Blog

Stay up to date on the latest in employment and labor law here.

Signs Consumer Lawsuit-Blog-FTIMG.jpg

Consumer lawsuits are filed when individuals believe they have been wronged by a product, service, or a company's unfair practices. In this blog post, we will highlight the signs that indicate you may have a strong case for a consumer lawsuit. If you're looking for legal representation, James Hawkins APLC can help you navigate the complexities of these lawsuits and class action settlements.

more
Job Protection While On Unpaid Leave-Blog-FTIMG.jpg

Unpaid leave can be necessary for many reasons including personal health issues, family emergencies, and maternity/paternity needs. However, employees often wonder if they are entitled to job protection while on unpaid leave. This blog post will delve into the legal aspects of job protection during unpaid leave and the valuable role of employment lawyers, like James Hawkins APLC, in safeguarding employees' rights.

more
lunch break

Meal and rest breaks are essential components of a healthy and productive work environment. Not only do they contribute to employees' well-being, but they are also protected by labor laws to ensure workers' rights are upheld. Navigating the intricacies of meal and rest break regulations can sometimes be confusing. As your trusted partner in employment law, James Hawkins APLC in California is here to provide clarity and guidance on these crucial...

more
stressed worker

Minimum wage laws in California exist to ensure that workers are paid a reasonable and livable wage, regardless of the industry they work in. Unfortunately, there are instances where some employers fail to uphold this obligation. If you find yourself in a situation where your employer isn't paying you the minimum wage you're entitled to, it's important to know your rights and take appropriate action. At James Hawkins APLC in California, our employment lawyers are here to help you advocate for your rights and get the compensation you deserve....

more
Group of 5 workers looking stressed and overwhelmed

In today's challenging job market, employees often face a multitude of legal issues and violations. From wrongful termination to denied overtime pay, it's crucial to be aware of your rights as an employee and understand when to seek legal help. At James Hawkins APLC, we specialize in employment and labor law in California, and in this blog, we will highlight some common signs of employment law violations that may require the expertise of our class-action attorneys.

more
A women crying as colleagues behind her back laugh

Are you feeling stressed, anxious, or demotivated at work? Do you suspect that your workplace might be hostile? At James Hawkins APLC, we understand the importance of a positive work environment. As class action attorneys specializing in employment and labor law in California, we have seen the impact that a hostile workplace can have on employees. Contact us today if you need legal assistance in California.

more
Untitled design - 2023-06-30T122931.155.jpg

In today's digital era, the boundary between personal and professional lives is becoming increasingly blurred, raising concerns about employee privacy. As technology advances, employers have gained unprecedented access to their employees' digital activities, prompting a need to define legal boundaries and establish clear policies that protect both parties.

At the Law Firm of James Hawkins APLC, we are ready to represent you, and if you have any questions about the employment law services we offer,...

more
Untitled design - 2023-06-30T120708.171.jpg

The COVID-19 pandemic has sparked a significant shift in the way we work with remote work becoming the new norm for many employees. While this arrangement offers numerous benefits, such as increased flexibility and improved work-life balance, it also brings forth various legal implications for employers.

At the Law Firm of James Hawkins APLC, we offer employment law services that can’t be beaten. Contact us today to learn more!

more
M32821 - Four Legal FAQs About Minimum Wage.jpg

When it comes to wages and getting paid, there are all kinds of laws and regulations that can make figuring out important factors difficult for employees. Whether you’re concerned that you’re being underpaid by your employer or you simply want more information about minimum wage, James Hawkins Class Action Attorneys is here to help you with four commonly asked questions about minimum wage in California.

more
M32821 - Tips For Always Getting Reimbursed For Business Expenses.jpg

If you’re an employee traveling for business, performing tasks outside of the office, or providing work that requires you to spend money in order to fulfill your responsibilities, you know that business expenses can be complicated. Whether you’re concerned about missing reimbursement for specific items or you’re simply working to ensure that you are thorough in providing your expense reports to your employer, James Hawkins is here to help with tips for always getting reimbursed for your business expenses.

more
M32821 - What To Do If You Are Denied Sick Leave.jpg

Working in the state of California means that you as an employee are entitled to certain rights, and paid sick leave is one of those rights. However, not every employee understands their rights, what they are entitled to, or how to proceed if they’re denied sick leave. At James Hawkins Class Action Attorneys, our team is here to help employees like you know what you need in order to protect yourself and obtain the leave that you deserve. Keep reading to learn more about what to do if your sick leave is denied by your employer.

more
featimage.jpg

When it comes to purchasing goods and services, you have certain rights that are protected by law. These rights are designed to ensure that you are treated fairly and honestly by businesses and that you have the information you need to make informed purchasing decisions. When a business violates these rights, it can result in you suffering financial losses or other harm. When this happens, it's a good idea to get the help of a class action attorney who can help ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to.

more
featimage.jpg

When it comes to filing a consumer lawsuit, there are several things that you should know that can help you make the best decision for your individual situation. These lawsuits can be expensive and time-consuming, so it is essential to consider whether the outcome will be worth it before committing to taking legal action.

more
featimage.jpg

Vacation days are an essential part of work-life balance. They allow us to take a break from work, recharge our batteries, and spend quality time with our loved ones. However, not all employers provide their employees with the same number of vacation days, which can leave some people wondering what their rights are.

more
M32821 - Blog - Questions To Ask Before Hiring a Lawyer for Your Wrongful Termination Case - Hero.jpg

At James Hawkins APLC, we know that wrongful termination can be a difficult and emotionally-charged experience, but having the right lawyer on your side can be incredibly helpful. To find the best wrongful termination lawyer in Irvine, CA, there are certain questions you should ask that can help you make sure you have the right person for the job. Read on to discover what they are, then contact our attorneys for a consultation.

more
M32821 - Blog - What Are the Meal and Rest Break Laws in California - Hero.jpg

The state of California is known for being one of the most progressive states in the nation when it comes to protecting the rights of workers. This includes laws that require employers to provide their employees with meal and rest breaks, but unfortunately, these laws aren’t always followed. So, to make sure you are aware of your rights while working, today’s blog from the legal team at James Hawkins APLC will go over the ins and outs of meal and rest break laws in California.

more
When Would an Employer Not Have to Pay Minimum Wage

Minimum wage is the minimum amount of money an employer must pay employees. But, contrary to popular belief, there are situations where employers do not have to pay minimum wage! At James Hawkins APLC in Orange County, California, we specialize in educating and defending our clients when it matters most. Whether you are an employee or an employer, here are four exemptions that allow businesses to not pay minimum wage. If you do not apply to these exceptions and are experiencing low pay, reach out to us today to get a minimum wage lawsuit...

more
dreamstime_xxl_30996559.jpg

Being wrongfully terminated can take a massive toll on your life. Fortunately, there are wrongful termination attorneys who specialize in righting the scales of justice and getting you the compensation you deserve. Keep reading to learn more about four types of wrongful termination in California, and contact The Law Firm of James Hawkins, APLC to book a consultation with a wrongful termination attorney today!

more
The Ultimate Guide Featured.jpg

If you are a California employee, it is important to know your rights. The laws governing employment can be complex, and it can be difficult to know what is protected under the law and what isn't. In this guide from the Law Office of James Hawkins APLC in Orange County, we will outline the most important protections that employees in California enjoy. We will also provide information on how to file a claim if your rights have been violated. Read on to learn more, and if you believe your rights have been violated,...

more
4 Important Labor light.jpg

If you're a California-based employee, it's important to be aware of the state's labor laws. These laws protect employees from mistreatment and help ensure that employees are compensated fairly for their time. In this blog post from the Law Office of James Hawkins APLC in Orange County, we will discuss four important labor laws in California that all employees should know about. Read on to learn more.

more
Steps to take.jpg

If you think that your employer hasn't been paying you the overtime wages that you're owed, then you need to take action. Many employees don't realize they're entitled to overtime pay, or they don't know how to go about getting it. In this blog post from the Law Office of James Hawkins APLC in Orange County, we will discuss the steps that you need to take if you want to get the overtime pay that you deserve.

more
4 Reasons You Should Hire an Attorney Hero light.jpg

If you have been terminated from your job, it is important to consult with an employment attorney. A wrongful termination attorney can help you understand your rights as a terminated employee, guide you through the legal process, protect your interests during settlement negotiations, and help you file a lawsuit if necessary. If you have been wrongfully terminated, it is essential to hire an experienced lawyer who can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Read on to learn more from...

more
feature.jpg

We’ve all seen wrongful termination cases in the news. We know that they happen, and we know that they can be very expensive to litigate. But what do you do if you think your firing was a wrongful termination? What steps should you take before going to court? In this blog post from James Hawkins Class Action Attorneys, we will discuss what not to do when you have been fired from your job so as not to give up any rights or protections under the law.

more

Are you involved in a class action lawsuit or settlement or are just curious as to what they are? You've come to the right place — the experts here at James Hawkins APLC have put together this quick review including some frequently asked questions about class action lawsuits.

If you have further questions or would like to get started working with one of our class action attorneys on your case, contact us today!

more
Featured Image.jpg

California overtime law is designed to protect employees who work overtime. As an employee, you are entitled to overtime compensation when you work more than 40 hours in a week, and the overtime must be paid at 1 ½ times your hourly rate for all hours over 40. But many employers make mistakes that prevent them from paying overtime correctly, which can lead to costly lawsuits. In today's blog post from the law offices of James Hawkins APLC, we will discuss four common mistakes employers make when it comes to overtime pay. Keep reading to learn more, and contact our team to get the legal...

more
Featured Image.jpg

Work-related tasks can sometimes be difficult to identify. Sometimes, people don't even know what they're supposed to get paid for. In today's blog post from the law offices of James Hawkins APLC, we will go over four common activities that many workers throughout Southern California do without pay and should be compensated for! Keep reading to learn more, and contact us with any questions you may have about overtime laws today.

more
dreamstime_xxl_104865581.jpg

Wrongful termination is a scary and painful experience to live through. It severely hinders your confidence and can seem as though you’ll never see redemption in your career in extreme circumstances. This is especially taxing on your mental health if you are dedicated to your career. Workplace discrimination is illegal and immoral. Thankfully, you have rights as an employee and may be able to prove wrongful termination against your former employer.

more
dreamstime_xxl_168580997.jpg

People put their entire heart and soul into their careers. In fact, the odds are that you spend a majority of your time at work. Hopefully, you feel safe, confident, and comfortable at work. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Sometimes, greedy employers take advantage of their hardworking employees. Not only is this practice immoral, but it is also illegal. Here’s how to tell if your employer is taking advantage of you.

more
Featured Image.jpg

Overtime can be incredibly helpful around the holidays or in a financial pinch. However, if not handled correctly by ethical employers, overtime can become a dangerous practice. You can protect yourself at work by learning specific overtime rules and regulations. This is especially helpful for part-time employees, where overtime rules and regulations may feel a bit more skewed. These are the key rules and regulations that you should be familiarized with.

more
dreamstime_xxl_104865581.jpeg

Was Your Firing Illegal or Legal?

more

August 10th, 2020: Uber and Lyft must reclassify California drivers as employees, a state court judge said Monday in a pivotal win for state enforcers and workers' advocates that means the workers will get sick leave, wage minimums and other job protections.

Superior Court Judge Ethan Schulman granted the state a preliminary injunction to make the companies reclassify their drivers as employees, saying the state has a strong argument that the workers are not independent contractors under Assembly Bill 5, which passed last year. Employees enjoy wage, safety and other workplace...

more

Is price gouging illegal in California?

Yes, in certain circumstances. California’s anti-price gouging statute, Penal Code Section 396, prohibits raising the price of many consumer goods & services by more than 10% after an emergency has been declared. Beginning March 1st, 2020, the United States was declared under a state of emergency due to COVID-19.

What goods & services are covered by the statute?

The law applies to the following major necessities: lodging (including permanent or temporary rental housing, hotels, motels, & mobile-homes);...

more

Are you paid by the piece? Are you paid commissions? If you answered YES to either of these questions, then you may have not been provided with legally required breaks and may be entitled to compensation.

This month, in Ibarra v. Wells Fargo, the Ninth Circuit affirmed that Well’s Fargo’s commission-based compensation plan violated LC 226.7 by not separately compensating for time spent on rest breaks citing Vaquero v. Stoneledge Furniture and held that Plaintiffs are entitled to at least $24,472,114.36 in damages for Wells Fargo’s violation of section 226.7....

more