Tag: LLP

Backburner Job Descriptions? Don’t Even Think About It

The California Employment Law Letter (CELL). is written by Mark I. Schickman, and Cathleen S. Yonahara, both attorneys at the law firm of Freeland Cooper & Foreman LLP in San Francisco. Defining Essential Job Functions Most employers use some form of job description, but many are cumbersome documents that have little practical value because they’re […]

5 Basic Rules for Understanding Travel Pay in California

Experts say travel pay disputes – from business trips and mandatory off-site training to commuting time, waiting time, and on-call time – could fuel an enormous surge in lawsuits filed by workers in 2012 and beyond. Why? Many employers haven’t updated their workplace policies in recent years to keep up with changing federal and state […]

PTO Plans vs. Traditional: Plusses and Pitfalls

Absences, like terminations, can be voluntary or involuntary; however, unlike terminations the distinction between voluntary and involuntary absences is not typically determined by who initiates the absence, says Hagan, who is a partner in the Dallas office of Sarles & Ouimet, LLP. He made his suggestions at a recent BLR webinar. Involuntary absences are employee […]

When EEOC Suggests Mediation, Should You Say ‘Yes’?

Schickman is a partner at Freeland Cooper & Foreman LLP in San Francisco. His remarks came at BLR’s Advanced Employment Issues Symposium in Las Vegas. EEOC staffers have a lot of cases, and they want to get cases into their “resolved” file. Also, he adds, you often get some relief on document production and reporting […]

Is All Paid Time Off Considered “Vacation”?

California employers are familiar with the state law making “use it or lose it” vacation policies unlawful, so you must pay employees any unused, accrued vacation upon termination of employment. But what is a vacation policy? Is all paid time off considered “vacation”?

When Do You Owe Mandatory Split-Shift Pay?

Under California law, employees who work a “split shift” are entitled to one hour’s pay at minimum wage in addition to at least the minimum wage for that workday. But what, exactly, is a split shift? Guest columnist Cathleen Yonahara of San Francisco-based Freeland Cooper & Foreman, LLP explains.

Handbooks Help Is Here!

Yesterday, we discussed two of the big employee handbooks mistakes employers tend to make, according to attorney Elaina Smiley. Today, a look at the final mistake she sees too often, and an introduction to a valuable handbook drafting tool — specifically for California employers.

3 Big Employee Handbook Mistakes To Avoid

Many employers adopt a casual approach to their employee handbooks — which can quickly lead to lawsuits. A thought-out, well-crafted employee handbook is the best way to avoid this problem says attorney Elaina Smiley.

New Year, New HR Ideas

The start of a new year is a good opportunity for you to implement changes in policies and procedures in order to reduce your potential exposure to legal claims and make your business more competitive.