California Employment Law for Small and Mid-Size Employers
Practical advice from a lawyer with HR credentials
Most California employers are small or mid-size businesses with no in-house lawyer and often no full-time HR department. Michael Trust Law, APC advises owners, managers, and HR leads who need practical answers before a problem becomes a claim. Michael Trust is a lawyer who also holds the SPHR, PHRca, and SHRM-SCP credentials, so the advice accounts for how the rule works on the floor as well as in the statute.
Where small and mid-size employers most often need help
- Leave of Absence & Disability Compliance: Manage FMLA, CFRA, ADA, and disability accommodations lawfully.
- Wage & Hour Compliance: Ensure lawful pay practices and defend against wage and hour claims.
- Employee Relations: Develop compliant practices for discipline, performance, and workplace policies.
- Severance Agreements: Draft and negotiate lawful severance packages to minimize risk.
- Employment Contracts: Create enforceable agreements that protect employer interests.
- Discrimination Defense, Harassment Prevention, and Retaliation Defense.
For more, see Employer Rights FAQs.
Which laws apply to a business your size
Which laws reach a business depends largely on the number of employees. See California Employment Laws by Employer Size and Which California Employment Laws Protect Which Workers for the current thresholds.
How the work is handled
An engagement with a small or mid-size employer works like any other engagement with the firm. The work is typically billed hourly. A flat fee is possible but uncommon, and the firm offers one only for a discrete project, in writing. The first step is the no-charge consultation.