626-795-6001
-
Third-party harassment and the transportation industry: a guide for California employers
California employers can face significant legal liability when their employees are harassed by clients, customers, vendors, or other non-employees. In the transportation industry, where employees are routinely working at locations controlled by third parties, the risk is higher than employers realize. Most employers know they’re legally obligated to protect employees from harassment by coworkers and supervisors. But far fewer…
-
Getting background checks right — and avoiding stiff consequences
California has some of the most employee-protective background check laws in the country. The process is more formal than most employers realize, and the consequences of getting it wrong (litigation, penalties, damages, etc.) can be significant. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself. Running a background check on a prospective employee sounds straightforward, but in California, it…
-
Your clock is ticking: What California trucking employers need to know about EPA emissions standards and the ZEV transition
The EPA’s heavy-duty emissions standards for model years 2027 and beyond are finalized, and California’s zero-emission vehicle landscape is shifting fast. California carriers face stranded assets, financing risks, and legal exposure if they aren’t planning now. The trucking industry is in the middle of a regulatory shift that will reshape fleet purchasing, financing, and operations for years to come.…
-
California moves to overhaul PAGA, and it’s largely good news for employers
California’s Labor and Workforce Development Agency has proposed sweeping new rules governing how PAGA claims are filed, cured, and settled. Nothing is final yet, but the proposed changes are good news for employers. Here’s what you need to know now. Note: This area of law is actively developing. The regulations discussed below are proposed, not final, and may be…
-
Supreme Court Decision Reshapes Liability for Freight Brokers
The Montgomery decision means negligent-hiring claims are now fair game in state court On May 14, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 9-0 in Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, LLC that freight brokers can now be held liable under state law for negligently hiring an unsafe carrier that causes a motor vehicle accident. The federal preemption shield that brokers have relied on for years is gone — at…
-
ChatGPT said I had a case. My lawyer said, “Not exactly.”
You’ve done the research: You typed your situation into ChatGPT, read through its very confident, well-structured answer, and now you’re sitting across from a lawyer, armed with a five-point summary and a handful of legal terms you’ve never said out loud before. As generative AI becomes common, this very scenario is playing out in law offices around the world.…
-
Navigating the Maze of California’s Leave Law: A practical employer checklist
California employers operate under some of the most comprehensive leave requirements in the country. These laws are designed to protect workers — but often have the unintended effect of creating troublesome compliance challenges for businesses if policies and procedures are not carefully maintained and followed. One of the strongest tools you can deploy is a proactive, coherent leave policy and procedure that is well-understood by your HR team. Below are clear steps on…
-
Act now: SB 294 includes notices requirements for California employers
With a fast-approaching deadline of February 1, 2026, California’s Senate Bill 294, also known as the Workplace Know Your Rights Act, adds a compliance obligation focused on workplace notices and employee awareness of labor rights. The law requires you to provide a new “Know Your Rights” notice created by the state that informs workers of key protections under California…
-
Part II: New California employment laws for 2026 — Are you in compliance?
Welcome back to our 2026 California employment law update series. In this one, we’ll break down several new and upcoming laws that affect workplaces across the state. From stricter pest management requirements to expanded paid leave and COVID-era rehiring protections, these updates have important implications for employers. Read on to understand what’s already taken effect, what’s coming, and the key action items you’ll want to address. AB 592 serves…
-
New employment laws are coming in 2026 — prepare your business now!
California employers once again face a busy compliance year in 2026. In addition to another increase to the state minimum wage, the Legislature has adopted a slate of laws that touch issues such as wage levels, training repayment agreements, wage garnishments, and expanded pay data obligations. Here’s an overview, along with practical steps you can take to reduce risk. California’s new minimum wage Starting January 1, 2026, California’s statewide minimum wage rises from $16.50 to $16.90…
-
California Expands Labor Enforcement Authority with AB 288
In September 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 288, a new law that expands California’s authority to enforce labor relations laws when the federal government declines to act. Beginning January 1, 2026, the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB), which traditionally handles public-sector labor disputes, will be able to step in and enforce certain provisions of the National Labor Relations…
-
How to adapt to the logistics industry’s growing issue: cargo theft
We’ve seen a notable recent increase in cases regarding stolen cargo, which is just a small piece of what the logistics industry has been facing in recent years. In fact, the National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that cargo theft has climbed 1,500 percent in occurrence since 2021, costing the logistics industry approximately $35 billion annually.1 Here’s what you can…
-
What to do when you receive an ICE Notice of Inspection
Since June 8, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has significantly increased enforcement activity, conducting worksite operations across the country. This surge has included issuing Notices of Inspection (NOIs) to employers — formal requests to review I-9 forms and other employment records. These actions have reignited political debate and drawn strong reactions from many corners of the country.…
-
Legal DIY or lawyer up? Which employment law issues can you tackle (and which ones need a pro)?
If you run a business, chances are you’ve worn more hats than you can count. Some tasks you can knock out on your own with a little help from templates or software. And AI tools provide access to quick and easy but often wrong answers. When it comes to legal matters — especially around employment law — it’s not…
-
The FMCSA now requires truck drivers to take an English Language Proficiency Assessment
Effective immediately, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is implementing new guidelines to enforce the English Language Proficiency (ELP) standard that has long existed in FMCSA regulations. According to the FMCSA, every roadside inspection must now begin in English. If a driver shows signs of struggling to understand instructions, the officer initiates a two-step ELP assessment: No assistance…
-
Warning: Trucking companies better prepare now for AB 98
California’s AB 98 sets new statewide standards for warehouse development — including the route truck drivers take to get there. Now’s the time for you to prepare. What is AB 98? Effective January 1, 2026, AB 98 introduces statewide design and construction standards for new or expanded logistics developments. The law applies to facilities increasing in size by at…
-
Six smart moves to make with your lawyer during a legal dispute
You’ve done everything right. You’ve done your best to create sound contracts, follow best legal practices, and ensure your business complies with all applicable employment and business laws. Yet, here you are — despite your best efforts, you’re facing a legal dispute with a former employee and now need to prove you did everything right. Even with the most…
-
Making the most of your sale or acquisition
Getting ready to sell your business? Getting experienced legal counsel can help you make the most from your sale. In 2025, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity is expected to surge. Why? Divestiture of stock market gains will motivate many investors and business owners to to sell their stock and look for other investments. Investments like: purchasing a business, potentially…
-
Navigating California labor in the remote work era
The workplace revolution sparked by the pandemic has fundamentally transformed how we work. Remote and hybrid models have become more than just a trend — they’re now a standard part of modern business operations. But with this flexibility comes a critical challenge: ensuring your company remains compliant with California’s complex labor laws. While the workspace has changed, compliance with…
-
Avoid liability by complying with these new California employment laws
Employment laws are constantly changing – especially in California. It’s vital to stay current with them to ensure you’re compliant and avoid penalties and liability. Failure to comply can cost more than you know. SB 1100 and the Freelance Worker Protection Act (FWPA) are two of the most notable updates in employment law in California. By reviewing these updates…
Categories
Recent Posts
- Third-party harassment and the transportation industry: a guide for California employers
- Getting background checks right — and avoiding stiff consequences
- Your clock is ticking: What California trucking employers need to know about EPA emissions standards and the ZEV transition
- California moves to overhaul PAGA, and it’s largely good news for employers
- Supreme Court Decision Reshapes Liability for Freight Brokers