staying ahead of these updates is essential for employers and HR professionals alike. To help navigate these changes, I had the pleasure of teaming up with LeiLani E. Quiray and her amazing team at be the change HR, Inc. for an engaging and informative 2025 California Employment Law Update Webinar. If you missed the live session, you can still get up to date and: This session is packed with actionable insights to help you stay compliant, proactive, and stress-free as we head into 2025. Key Topics Covered in the Webinar Why These Updates Matter California employers operate under some of the most dynamic employment laws in the nation. Staying informed about legislative updates like these helps you avoid legal risks, streamline HR policies, and create a compliant, employee-friendly workplace. Whether you run a small business or oversee a large team, understanding these changes minimizes your risk of being blind-sided by an employment claim. Watch the Webinar Recording & Download the Presentation For a deeper dive into these topics, … Continue reading

In: New Laws, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Get Ready for 2025: California Employment Law Updates!

As we look ahead to 2025, California employers have a lot to keep in mind with upcoming changes in employment law. That’s why I’m teaming up with Be the Change HR, Inc. for a lively, informative legal update webinar. Whether you’re running a small business or managing a larger team, this session is all about keeping compliance simple, proactive, and stress-free. What’s in Store? California’s employment laws continue to evolve, and staying informed is key to building a compliant and thriving workplace. From new wage and hour regulations to emerging compliance requirements, we’ll cover critical updates, practical strategies, and clear next steps to prepare for the year ahead. Why Attend? Here’s what you’ll get from this interactive session: Whether you’re a business owner or team leader, this session will help turn compliance from chaos to calm! Grab a coffee, your questions, and join us to approach 2025 with a proactive, prepared mindset. Can’t wait to see you there! Subscribe to our newsletter * indicates required Email Address * First Name * I am: * A Business OwnerAn Attorney/AdvisorInterested in General … Continue reading

In: New Laws | Leave a comment

Don’t Let the Layoff Be the End of the Story: Negotiate Your Severance

Facing a layoff can be a challenging and uncertain time, but knowing how to negotiate your severance package can provide crucial support during your transition. For employees from companies like Cisco, Paramount, Stellantis, and others who are currently navigating layoffs, it is essential to understand some basics about severance pay and how you can advocate for yourself effectively. What is Severance Pay for Layoffs? Severance pay is a form of financial compensation given to employees who are laid off or terminated. Its purpose is to assist you during your job transition and to buy the company peace of mind that you will not sue for any potential issues related to your employment in the future. Typically, severance pay may include: Understanding the basics of severance pay is crucial. A great reference guide with tips to navigate a layoff, refer to Indeed’s guide. Is Negotiating a Severance Package Worth It? Absolutely. Negotiating your severance package is a key step in ensuring that you receive the support you need. Here’s why it matters: Many employees accept the initial severance offer without question, … Continue reading

In: Employment Law, What to Do | Leave a comment