News & Updates
California Bans Certain Types of Mandatory Employee Meetings
On September 30, 2024, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law Senate Bill 399, which enacts the California Worker Freedom from Employer Intimidation Act, effectively banning certain types of “captive audience” meetings. The law will take effect January 1, 2025. This bill prohibits employers from subjecting employees to discharge, discrimination, retaliation, or other adverse actions...
Dunn Desantis Walt & Kendrick Attorneys Named One of the Nation’s “Best Law Firms” by Best Lawyers in America®
Dunn DeSantis Walt & Kendrick has again been named one of the nation’s “Best Law Firms” by Best Lawyers in America®. The firm was honored for its prominence, in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation, Legal and Professional Malpractice Law; Transportation Law; and Litigation – Labor & Employment Law. Firms included in the 2025 Best...
California’s PAGA Reforms and Key Implications for Businesses
Now that California’s Private Attorney General Act (PAGA) reforms are in full effect, businesses – big and small – should be aware of key changes in labor law enforcement and the monetary penalties that accompany them. Signed into law on July 1, 2024, the new legislation aims to alleviate the substantial financial burden PAGA has...
Are Employee “Non-Compete” Agreements Legal Anymore?
California has a long history of prohibiting employee “non-compete” agreements. While common to see in other states, California’s opposite approach goes back generations. And, in the beginning of 2024, California passed Senate Bill 699 (”SB699”) and Assembly Bill 1076 (“AB1076”) which were intended to solidify California’s commitment to protecting employee mobility rights. The federal government...
Dunn Desantis Walt & Kendrick Attorneys Selected for Best Lawyers in America®
Dunn DeSantis Walt & Kendrick attorneys Kevin V. DeSantis, James A. McFaul and David D. Cardone have been selected by their peers for inclusion in the 2025 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America.® DeSantis, who is managing partner of the firm, received the Best Lawyers designation in the fields of Commercial Litigation, Legal Malpractice Law...
New Requirements on Employee Unpaid Leave for Reproductive Loss
Effective January 1, 2024, California requires employers to provide employees with up to five days of leave following a reproductive loss event. This is the effect of Senate Bill 848 (SB848), which is now Section 12945.6 of the California Government Code. The new law generally applies to all California employers with five or more employees. ...
California Enacts Stricter Heat Illness Prevention Regulations for Indoor Workplaces
On July 23, 2024, California implemented the “Heat Illness Prevention in Indoor Places of Employment” regulation, targeting workplaces with indoor temperatures of 82°F or higher. Employers are now required to create a written Indoor Heat Illness Prevention Plan, customized to their specific workplace conditions. This plan should include procedures for monitoring temperatures, providing water, ensuring...
California Supreme Court Limits Intervention Rights for PAGA Plaintiffs
On August 1, 2024, the California Supreme Court issued its decision in Turrieta v. Lyft (2024 S.O.S. 2599), altering the strategic landscape for employees and employers embroiled in Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) litigation. The Court ruled 5-2 that PAGA plaintiffs do not have an automatic right to intervene in, object to settlements of, or...
California’s Prop 22 Upheld by California Supreme Court
In 2020, California voters approved “Prop 22” through a ballot initiative, with 58% voting in favor of the measure. Prop 22 allows for so-called “gig workers” – such as Uber and Lyft drivers – to be paid as independent contractors rather than employees. Prop 22 was subsequently challenged on grounds that it conflicted with California...
Changes to Employee Sick Leave Rules: What Business Owners Need to Know
By Waleed Zahid, Esq. Senate Bill 616 (SB 616) made some significant changes to California’s paid sick leave laws. Businesses owners need to take note and comply. Key Changes Employees are now entitled to additional sick leave. Effective January 1, 2024, employees must receive at least 40 hours or five days of paid sick...
