July 8th, 2010 
James PetersIf you have not heard about this, a Best Buy employee recently got into trouble for creating and posting a video poking fun at the iPhone and Apple in general.
Although the video was more of a parody based on observations about iPhones and those who buy them, Best Buy understandably did not take kindly to an employee publicly criticizing one of its major customers (and also… Continue reading
April 4th, 2010 James PetersThe New York Times recently published an article about the increased use of companies that specialize in contesting unemployment claims for employers.
We often attend unemployment appeal hearings on behalf of clients because they are also pursuing wrongful termination claims against their former employers. This is both as a precautionary measure and a chance to obtain vital information at the outset of a case.
These hearings… Continue reading
November 12th, 2009 James PetersGeorge Washington once said:
Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes small numbers formidable; procures success to the weak, and esteem to all.
Letter of Instructions to the Captains of the Virginia Regiments [July 29, 1759]. The advocates of consumer rights, viewing the resources of defense firms and corporate defendants, can relate to the trepidation felt by the out-numbered and out-gunned Continental… Continue reading
September 25th, 2009 James PetersThe Los Angeles Times recently reported on a new bill headed to Governor Schwarzenegger for possible signature (though I believe it is likely to be vetoed) generally prohibiting California employers from requiring applicants to allow them to examine their credit report as part of the application process.
The new California employment law would allow employers to do checks on employees who handle large amounts of money or other sensitive positions. While I recognize that in these situations there may be some correlation between a history of poor financial choices and the ability to do certain jobs, in today’s economy the usefulness of this information is, in my opinion, declining at the same time employers’ use of it as a hiring tool seems to be increasing. Continue reading
December 2nd, 2008 James PetersIn most layoff situations, especially these days, the layoff is legitimate and a necessary evil in cutting costs. However, just because an employee has not been wrongfully terminated in a layoff does not mean they have no California employment law rights. One common example is receiving all unpaid vacation pay.
Under California employment laws, once employees have accrued… Continue reading
November 14th, 2008 James PetersIt seems like every day another company announces mass layoffs in the United States. While we are fielding more calls from potential clients than usual, they have not increased quite as much as overall unemployment.
I think part of this might be attributable to a common employment law misconception among employees, which is that they somehow have less rights if they are “laid off” than… Continue reading
August 3rd, 2008 James PetersThis past Friday I spoke with a potential client who was recently terminated by his employer. I concluded that he did not have a case worth pursuing and any claims he did have were likely not worth pursuing if it meant giving up the severance his employer had already offered to him.
At the end of the consultation he said he was surprised at my response because he had spoken to… Continue reading
June 29th, 2008 James PetersSome employees (and some employee-rights attorneys) believe that if they are wrongfully terminated and able to get a new job just days later, they will only be able to recover a few thousand dollars and it would not be “worth it” to pursue a claim, especially if they have to pay an attorney to get it. However, in California victims of employee rights violations can recover their own attorney’s fees… Continue reading
August 1st, 2006 James PetersOne question our California employment law clients always have on their mind is how they will be able to afford paying an attorney to represent them in pursuing a case against their employers. After all, many of our clients recently lost their job and are either still unemployed or are trying to get back on their feet after unemployment.
We take many of our case on a “contingency-fee” basis, which generally means… Continue reading
August 1st, 2006 James PetersMost employers are defended by very large, powerful firms, so employees must choose wisely when selecting a lawyer to go up against them. Our firm practices only employment law and only represents employees (NOT employers) throughout California… Continue reading
August 1st, 2006 James PetersOur employment law firm spends most of our time representing clients throughout California who have been wrongfully terminated.
The term “Wrongful Termination” encompasses many things with regard to California Employment law. At its narrowest, this means any termination that is illegal under state or federal law. At its broadest… Continue reading
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