Nonprofits often rely on volunteers to advance their mission. While volunteer support is both valuable and lawful, nonprofits are not exempt from employment laws. Worker classification remains a critical legal issue. Under federal and California law, only nonprofit organizations may use true, uncompensated volunteers. For-profit businesses cannot. Even for nonprofits, however, simply calling someone a “volunteer” does not make it so. If an individual receives compensation, stipends, free services, or other benefits that resemble wages, the relationship may be reclassified as employment. Likewise, if a person performs the same duties as paid staff or works under significant control and supervision,... READ MORE

The U.S. Supreme Court recently struck down certain tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), ruling that the law did not authorize those global tariffs. For businesses that paid them, this could mean potential refunds. Beginning in early 2025, tariffs were imposed on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China, often referred to as the “fentanyl tariffs,” along with broader global “reciprocal” tariffs. These included a baseline global rate and additional country-specific increases. Because IEEPA had never before been used to impose tariffs, the Court ruled that the President did not have authority under that statute to do... READ MORE

Receiving a demand letter can be unsettling. Whether it involves an employment dispute, website accessibility claim, contract issue, or alleged statutory violation, how you respond early on can significantly impact the outcome. 1. Do Not Ignore It A demand letter is often a precursor to litigation. Failing to respond may escalate the matter and reduce your ability to resolve it efficiently. 2. Do Not Respond Emotionally Demand letters frequently contain strong language or inflated claims. Avoid admitting liability, promising payment, or sending a detailed written response before consulting counsel. Anything you put in writing may later be used in court.... READ MORE

Originally published January 2026. Updated for 2026 developments. Website accessibility continues to be one of the most active areas of litigation for California businesses, and 2026 is bringing renewed attention to the issue. While the April 2026 compliance deadlines tied to public entities do not directly apply to most private businesses, they are influencing how courts evaluate accessibility claims. In practice, that means expectations for private businesses are not decreasing, they’re becoming clearer. If your website hasn’t been reviewed recently, now is the time. What’s Changed in 2026? The April 2026 ADA Title II deadlines for public entities are expected... READ MORE

Effective January 1, 2026, the IRS standard mileage reimbursement rate for cars, vans, pickups or panel trucks increased as follows: 72.5 cents per mile driven for business use (up 2.5 cents from 2025);20.5 cents per mile driven for medical as well as for moving purposes for qualified active-duty members of the Armed Forces (down .5 cents from 2025); and14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations (same as last year). These Rates Apply to All Vehicle Types These rates apply equally “to electric and hybrid-electric automobiles, as well as gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles." California Employers’ Mileage Reimbursement Obligations... READ MORE

In a prior post, we notified clients about the new “Workplace Know Your Rights Act”, effective January 1, 2026, which required employers to provide a new, standalone notice to all current employees, as well as all new employees upon hire, and to all employees annually thereafter. The Official Notice Template Is Now Available The notice template to be issued to employees previously unavailable, is now available on the Department of Industrial Relations (“DIR”) website and are now available in English here and available in Spanish here.  (The template will soon be available in other languages.)  Employers must provide the notice in... READ MORE

Year-end performance reviews are more than a formality. From an employment law perspective, they are one of the most important tools employers have to manage performance, set expectations, and reduce legal risk—but only when they reflect what actually happened during the year. Performance Reviews Are More Than a Year-End Task One of the most common mistakes employers make is treating performance reviews as a once-a-year event. When concerns about attendance, performance, or conduct have surfaced throughout the year but were never documented, a glowing year-end review can undermine future disciplinary action or termination decisions. Inconsistencies between what an employer knew... READ MORE

Understanding brand protection in a digital marketplace If you’re building a business today, chances are you’re selling or promoting your brand on platforms like Amazon, Instagram, Facebook, or your own website. What many business owners don’t realize is that using your brand online without a trademark can leave you surprisingly exposed. What a Trademark Actually Protects From a legal standpoint, a trademark is what protects your business name, logo, or slogan as a brand—not just as a company. While forming an LLC or corporation protects your business entity, it does not automatically protect your brand in the marketplace. Why Platform... READ MORE

What happens to your website, social accounts, and online revenue if you’re suddenly unavailable? Why Digital Assets Are Often Overlooked When business owners think about continuity or succession planning, they often focus on tangible assets—bank accounts, equipment, real estate, or client contracts. But in today’s economy, some of a company’s most valuable assets are digital, and they are often the least protected. What Counts as a Digital Business Asset Your website, domain name, social media accounts, email lists, cloud files, ad accounts, Amazon seller account, and CRM system may be essential to daily operations. The problem? Many of these assets... READ MORE

If your website tracks visitors—even passively—you may have legal obligations you didn’t expect. Many business owners assume cookie policies only apply to large corporations or e-commerce sites. In reality, most modern websites use cookies or tracking technologies, often without the owner realizing it—and that’s when compliance issues arise. What a Cookie Policy Actually Covers A cookie policy explains how your website collects, uses, and stores data from visitors through cookies, pixels, or similar technologies. These tools may track user behavior, location, device information, or preferences. Even basic tools like Google Analytics, embedded videos, social media plugins, scheduling tools, or ad... READ MORE