Employment Contracts

Take prudent steps to protect trade secrets

04/13/2016

In most states, employers can prohibit current and former employees from sharing trade secrets. But, for something to become a trade secret, it must be treated as confidential in the first place.

Proposed regs issued for fed contractors’ paid sick leave

04/08/2016

Last fall, President Obama signed Executive Order 13706, requiring most large federal contractors and subcontractors to provide at least seven paid sick days per year to employees working on federal contracts.

Equal pay lawsuit? Explain the real reasons why you pay some employees more

04/01/2016

Employers facing Equal Pay Act claims have a basic defense: That pay differentials an employee says are based on sex are actually the result of other factors.

Designing a Progressive Discipline Policy

03/07/2016

White Paper published by The HR Specialist ______________________ The most reliable way to protect your organization from wrongful termination charges is to establish and enforce a system of progressive discipline. Having such a structure in place, and making it clear to all supervisors that they are expected to abide by it, is your best defense […]

Lawsuit deadline depends on when real impact occurred

02/25/2016

If you use a testing list to make hiring or promotion decisions, know that the date you announce the list doesn’t count towards any statute of limitations. Instead, the date of the first promotion or hire starts the clock ticking.

Is it a trend? Another California court modifies arbitration agreement instead of tossing it out

02/25/2016

A California appeals court has decided that, rather than tossing out an arbitration agreement, it would delete the parts it found unconscionable and then send the case to arbitration.

Whistleblower lawyer says company dodged taxes

01/29/2016

An attorney who once worked for Valley Forge, Pa.-based investment firm Vanguard claims the company charges its affiliates artificially low management fees, which illegally reduces its own tax burden.

That air-tight arbitration clause? It might not stop class-action after all

01/28/2016

A federal magistrate has ordered notifications sent to a large group of employees inviting them to join in a Fair Labor Standards Act lawsuit.

Using independent contractors? Protect your intellectual property rights

01/22/2016

If you use independent contractors to perform design work, make sure your contractor agreement transfers copyrights and other intellectual property rights to you.

Ensure arbitration agreements are fair to all, comply with California’s FEHA law

01/15/2016

Before introducing an arbitration agreement for employees or independent contractors, make sure it will stand up in court.