What to Expect from the Passing of Governor Newsomβs Wildfire Utility Bill Law
In the wake of the ongoing lawsuit against Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) as a result of the 2018 Paradise/Camp fire, California Governor Gavin Newsom has enacted a utility bill law that could benefit victims of wildfires and alleviate financial burdens for…
New Anti-Harassment Training Requirements in California
In the wake of the #MeToo movement, California passed a sweeping amendment to its workplace safety and anti-harassment standards. These new standards are codified under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) with the enactment of SB 1343. Key changes to California’s…
Understanding California’s Peace Officers Bill of Rights [Infographic]
What rights do public safety officers have when facing internal investigations? The California Peace Officers Bill of Rights defines clear protections for police officers’ personnel records, privacy issues, interrogation tactics, searches and more. Scroll down to learn more. Matthew McNicholasAs one of…
What California AB-218 Means for Childhood Sexual Assault Victims [infographic]
Many victims of childhood sexual assault are not ready to come forward until itβs too late to pursue justice through the courts. AB-218, a proposed bill in California, aims to give victims more time to report assault and further protect the community…
Peace Officers Bill of Rights
Download PDF Table of Contents 3300. Name of Act 3301. Definition; legislative findings and declarations 3302. Political activity; membership on school board 3303. Investigations and interrogations; conduct; conditions; admissibility of statements; representation; reassignment 3304. Punitive action barred for lawful exercise of rights;…
How Proposed California AB-218 Would Protect Childhood Sexual Assault Victims
Most people have heard of a statute of limitations, where after a certain period of time, legal action can no longer be taken. This is because as time goes on, evidence becomes stale, a witnessβs memory fades, and sometimes documents get lost….
Understanding Disability Discrimination Law in California
If you suffer from a disability, both state and federal laws protect your ability to work so long as you can perform the essential duties of your job with reasonable accommodation. If you find yourself struggling at work, you should consider whether…
Corruption and Discrimination in Law Enforcement: How Officers Can Speak Up
In addition to working on stressful cases, police officers frequently deal with internal conflicts on the job, and the hazards of this hostile work environment are often hidden. Reporting misconduct or corruption in a workplace is difficult enough, and law enforcement officers…
Youβre Not Alone: Speaking Up for Harassed Firefighters
The culture within fire stations often subjects employees to harassment and discrimination, and gives harassed employees no comfort in coming forward to report their abuse. If you have suffered harassment on the job as a firefighter, you are not alone. Resources are…
Common Accidents that Occur on Construction Sites
Construction is a dangerous industry. Workers often handle heavy materials, sharp objects, and powerful tools and work under tight deadlines. This combination creates an extremely dangerous environment. How OSHA Regulates Construction Sites The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the regulatory body…
Understanding Californiaβs Strict Product Liability Laws
As a customer purchasing a product, you place your trust in the manufacturer. You believe the product will satisfy your needs and not cause you harm. California’s strict consumer protection laws seek to ensure that manufacturers, retailers, and designers are held accountable…
Rebuilding Your Home After the California Wildfires [Infographic]
If you or a loved one lost your home in a recent California wildfire, you may find that the payout from your homeownerβs insurance is not enough to rebuild your home. Itβs crucial that you understand your options for recovery. Matthew McNicholasAs…
Federal Appeals Court Rules in Favor of Uber in Lawsuit to Keep Drivers as Independent Contractors
On September 25, 2018, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal handed over a major victory to the ride-sharing giant Uber Technologies Inc. in a battle between Uber and a class of thousands of Uber drivers alleging they were misclassified as independent contractors….
Are Consumers at Risk? The Hidden Dangers of Using E-cigarettes
Consumers have turned to e-cigarettes as an alternative way to get a nicotine fix without the harmful effects of smoking a traditional cigarette. However, defective e-cigarettes pose an entirely new set of risks that have become increasingly dangerous. In 2017, more than…
Exploding Popularity of E-Cigarettes Turns Dangerous: Reported Explosions on the Rise [Infographic]
Burn injuries are on the rise as the popularity of e-cigarettes increases. Incidents of unpredictable combustion and/or the explosion of e-cigarettes have been linked to their lithium-ion battery, yet the safety of these devices remain largely unregulated. Read below for the latest…
Proposed Changes to U.S. Department of Educationβs Regulations on Campus Sexual Misconduct Bolster the Rights of the Accused
On August 29, 2018, the U.S. Department of Education released new proposed policies around campus sexual misconduct. Under the new proposed regulations, the rights of students accused of sexual assault or harassment would be strengthened and would also lessen the liability for…
California Supreme Court Changes Rules for Classifying Workers as Independent Contractors: Adoption of ABC Test
On April 30, 2018, the California Supreme Court changed the rules for classifying workers as independent contractors in approving the ABC test in place of the Borello test in claims involving regulating wages, hours and working conditions. This Change May Affect You,…
New National Origin Discrimination Regulations Set Limitations To "English-Only" Rules
New regulations expanding protections for national origin individuals against workplace discrimination went into effect on July 1, 2018, including a ban on language requirements. Employers and employees alike need to know what these new laws mean for their workplace. Who does it…
#MeToo By the Numbers [Infographic]
In the wake of the #MeToo movement, a recent study from Stop Street Harassment shows the staggering number of women and men who have experienced sexual harassment and assault in their lives. Find out more! Patrick McNicholasWith more than 25 yearsβ experience…
Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Arbitration Agreements
When you are first hired at a company, you fill out a lot of paperwork. Between the tax forms and employee benefits enrollment process, it is easy to lose track of what you are signing. Chances are, one of those pieces of…