The status of RSUs after a layoff in California raise immediate questions for employees in the technology, startup, fintech, and enterprise sales sectors. Restricted stock units have become a major part of compensation, and companies use RSUs to recruit talent,...
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Unlock a wealth of knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of California’s employment law landscape. Our blog is a treasure trove of insightful posts authored by Matt Ruggles, exploring the latest trends, legal updates, and practical advice.
Matthew J. Ruggles
30+ Years of Employment Litigation Experience
Appeal Deadlines for Labor Commissioner Decisions: What California Employees Must Know
If you recently won a wage dispute in front of the California Labor Commissioner and your employer is now threatening to appeal, the next step is understanding how appeal deadlines for Labor Commissioner decisions actually work. Your hearing is handled by the Division...
California Severance Negotiation Lawyer: How We Increased a Two-Week Offer to Six Months of Pay
If you’ve just been handed a lowball severance offer and you’re wondering whether there’s any realistic way to increase it, you’re not imagining the problem. Employers don’t hand out more severance out of goodwill. They only increase an offer when they’re worried...
Driving a Company Vehicle in California? You May Be Owed Pay for Commute Time
Many employees driving a company vehicle in California are underpaid without realizing it. If your workday begins the moment you leave home in a company truck or van, whether you are picking up tools, following a required route, or heading straight to your first stop,...
Can I Challenge an Arbitration Agreement in California After I’ve Signed It?
Many California employees wonder whether they can challenge an arbitration agreement in California after they’ve signed it. Employers often require workers to sign these agreements when they start a job (or even months later) stating that any disputes must go to...
California Workplace Harassment Case Study: How One Employee Fought Back
Being harassed at work is one of the most isolating experiences a person can go through. You start questioning yourself. You wonder if anyone will believe you or if speaking up will only make things worse. Maybe you have already complained to HR and been brushed off,...
What to Do If Your Boss Sexually Harasses You at Work in California
If your boss is sexually harasses you at work in California, it can feel like you’re trapped. You depend on your job for your income, your reputation, and your future. When the person controlling those things crosses the line, it’s more than uncomfortable. It’s an...
Proactive Severance Negotiation in California: 13 Mistakes to Avoid
Most executives sense their role is unstable long before termination, but most wait too long to act. Executives convince themselves that the reorganization will settle or that loyalty will be rewarded. By the time they recognize the signs (or are actually terminated),...
California Severance Payment: 5 Tricks and 5 Treats
A California severance payment can look like a gift, but it often hides a few surprises. When a severance agreement lands on your desk, it can feel a little like Halloween. Some offers are genuine treats, while others come wrapped as tricks. Employers know that when...
California Severance Negotiation After Layoffs: What to Know Before You Sign
If you were just laid off, you may still be trying to process what happened. One day you were part of a corporate team, and the next you were told your position was eliminated and handed a severance package you are expected to review quickly. In moments like this,...
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