Category: Employee Rights

You Have Rights As A Worker. I Will Help Protect Them.

Can my boss fire me for I’m out on Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or California’s Family Rights Act (CFRA) leave?

Kaufman Law FirmSeptember 26, 2025

No, your employer cannot legally terminate you for taking Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or California’s Family Rights Act (CFRA) leave and doing so would constitute illegal interference with your protected leave rights. However, understanding the nuances of these protections is important because employers sometimes attempt to disguise retaliatory terminations as legitimate business decisions, and your specific circumstances affect the strength of your protections.  […]

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Understanding Severance Agreements and What Employees Should Know Before Signing

Kaufman Law FirmSeptember 24, 2025

You should never sign a severance agreement without careful review and consideration, preferably with legal advice, because these agreements often contain provisions that can significantly impact your legal rights and future opportunities. While severance can provide valuable financial benefits during your transition, the terms of these agreements frequently favor employers and may waive important rights […]

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What is the best way to request accommodation for my disability at work?

Kaufman Law FirmSeptember 19, 2025

First, employees should get a doctor’s evaluation first that confirms their disability.  The doctor will diagnose and document your medical problem, and the doctor should recommend accommodation to your employer.    Employees should review their company’s HR policies and procedures regarding disability accommodations and follow their processes. Most employers have specific forms, procedures, etc.,on how to […]

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What are the reasonable accommodation requirements under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (“FEHA”)?

Kaufman Law FirmSeptember 17, 2025

FEHA imposes comprehensive reasonable accommodation obligations on employers that are broader than federal requirements, creating an affirmative duty to accommodate disabled workers in multiple circumstances. Under Government Code Section 12940(m), employers must make reasonable accommodation for the known disabilities of applicants and employees to enable them to perform a position’s essential functions, unless doing so […]

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What constitutes a “disability” under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (“FEHA”)?

Kaufman Law FirmSeptember 15, 2025

FEHA’s definition of disability is notably broader and more inclusive than federal disability laws, reflecting California’s commitment to comprehensive protection for individuals with impairments. The Act recognizes three main categories: physical disability, mental disability, and medical condition, each with specific legal definitions and protections.  Physical Disability under Government Code Section 12926(m)(1) includes any physiological disease, […]

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I’m afraid to call a lawyer. Will my employer find out?

Kaufman Law FirmSeptember 11, 2025

Your consultations with an attorney are strictly confidential and protected by attorney-client privilege, which means your employer will not find out that you’ve spoken with a lawyer unless you choose to take legal action or tell them yourself. This privilege is one of the strongest protections in the legal system and is designed specifically to […]

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Subtle Ways Employers Can Require Employees to Work Overtime Without Payment

Denis ZilberbergDecember 16, 2022

Overtime pay is a form of compensation that is required by law in California except for certain workers who, due to the nature of their jobs and duties, are considered exempt Overtime pay serves to compensate employees for the additional time and effort they put into their job, and to encourage employers to limit the […]

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Coronavirus And Covid19 – Work In The Time Of Plague

Denis ZilberbergMarch 19, 2020

This is for California employees with labor law and employment law claims. 1. My employer laid me off. Can they do that? What should I do? Yes, unfortunately they can. You are eligible for unemployment benefits and should make a claim with the Employment Development Department. https://www.edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/ 2. I am an exempt salaried employee, but […]

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Your Employer Can’t Hide Benefits From You

Denis ZilberbergAugust 29, 2017

Federal law extends many protections for workers all across the country. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act is one of these laws. ERISA was enacted to ensure that employees have access to the information they need so as to get access to their benefits. So, if you qualify to participate in the employee 401(k) plan, […]

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When Does Independent Contractor Mean Underpaid Employee?

Denis ZilberbergAugust 29, 2017

The misclassification of employees is a growing problem all over the United States as companies choose to utilize the services of independent contractors in place of hiring employees. Sourcing out certain work can save a lot of money for companies in terms of payroll taxes, minimum wages, overtime wages, and other costs that are legally […]

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Have You Been Wrongfully
Terminated?

Contact the California Employment Attorney at The Kaufman Law Firm For an Initial Evaluation

Your job is more than just a source of income. It is a major part of your lifestyle. If you have been the victim of wrongful termination, wrongful demotion or any kind of discriminatory business practices, it is time to take action and contact a Ventura employment law attorney that can help. Attorney Matthew A. Kaufman and the team at The Kaufman Law Firm bring experience and a vast arsenal of legal resources to help clients recover the money they deserve.

To learn more, contact our California law office today and schedule an initial evaluation to discuss your case.

Contact us to protect your workplace rights