San Diego employers have witnessed a sharp rise in the number of employee related cases such as unpaid overtime and employee misclassification. The experienced employer defense attorneys at the Watkins Firm help our clients to understand how effectively crafted employment contracts prevent employee lawsuits and disputes. The offer letter, employment...
How Should a San Diego Employer Manage Personnel Records?
What guidance does the Watkins Firm provide to business clients regarding how should a San Diego employer manage personnel records and how they are accessed? What are the laws that govern critical employment documents? The Watkins firm helps San Diego employers to avoid workplace disputes and litigation and provides employer defense...
SB1383 Greatly Expands the California Family Rights Act
Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed new legislation into law which will have a significant impact on all San Diego and California employers, large and small. SB1383 greatly expands the California Family Rights Act by requiring specified employers to provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid family and medical leave during...
New Laws Regarding COVID-19 for Employers in San Diego
There are two new laws regarding COVID-19 for employers in San Diego and across the State of California. A recent bill, SB1159 expands the presumption of workers compensation liability for COVID-19 illness claims in San Diego. The bill was passed in September of 2020 and signed into law by Governor...
Can a Salaried Employee Be Owed Overtime in San Diego?
Under what conditions can a salaried employee be owed overtime in San Diego? Are you taking every step necessary to prevent overtime disputes from arising, even after an employee has left your company? What policies, procedures and strategies can an employer put in place to reduce or eliminate risks associated...
Reduce Legal Risks as an Employer During Worker Reviews
Employee performance reviews are one of the most crucial tools a San Diego employer can utilize to legally and effectively manage workers. The goal of most interactions with an employee should be to increase effective performance and reduce negative workplace consequences. The same holds true for companies searching for ways...
Understand Your Risk and Liability when Employees Drive While at Work
There is a substantial risk of liability when an employee is driving while on the clock for your company. Business owners and employers in San Diego must understand their risk and liability when employees drive while at work for their company. It can be as simple as running up to...
Employers Should Have Strict Consistent Policies for Employee Discipline
San Diego employers should have strict consistent policies for employee discipline and pay close attention to managerial communications throughout the disciplinary process. Anytime an employee is entering the discipline process, employers should be ready for other issues to surface as a defensive mechanism. This is often a time when issues...
New DOL Guidelines on Joint Employer Status
For the first time in 60 years there are new DOL guidelines on joint employer status. What is joint employer liability and how can the Watkins Firm help to protect your business interests as a San Diego employer or business professional while understanding and implementing new employment related laws and...