What is a Performance Improvement Plan? A Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) is a formal written document used by employers to address and document performance concerns with an employee. It serves to outline specific problems, issues and deficiencies in the employee’s...
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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
New 2025 Laws to Protect California Employees
New laws to protect California employees are set go into effect in 2025. These new laws include updates to existing laws in areas such as workers' compensation, whistleblower protection, family leave, and anti-discrimination measures. Here's an overview of how these...
I Just Got Fired: What Should I Do Right Away
Introduction: I Just Got Fired: Guidance for California Employees Immediately After Termination. Getting fired from a job is a traumatic event for any employee. Most of the time, it is entirely normal for the employee to disagree with the employer’s termination...
After a Difficult Meeting With HR: Advice for Employees
As discussed in Matt’s two prior blogs advising employees what to do to prepare for a meeting with HR and what to do during a meeting with HR, what an employee does and doesn’t do after a difficult meeting with HR is very important. For most people, a difficult...
Meeting with Human Resources: Tips for Employee Success
Most employees do not relish the opportunity to meet with Human Resources to discuss problems. Instead, most meetings between an employee and HR are initiated by HR to address an employee’s performance problems, to interview an employee about alleged workplace...
Preparing to Meet with Human Resources: Practical Advice
The Dreaded Meeting with Human Resources: How Employees Should Prepare for the Meeting In this blog post, Matt Ruggles explains what an employee should do and what an employee should not do when preparing to meet with Human Resources. Preparing to meet with Human...
Pregnant Workers Fairness Act: A Guide for Pregnant Employees
In 2023, the U.S. Congress enacted the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), ushering in a new era of protections for pregnant employees. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's (EEOC) regulations interpreting the PWFA took effect in June 2024, setting clear...
The At-Will Employment Hoax: How Employers Cover Up Wrongful Termination
Introduction Almost everyone that has ever held a job has heard of “at-will employment.” If there is one employment policy that all employers make crystal clear during the hiring process, in the personnel manual, on every single form, in every single policy, and in...
Employment Lawsuit Deposition: A Guide for Employees
Introduction A deposition is an integral part of almost all lawsuits, but is particularly important in employment lawsuits alleging claims for harassment, discrimination, retaliation or wrongful termination of employment. For plaintiffs (usually the former employee...
Workplace Retaliation: Manufacturing Industry Case Study
Introduction to Workplace Retaliation Case Study Overview of Employment Law and Workplace Retaliation Employment law protects employees from unlawful treatment, including wrongful termination and workplace retaliation. Workplace retaliation occurs when an employer...
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