California Employment Lawyer

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Experienced Employment Attorney in California

As an employer in California, there are many state and federal laws you have to be aware of. Keeping track of all the regulations that apply to you can be challenging without the aid of a Skilled California employment lawyer. Working with a lawyer can help you protect your business and learn more about the legal requirements and restrictions.

Lobb & Plewe has a team of skilled attorneys prepared to assist you with many facets of business and employment law. Decades of experience inform the approach that we take to every case.

California Worker’s Protections

In California, workers are protected by both state and federal laws designed to prevent discrimination and offer fair and equal access to employment. Employers are responsible for following these laws and creating safe, supportive workplaces.

For broader guidance beyond California-specific claims, our skilled employment law attorneys also assist businesses with the full range of workplace compliance matters.

Unfortunately, 46% of California workers experience at least one violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act, and the California Civil Rights Department had more than 4,000 employment claims in 2024 [p.24]. These violations can lead to internal conflict and costly legal proceedings. This can include claims based on:

Pregnancy discrimination
Wrongful termination
Worker misclassification
Gender discrimination
Unpaid overtime

Responding to these claims should be done quickly and with professional knowledge. You may wish to hire an employment lawyer to help you navigate this complex legal landscape.

Proactive Employment Law Support

You don’t have to wait until an employee files a claim to work with an employment attorney. One of the most effective ways to protect a business is to work proactively, checking compliance with regulations and trying to prevent issues in the first place.

Proactively addressing employment law concerns can cover a wide array of issues, from hiring policies to grievance procedures and more. You may want to consider:

Employment contracts
HR policies and procedures
Nondiscrimination policies
Union relations
NDAs and non-competition agreements

Dealing with these concerns now can help protect your business from future legal issues. It may also help your business run smoother, as employees will feel safer in the workplace.

Tackling so many concerns can feel overwhelming, especially if you are a busy employer managing many employees, contracts, and other elements. California employment attorneys are here to help you understand the legal concerns of employment law so you can spend less time and energy worrying about them.

Wage and Hour Compliance

One of the biggest employment cases that can arise is an issue with wage and hour compliance. Properly keeping track of hours, paying the appropriate wages, and managing overtime is essential to protecting employees. Improper systems or lapses in supervision can lead to discrepancies that harm you or your employees.

This compliance also includes making sure employees get their allowed meal breaks and rest periods. What types of breaks employees are eligible for will depend on the type of employee they are, the contract, and what local laws apply in addition to federal laws.

Shoring up wage and hour practices is an important task in protecting the interests of your business. You can speak to a lawyer to understand what regulations you need to follow and what systems should be put in place to support compliance.

When to Hire an Employment Lawyer

There are a lot of elements to consider in running a business, and many employers wait to hire an employment lawyer until a claim is filed against them. Working with an attorney early on can actually help you prevent these claims from being filed in the first place, helping your business more in the long run.

Whether it’s during the startup of your business or you’ve been a California employer for years, we can help you with:

Creating and reviewing employee contracts
Managing internal business policies
Ensuring compliance with state and federal laws
Responding quickly to a claim

It is truly never too soon to work with a California employment attorney. Whether you’re in LA, nearby Anaheim, or further out in the state, we can provide the guidance you need.

FAQs

How Much Do Employment Lawyers Charge in California?

Each employment lawyer can set their own rates, meaning that costs can vary. Different services may also carry different costs. The more complex your employment law needs are, the more time a lawyer might have to spend on your case. You can always ask an attorney about their pricing and fee structure before deciding to hire them.

Do Small Businesses Have to Follow the Same Business Laws?

For the most part, yes, small businesses in California are subject to the same laws that larger businesses must follow. Regulations around workers’ compensation, non-discrimination, and other policies also apply to small businesses. There are some cases where laws are applied differently to businesses with few employees, and it’s important to understand these differences and where your business falls.

Is Misclassifying Workers Illegal in California?

Yes, misclassifying employees is illegal in California. It is important to properly distinguish between independent contractors and full employees, as they are subject to different rights and protections. A misclassified worker who misses out on wages or benefits because of the misclassification may have the right to file a claim.

Is California an at-Will State?

Yes, California is an at-will employment state, meaning that employers and employees may end a job at any time without a specific reason. However, nondiscrimination laws still prevent firing on the basis of protected characteristics. Determining whether a termination is legal or not can be a complicated question with which an experienced employment lawyer can help you.

Lobb & Plewe—Experienced California Employment Lawyers

With a main office in Corona, we help clients with their employment and business needs across both California and Nevada. California’s civilian labor force of more than 19 million workers means that there are many employers who need assistance preventing legal issues with their employees. Established in 1993, we bring dedication and hard work to every case we take on. We have seen many types of employment law cases and use that experience to adapt our approach to your specific needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your employment goals.