COSTA MESA, Calif., February 11, 2014 – Attorneys in the Employment and Labor Law Section at Rutan & Tucker, LLP, California’s largest full-service law firm based in Orange County, recently hosted an annual seminar for more than 200 clients and friends of the firm at the Balboa Bay Club to help employers focus on relevant legal developments over the past year, as well as changes to anticipate for the year to come. Rutan & Tucker partner Maria Stearns and associate attorneys Julie Russ and Brandon Sylvia presented at the seminar, and answered insightful questions from the audience.
Maria Stearns addressed wage and hour issues, which continue to be a source of litigation for California employers. She also described the way that the 2012 Brinker decision has shaped class certification cases, and highlighted the importance of crafting legally compliant policies. Ms. Stearns also discussed common employee misclassification mistakes, and the recent increase of lawsuits seeking damages for unpaid interns.
Julie Russ summarized the new legislation that will affect employers in 2014 and beyond, including the increased minimum wage and its effect on employee exemptions from overtime. She also detailed the enactment of laws that significantly change immigrant rights in the employment context, and other laws affecting employer policies and practices.
Brandon Sylvia reported on various trends across the spectrum of employment issues, including the latest on arbitration, developments regarding leave and disability laws, and recent cases expanding employer liability for employee misconduct. He also commented on the upturn in class-action litigation over employer background check practices.
“We look forward every year to hosting this update for our clients and friends,” said Mark Payne, a partner and chair of the firm’s Employment and Labor Law Section. “The legal developments each year often create new risks and challenges for employers, and this event allows us the opportunity to highlight these developments for the many employers that look to our attorneys for guidance.”
About Rutan & Tucker, LLP
Rutan & Tucker is Orange County’s largest full-service business law firm with offices in Costa Mesa and Palo Alto. Primary practice areas include corporate and securities law, business, real estate and intellectual property litigation, labor and employment law, intellectual property, real estate, government and regulatory law, land use law, bankruptcy, condemnation and property valuation, environmental law, and taxation and estate planning. Detailed information about the firm is available at www.rutan.com.