Los Angeles Business Law Blog

What to do if an Employee Violates a Confidentiality Agreement?

On behalf of Baker & Associates posted in intellectual property & trade secrets on Tuesday, March 19, 2019.

Employers have numerous tools at their disposal to protect their business and the elements that make it competitive. One such tool is a non-disclosure agreement, or NDA.

An NDA is a contract that prohibits signing party from sharing or otherwise misusing protected information, including the company's trade secrets (which are usually defined in the NDA). If an employee, for example, shares protected information (whether intentionally or unwittingly) in breach of the NDA, the employer can take legal action to enforce the agreement.

Making your workplace work for millennials

On behalf of Baker & Associates posted in business litigation on Tuesday, March 12, 2019.

Statistics show that people in their 20's and 30's comprise a significant portion of most workplaces. These millennial workers often have some experience under their belt, unlike younger employees, and they are typically skilled in navigating technological resources, which can be more difficult for older employees.

Considering the crucial role millennials fill in many companies, some California business owners may wonder how they can attract these employees.

Small business owners: How you can prepare for a lawsuit

On behalf of Baker & Associates posted in business litigation on Thursday, January 31, 2019.

No business owner wants to be sued. However, the fact is that disputes can and do arise involving employees, partners and third parties, despite efforts to avoid them.

As such, it is important for owners to prepare for potential lawsuits. Knowing that there are protocols and resources in place to respond to a legal claim can make it less intimidating and overwhelming if the situation does arise.

Tips for preventing disputes when your employee is family

On behalf of Baker & Associates posted in employment law on Thursday, January 24, 2019.

Many employers in small- or medium-sized companies hire family members to work for them. Employers might do this as a favor or because they want to hire someone they can trust. Whatever the reason, employers would be wise to protect themselves and the company in the event of a dispute. There are a few ways to do this:

One surprising way your business could be breaking the law

On behalf of Baker & Associates posted in intellectual property & trade secrets on Tuesday, January 22, 2019.

As a business owner, you likely go to great lengths to avoid legal disputes and follow state and federal laws. You may have employment or independent contractor agreements with your workers, and partnership or joint venture agreements with your partners; if there are regulations with which you must comply, you might diligently review them and make any changes necessary to avoid fines and penalties.

However, you may not realize that you or your employees are doing something that could land you at the wrong end of a lawsuit claiming you are breaching copyright law.

Avoiding retaliation pitfalls

On behalf of Baker & Associates on Thursday, January 17, 2019.

If you are considering taking action against an employee, take a moment to consider if that action could be deemed unlawful retaliation. Employment laws prevent an employer from punishing workers (and even job applicants) for “protected activity” regarding certain rights. Before you act, make sure that you won’t end up in a retaliation pitfall.

What is a “protected activity?”

California employers: New laws to know in 2019

On behalf of Baker & Associates posted in business litigation on Tuesday, January 15, 2019.

Operating a business requires a lot more than finding ways to make money, managing a workforce and coordinating the logistics of delivering a product or service. It also involves knowing and complying with numerous state and federal regulations.

When industry rules, guidelines and laws change, business owners must make the necessary adjustments. Failure to do so can result in costly setbacks and penalties, jeopardizing a business' future. With that said, California business owners should be mindful of the following new laws that go into effect in 2019:

Providing proper protections, benefits to employees

On behalf of Baker & Associates posted in employment law on Thursday, November 29, 2018.

In today's economy, employers are likely to hire or partner with people who are not employees; they may be independent contractors or freelancers. Often, these workers are less expensive to hire and give employers more flexibility with regard to staffing levels.

That said, the majority of workers at many companies will be regular employees. As such, it is crucial for employers to be clear on the protections and offerings to which employees are entitled under California and federal laws.

Trucking Companies, Truckers Plagued by Parking Problems

On behalf of Baker & Associates posted in transportation & logistics on Wednesday, November 28, 2018.

Parking may not seem like a serious issue to most motorists. At most, it can be an infrequent, sometimes expensive, headache. However, for those in the trucking and transportation industry, parking is among the most stressful parts of a driver’s job. It is also creating considerable challenges with regard to complying with federal regulations and avoiding financial waste, according to a recent report.

Why is parking such a problem?

When you could be liable for your employees' driving habits

On behalf of Baker & Associates posted in business litigation on Tuesday, November 27, 2018.

Transportation plays a critical role in today's workforce, whether people work in the transportation industry or travelling is just a part of their job. As an employer, you probably have in place specific policies related to traveling, from approving expenses to tracking work hours away from the office.

These policies can prevent disputes with employees and lawsuits, so it is critical to have them. And it is important that they address the full range of travel-related behaviors, including driving habits of your employees who drive either their own vehicle or a company vehicle as part of their job-duties in the course and scope of their employment.