California Employer Litigation
Sloat Law Group offers employers excellent representation and a vigorous defense in civil litigation relating to labor or employment law disputes. Our Litigation Division, with over 100 years of combined trial and litigation experience, defends employee claims related to wage and hour, discrimination/harassment, contract disputes, retaliation, and other issues in federal and state courts.
Litigation and Counseling
Defense Against Employment Claims
When an employment dispute arises, timing, strategy, and experience matter. Sloat Law Group has successfully defended employers of all sizes in litigation involving a broad spectrum of employment law claims. We take an aggressive yet sensible and strategic approach, with a focus on resolving matters effectively and efficiently.
Discrimination
Employees are protected under state and federal law from discrimination based on certain protected characteristics. We represent and defend employers against all types of employee claims related to:
- Age (40 and over);
- Ancestry or National Origin (includes language use and possession of a driver’s license);
- Citizenship (including immigration status);
- Disability;
- Sex or Gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and/or gender-related medical conditions, gender expression or identity);
- Sexual Orientation;
- Genetic Information;
- Marital, Familial or Parental status;
- Medical Condition;
- Military or Veteran status;
- Political Affiliation;
- Race or Color;
- Religion or Creed; and
- Reproductive Health Decision-making.
We work closely with clients to investigate claims, assess exposure, and develop a resolution strategy tailored to the situation.
Harassment
We understand the negative impacts and severe repercussions of harassment claims on a company’s culture. From a legal standpoint, harassment claims expose employers to considerable liability. These claims may involve allegations of sexual harassment, hostile work environments, or offensive conduct based on a protected class. We understand the nuances required to resolve these sensitive matters expeditiously.
Wage & Hour Violations
As a California employment law firm serving Riverside and Coachella Valley businesses, we also conduct proactive wage and hour audits to ensure compliance with evolving labor standards.
California’s wage laws are among the most technical and employee-friendly in the nation. We defend employers facing claims involving:
- Improper meal or rest breaks
- Overtime miscalculations
- Minimum wage violations
- Paystub compliance issues
- Failure to reimburse business expenses
- Disputes over commissions, tips or on-call pay
Our attorneys also provide proactive audits and policy reviews to ensure compliance with the California Labor Code and help companies avoid litigation before it starts.
Misclassification and Independent Contractor Issues
Misclassification is one of the most common triggers for labor lawsuits in California. Our Riverside employment attorneys help companies navigate California’s ABC test and other applicable laws, to avoid costly legal errors by our clients.
The consequences of misclassifying workers can be significant — including back pay, penalties, and class action exposure. California’s ABC Test requires employers to meet three strict criteria before designating a worker as an independent contractor.
To classify a worker as an independent contractor, a business must demonstrate that:
- The worker is free from the control and direction of the hiring entity.
- The work performed is outside the usual course of the business.
- The worker is independently established in that trade or profession.
We help businesses assess roles, revise contracts, and implement compliant classification systems. In cases involving gray areas or industry exemptions, we provide guidance on the use of alternative tests including the Borello criteria and clarify legislative carve-outs that may apply.
Proactive Workplace Policies & Documents
A solid legal foundation starts with effective documentation. We assist employers in developing workplace materials that reflect both the law and the practical realities of your business. Well-crafted documents reduce liability, clarify expectations, and create a stronger culture of compliance.
Key offerings include:
- Customized Employee Handbooks (available in English and Spanish), tailored to your industry and updated annually.
- Personnel forms, disciplinary templates, and communication tools to ensure consistency and documentation.
- Workplace Violence Prevention Plans that meet California DIR standards.
- Severance Agreements that protect company interests while providing clarity and closure for employees.
Our employment attorneys help companies avoid post-termination disputes with enforceable severance packages tailored to California law.
Severance Agreements
When ending an employment relationship, a well-structured severance agreement can minimize risk and create a smoother transition for both parties. Although not required by law, severance pay is often offered in exchange for certain terms — including waivers of future claims.
We help employers draft clear, enforceable agreements that comply with state and federal law, and we advise employees reviewing agreements to understand their rights before signing. Whether negotiating terms or finalizing documentation, we ensure severance agreements meet legal standards and business needs.
Whistleblower & Retaliation Claims
Employees who report unlawful activity — including fraud, safety violations, or other misconduct — are protected from retaliation under state and federal whistleblower laws. Businesses must navigate these cases carefully to avoid legal liability and reputational harm.
We represent employers in matters involving:
- The California Whistleblower Protection Act
- The Federal Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA)
- Alleged retaliation for filing reports, participating in investigations, or disclosing violations
When these issues arise, we act quickly to assess the facts, advise on legal exposure, and chart a clear path forward.
Business Expense Reimbursement
The California Labor Code requires employers to reimburse employees for all business-related expenses. Failure to do so can result in significant liability, including penalties and class action claims.
We help employers implement clear, lawful reimbursement policies, and we defend businesses in disputes over:
- Travel and mileage
- Use of personal phones, computers, or internet
- Work-related training, conferences, and certification costs
- Uniforms and tools required for the job
- Entertainment, postage, or client-facing expenses
With clear policies and proper documentation, businesses can stay compliant and avoid unnecessary claims.
