Lincoln Employment Lawyer

Lincoln Employment Attorney

Running a business in California can be difficult. Countless problems may arise that require your attention. If you are facing accusations of wrongful action, such as wage theft or harassment—or wish to avoid those allegations—a Lincoln, CA, employment lawyer can help your situation. They can address any present employee concerns and take proactive action to prevent similar issues in the future.

About Us

Peterson Watts Law Group, LLP, has spent decades assisting the people of Lincoln, Sacramento, and cities throughout Northern California with their employment & business law issues. Our team has over 65 years of combined legal experience that we can use for your case. Partner Glenn W. Peterson has been named a top lawyer in business litigation by Sacramento Magazine and a Super Lawyer by California Lawyer Magazine.

What Is Employment Law in California?

Employment law refers to the regulations and guidelines set in place by California that foster safe, equitable, and healthy work environments for employees. If you employ people in the state, you must understand the various regulations, updates to relevant statutes, and when to seek legal counsel for an issue.

Employment law cases occur when an employee believes that one of their rights has been violated or that their employer has broken an applicable law. In 2024, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) received 5,099 charges from California, accounting for 5.8% of all claims and making it the fifth-highest instance state in the country.

Common Types of Employment Law Cases

There are many types of employment law issues that can arise for an employer in Lincoln. The following are a few common types of cases that Peterson Watts Law Group, LLP, can help with:

• Sexual harassment: Claims of sexual harassment can range from inappropriate touching to assault. This is a serious accusation that must be handled delicately.
• Discrimination: Biased treatment of employees based on race, gender, sexuality, veteran status, and other personal characteristics is strictly forbidden through California Government Code Statute 12940.
• Retaliatory allegations: Any direct or indirect disciplinary actions against an employee who brought up concerns of misconduct or reported them to the authorities may be framed as retaliatory, illegal behavior.
• Wrongful termination accusations: California is an at-will employment state, meaning you do not need a reason to fire someone. A former employee may file a claim against you if they believe their termination was illegal.
• Workplace safety violations: An employer has the responsibility to provide a safe work environment. Violations can jeopardize your business and result in sizable fines.

Hire an Employment Lawyer

Handling a claim of misconduct alone while operating a company can be hard. Hire an employment lawyer to assist you with any allegations against you. Your Lincoln employment attorney can also help you with policies and day-to-day operations so accusations are avoided.

Some services your employment lawyer from Peterson Watts Law Group, LLP, can provide include:

• Ensuring wages and hours laws are complied with, helping you keep up with changes, such as the recent 2024 update to the minimum wage, which raised it to $16.50 an hour
• Investigating any allegations of sexual harassment, discrimination, or other accusations of misconduct
• Reviewing company policies to maintain compliance with new employment laws
• Drafting new employee agreements or any other documents necessary for operations
• Exploring alternative resolutions to disputes with employees, like mediation or arbitration
• Litigating any claims that progress to a trial, defending you and your company from severe penalties

Your employment law attorney can represent you both in and out of court. You don’t have to walk into Placer County’s Honorable Howard G. Gibson Courthouse in Roseville alone.

FAQs

How Much Does an Employment Law Attorney Cost in California?

How much your California employment law attorney costs depends on the issues you need assistance with, the complexity of your case, and the work hours it requires. Hiring an employment lawyer to look over your company for any legal errors tends to be cheaper than a case involving serious allegations of sexual misconduct that requires a lengthy trial. Your Lincoln employment attorney can provide an estimate for what the final bill may be.

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

The main difference between an employment and labor lawyer is the type of workplace they assist with and the types of parties they represent. An employment lawyer focuses on individuals in singular cases, while a labor lawyer is consulted in cases between labor unions and employers. Both can represent either side in a case, and can have an overlap in legal knowledge and experience.

When Should an Employer Consult an Employment Lawyer in California?

As an employer, you should contact a California employment lawyer in many instances. The first major reason to hire legal counsel is to review workplace conditions and employee agreements to ensure employment law is followed. Another strong reason to hire an employment attorney is to defend against any allegations of misconduct and find solutions that lessen their impacts on your business.

Do You Need a Reason to Fire Someone in California?

Employers in California do not need a reason to terminate an employee from a position. California is an at-will employment state, meaning that you can fire an employee at any point for whatever reason. However, it may be considered wrongful termination if it is seen as discrimination or retaliation. A Lincoln employment lawyer can assess the circumstances and determine if it may be viewed as wrongful action.

Speak With an Employment Lawyer Today

At Peterson Watts Law Group, LLP, we understand the challenges that business owners face. Our team has the combined legal knowledge and experience necessary to make a positive difference in your case, either addressing current allegations or mitigating the risk of future problems.

Contact us today for an initial consultation, where we can discuss the details of your case and begin offering potential legal strategies and pathways forward. You may also visit our office here in town, located on Lava Ridge Court in Lead Hill, north of Maidu Regional Park and just south of the Orvietto Drive entrance into Miner’s Ravine Trail.