HR Law Blog

Pregnancy is an exciting yet challenging time, and the last thing any pregnant employee should worry about is whether their rights at work will be protected. California has some of the strongest protections for pregnant employees in the nation, ensuring that individuals can take the time they need for pregnancy-related medical care, recovery, and bonding…

Employment discrimination can profoundly affect a person’s career, health, and future. In California, workers facing discrimination based on race, gender, age, or disability have legal options to pursue justice and financial compensation. Witnesses play a critical role in these cases, helping to clarify what happened and supporting discrimination claims. These witnesses might include coworkers, supervisors,…

As an employment law attorney and the founder of Law Office of Joseph Richards, P.C., I have seen firsthand how gender wage inequality has affected workers in California. For decades women have struggled with pay disparities that undermine fairness in the workplace. In 2015, California took a significant step toward addressing this issue with the…

As an experienced Orange County employment law attorney, I understand the pervasive issue of wage theft in California. Many people work tirelessly only to be underpaid or not paid at all, which violates federal and state laws. This unfair treatment not only undermines workers’ livelihoods but also erodes trust in the employer-employee relationship. I am…

As the founder of Law Office of Joseph Richards, P.C., and an experienced California Disability Discrimination Lawyer, I’ve witnessed the distress and challenges individuals face when discriminated against due to a disability. Whether it’s in the workplace, education, or public services, discrimination takes many forms. California law offers robust protections against such discrimination, and having…

As an Orange County age discrimination lawyer with more than a decade of experience, I have seen the impact of age discrimination in the workplace. Age discrimination occurs when an employer treats an applicant or employee less favorably because of their age. Understanding the legal protections available under California and federal laws is crucial for…

Employment laws involve both federal and state regulations, each playing a crucial role. The federal minimum wage, set by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), serves as a baseline across the nation. However, individual states possess the authority to establish their own minimum wage rates, provided they exceed the federal standard. In California, the state…

Unlawful retaliation in the workplace remains a concerning issue, with employees facing adverse actions for exercising their rights or reporting violations of the law. In California, both federal and state laws provide protections against retaliation, but despite these legal safeguards, instances of unlawful retaliation persist. Understanding the examples of unlawful retaliation can empower employees to…

Age discrimination refers to the unfair treatment of individuals based on their age, particularly in the workplace. It can manifest in various forms, including hiring biases, promotion denials, or discriminatory remarks. In California, where diversity and inclusivity are valued, recognizing and addressing age discrimination is crucial for fostering a fair and equitable work environment. Importance…

Navigating the intricacies of employee leave policies can be a daunting task for both employers and employees alike. Two significant regulations that apply in this area are the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and California’s leave of absence laws. While both aim to provide employees with essential protections and time off for specific life…