Summary: This case study examines the alleged retaliatory termination of an employee, "Jane Doe," and subsequent terminations of her family members after she reported sexual harassment by a coworker at a large retail chain, referred to as "Company R." The case...
Creating an ethical workplace where employees feel secure and valued is a crucial goal for any organization. A proactive approach to eradicating sexual harassment begins with leadership setting a clear zero tolerance policy, which is vital in transforming hostile work...
When a child is sexually abused in California, there are two legal paths to seek justice: criminal prosecution and civil lawsuits. These are not the same, and each serves a different purpose in holding offenders—and potentially institutions—accountable. This guide...
People often associate the sexual harassment of employees with behavior that occurs in the workplace. However, it can happen anywhere – and not always in person. With more employees working remotely, employers have had to expand their sexual harassment policies to...
It's incredibly disheartening to hear that your employer might lower your pay rate. Of course, everyone hopes for raises, and it can feel like a slap in the face when boss cuts your wages instead, especially if you were promised a certain amount when you accepted the...
California is often considered one of the most employee-friendly states in the United States. Yet, California also adheres to the doctrine of "at-will" employment, a legal framework that allows employers or employees to terminate the employment relationship at any...
In the workplace, people interact closely. Sometimes, that close interaction can manifest in physical contact—a touch on the arm, a pat on the back, or brushing past someone in a crowded hallway. But what happens when that “casual” contact doesn’t feel casual to you?...
When most people think about workplace sexual harassment, they think of inappropriate conduct taking place between co-workers in corporate high rises, offices, and cubicles. But for an increasing number of people, the “workplace” isn’t an office at all. Instead, it’s...
Therapists, counselors, and coaches hold a unique position of trust. They often work closely with children in one-on-one settings—sometimes alone, sometimes without supervision. Sadly, that trust is occasionally betrayed. In California, abuse by mental health...
The recent California Court of Appeals decision in Carranza v. City of Los Angeles marks a significant shift in how courts interpret the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) concerning hostile work environments. This case highlights the evolving legal landscape,...