Inflation can be a challenging economic situation for small business owners. Rising prices of goods and services can make it difficult to keep your customers happy, pay your employees, and stay in business. So how can small business owners adapt to inflation and thrive in a challenging economic environment? Here are some strategies to consider adopting and how Chase Law Group can help. Manage Costs: One of the most effective ways to adapt to inflation is to manage costs effectively. This means taking a hard look at your business expenses and finding ways to reduce them without compromising on quality.... READ MORE

In a significant decision impacting employers’ ability to require new and current employees to agree to arbitrate their disputes, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals held by a 2-1 decision in Chamber of Commerce v. Bonta that AB51, enacted in California in 2019, which prohibited mandatory arbitration agreements, violated the Federal Arbitration Act.  Based upon its ruling, which reversed an earlier decision issued by the Ninth Circuit, employers can now require employees to enter arbitration agreements as a condition of employment.  California employers must now wait to see if the state of California will appeal to the full Ninth Circuit or the... READ MORE

Our occupational therapist clients are some of the most entrepreneurial because they want to be able to provide a holistic experience for their patients by including a variety of other professionals in their care to fully serve their client and patient needs. Historically, many professional service companies could have other professionals as shareholders, officers, directors and professional employees of their corporation, but this did not include occupational therapy corporations. For example, a physical therapy corporation could hire an occupational therapist. However, there was no provision in the California Corporations Code that would allow an occupational therapy corporation to hire a... READ MORE

As business attorneys, Chase Law Group advises our clients on how to make their online agreements as strong and enforceable as possible. Recently, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a ruling that offers important insights for businesses looking to create a bulletproof online agreement. In this blog post, we provide some tips on how to draft online agreements that can withstand legal scrutiny and protect your business. In the case of Oberstein v. Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. a class action lawsuit was filed against Ticketmaster and Live Nation by a group of ticket purchasers who claimed they were charged... READ MORE

There are a number of reasons that California employers may consider audio or video recording in the workplace, including security, safety, and/or to monitor their employees’ and customers’ behavior in their place of business. However, before doing so, employers need to understand the various rights and restrictions related to recording in the workplace. Video Recording As a preliminary matter, despite an employer’s desire to record what goes on at their place of business, the California Constitution guarantees the privacy of its citizens in the workplace, schools, government buildings and other property. Courts and the legislature have determined that this right... READ MORE

The Importance of Writing A Business Plan & Its History December is National Write a Business Plan month which is a fitting time for entrepreneurs to be inspired to put a business plan in motion to create the future they desire.  On average the 500+ million business owners around the world have at least two to three competitors, so writing or revisiting your business plan before the new year can put you at an advantage above your competitors, help you obtain funding, and have a strategy for reaching customers. Whether your business is new or old, having a plan to... READ MORE

Governor Newsom has signed AB 152 which extends an employer’s (with 26 or more employees) obligation to provide Covid-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave (“SPSL”) through December 31, 2022.  The prior law covering SPSL expired on September 30, 2022.   Although the new law extends paid leave through the end of this year, it does not create any additional benefits or leave that otherwise existed under the prior SPSL law that expired September 30, 2022.  Thus, if an employee already used their available banks of time under the prior SPSL law, no additional SPSL leave need be provided. For a complete breakdown... READ MORE

Are you a woman-owned business? Getting certified can open the door to new opportunities. Having a women-owned business certification can help you build trust to set yourself apart from the competition and gain access to lucrative private and government contracts. There are several different types of certifications. Federal programs often look to do business with Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) and Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) and the private sector accepts the Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) certification. Build Credibility and Boost Visibility Certification places your business in a database of suppliers used by private and government agencies when they’re contracting... READ MORE

California employers are required to reimburse their employees for “all necessary business expenditures or losses incurred by the employee in direct consequence of the discharge of his or her duties.” (See California Labor Code section 2802.)  Employers failing to properly reimburse their employees for work-related expenses risk exposure for the unreimbursed expense, attorneys fees, and possibly a Private Attorney General (PAGA) claim or class action if the practice of not reimbursing employees is widespread.  Importantly, employers are obligated to proactively determine whether an employee is incurring expenses and cannot simply rely upon the argument that the employee never requested reimbursement.... READ MORE

This month we remind you of upcoming changes and deadlines coming at the end of this month related to California employment law and discuss a recent California decision impacting meal and rest period violation and premium pay reporting requirements. Increase in City of Los Angeles and Unincorporated County of Los Angeles Minimum Wage Requirements Effective July 1, 2022 Effective July 1, 2022, minimum wage for employees working within the City of Los Angeles will increase from $15.00 per hour to $16.04 per hour. The City of Los Angeles minimum wage rate applies to any employees who perform at least two... READ MORE