Folsom Employment Lawyer

Folsom Employment Attorney

Employers in California face a multitude of challenges every day they do business. With the many things a business operator must balance, keeping up with changes to employment law can often be overlooked until claims are filed against you. If you are an employer either facing litigation or want to avoid its potential, a Folsom employment lawyer can advise you on what actions you should take next.

Our team at Peterson Watts Law Group, LLP, has been assisting the people of Folsom and the surrounding Northern California area for years with their employment law cases. Founding partners Glenn W. Peterson and Richard M. Watts have combined decades of experience between them. Their accomplishments have been recognized by various establishments, including being named as Top Lawyers in Business Litigation by Sacramento Magazine.

What Is Employment Law?

Employment law in California encompasses the legal framework in place to create a safe and comfortable work environment for employees. As an employer, it’s important to be aware of any updates to statutes and to ensure you follow them.

Our position at Peterson Watts Law Group, LLP is that taking preventative action now can save you trouble later. In 2024, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) received 5,099 claims from California, making it the state with the fifth-highest rate and accounting for 5.8% of all cases nationwide. These cases can cost employers thousands, millions, or, in rare cases, billions.

Examples of common employment law cases filed by employees include:

• Employee discrimination
• Workplace harassment
• Wrongful termination
• Wage & hour violations
• Failure to accommodate

Hire an Employment Lawyer

As a business owner or manager, you have countless issues to worry about related to day-to-day operations and long-term planning. It can be difficult to allocate time towards reviewing the countless rules and regulations of employment law. Hire an experienced employment lawyer who can bring a depth of knowledge that can prevent potential trouble and advocate for you in employment law legal matters.

Your Folsom employment attorney can represent your interests both in and outside the courtroom in various ways. The following are services your Peterson Watts Law Group, LLP employment attorney can provide in Folsom:

Draft Employment Law-Related Documents

Employment paperwork is a crucial aspect of any company. Your attorney can draft up the various documents required throughout operating a business, such as:

• Employee manual
• Up-to-date workplace policies
• Employee agreements
• Employee contracts
• Termination terms

Ensure Wage and Hour Compliance

Some of the most common fines that companies face are wage and hour violations. The Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) allows employees to file claims against employers for any reason, regardless of the state’s involvement. Your employment law attorney can assess your company for any potential unintentional violations and protect you against potential PAGA cases.

Investigate Claims of Workplace Harassment or Discrimination

Oftentimes, your HR department or managers will receive a complaint of harassment or discrimination before anything is filed. Your employment law attorney can investigate any claims and find the truth of the matter. We can provide advice on how to handle the situation and which steps to take to avoid any litigation.

Negotiation

Most civil cases are settled out of court before reaching trial. This process usually entails extensive discussion between parties, with offers and counteroffers going back and forth. Your employment lawyer can advocate for you and negotiate a deal that works for you. Your attorney can save you both time and money.

Trial Litigation

Unfortunately, there are times when a trial in an employment law case is unavoidable. In these situations, your employment law attorney can represent you, defending you and your company from any accusations of wrongdoing. You don’t have to walk into the Gordon D. Schaber Sacramento County Courthouse alone.

FAQs

How Much Does an Employment Law Attorney Cost?

The cost of your employment law attorney depends on what services you require, the complexity of your case, and the work hours it requires. An update or drafting of an employee manual will generally cost less than lengthy litigation defending against a former employee. Another factor that can affect expenses is the pay structure your lawyer uses. Speak with your employment law attorney, who can provide an estimate for what your final bill may be.

When Can You Fire an Employee in California?

In California, you can fire an employee whenever you deem it necessary. California is an at-will state, meaning you do not need a cause to terminate employment. However, you can still have wrongful termination, discrimination, and retaliation claims filed against you by the fired employee. It is recommended to consult an employment law attorney before firing someone in case there is potential for the action to be misconstrued.

When Should You Contact an Employment Lawyer in California?

You should contact an employment lawyer in many circumstances, both normal and abnormal to regular operation. Some common reasons you may want to consult an employment law attorney include considering firing or hiring an employee, updating the workplace policy, ensuring compliance, receiving a discrimination or harassment complaint, advising on preventative measures, and more. Your employment lawyer can assist your company with any employment law issues you may face.

What Is the Difference Between an Employment Lawyer and a Labor Lawyer in California?

The main difference between an employment lawyer and a labor lawyer comes down to the types of workplaces they focus on and the scope. An employment lawyer focuses on the individual concerns of employees, such as contracts and discrimination cases, as well as checking compliance with employment law. A Labor lawyer works cases related to unions and unionized workplaces, with cases involving larger collectives of employees. Both can help either the employer or the employees.

Reach out to a Folsom Employment Lawyer

Our team at Peterson Watts Law Group, LLP, has years of experience and knowledge that can make a positive impact on your employment law case.

Contact us today for an initial consultation, where we can learn your story and begin addressing your employment law concerns. You may also visit our Roseville offices—located on Lava Ridge Court near Kaiser Permanente Roseville Medical Center and right off Douglas Boulevard.