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
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
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
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
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
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
Comparing the Big 3 Workplace Leave Laws – FMLA, CFRA, and PDL
Life happens, people fall ill or their family members get sick and they need to take leave from work. Sometime’s it’s for a joyous occasion like the birth or adoption of a baby. But even joyous occasions are stressful for employees when it interrupts their ability to work. When an employee has to take leave from work, employers are then concerned about getting coverage and worried about administering the leave in a legally compliant way. Here is a guide to help both employers and employees understand the workplace leave laws available to California workers. We will talk about the big 3 – Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), California Family Rights Act (CFRA), and California Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL). These laws offer essential protections but have distinct requirements and benefits. Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) The FMLA is a federal law that applies to employers with 50 or more employees within a 75-mile radius. To qualify, employees must have worked for the employer for at least 12 months and worked at least 1,250 hours in the past year. FMLA provides up … Continue reading
Drafting an AI Policy for Small Businesses: Why It Matters and How to Get It Right
Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash As artificial intelligence (AI), and more specifically, generative AI, increases in capability, use, and acceptance, it becomes increasingly vital for all businesses, even smaller businesses to establish an AI policy. It’s not just tech giants that need to concern themselves with the implications of AI; small businesses are equally accountable and have just as much to gain – or lose – from its potential. The Importance of an AI Policy in the Workplace As a small business owner, you might be tempted to ignore the role of AI in your operations. You might even question the necessity of an AI policy at all. But the reality is that AI has penetrated all facets of the business world and is not limited by size or sector. Whether it’s customer service chatbots, data analytics tools, or HR systems screening potential hires, AI is likely already embedded in your business processes. Then there are the tech savvy employees who may be using ChatGPT or Bard to draft a letter, create content, or make their work easier in … Continue reading
Disney Lawsuit and the California Equal Pay Act
Photo by Thomas Kelley on Unsplash Female mid-managers at the Walt Disney Co. recently requested class certification in a lawsuit against Disney entitled LaRonda Rasmussen, et al. v. The Walt Disney Co. et al. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit seek $150 million in damages on behalf of themselves and other female mid-managers who worked for the Walt Disney Co. throughout the United States. The lawsuit against Disney alleges that the company discriminated against women who worked for them in that “across all of its business segments and at all levels of the company, Disney routinely underpays its female employees, passes them over for promotion, piles on extra work without additional compensation, and does not supply sufficient support staff to allow women to succeed at their jobs.” This is a violation of California’s equal pay laws. At the heart of this and other discrimination lawsuits is whether an employer treats its female employees differently than their male counterparts. One of the plaintiffs in this case alleged that each of the six men holding the same title as her (“Manager, Product Development”) … Continue reading
2023 Employment Law Updates
Welcome to 2023. New Year, New You, New California Employment Laws! Here is a quick overview of the most significant new laws that went into effect on January 1, 2023. This is not an exhaustive list but one that will apply to most small to medium-sized business owners in California. PRACTICAL TIP: Make sure your documents reflect that you are implementing changes that are applicable to your business. For example, update your written notice to employees of the terms of their employment to reflect the new hourly rate if you have employees who make minimum wage. Update the language in your employee handbooks to reflect the ability to designate non-family members for CFRA and paid sick leave. PAY Minimum Wage Increases/Exempt Pay Increases The California state minimum wage in 2023 is now $15.50 per hour for all employees, regardless of the employer’s size. However, some cities and counties have even higher local minimum wage requirements. Employers should check the minimum wage requirements for all cities and counties where their employees work. Some cities with higher minimum wage requirements include Los … Continue reading