If you’re reading this, it’s probably because your employer hit you with a so-called “chargeback” and you’re wondering if it’s legal. The short answer: in most cases, it isn’t. The long answer is what I’m going to walk you through in this blog: how to prove commission...
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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
Disability Discrimination and Retaliation in California
Disability Discrimination and Retaliation in California: Lessons from Lampkin v. County of Los Angeles Disability discrimination and retaliation in California workplaces are some of the most damaging violations an employee can face. Careers stall, reputations suffer,...
California PAGA Lawsuits: Can You Sue Only for Other Employees?
California PAGA Lawsuits: Can You Sue Only for Other Employees? The CRST Expedited Decision Explained Most California employees know that the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) lets them sue on behalf of themselves and other workers for civil penalties when their...
How to Negotiate Severance in California’s Tech Industry
How to Negotiate a Severance Agreement in California’s Technology Industry Severance agreements are nothing new in California’s technology industry, but they’re more common than ever, especially in the wake of mass restructurings, reorganizations, and “strategic...
Misclassified as an Exempt Employee in California? Here’s What It Means for Your Sick Pay
If you’ve been misclassified as an exempt employee in California, you may be losing far more than just overtime pay. Your classification affects how your sick pay is calculated, whether you get meal and rest breaks, and how much leverage you have to recover unpaid...
Do You Have to Be Paid for On-Call Time in California?
You clock out, head home, and settle in. But you’re still “on call.” You can’t leave town. You can’t have a drink after work with your friends or at the family barbeque. You’re checking your phone every few minutes, just in case. Your employer says you’re off the...
How to Negotiate Executive Severance Agreement Terms
One of the most common situations I encounter is the often abrupt departure of a senior executive, someone who’s spent years driving growth, leading teams, and delivering results. When that executive is handed a severance agreement, the message is clear: the...
How to Fight Illegal Commission Chargebacks Like an Employment Lawyer
Employees paid on commission face a frustrating and uniquely unfair problem: illegal commission chargebacks. These occur when an employer deducts money from your paycheck, money you believe you've earned, claiming they’re “reversing” a commission for a deal that fell...
How to Negotiate Severance Like an Employment Lawyer
Most employees have no idea how to negotiate an increase in their severance offer. Like everything else in life, experience makes a big difference. And when you're negotiating a severance offer with an employer, it's no different. I’m Matt Ruggles. I specialize in...
My Leave of Absence Ended in Termination: Was This Discrimination?
If your leave of absence ended in termination, you’re not alone and you’re right to question whether that firing was legal. Whether you were out on medical leave, pregnancy leave, or a disability accommodation, California law puts strict limits on when and how an...
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