Pleasanton Employment Law Attorneys Serving Companies in Alameda County & the Bay Area

For businesses in Pleasanton, Fremont, and the surrounding communities, Garcia & Gurney provides legal services in the area of employment law. We believe that our clients benefit from informed, proactive legal counsel, and effective management and planning designed to reduce liability exposure and minimize the need for more expensive services down the road.

To that end, our lawyers help draft employee contracts and employment manuals that clearly set forth the obligations of the employee and the expectations of the employer. And while we provide representation in employment-related disputes, we strive to provide legal consultation and advice before employee terminations or other actions to lessen the likelihood of litigation.

In our comprehensive employment law practice, our Pleasanton employment lawyers routinely handle cases involving employment discrimination and sexual harassment, wage and hour issues, whistleblowing and retaliation, unfair competition and trade secrets.

Discrimination & Harassment

State laws, federal regulations, and even local ordinances define an ever-growing classification of people protected against employment discrimination. The result is that the employer needs to defend many employment decisions, including termination, before an administrative agency or even in court. The burden is on the employer to show that the action was taken for nondiscriminatory reasons. We help employers to develop sound employment practices so that their actions are documented and defensible, and we defend them as necessary in state and federal courts, as well as with agencies such as the FEHA and EEOC.

California Wage & Hour Laws

California’s wage and hour laws often favor the employee and impose harsh penalties on employers who are deemed to violate federal and state work rules. Given our significant number of Silicon Valley clients, we are particularly sensitive to the laws regarding commissions, overtime exemptions and other issues particular to high-tech employees. Garcia & Gurney advises companies on policies and procedures to remain compliant with California and U.S. labor laws, and represents our clients before the courts and administrative agencies when allegations of noncompliance are leveled.

Whistleblowing & Retaliation

State and federal laws protect workers who report unsafe conditions or perceived violations of labor laws, health codes and other employment rules and regulations. In addition, many laws contain provisions specifically prohibiting any retaliatory action for filing a complaint or cooperating in an investigation regarding employment discrimination, workers’ compensation, or other alleged violations. When these issues are present, any action taken regarding an employee can potentially give rise to a whistleblowing or retaliation claim, presenting complex, complicated and confusing issues of fact and law for the judge and jury. We advise employers on proper courses of action and defend their decisions in court when needed.

Unfair Competition & Trade Secrets

Many Silicon Valley companies rely upon the use and enforcement of patents, trademarks and copyrights to protect their intellectual property. We also help companies safeguard their trade secrets and other confidential material through the drafting and enforcement of ancillary employment agreements such as confidentiality and nondisclosure agreements. In addition, we prosecute and defend unfair competition claims, including false advertising and fraudulent business practices, which can seriously damage a company in the eyes of its customers.

Pleasanton Employment Attorneys

Through advice, counsel, practical assistance and courtroom advocacy, the Pleasanton employment attorneys at Garcia & Gurney work to keep area employers in compliance with all applicable employment laws. We handle the legal issues so our clients can focus on running their business. For advice and representation in any employment law matter, contact Garcia & Gurney.