Palo Alto Labor and Employment Attorneys

There are many ways that an employee’s legal rights can be violated in the workplace. Learn more about the types of cases our experienced Palo Alto labor and employment attorneys handle: 

Employment Contracts

Before signing any type of employment contract, it is a good idea to let your own attorney review it. The company’s lawyers draft these agreements to protect the company – not the employees. Let your own lawyer review an offer of employment, intellectual property agreements, severance package offers, or any other contract your employer wants you to sign. 

Wage and Hour Disputes

California labor law has clear rules about the minimum wage employees must be paid and what activities they must be paid for. If your employer requires you to attend community events, public relations activities, marketing opportunities, seminars, conferences, or other activities outside of the office, you are entitled to pay for this time. Our lawyers can also help you enforce pay you are owed for overtime, shift differentials, bonuses, commissions, and other forms of compensation.

Sexual Harassment

Employees have the legal right to enjoy a safe workplace free from sexual harassment. Before you report harassment to HR, consult with your own lawyer about your legal rights. HR and the company’s legal department are there to protect the company’s legal rights, not yours. Our lawyers can help you document the offenses, report them to the company properly, hold the company accountable for taking appropriate action, and enforce your rights in court if your report is not handled appropriately. 

Discrimination

There are many types of discrimination that are prohibited under both state and federal employment laws. If you suspect that you have been treated differently because of your sex, race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or disability, it is important to get advice from your own employment lawyer. Our attorneys will help prove that you have been discriminated against and determine the best way to enforce your legal rights. 

Whistleblower Rights

There are many state and federal laws that provide specific protections for whistleblowers. A whistleblower is an employee who reports an employer’s violation of the law to a supervisor or the appropriate authorities. A whistleblower can be protected from retaliation by their employer, but only if they meet the legal requirements for whistleblower protection. Our whistleblower rights attorneys can help you make a report of the right information to the right authorities to ensure that you retain whistleblower protections. 

Medical Leave

Medical leave can be protected under both the federal Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the California Family Rights Act (CFRA). These laws do not guarantee you pay for the full length of medical leave, but they can protect you from losing your employment while you are out of work. Employees must give their employer notice of their leave as required by these statutes in order to be protected by them. 

Experienced Palo Alto Labor and Employment Attorneys For All Workplace Disputes

The best labor and employment lawyers in Palo Alto are right here at Minnis and Smallets. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an experienced Bay Area employment law attorney.