At SANFORD A. KASSEL, A Professional Law Corporation, We Get Results! With over 50 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys have taken hundreds of cases to trial or mediation. We have an extraordinarily high success rate in court and…
The Private Attorneys General Act, or PAGA, was designed by state legislators offering financial incentives to individuals seeking to enforce state labor laws. When SB 796 passed in 2003, the State of California did not have sufficient resources to keep…
“It is wrong for any employer no matter how large or small to discriminate against pregnant employees,” said Gavin Kassel, an employment lawyer who represented four of the women in these pregnancy cases against Amazon. (CNET Article May 6, 2019)…
In California personal injury claims, making the clear distinction between independent contractor or employee is vital. Misclassification affects many elements, including workers’ rights and the ability to claim compensation for workplace injuries. However, the difference between these two types of…
When we hear mediation, we often think of divorce or custody. Perhaps, however, it’s really just a tool for finding compromise or getting closer to an agreement between parties. Alternative dispute resolution (ADR), or mediation, has emerged as a central…
Workers who report personal injuries in California are legally protected from retaliation stemming from their employer; however, retaliation doesn’t always come in obvious forms like termination or demotion. It can also surface through seemingly benign severance offers. When an employer…
Going through the shock and trauma following a car wreck and related injury can bring with it added stress when it happens while on the job. The recourse for such accidents can be filing a workers’ compensation claim, however, some…
Halting someone’s ability to earn a living in their field is often seen as unfair, yet many employers use non-compete agreements to protect business interests. These agreements aim to stop employees from working for competitors or starting their own similar…
Accidents and injuries can happen anytime, often leaving employees grappling with medical concerns and job instability. California provides various protections through the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the California Family Rights Act (CFRA). However, figuring out what applies to…
When an employee suffers a personal injury that leads to a disability, a set of protections from the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) are triggered. Understanding where and how the personal injuries intersect with the ADA is critical for employees…
You’ve worked hard to build your career and make a good impression at your place of work, building professional relationships with your coworkers and boss. Then, bam, a car accident and, along with it, stress. The last thing you expect…
We all have days when we do not feel like going to work. We may be too tired or we had so much fun over the weekend that we feel unprepared to return to the office. But for some, the…
After getting hurt on the job, your injury can quickly start interfering with all facets of your life, from affecting your health to infringing on your livelihood. If you want to prevent your injuries from worsening, part of the remedy…
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data confirmed that as of 2024, over 1 in 4 Americans have a disability. Despite this staggering statistic and the 4 million plus Californians with disabilities sharing a home with one of…
Workplaces are demanding and challenging, but they can evolve into unbearable and volatile when discrimination and retaliation enter the picture. Many employees are acquainted with what direct discrimination based on their race, gender, or disability is and looks like. However,…
The end of the employment relationship can be a challenging experience on many fronts, and a severance package adds another layer of complexity during a transitional and sometimes difficult time. Many employees face the dilemma of whether accepting a severance…
A recent ruling by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld California’s Assembly Bill 5 law (AB 5), which moved to classify many gig workers, including those employed by major ride-share and food delivery giants like Uber and Postmates,…
Housing as a payment—is that even a thing? Well, yes, it can be. In California, many employers, especially in caregiving and domestic work industries or for building and property managers and community coordinator roles, offer housing as part of their…
If you have been suffering from what seems like an intentionally challenging and exhausting situation at work, you may be looking at constructive discharge. Perhaps the atmosphere at your job has shifted to unnecessarily high stress or strain. In a…
Losing your job is typically filled with stressors, but even more so if you believe discrimination was a factor in the termination. What can complicate matters more is when an employer presents you with a severance agreement. Understanding whether to…
Employment contracts and severance agreements are vital legal documents. A severance contract is typically a separate agreement outlining terms of separation between employer and employee. However, among the various provisions within these agreements, post-employment restrictions, particularly non-compete and non-solicitation clauses,…
Are you living in California and working part-time, or perhaps, given the current economic climate, you have a couple of part-time positions? Whether you’re working part-time, delivering packages, providing residential care like housekeeping, serving in a restaurant, or working a…
Unfortunately, sometimes you find yourself working for an employer who either, due to negligence or intention, breaks the rules, even those set by the state of California or federal laws. Wage and hour violations are based on infringements concerning employee…
We see few workplace issues that can ignite as much anxiety and contention as disputes over wages and hours. Wage and hour disputes depict a body of topics, including unpaid overtime, misclassification of employees, and failure to compensate for all…
Temporary, long-term, or permanent disability often stems from personal injury accidents. Not only do these accidents affect your physical and emotional well-being, but victims living with a related disability usually sense a shift in their professional lives. When individuals navigate…
Understanding Severance Agreements A severance agreement is a contract between an employer and an employee that outlines the terms of the employee’s departure. Typically, these agreements include compensation in exchange for the employee’s agreement to waive certain legal rights, such…
Life can take unexpected turns, and for many, a personal injury unexpectedly enters and alters their lives. Personal injury accidents are unfortunate detours that can impact various aspects of daily living. Beyond the physical and emotional tax, individuals frequently find…
Career advancement is a crucial part of professional goal setting and achievement in California, both short-term and long-term. However, instances where deserving employees are passed up for promotions can raise concerns about potential discriminatory motives. You may wonder how to…
Facing termination is undoubtedly a distressing time, especially when your employer fails to adhere to established disciplinary procedures and policies. In California, where employment is presumed to be at-will, the presence of internal policies, particularly those related to professional discipline, can…
There are countless employment transactions that you must navigate and manage as an employee in California. One such transaction that can feel particularly complex and even daunting is switching employment and severance packages or agreements. Employees often face complicated agreements…
‘Tis the season of twinkling lights, festive decor, joyous yet sometimes crazed holiday shoppers. As retail establishments prepare to take on the masses and retail shoppers prepare to pony up– or should we say reindeer up for the annual winter…
You are on the hunt for a new job, which can be thrilling, exciting, stressful, frustrating, and even confusing. You want to showcase your mastery of specific skills and put your best foot forward while managing your boundaries. But how does…
Suddenly presented with the prospect of severance can feel like you are sitting at the crossroads of your career. Before you put ink to paper, signing your name on a line, you must see the consequences of this decision and…
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives have become increasingly common and pivotal in creating thriving workplace environments. As organizations aspire for inclusivity, it’s fundamental to understand the legal considerations accompanying these initiatives. Below is a guide to the legal context…
California is filled with diverse and dynamic work environments, but along with them can come issues of workplace harassment, which can be particularly challenging if you face harassment from a subordinate, whether an employee you supervise, an assistant, or an…
The line between work and personal life can sometimes muddle in the tech-injected, fast-paced realm of today’s employment. For instance, the notion of set working hours has become increasingly elusive in many industries. While the impressive digital age has revolutionized…
October is bully prevention month in the US. Long after notions of recess and chapters of life filled with near-daily rides on big yellow buses conclude, bullying does not always fade into the rearview. Efforts to limit bullying have failed…
Unpaid internships have been a topic of discussion and contention in the job market for a while now. They can be beneficial for gaining experience and unlocking potential career paths, but there are legal guidelines particular to California that one…
If you have recently been offered a severage package by your employer in California and asked to sign a severage agreement, you likely have a lot of questions and you should. Whether you part ways with a current employer voluntarily…
Your wages are an important part of your compensation and your livelihood. You may want to share your wage information with your co-workers, your family, or your friends for various reasons, such as comparing salaries, negotiating raises, or seeking advice.…
If you are a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or any other crime that caused you physical or mental injury, or if your immediate family member is deceased as a direct result of a crime, you may need…
Drug or alcohol addiction is a serious health issue that can affect your personal and professional life. You may want to seek help from a drug or alcohol rehabilitation program to overcome your addiction and improve your well-being. However, you…
Sexual harassment is a disturbing crisis and reality that affects millions of individuals across all genders. While nearly always depicted as an issue faced solely by women, male employees can, too, experience all forms of sexual harassment in the workplace.…
The Inland Empire, encompassing San Bernardino and Riverside, has seen a significant rise in employment opportunities, especially with the establishment of Amazon’s vast fulfillment centers. However, with this growth, there have been increasing concerns about wrongful terminations, particularly involving pregnant…
If you work in a health care facility, you may be required to lift, reposition, or transfer patients who are unable to move by themselves. This is a physically demanding and potentially hazardous task that can cause injuries to both…
In the vibrant regions of San Bernardino and Riverside, part of the Inland Empire, employees play a pivotal role in driving the local economy. However, the workplace can sometimes become a battleground for rights, especially when employees take a stand…
When coming to the end of your employment, employers in California are not required but may offer you a severance agreement. The legal document known as a severance agreement or severance package outlines the terms and conditions of your departure…
When employees maintain a balance between their work and personal lives, the effects usually distribute as higher productivity and feelings of stability. However, managing a healthy cycle between work and life can be demanding, especially when unexpected situations require time…
At Sanford A. Kassel, A Professional Law Corporation, we specialize in representing employees in employment law matters, including the new Bereavement Leave Law. This article will discuss the new provisions under Government Code Section 12945.7 that regulate bereavement leave for…
In the bustling regions of San Bernardino and Riverside, collectively known as the Inland Empire, military veterans are an integral part of the community. These brave individuals, having served our nation, deserve respect, honor, and fair treatment in all aspects…
Paid sick leave is a benefit that allows you to take time off from work when you or a family member are sick, injured, or need preventive care. You may need to use your paid sick leave for various reasons,…
In the bustling region of the Inland Empire, encompassing San Bernardino and Riverside, countless individuals commute daily for work, leisure, and other purposes. Unfortunately, car accidents are an inevitable part of life on the road. While many walk away with…
Your employer’s working conditions are an important factor that affects your job satisfaction, performance, and well-being. You may want to discuss or disclose information about your employer’s working conditions with your co-workers, your union, your lawyer, or other parties for…
The technology sector has become crucial in propelling innovation and influencing the worldwide economy in this digital era. Tech is a prominent source of employment across the US, including for many Californians. Professionals are driven to break into tech flock…
If you work in a warehouse distribution center, you may be subject to quotas that measure your productivity, efficiency, or performance. You may be expected to meet certain targets for picking, packing, loading, or unloading goods within a given time…
Serving on a jury is a civic duty that every citizen should take seriously. However, some employees may worry about how their jury service will affect their employment. Will they lose their pay, benefits, or even their job for taking…
Exciting news! The California Supreme Court has ruled in favor of the underdog! On July 17th, 2023, the CA Supreme Court ruling was published, siding with plaintiff Erik Adloph, a former Uber Eats driver and workers like him. The decision…
In the democratic fabric of our society, every individual has the right to express their political beliefs and engage in political activities without fear of retribution. This fundamental right extends to the workplace, where employees should feel secure in expressing…
At Sanford A. Kassel, A Professional Law Corporation, we specialize in representing employees in employment law matters, including the complexities of the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act. This article aims to provide an overview of the WARN Act…
In a professional employer-employee relationship, both parties should remain well-informed about their rights and obligations, as today’s employment landscape is ever-evolving. The State of California is widely viewed as the architect and trailblazer of many laws later mirrored in other…
Non-compete clauses are contractual terms that prevent workers from seeking or accepting employment with a competitor, or starting a competing business, after leaving their current employer. These clauses are common in many industries and professions, but they can have negative…
Your workplace safety and health are vital for your well-being and productivity. You may have concerns about the safety or health conditions or practices at your workplace, such as unsafe equipment, hazardous materials, or inadequate ventilation. You may also want…
In 2015, after reviewing the findings in multiple state-level studies in the US, the economic (EPI) saw a trend indicating up to 20% of employers were misclassifying a minimum of one worker at their business under the label of an…
At Sanford A. Kassel, A Professional Law Corporation, we specialize in representing employees in employment law matters, including recordkeeping and pay data reporting requirements. This article will discuss the new provisions under Labor Code Section 432.3 and Government Code Section…
Your political rights are an essential part of your freedom and democracy. You may want to follow or refrain from following a particular course of political action or activity, such as voting, campaigning, protesting, or donating, according to your beliefs…
Age discrimination remains a concern in workplaces across California, despite the strides made to promote diversity and equality. Employees must be aware of their rights and educate themselves on the different manifestations of age discrimination so they can recognize them…
In the modern workplace, employees are endowed with a plethora of rights designed to ensure their safety, dignity, and fair treatment. However, the sad reality is that many brave souls who dare to exercise these rights face retaliation from their…
According to a survey conducted in 2018 by The Harris Poll on behalf of CareerBuilder, over 70% of hiring and human resource managers in the US utilize social networking sites to research job candidates during the hiring process. The above…
Your working hours are an important aspect of your employment contract and your work-life balance. You may have agreed to work a certain number of hours per day or week, or you may be subject to the maximum hours of…
At Sanford A. Kassel, A Professional Law Corporation, we specialize in representing employees in employment law matters, including sexual assault and sexual harassment claims. This article will discuss the implications of the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual…
If you work in a retail store, you may be subject to mystery shopper reports that evaluate your conduct, performance, or honesty. A mystery shopper is a person who poses as a customer and secretly observes and reports on the…
According to reports published by the US Department of Labor, most workers have heard of The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), but most do not understand how or when to use FMLA. The FMLA is a federal law that…
If you are a parent or guardian of a student who has been suspended from school, you may be required to appear at the school to discuss the suspension with the school authorities. However, you may be concerned about how…
At Sanford A. Kassel, A Professional Law Corporation, we specialize in representing employees in employment law matters, including leave of absence under the California Family Rights Act (CFRA). This article will discuss the amended provision under Government Code Section 12945.2(b)(5)(B)…
In an ideal workplace, employees would feel empowered to voice concerns, report misconduct, or raise alarms about potential issues without fear of repercussions. However, the reality is often far from this ideal. At Sanford A. Kassel, A Professional Law Corporation,…
Sick leave is a benefit that allows you to take time off from work when you are ill or injured. You may need to use your sick leave for various reasons, such as recovering from a surgery, caring for a…
Introduction – The city of San Bernardino, California is known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant community. However, like any other place, accidents and employment disputes can happen, leaving individuals in a vulnerable position. If you find yourself in such a…
If you are a parent of a child who attends kindergarten or grades 1 to 12, or a licensed child care provider, you may need to take time off from work to participate in your child’s school activities, to locate…
In California, workers’ rights are fiercely protected, thanks to various labor laws that govern employee working conditions. One unique law that empowers employees to take action against employers who violate these rights is the Private Attorneys General Act, commonly known…
In the realm of employment law, wrongful termination remains one of the most contested and complex areas. Employees often find themselves at the receiving end of unjust dismissals, with employers hiding behind a veil of seemingly legitimate reasons. At Sanford…
At Sanford A. Kassel, A Professional Law Corporation, we specialize in representing employees in employment law matters, including the complexities surrounding “on duty” meal periods. This article will discuss the implications of the Naranjo v. Spectrum Security Services, Inc. case…
If you work in California, you’ve likely come across or heard the term “at-will employment.” But what exactly does it mean, and how does it affect you as an employee in the San Bernardino Area? In order to fully comprehend…
At Sanford A. Kassel, A Professional Law Corporation, we specialize in representing employees in employment law matters, including wage discrimination and wage transparency requirements. This article will discuss the amended provisions under Labor Code Section 432.3 and Government Code Section…
Constructive discharge (also called constructive termination or dismissal) is a California legal term and doctrine used when an employer creates such a difficult work environment that employees feel they have no choice but to resign. Such circumstances are deemed wrongful…
Having to go to work knowing a hostile environment awaits you is pretty miserable. However, In California, employees have options when facing such a situation, but there are some key steps to take to ensure those options remain available. Documentation…
In the realm of employment law, experience and expertise matter. For over 35 years, the attorneys at Sanford A. Kassel, A Professional Law Corporation, have been providing top-tier legal representation to clients in San Bernardino and beyond, navigating the complexities…
At Sanford A. Kassel, A Professional Law Corporation, we specialize in representing employees in employment law matters, including the use of sick leave to care for another under the California Family Rights Act (CFRA). This article will discuss the amended…
In the thriving regions of San Bernardino and Riverside, part of the Inland Empire, Amazon warehouses employ a significant number of residents. These sprawling facilities are a testament to the e-commerce giant’s reach and influence. However, with such vast operations…
Understanding Good Cause for Quitting and Unemployment in California Losing your job can be a daunting and unpredictable experience, especially when you’re left without another opportunity. Fortunately, in California, you can receive unemployment benefits if you let go through no…
In the heart of Southern California, the Inland Empire, which includes San Bernardino and Riverside, is home to a diverse workforce contributing to its vibrant economy. However, life can sometimes take unexpected turns, and burn injuries are among the most…
Termination of employment can be a stressful and emotional experience. Amidst the whirlwind of emotions and uncertainty, it’s essential to remain vigilant and protect your rights. One crucial step in doing so is to consult an employment attorney specializing in…
Recently, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. v. Hewitt, examined the “salary basis” test under federal law and made an impactful determination regarding exempt and non-exempt employees. Employers in California must fully grasp the decision as…
Amazon, the e-commerce giant, has been at the forefront of the retail industry for years. With its rapid growth, the company has established numerous warehouses across the globe to ensure timely delivery of products. However, with this expansion, there have…
California has enacted several laws and regulations to protect job applicants and employees with criminal records from unfair discrimination. As an employment attorney specializing in wrongful termination, it is important to help clients understand their rights and how these laws…
Elon Musk’s recent acquisition of Twitter acted inherently as a catalyst for consequential changes within the company and beyond. A part of the shift included a rattling wakeup call to employees as a slew of massive layoffs began. Both employees…
As an employment wage and hour law office based in San Bernardino, California, we understand the importance of distinguishing between exempt and non-exempt employees for both employers and workers. The classification of employees plays a crucial role in determining wage…
The recent destructive collapse of the Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), one of the largest financial services providers to startups and venture capitalists, delivered unsettling and far-reaching shockwaves into and beyond the tech industry, setting off alarms at countless corporations. The…
In California, employers are required to provide suitable seating for their employees, ensuring a safe and comfortable work environment. This often-overlooked aspect of employment law is crucial for the well-being of workers and can have significant implications for both employees…
California has been at the forefront of creating equal pay laws, working toward eliminating ethnic, racial, and gender disparities, and closing the gender wage gap. Recent legislation signed into law aims at bolstering pay equity and transparency laws. Pay equity…
If you have been wrongfully terminated from your job in San Bernardino, Riverside, or the Inland Empire after a work-related injury, you may have a legal claim against your employer. The law protects employees from discrimination based on their disability,…
In the fall of 2022, California Governor Newsom was busy passing several new laws affecting employers and employees, including Senate Bill (SB) 1044 regarding emergency conditions protections. The new law allows employees the freedom to take measures to ensure their…
In California, employers must pay their employees promptly all wages due for the time they worked. California has always led the way in employment legislation. Employment laws and the CA Labor Code protect workers’ rights to compensation. When employed in…
If you live and work in California and are arrested, your employer may learn about your legal matter. Employers are permitted to conduct background checks on job applicants and employees, which can include information about an individual’s criminal history. If…
