Glendale Wage and Hour Lawyer

California enforces strict laws pertaining to compensation for employees. All California employers across all industries must follow applicable wage and hour laws and pay their employees appropriately. Unfortunately, many California employees are not paid fairly, are denied overtime, or have their employment status misclassified so their employers can avoid their financial obligations. They may need help from a Glendale wage and hour lawyer.

If you believe you have encountered any issues with your pay and benefits from your employer, it’s vital to speak with a Glendale wage and hour attorney as soon as possible.

Legal Counsel for Glendale Wage and Hour Disputes

Interpreting the California laws surrounding wage and hour standards can be challenging. These laws are complex and detailed, and employers who circumvent them typically do so by attempting to exploit legal loopholes or rely on their employees’ lack of awareness of their rights.

Ultimately, successful navigation of a wage and hour dispute can not only allow you to recover the compensation you are rightfully owed but may also prevent others from experiencing similar issues with the employer.

Our team at MM Law has years of experience providing legal counsel to clients in the Glendale, CA, area who have experienced wage and hour violations. If you need legal counsel for a wage and hour dispute, we will take time to carefully investigate your case, help you assess the full scope of your damages, and guide you through the complicated legal proceedings your case is likely to entail.

Why You Need a Glendale Wage and Hour Lawyer

Many wage and hour disputes in Glendale, CA, arise because employees are not fully aware of their rights regarding pay, overtime, and benefits under California state law. For example, the federal minimum wage is only $7.25 per hour, but California recently increased the state’s minimum wage to $15 per hour for employers with 26 employees or more.

Some employees may be unaware they are underpaid or that they have been intentionally misclassified by their employers, so those employers can avoid paying them the full wages they are legally required to pay. There is a significant difference between the wage and hour standards for employees compared to independent contractors, and every employee should understand these differences.

Your Glendale wage and hour attorney will be an essential asset as you work toward holding your employer accountable for illegal payroll deductions, misclassification of your employment statutes, and other wage and hour violations. Your case is more likely to succeed when you have reliable and experienced legal representation.

Common Types of Wage and Hour Disputes in Glendale, CA

Some of the most common wage and hour disputes our team has handled for employees across the state of California, include:

• Failure to pay employees minimum wage
• Failure to pay employees for all hours worked, such as on-call time or preparation time
• Failure to pay employees overtime or double time when earned
• Failure to provide employees with all required legal meal breaks
• Failure to provide employees with all required legal rest breaks
• Failure to provide employees with legal paystubs
• Failure to follow the rules on final paychecks
• Failure to pay employees all wages due upon termination of employment
• Failure to reimburse employees for work-related expenses
• Failure to pay employees owed bonuses, commissions, tips, or gratuities
• Illegal paycheck deductions
• Forcing employees to work off-the-clock
• Misclassifying hourly non-exempt employees as “exempt” employees and not paying the employees an overtime rate of pay
• Misclassifying employees as independent contractors

California law also prohibits retaliation against employees who inquire about unpaid wages or file a complaint about an employer’s violation of the wage and hour laws.

If you have been denied fair pay or your employer has effectively stolen from your paycheck or otherwise prevented you from securing the fair wages and benefits you deserve, you may have grounds to file a wage and hour claim in Glendale. Our legal team will provide compassionate and responsive legal counsel throughout your case proceedings and help you hold your employer accountable for their actions.

What Should You Do If You Suspect Discrimination in the Workplace?

If you suspect a discriminatory act has happened at work, start to document everything you witness. If there are any digital communications or surveillance videos that help to support your claim, work with your Glendale Wage and Hour Lawyer to legally collect these pieces of evidence. If you unlawfully obtain these, they can be dismissed in court, which could jeopardize your entire case.

It’s also recommended to report the incident to your employer’s human resource department or another manager you are comfortable with. If it doesn’t appear that the issue will be resolved with internal resources, find a wage and hour lawyer trained in labor and employment law to take over. These professionals can help you file a formal claim and collaborate with you throughout the entire process to ensure justice is served.

Q: What Is the Average Hourly Rate for A Lawyer in California?

A: There is no singular hourly rate for California attorneys. This figure varies significantly based on where the attorney is located and how many years of experience they have in the field. However, the average for attorneys in California comes out to $358 per hour. To get a better sense of how much your attorney may cost, request a free consultation to discuss your case and get a rough estimate. This can help you budget to avoid unexpected expenses in the process.

Q: What Percentage Do Lawyers Charge in California?

A: Every law office has the ability to set its own settlement percentage. This is the percentage they plan to take as payment when their services end. Settlement percentages should be communicated to prospective clients upfront before they decide to hire an attorney. These percentages are wide-ranging, so it’s important to ask about them before choosing a wage and hour lawyer to work with.

Q: How Much Is a Retainer Fee for a Divorce Lawyer in California?

A: A retainer fee for a divorce lawyer in California is a method of payment used to secure future legal services. The exact amount will vary based on the complexity of the divorce case and how seasoned the lawyer is. Many attorneys request this fee to set aside time for the client and verify that they have enough funds to work on the case. To properly plan for your case, ask your attorney what other fees outside of the retainer may pop up, like filing fees.

Q: Can You Get Your Retainer Fee Refunded If Nothing Was Done?

A: The refundability of a retainer fee is dependent on the original agreement that was made between the attorney and client. If it was agreed upon that the retainer is a “true retainer” fee, the attorney may not be required to return the money as it was used to reserve their time. However, an attorney will typically return this down payment if it was for specific legal services that never happened. Discuss the details of your specific attorney’s retainer before agreeing to pay.

What to Expect From a Glendale Wage and Hour Attorney

Most wage and hour disputes end in settlement. Once an employer’s misdeeds are clearly displayed, the employer will likely desire a swift settlement as quickly and quietly as possible. You need legal counsel you can trust as you enter negotiations with an employer. You can rely on your legal team to help you accurately calculate the full scope of damages you can include in your claim.

Our team at MM Law has extensive experience representing clients in wage and hour disputes. You can rely on us to help you investigate your payroll records, correspond with your employer, and gather other evidence to assist you in determining the total damages you can seek in your claim. Depending on your employer’s actions, you may be entitled to much more than back pay for the wages and benefits your employer owes you.

The sooner you secure trustworthy legal counsel, the more likely you will be to succeed with your claim. Our team believes in compassionate and responsive legal counsel for every case accepted. Therefore, if you are ready to explore your options for legal recourse for a wage and hour dispute, contact us today and schedule a consultation with a reliable Glendale wage and hour attorney.