Experiencing sexual harassment at work is difficult enough. But when you’re still employed and unsure whether you want to report it, take legal action, or leave your job, documenting the harassment becomes critical. This blog authored by Matt Ruggles explains how to...
Read Matt’s Blog
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

How to Use Leverage in Severance Negotiation
When a California employee is presented with a severance agreement, understanding how to use leverage in severance negotiation is essential to improving the outcome. These agreements often feel like take-it-or-leave-it offers—decided without any input from the...
Mishandled Sexual Harassment Claims: Case Study in California
Sexual harassment and retaliation remain serious issues in the California workplace. Employees who face such treatment often turn to the courts to seek accountability and justice. However, mishandled sexual harassment claims can leave employees without recourse and...
How Do I Resolve an Unpaid Wages Dispute in California?
If you believe your employer has failed to pay you all wages owed—including unpaid regular hours, overtime, or double time—California law provides strong protections and a clear legal framework for you to resolve an unpaid wages dispute and recover money owed to you...
Performance Improvement Plan: 10 Things Employees Often Get Wrong
A Performance Improvement Plan—commonly referred to as a PIP—has become a standard tool in modern workplace management. While once associated primarily with hourly or lower-level employees, PIPs are now frequently used across a wide range of professions, including...
How Do I Resolve a Commission Dispute in California?
If you work in sales or any role where commissions make up part of your compensation, it’s essential to understand your rights under California law. A commission dispute over unpaid or charged back commissions is common—and often arises when employers fail to follow...
What Is a Compensation Plan in California?
If you receive commissions, bonuses, or other variable pay, your employer may have referred you to your “compensation plan.” But what exactly is a compensation plan in California—and what happens if your employer doesn’t follow it? This blog explains what a...
What Is an Advanced Commission in California?
If your paycheck includes commissions, you may have heard your employer refer to certain payments as an “advance.” But what exactly is an advanced commission—and what happens if you don’t stay employed long enough to “earn” the “advanced” commission? This blog...
What Is a Commission Chargeback in California?
If you earn commissions in California, you may have heard the term “chargeback” or “clawback” —when an employer takes back a commission you’ve already been paid. But is that legal? And under what conditions can your employer reclaim money from your paycheck? This blog...
What Are Earned Wages in California?
If your employer hasn’t paid you everything you’re owed, you may be wondering what exactly counts as a “wage” and when that wage becomes “earned.” Under California law, wages include not just hourly pay and salaries—but also commissions, bonuses, and other forms of...
Schedule Your free consultation
Find out how Matt Ruggles can help your employment law needs
Receive a clear, concise, and easy-to-understand interpretation of your potential claim
"*" indicates required fields