HR Law Blog

In recent years, many California employees have been asked to sign new arbitration agreements as a condition of continued employment. These agreements typically require workplace disputes to be resolved through private arbitration rather than through a public court. Employers often present such agreements as standard documents, sometimes during onboarding, promotions, or company policy updates. An…

As a California unpaid overtime lawyer, I frequently speak with hardworking employees who realize they’re not receiving the overtime compensation they deserve. In California, overtime laws are robust and protect employees from wage exploitation. Unfortunately, employers sometimes intentionally or unintentionally violate these rules. If you’re experiencing unpaid overtime, it’s essential to understand your rights and…

As a California employment attorney, I’ve spoken with many workers who are unsure whether they’re properly classified. You may receive a 1099 tax form instead of a W-2, and your employer may call you an “independent contractor,” but that doesn’t always mean the classification is legal. In California, misclassification is a serious issue that affects…

Understanding How “Pay Inequality” Affects California Workers As a California employment attorney, I’ve worked with many individuals—especially women—who’ve come to me after discovering they’re being paid less than a colleague for doing essentially the same work. Often, it’s not just about the numbers on a paycheck. It’s about the message that unequal compensation sends, particularly…

As an age discrimination attorney in California, I’ve seen hardworking professionals face unfair treatment solely because of their age. Whether it’s being passed over for raises, given lower starting pay, or forced to train younger replacements for less money, these practices are not just unethical—they may be illegal. In California, state and federal laws protect…

As a California employment attorney, I understand how difficult it is to come forward after experiencing sexual harassment at work. The fear of retaliation, embarrassment, or losing your job can make you feel trapped. However, California law does protect employees who take legal action, and you have the right to demand a safe workplace free…

Reporting illegal activities in the workplace can be intimidating, especially when retaliation is a real concern. Many employees witness fraud, safety violations, wage theft, or other misconduct but hesitate to come forward out of fear of losing their jobs or facing other negative consequences. California has some of the strongest whistleblower protections in the country,…

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…