California Employment Law Blog

Recent federal actions targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives have raised important questions for California employees. A new executive order directs federal agencies to dismantle DEI programs, limit race-conscious decision-making, and promote a shift toward merit-based systems. While this directive primarily affects federal agencies and contractors, it has the potential to ripple into private…

On December 18, 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a statewide emergency in response to the spread of avian influenza A (H5N1), commonly referred to as bird flu. This declaration highlights the virus’s growing impact, including its spread to dairy cows and the confirmed cases of human transmission since March 2024. While the proclamation focuses on…

A recent California Court of Appeal decision underscores the protections employees have against wrongful termination in violation of public policy, particularly when tied to a disability. In this case, an employee with sickle cell anemia was terminated by a staffing agency after her placement employer expressed concerns about her anticipated absences due to hospitalization. While…

A recent California Court of Appeal decision highlights the challenges employees face when alleging unfair treatment in promotional decisions. The case involved a deputy sheriff who claimed his employer, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, improperly considered a disciplinary proceeding terminated due to a statute of limitations when deciding not to promote him. The employee…

Discrimination in the workplace is prohibited under California law, yet some employers still engage in unlawful behavior. To avoid accountability, they may take steps to mask their discriminatory practices. Understanding the tactics employers might use to cover up discrimination can help you identify when your rights are being violated and take action to protect yourself.…

In California, employees are protected from retaliation when they exercise their rights in the workplace. Retaliation occurs when an employer takes adverse action against an employee because they engaged in a protected activity, such as reporting illegal practices, filing a complaint, or asserting their rights under employment laws. If you’ve experienced retaliation, understanding how to…

A recent decision by a California appellate court addresses key issues related to disability discrimination, privacy violations, and discovery disputes in the workplace. The case involved a former employee who filed claims against the Regents of the University of California, arguing that they failed to engage in the interactive process, did not provide reasonable accommodations…

A recent decision from the Court of Appeal of the State of California’s Fourth Appellate District has highlighted important aspects of employment law under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). In this case, a former employee brought claims of gender-based harassment, disability discrimination, and retaliation against her employer. While she succeeded in her wrongful…

A recent case before the Fifth Circuit California Court of Appeals highlights the complex legal issues that can arise in employment discrimination claims, especially under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). In this case, an employee hired as a special education psychologist argued that she faced discrimination based on a mental health disability,…

In a recent case before the Sonoma County Superior Court, the court addressed a claim involving the Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (CMIA). The plaintiff, an employee who had worked for a healthcare facility for over two decades, alleged her termination was unlawful after refusing to disclose medical information regarding her COVID-19 vaccination status. The…