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Over 100 Years of Combined Litigation Experience

We represent you with superior experience, strategies for success, and excellence.

Integrity, Quality & Client-Focused Advocacy

We are here to help you avoid issues before they begin.

Caring For Clients While Pursuing Justice

You can have faith in our experience, and trust our knowledgeable guidance to lead you down the right path.

Contact Our Trusted Team Today

You can have faith in our experience, and trust our knowledgeable guidance to lead you down the right path.

Testimonials and Peer Endorsements
Quotes 5 Stars

"I was referred to this office by a well-respected attorney in this area who specializes in a different type of law. She spoke highly of the Law Office of Karen J. Sloat. It was a very stressful experience, but Craig worked with me to patiently answer all my questions. He also clearly explained to me...Read More"

- Gina S.
Quotes 5 Stars

"My experience with Karen Sloat and the team was excellent. I am very pleased. My problem was as if it was their problem. The firm was concerned and very helpful in every aspect of the case. I never once felt worried or on the fence per say. I had the highest degree of confidence all...Read More"

- Ron W. Business Owner
Quotes 5 Stars

"Well as you know, I'm very impressed with you and your team and you have been the first firm that we have turned to on 2-3 occasions. In response, you have always been forthright and very helpful in redirecting us to more suitable sources. I will continue to have no hesitancy in turning...Read More"

- Rick M. Business Owner
Quotes 5 Stars

"I highly recommend the Law Office of Karen J. Sloat. Karen and her team of lawyers, especially Chris Hellmich, helped me through one of the most trying times in my life. They were always quick to respond to my questions/concerns with care and kindness. They fought hard on my behalf and treated me like family....Read More"

- Melissa C.
Quotes 5 Stars

"The expertise of Ms. Sloat and her entire staff is one of professionalism, attention to detail and timelines. They are terrific at breaking down employment law so all can understand and comprehend, with the encouragement of discussion and conversation to answer all questions. I highly regard this firm and their work. Terrific."

- DoeLeen R.
Quotes 5 Stars

"Where do I begin. The Law Office of Karen J. Sloat, APC have been excellent! We appreciated how hard the team has worked. Great quality. Great representation. VERY GENUINE. VERY KIND.

Thank you Karen, Danielle, Chris, Alana and everyone else at the office. We are grateful to have found a team that cares genuinely about their clients....Read More"

- Adham Q. Business Owner
Quotes 5 Stars

"I am a Community Manager in the desert and I have been working with this office for about a year now. All the gals are very polite, professional and always responsive. Karen and Danielle are awesome and very knowledgeable. I would recommend Karen Sloat's office to anyone."

- Shelly R. Community Manager
Quotes 5 Stars

"The services at the Law Office of Karen J. Sloat were excellent! I really appreciated how hard the team worked to achieve a wonderful result. I would definitely recommend them - they are very pleasant and easy to work with."

- Rich A. General Manager
Quotes 5 Stars

"The quality and professional knowledge was brilliant! Thanks, Mrs. Karen J. Sloat."

- John R.
Quotes 5 Stars

"I have the deepest appreciation for Karen. Throughout her work with our organization over the last 7 years she has guided and protected us on so many levels. As a small non- profit yet multi-faceted organization, we have encountered a wide range of challenges during our growth ranging from personnel to real estate development. Aside...Read More"

- Jeff H. former Executive Director of a
Non-Profit Entity
Quotes 5 Stars

"I am on the board of a nonprofit charity in Indio and recently we had a potential HR problem that could affect the entire board. Karen Sloat was recommended as an attorney who specializes in nonprofits and HR issues. Ms. Sloat was very responsive and met with members of the executive committee in a very...Read More"

- Bill D. Board Chair of a
Non-Profit Employer
Quotes 5 Stars

"I had the pleasure of using Karen Sloat recently. I have found her very professional and very experienced in labor law. Her support staff are very helpful. I highly recommend Karen and her team for any labor law needs."

- Rob B. Former Executive Director of a
Non-Profit Entity
Quotes 5 Stars

"Karen Sloat is our ‘go to’ for everything employment related and beyond. She and her staff have done excellent work keeping us apprised of legal changes affecting our business, helped create our employee handbook, and we always use the links on her resources page to stay up to date with the required employment forms. Thanks,...Read More"

- Sonia F. Business Owner
Quotes 5 Stars

"Karen Sloat, Chris Hellmich and the staff at the Law Offices of Karen J. Sloat refine the experience of legal representation by caring for clients as if they were the best-loved members of their own families. They accomplish this through competence, experience, expertise, communication, reassurance and empathy while inspiring confidence in their efforts as...Read More"

- David
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Riverside County Employment Lawyers

Serving Employers and Employees in the Coachella Valley

At the Law Office of Karen J. Sloat, our attorneys represent businesses and employees throughout the Coachella Valley and Riverside County, California. We focus on all employment law related issues and are well-versed in the many California and federal employment laws and regulations. Relationships between employers and employees can be complicated. A lot is riding on the relationship for both parties, and disputes can quickly become emotional, stressful, and expensive.

Taking proactive steps to ensure that employers and employees are clear about the company’s expectations can help avoid future disputes. Our Riverside County & Coachella Valley employment lawyers can help by providing workplace manuals and forms, training company staff, counseling employers and employees, and advising human resources personnel. Establishing policies for the workplace can help create an environment with fewer risks of conflict. Our attorneys can also assist businesses reopening following the COVID-19 pandemic. Offices and other business spaces will look different now, and thinking ahead can save you trouble down the road.

Even the most cautious employers cannot avoid all work-related employment conflicts. There are many laws in place to protect California employees, and violations of those laws can result in serious consequences. Our lawyers understand the need to reach resolutions swiftly in these cases.

Whether you are an employer or an employee, we are here to advise you on your employment-related rights and legal options. Call us today at 760-779-1313 to discuss your case with one of our dedicated Riverside County Employment Law Attorneys.

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Employment Law Claims in Riverside County, California

Employees are protected from workplace harassment and discrimination and are entitled to certain rights. Both employers and employees should understand what is and is not acceptable in the workplace.

Discrimination claims: An employee is a victim of discrimination if their boss makes an employment status decision based on that employee’s race, ethnicity, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability or other protected category. Firing, refusing to hire, or otherwise negatively impacting a person’s employment status because of the employee’s membership in a protected group will expose the employer to liability. In many cases, these issues are based on a misunderstanding, and in others, the employee was truly wronged. When these conflicts arise, there are ways to reach a resolution. Our attorneys can help.

Harassment claims: Harassment claims occur when an employee believes that they are suffering in a hostile work environment because of their membership in a protected class. Employers should remember that harassment extends far beyond sexual harassment, and it is vital to ensure that your business is not at risk of being involved in a harassment claim. As an employee, understanding your rights can help you feel empowered at work and can lead to discussions with your employer about a better work environment. Contact an attorney to learn more about workplace harassment and ways to resolve these claims.

Wage and Hour Disputes: Employees are entitled to minimum wage for all hours worked, overtime pay where appropriate, and compliant meal and rest periods, among other protections, unless they are exempt. Business owners and supervisors need to understand the company’s obligations to pay their exempt and nonexempt workers, to keep time records, and to provide proper reports, according to government regulations. If you are on either side of a dispute regarding wages, you will need an experienced attorney to guide you through these complex issues.

Worker Misclassification: Employees are entitled to employment benefits, unlike independent contractors. As an employer, it is important to understand the implications of a work relationship with independent contractors, rather than employees. In some cases, the line between these categories may seem muddy. When a person working as an employee is wrongfully categorized as an independent contractor, that person may lose employment benefits. Employers who misclassify employees as contractors can face serious consequences. If you are involved in a dispute regarding employee misclassification, or need advice on the ever-changing criteria for independent contractor relationships in California, you will need to hire an experienced employment law attorney.

Contracts and Agreements: When entering into a contract, it is important to understand the terms and your legal obligations according to that document. Both employers and employees become bound by the terms of contracts. A breach of contract by either party can result in legal disputes, claims, or even litigation. If you are entering into a severance agreement, different contract issues are involved. Sometimes these agreements are mutually beneficial, but neither the employer nor the employee should sign on the dotted line without understanding what expectations the document creates. Contacting an attorney will help ensure that the agreement protects your rights and interests. In the case of a breach of contract, you will need to hire an attorney to explain your options and pursue a remedy.

Resolving Disputes: Litigation is one way in which parties may resolve their disputes, but it is not the only method available. Sometimes it is possible to work out an agreement in mediation. A mediator is a neutral person who works to help parties reach a creative solution to the problem, but the mediator’s decision is not binding. Arbitration is another method of resolving disputes, and arbitrators are able to make binding decisions that can be converted to a court judgment. Contact an attorney to learn the pros and cons of the various forms of dispute resolution and to determine what options are available in your case.

Call the Law Office of Karen J. Sloat in Riverside County

At the Law Office of Karen J. Sloat, we focus on preventing and resolving employment law disputes in Riverside County and the Coachella Valley. As a boutique employment law firm, employment issues are our sole focus. Call our Riverside County & Coachella Valley employment lawyers at 760-779-1313 to learn more about how we can help you.

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Our employment lawyers have over 100 years of combined experience representing thousands of different types of clients

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Karen J. Sloat

760-779-1313 email me

Karen Sloat has a career spanning over 35 years in many practice areas, and in three states – California, Colorado and Hawaii. Her reputation as a specialist in employment law for many years has given her the expertise to handle claims of complex wage and hour violations, discrimination and harassment, employment contracts, trade secret violations, fraud and all other employment-related issues. As a zealous litigator and trial lawyer, Ms. Sloat has a vast knowledge of professions, occupations and business issues that enhances her valuable legal advice to all of our clients – whether employees, employers or nonprofits. Learn more

Christopher W. Hellmich

760-779-1313 email me

Mr. Hellmich is an experienced litigator specializing in complex commercial litigation with an emphasis in employment and labor disputes. He began his legal career as an Army JAG officer where he prosecuted all forms of serious criminal misconduct through which he gained invaluable jury and bench trial experience. He then joined a large international law firm and was a partner in its litigation and dispute resolution practice group. Mr. Hellmich has litigated cases throughout the country’s state and federal courts. He was co-lead trial counsel in a banking and fraud case in Miami Dade County, winning a $100 million verdict. Learn more

Craig A. Sterling

760-779-1313 email me

Craig A. Sterling has over 23 years of California litigation and trial experience. He has tried and second-chaired jury and bench trials in a variety of practice areas, including commercial litigation, wage and hour matters, and criminal law. Mr. Sterling has also successfully represented individuals on a pro bono basis and volunteered for nonprofit organizations for many years. As an example, beginning in 1978, he and his family went to Afghanistan and the Dominican Republic as a CARE-Medico family. Learn more

Michelle M. Wolfe

760-779-1313 email me

Ms. Wolfe has over 30 years of experience as a civil litigator in a variety of civil and employment cases before juries and arbitrators. She has a wide range of experience in employment law but is particularly skilled in litigating employment matters related to discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination. Ms. Wolfe has tried several cases to verdict representing a broad range of clients, from small businesses to national companies in various industries... Learn more

Monique Ragheb

760-779-1313 email me

Monique Ragheb is an Associate Attorney in our Workplace Solutions department, assisting employers with labor law issues and representation. Ms. Ragheb assists employers on compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and works with businesses to create, review, and update policies that promote a fair and professional work environment while minimizing legal risks and liability... Learn more

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Get started solving your employment law issue

With over 100 years of combined experience practicing exclusively in the area of employment law, our attorneys have dealt with just about every type of issue. However, every case is unique, and we are here to solve your specific problem. Use the contact form to reach out to us with your questions, and we’ll schedule a free consultation to discuss how we can help you.

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