Are You Ready for 2020 Employment Law Updates?

Author, Emily Marasso, Media Communications Assistant, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc. hosted a 2020 Legal Updates workshop on December 2, 2019 at the Boys & Girls Club of East County.

Thomas E. Daugherty, a lawyer with Klinedinst Attorneys, led the workshop and discussed the employment law changes that will go into effect in 2020 and how you can be prepared.

Some of the key elements discussed in the workshop are:

• Independent contractors must meet all 3 elements of the ABC Test to be classified as such and not an employee.

• Mandatory arbitration agreements are no longer acceptable.

• The minimum wage amount is increasing again; affecting salary thresholds. 

In addition to these updates, the statute of limitations has increased from 1 to 3 years, and additional time has been given to employers to complete company-wide harassment prevention training. Alongside these changes, discrimination outlines have been extended to include perception against natural hairstyles including afros, braids, twists, locks, etc.

New parents can be thankful that workplace lactation accommodations have been updated and Paid Family Leave is now 8 weeks in lieu of the previous 6 weeks standard beginning July 1, 2020. Domestic partnership now includes any two adults over the age of 18 instead of the previous age of 62. Domestic partners are granted the same rights, protections, benefits, etc. as married spouses.

Construction employees, in certain counties, are required to be trained on Valley Fever and the dangers of being exposed to the fungus. The counties included, but not limited to, are Fresno, Kern, Madera, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Tulare and Ventura to name a few. Gun violence restraining orders now expand availability to employers, co-workers (with employer approval) and employees or teachers at a secondary school.

For clients who missed the workshop, a video of the presentation will be available to view on-demand in the Risk Management Center within the next few weeks. An update will be sent when it is ready to view.

Rancho Mesa Hosts 2018 Employment Law Workshop - Now available On Demand

Author, Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Rancho Mesa enlisted attorney Alexis S. Gutierrez from the law firm of Higgs Fletcher & Mack to conduct its 2018 Legal Update workshop on Friday, November 17, 2017.  The event was held in the firm's building in Downtown San Diego and attracted companies from a variety of industries like construction, human services, landscape and others.

Watch Drew Garcia thank Alexis S. Gutierrez for presenting and everyone for attending the workshop.

The a copy of the workshop is now available on demand from the Risk Management Center.  Non-Rancho Mesa clients may request a copy of the video using the link below.

About Alexis S. Gutierrez

Alexis S. Gutierrez is the Chair of Higgs Fletcher & Mack LLP’s Litigation Department, in addition to serving on the firm’s Executive and Management Committees.  With over 20 years of first chair experience, Mr. Gutierrez provides business and employment counseling and complex commercial litigation support to public and private entities, and non-profit organizations.  He enjoys Martindale Hubbell’s highest peer rating (“AV Preeminent”) for Legal Ability and General-Ethical Standards.  He is also a Recognized Practitioner® with Chambers USA Guide and has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America®, and by San Diego Magazine for as a Top Lawyer® for Labor and Employment and ADR (since 2013). For more information, visit higgslaw.com/attorneys/alexis-s-gutierrez.

About Higgs Fletcher & Mack

Organized by specialty, Higgs Fletcher & Mack has 23 legal practice groups designed to serve individuals and both large and small businesses. This structure allows our attorneys to leverage their expertise, and work together to obtain successful resolutions to your legal issues. As San Diego grows and the innovation sector booms, so too does Higgs Fletcher & Mack. We continue to evolve the practice groups to reflect the changing legal needs of our region’s individuals and businesses. From health care to intellectual property law, family law to immigration and business litigation, we are the law firm you can trust. For more information, visit higgslaw.com.

Employment Law 2017 Workshop

Author Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Rancho Mesa hosted its Employment Law 2017 Workshop on Thursday, January 19, 2017.  The workshop was presented by attorneys Hayley Schwartzkopf and Naomi Pontious from the law firm Meyers Fozi, LLP.

Over 40 people attended the event held at the Toward Maximum Independence building in the Murphy Canyon area of San Diego, CA.

“I really enjoyed the seminar and the knowledge of the speakers.”

— Barbara Taylor, Remodel Works Bath & Kitchen

During the workshop, Ms. Schwartzkopf and Ms. Pontious discussed:

• New State and Local Minimum Wage
• Agricultural Overtime
• Janitorial Workers
• Private School Teachers
• Security Guards
• Salon Services
• Wage Statements

• Anti-Discrimination
• Employment Contracts
• Background Checks
• Immigration Protections
• Domestic Violence
• Bathroom Laws
• Driver Safety

Attendees gained valuable insight into employment law changes that have or will go into effect in 2017.

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Photos by Alyssa Burley.