San Mateo Employment Law Attorney for Employers

Operating a business in San Mateo means understanding and navigating a web of state and federal employment laws designed to protect employees, prevent workplace injustices, and ensure fair labor practices. For business owners, staying compliant with these complex laws can be daunting, especially in a state like California with some of the most employee-friendly regulations in the nation.

At Smith Dollar, Attorneys at Law we provide expert legal counsel and representation tailored to the specific needs of employers. Whether you’re a small business owner or a larger corporation, our team is committed to helping you navigate the nuances of employment and labor law in San Mateo, so you can focus on what matters most—growing your business while mitigating risk.

Our Employment & Labor Law Services for Employers in San Mateo

We understand the challenges employers face when managing a workforce in California. Our employment law practice covers a wide range of services designed to help businesses comply with legal requirements, prevent costly disputes, and defend against claims that may arise. Below are just a few of the key areas where we assist employers:

Wage and Hour Law Compliance

California has some of the most intricate wage and hour laws in the country, and failure to comply can result in costly fines and employee lawsuits. Whether it’s ensuring proper overtime calculations, meal and rest breaks, or worker classification (employee vs. independent contractor), we guide employers through the complexity of wage laws to ensure compliance and protect against wage theft claims.

• Overtime Compliance: We help ensure your business is classifying employees correctly and adhering to overtime regulations.
• Meal & Rest Breaks: We’ll ensure your business meets the state’s requirements for employee meal and rest periods, protecting you from potential class-action lawsuits.
• Employee Classification: Our attorneys will assist you in correctly classifying employees and contractors to avoid misclassification issues that can lead to costly penalties.

Employee Handbooks & Workplace Policies

A clear and legally sound employee handbook can help reduce misunderstandings, create a safer work environment, and set expectations for your workforce. At Smith Dollar, we craft comprehensive handbooks that outline workplace policies, behavioral expectations, and company values in compliance with both state and federal law.

• Customized Policies: Our team will work with you to develop tailored policies that reflect your business's needs and comply with local and federal regulations.
• Anti-Harassment & Discrimination Policies: We ensure your workplace policies prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, protecting your business from liability.
• Employment Practices Liability: We help mitigate the risks associated with employment practices by creating policies that address discipline, termination, and conflict resolution.

Defense Against Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Claims

Workplace discrimination and harassment claims are some of the most common, costly, and damaging lawsuits employers face. California law prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, sex, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, and more. We defend businesses facing these serious allegations by providing expert legal representation, helping resolve conflicts quickly, and minimizing damage to your reputation.

• Sexual Harassment Claims: Our attorneys represent employers in sexual harassment lawsuits and help mitigate risks with comprehensive training and policy reviews.
• Retaliation Allegations: We defend against retaliation claims related to whistleblowing or employees asserting their legal rights, ensuring you’re protected from wrongful termination or other retaliatory actions.
• Workplace Discrimination: We assist employers in addressing discrimination claims, whether based on gender, race, age, religion, or disability, by providing legal guidance and conducting workplace investigations.

Wrongful Termination Defense

California is an “at-will” employment state, meaning an employer can terminate an employee at any time, for any reason, as long as it’s not illegal. However, wrongful termination claims are still common and can lead to expensive lawsuits. We help businesses properly navigate the termination process to ensure compliance with all state and federal laws and defend your company in wrongful termination cases.

• Ensuring Fair Practices: We guide employers through lawful termination procedures, including documentation and proper cause for termination.
• Retaliation & Discrimination Claims: We provide defense strategies if you’re faced with a wrongful termination claim based on retaliation or discrimination.

Workplace Investigations & Internal Dispute Resolution

When complaints arise, conducting a thorough and unbiased workplace investigation is critical. We help employers investigate claims of harassment, discrimination, or other serious allegations to maintain a fair, transparent, and legally compliant work environment. Our team conducts these investigations and provides documentation and support throughout the process to ensure a fair outcome.

• Impartial Investigations: We provide objective investigations into employee complaints, ensuring that your business handles these sensitive matters properly.
• Internal Dispute Resolution: In addition to investigations, we help resolve disputes internally through mediation, offering solutions before they escalate into formal claims.

Employment Contracts and Non-Compete Agreements

Clear, enforceable employment contracts can help avoid disputes down the road. Whether you’re hiring new employees, crafting severance agreements, or drafting non-compete clauses, we assist employers in developing contracts that protect their business interests and provide clarity for employees.

• Non-Compete & Non-Disclosure Agreements: We help protect your intellectual property, trade secrets, and client relationships through well-drafted non-compete and non-disclosure agreements.
• Severance & Settlement Agreements: We assist employers in creating fair severance packages that help avoid potential legal claims while providing a smooth exit process for departing employees.

Why Choose Smith Dollar for Your Employment Law Needs?

• Expertise in California Labor Law: California’s labor laws are notoriously complex. Our attorneys stay up-to-date with changes in legislation and ensure that your business remains compliant at all times.
• Proactive Legal Counsel: We provide preventive legal strategies to help you avoid problems before they arise. From proactive policy creation to employee training, we help you reduce the likelihood of disputes.
• Litigation Defense: If litigation becomes necessary, we are prepared to defend your business in court, protecting your reputation and minimizing financial risk.
• Cost-Effective Solutions: We understand that legal expenses can add up. That’s why we strive to offer cost-effective solutions that provide high value and protect your bottom line.

Contact Smith Dollar for Your Employment Law Needs in San Mateo

Whether you are an employer or an employee in San Mateo, Smith Dollar, Attorneys at Law, is here to provide the legal support and guidance you need. Our team is dedicated to delivering personalized and effective solutions to your employment law challenges. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards resolving your legal matters with confidence.

Reach us via our online contact form or call (707) 405-7391 for a free case evaluation with our San Mateo workplace discrimination attorney.