Although Prop 32, which would have increased California minimum wage to $17.00 for smaller employers and $18.00 for larger employers narrowly failed to pass earlier this month, California minimum wage for all size employers is set to increase to $16.50 effective January 1, 2025 pursuant to already existing legislation. Additionally, as a result of this change in minimum wage, the minimum salary for exempt employees will increase to $68,640 or $5,720.00 per month. If exempt employees are not paid at least this much, they will not qualify as exempt. Also, note that minimum wage for the City of Los Angeles... READ MORE

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has announced a new pathway for home-based food entrepreneurs. Starting November 1, the Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) program will allow residents to prepare and sell food directly from their home kitchens, operating as small-scale “mini restaurants” under state law. For aspiring home chefs, this program is a game-changer. The permitting process for MEHKOs opened on October 7, creating a formal route for home-based food businesses to legally serve the public while meeting health and safety standards. Each business must be operated by a resident in their own kitchen, allowing for the... READ MORE

Governor Newsom recently signed into law several new California employment laws that come into effect on January 1, 2025. Below are these new laws.  Prohibition of Requiring Employees to Attend a Meeting Where Religious or Political Opinions Are To Be Discussed Under SB 399, the “California Worker Freedom from Employer Intimidation Act” (subject to limited exceptions) prohibits employers from taking or threatening to take adverse action against an employee who declines to attend a meeting or participate in, receive, or listen to its opinion on “religious” or “political” matters, which includes union organizing. Violations are subject to a civil penalty... READ MORE

As the November 5th election approaches, employers are reminded to comply with California’s voting-related laws, including leave and posting requirements. Voting Leave California employers must permit employees up to two hours of paid time off to vote if they don’t have enough time outside work hours to vote. Employers may require employees to give advance notice that they will need such time off for voting. Employers can limit the time off to be taken only at the beginning or end of the employee’s shift, whichever provides the greatest opportunity for voting and minimizes the time away from the regular work... READ MORE

In the realm of business transactions, a Letter of Intent (LOI) plays a vital role in outlining the preliminary terms of a deal before parties engage in detailed negotiations and due diligence. Used across various contexts—such as business acquisitions, real estate transactions, leases, and loans—LOIs can help facilitate a clearer understanding of the parties' intentions. However, while LOIs can be advantageous, they also come with potential pitfalls. Below, we explore the benefits, disadvantages, and common pitfalls to consider when using an LOI. What is a Letter of Intent? A Letter of Intent serves as a framework for a future agreement,... READ MORE

When an employee reports an injury that occurred on the job, it's crucial for employers to respond promptly and correctly. Navigating this process can be complex, particularly with the overlapping requirements of your workers' compensation insurance carrier, various types of leave, and federal and state regulations. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you handle such situations effectively. Immediate Steps to Take Ensure Employee Safety and Medical Attention: First and foremost, ensure that the employee receives appropriate medical care. If the injury is severe, seek emergency medical services immediately. If the injury is less critical, guide the employee to a healthcare... READ MORE

A business website is often the first point of contact between you and your potential customers. But with this powerful tool comes great responsibility—specifically, the obligation to protect your visitors' privacy and ensure your site is accessible to all. If you're a business owner, ensuring that your website complies with privacy laws and digital accessibility standards isn't just a legal requirement—it's also key to building trust with your audience. Privacy Policies: What You Need to Know A privacy policy is a statement that explains how your website collects, uses, and protects the personal information of its visitors. This information can... READ MORE

So you’ve got a brilliant idea and a fantastic business name. But have you ever stopped to think about protecting that name and the unique brand you're building? Enter trademarks—a legal powerhouse that can safeguard your business’s identity. If you’re wondering whether a trademark is necessary for your venture, here’s a sneak peek into why it might be a game-changer for your business. What is a Trademark? In a nutshell, a trademark is a distinctive sign or symbol used to identify your goods or services and distinguish them from those of competitors. It could be a word, phrase, logo, symbol,... READ MORE

Starting August 1, 2024, California employers will be required to monitor indoor heat for workers and take steps to reduce the temperature in the workplace and make accommodations for employees. While this new regulation applies to virtually all companies, employers with workers in restaurants and warehouses should take particular attention to these new requirements. The new law is focused on the risk of health illness to employees.The new rule will generally require employers to cool indoor workplaces that reach or exceed 82 degrees Fahrenheit whenever employees are present. When the indoor temperature reaches 82 degrees, employers must do the following:... READ MORE

After years of attempts by employer groups to repeal or make common sense changes to PAGA (Private Attorneys General Act) laws, on July 1, Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2288 and Senate Bill 92 which reflect significant reforms to the Labor Code Private Attorneys General Act of 2004.  The new changes to PAGA give employers a lifeline when it comes to wage and hour exposure by implementing new changes to the law that give employers the ability to avoid and reduce potential exposure under PAGA.  The following sets forth the key changes in the law. 1. What is PAGA (Private... READ MORE