Monthly Archives: September 2020

Can I Discuss My Former Employer in a Court Filing? California Lawsuit Addresses Conflict Between Confidentiality Agreement and Anti-SLAPP Motion
Many California employers require their key employees to sign confidentiality or non-disclosure agreements. Such agreements are designed to protect the employer’s confidential trade secrets. So if an employee leaves the employer for a competitor, any disclosure of the employer’s trade secrets could prompt a breach of contract lawsuit against the now-former employee. Fourth District:… Read More »

Are U.S. Tech Companies Protecting an Ancient Form of Social Hierarchy? California Authorities Charge Cisco with Caste-Based Discrimination
California attracts workers from all parts of the globe. This means that various aspects of foreign cultures also find themselves imported into the United States–including certain practices that may violate federal and state laws prohibiting employment discrimination. Indeed, a recent lawsuit filed by California’s Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) addresses a particular… Read More »

Is Your Company Ready to Reopen? California Public Health Officials Issue Formal Guidance to Employers and Employees
California remains a major epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic. Most businesses, even those in what are considered “essential” industries, continue to struggle with how they can safely reopen without putting their employees or customers at unnecessary risk. To facilitate this process, the California Department of Public Health recently released an “Employer Handbook for a… Read More »

“We Never Consider a Job Applicant’s Age”: Is an Employer Telling the Truth–or Is It Just a Pretext for Discrimination?
Proving employment discrimination is often easier said than done. Even if you believe you were denied a job or other employment opportunity, such as a promotion, because of your age, sex, race, or some other legally protected status, the employer can turn around and argue it had a legitimate, nondiscriminatory reason for the actions… Read More »