News & Updates

There are Limits to Criticism in the Office

Posted by Sessions & Kimball |

Employee Rights Attorney Mission Viejo, California Q: “I work for a very large corporation. At our local office we have three immediate supervisors, and two of them are making the employees’ work life very stressful to the point it is almost unbearable. They continuously make derogatory remarks about employees to other employees, threaten employees with…


Former Employer is Giving Bad References

Posted by Sessions & Kimball |

Employee Rights Attorney Mission Viejo, California Q: “I recently completed a one year assignment as a contractor with a large company. I left under what I believed to be favorable circumstances. “I recently became aware that the project manager at the company has been giving extremely negative information about me to prospective clients. I did…


Paid Maternity Leave a Company Option

Posted by Sessions & Kimball |

Employee Rights Attorney Mission Viejo, California Q: Our employee manual states that maternity leave is granted for birth or adoption of a child. Originally HR told me I could take time off with pay for adoption. When I asked for this information in writing, it changed to I can take time off with no pay,…


Sick Time Can be Used to Care for Spouse

Posted by Sessions & Kimball |

by Patrick E. Turner Employee Rights Attorney Mission Viejo, California Q: Can you please provide more information on using up to one half of one’s paid sick leave to care for a sick wife based on a new law? A: “The law you’re referencing is California Labor Code section 233, which was added by statute…


Dismissal Triggers Policy Questions

Posted by Sessions & Kimball |

Employee Rights Attorney Mission Viejo, California Q: After working three months at a company, I suddenly had to go on sick leave for bladder problems and rheumatoid arthritis. After my first week, off, the company direct deposited a week’s pay into my bank account. I thought it was sick pay. Then it happened again. I…


Contract Limiting Future Career Moves is Probably Illegal

Posted by Sessions & Kimball |

Employee Rights Attorney Mission Viejo, California Q: “Recently, my company asked me to sign a contact that would severely harm my future career if I were to ever leave.” “I would not be able to work in my profession for several years, and then with very strict guidelines.” “I have repeatedly told them I would…