Author Archives: blg-admin

Brown Law Group is a Proud Supporter of the Women’s Resource Fair

Brown Law Group is proud to support the 24th Annual Women’s Resource Fair in San Diego, CA.  The Women’s Resource Fair provides homeless, abused, indigent, and physically challenged women and their children in San Diego the opportunity to spend the day each year accessing many basic services such as legal advice, medical exams, employment opportunities, [...]

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The California Supreme Court Finds the Mixed Motive Defense Bars Employees from Damages, Back Pay, Or an Order of Reinstatement

No longer can plaintiffs collect damages simply by showing discrimination was a factor in an employer’s decision to fire them. Even if evidence of discriminatory motive exists, an employer can prevent plaintiff from recovering damages, back pay, or an order of reinstatement if the employer proves that it would have terminated plaintiff for a legitimate non-discriminatory reason. Importantly however, this “mixed motive” defense is not a complete bar to liability because a plaintiff can still obtain declaratory or injunctive relief, and in certain situations, attorneys’ fees. Therefore, rather than fall back on the mixed motive defense, employers should ensure workplace procedures comply with California law, that management is properly trained in the implementation of such procedures, and that employment decisions are consistent with these policies.

Posted in Newsletter Archives

Brown Law Group Employment Law Update

Don’t be caught unaware by the 2013 changes to employment laws that could directly affect your Company! Knowledge about these new laws and those that are on the horizon are the key to minimizing and attempting to prevent workplace claims. Our experienced attorneys will navigate you through the latest court decisions, legislative amendments and proposed [...]

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Suzanne K. Roten Named Partner at Brown Law Group

Brown Law Group, a leading San Diego business litigation boutique law firm, has named attorney Suzanne K. Roten as partner.  Ms. Roten, who has more than 22 years of legal experience, joins founder Janice Brown and partner Stacy Fode as the third partner in the law firm.  Brown Law Group also recently added Meagan Garland [...]

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Meagan E. Garland Sterling Joins Brown Law Group as a New Associate

Meagan E. Garland has joined Brown Law Group as a new associate.  Ms. Garland comes to Brown having served more than six years as a litigation associate at Baker & McKenzie, LLP, San Diego, CA and New York, NY.  Ms. Garland’s  litigation practice focused on representing corporations and individuals in state and federal courts (criminal [...]

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2013 NEW YEAR – NEW LAWS

December 21, 2012 has come and gone, and with it the belief that the Mayan’s “end of the world” prediction would obviate the need for employers to comply with the multitude of new California employment legislation.  The following are just a few of the changes to the law that employers can expect for 2013: Changes [...]

Posted in Newsletter Archives

NOT SO HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Employer-Sponsored Holiday Parties – Tips for Ensuring a Happy Holiday Season

It is estimated that over two-thirds of employers will host some form of holiday party for their employees in 2012, with many of these parties serving some extra holiday cheer in the form of beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages. While holiday parties can be a great way to build morale and/or demonstrate appreciation for employees’ hard work, employers need to ensure that this holiday fun does not turn into a New Year’s liability. With the holiday season nearly upon us, now is the time to assess your company’s upcoming holiday party.

Posted in Articles, Newsletter Archives

The San Diego Employers Association Forms Collaboration with Brown Law Group

The San Diego Employers Association (SDEA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping organizations attract, coach, and train a more efficient workforce, announced today that it has formed an affiliation with Brown Law Group.  The agreement provides SDEA members with one hour of free legal consultation per month, with additional legal advisory time provided at a [...]

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FLEXIBLE WORKSPACE MEETS INFLEXIBLE LAW

Computers, Wi-Fi, smartphones, Skype, and computer-based meetings all allow an employee to contribute fully while working outside of the traditional office.  These technological advances have also meant that employees can perform their work from home, while on vacation, and while traveling on business.  Many employees have embraced flexible work arrangements, and they have modified their [...]

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OBAMACARE IS CONSTITUTIONAL. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN TO ME AS AN EMPLOYER?

The U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision regarding the constitutionality of President Obama’s controversial Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (“ACA”) makes for much political fodder. But what does it mean to employers? Despite the political uncertainty the nation faces in the upcoming months, many provisions of the ACA are applicable to employers now. This includes providing affordable health care plans to employees. However, what is considered “affordable?” Does the requirement apply to all employers regardless of size? Employers must educate themselves regarding these issues and be in compliance or face stiff penalties.

Posted in Articles, Newsletter Archives