Episodes
75
May 13, 2025
Back to the Basics of Employee Pay Days
In this edition of California Employment News, Meagan Bainbridge and Nikki Mahmoudi break down the basics of California paydays — from the timing of wage payments, payday considerations, and posting obligations. Whether you’re an HR pro or a business owner, this is a must-know compliance topic. Watch this episode on the Weintraub YouTube channel. Show Notes: Meagan: Hello, everyone. Thank you for joining us for this installment at the California Employment News, an informative video and podca...
76
May 27, 2025
Starting a Workplace Investigation – Part 1 (Featured)
In this episode of California Employment News, Lizbeth (Beth) West and Meagan Bainbridge present part one of the Workplace Investigation Series, discussing how to start an investigation following an employee complaint. Watch this episode on the Weintraub YouTube channel.
77
June 10, 2025
Gathering Information in a Workplace Investigation – Part 2 (Featured)
In this featured episode of California Employment News, Lizbeth (Beth) West and Meagan Bainbridge present part two of the Workplace Investigation Series, discussing best practices for collecting information during a workplace investigation. Watch this episode on the Weintraub YouTube channel and find the first installment of this series here. Meagan: Hello, everyone. Thank you for joining us for this installment of the California Employment News, an informative video resource offered by the La...
78
June 24, 2025
Synthesizing Evidence in a Workplace Investigation – Part 3 (Featured)
In this featured episode of California Employment News, Lizbeth (Beth) West and Meagan Bainbridge present part three of the Workplace Investigation Series, discussing how to make reasonable investigative findings once all evidence is collected. Watch this episode on the Weintraub YouTube channel here or listen to this podcast episode here. You can also watch part one and part two of this series.
79
July 8, 2025
Creating the Report for a Workplace Investigation – Part 4 (Fetaured)
In this episode of California Employment News, Lizbeth (Beth) West and Meagan Bainbridge present part four of the Workplace Investigation Series, discussing best practices for effectively memorializing the investigation in a report. Watch this episode on the Weintraub YouTube channel. You can also watch part one, part two, or part three of this series.
81
Aug. 5, 2025
CA Local Minimum Wage Updates
Some California cities have raised their local minimum wage above the state rate of $16.50. In this episode of California Employment News, Weintraub Tobin attorneys Nikki Mahmoudi and Chris Horsley cover key updates in cities like San Francisco, Berkeley, Emeryville, and Alameda. Watch this episode on the Weintraub YouTube channel. Show Notes: Nikki: Hi, everyone. Thank you for joining us for this installment of the California Employment News, an informative video and podcast resource offered ...
Aug. 19, 2025
California Wage Compliance – Avoiding Legal Pitfalls
Whether setting pay for a new hire or adjusting compensation for a current employee, employers must navigate a range of legal considerations. In this episode of California Employment News, Weintraub employment attorneys Meagan Bainbridge and Nikki Mahmoudi share key reminders to help employers stay compliant with California’s complex wage and hour laws. Watch this episode on the Weintraub YouTube channel. Show Notes: Meagan: Hello, everyone. Thank you for joining us for this installment of th...
Sept. 9, 2025
Understanding the Regular Rate of Pay
In this episode of California Employment News, Weintraub attorneys Ryan Abernethy and Talia Delanoy revisit the complexities of the regular rate of pay—a frequent issue in wage and hour class actions. From bonuses and shift differentials to common employer mistakes, they break down what must (and must not) be included in calculations, and the costly risks of getting it wrong. Watch this episode on the Weintraub YouTube channel. Show Notes: Ryan: Hello, everyone, and thank you for joining us fo...
Sept. 23, 2025
2026 Minimum Wage Updates
Another year, another minimum wage raise. In this episode of California Employment News, Weintraub attorneys Chris Horsley and Nikki Mahmoudi expand on updates to state and local wage increases and cover key cities like Santa Monica, City and County of Los Angeles. Watch this episode on YouTube. Other Relevant Videos: CA Local Minimum Wage Updates California Wage Compliance – Avoiding Legal Pitfalls California’s New Healthcare Minimum Wage
Sept. 30, 2025
New AI Regulations for Employers
California’s new AI regulations will take effect on October 1, 2025, impacting how employers can use automated tools in hiring, recruitment, and beyond. In this episode of California Employment News, Weintraub attorneys Meagan Bainbridge and Shauna Correia break down what the rules mean, the risks of noncompliance, and the steps employers can take to stay compliant. Watch this episode on the Weintraub YouTube channel.
Oct. 21, 2025
New Enforcement Tools for Wage Theft Judgments
In this episode of California Employment News, Weintraub Tobin attorneys Shauna Correia and Meagan Bainbridge discuss SB 261, a new law that strengthens enforcement of California wage judgments. Learn about the new public database for unpaid judgments, triple penalties for late payment, and mandatory attorney’s fees for enforcement. Watch this episode on the Weintraub YouTube channel. Show Notes: Shauna: Thank you for joining us for this installment of the California Employment News, an infor...
Nov. 4, 2025
Understanding the Workplace Know Your Rights Act
The Workplace Know Your Rights Act – SB 294, takes effect on January 1st, 2026 and provides requirements for employers to notify employees of their rights related to law enforcement interactions at work, as well as providing the option for employers to notify an emergency contact in the event of an employee’s arrest at the workplace. Weintraub Tobin attorneys Ryan Abernethy and John Slavik discuss the key provisions of the new law, including the penalties for violations. Watch this episode on Y...
Nov. 18, 2025
Equal Pay Enforcement and Pay Data Reporting Updates
Senate Bills 642 and 464 are set to take effect at the start of the new year, bringing important changes to the California workplace. Weintraub employment attorneys Lizbeth “Beth” West and Lukas Clary break down these new laws and what employers need to know on this episode of California Employment News. Watch this episode on the Weintraub YouTube channel.
Dec. 2, 2025
AB 858 Recall Rights and Extended Reinstatement Protections
In this episode, Weintraub Tobin attorneys Jackie Simonovich and Chris Horsley break down California’s expanded recall and reinstatement protections under AB 858, which are now in effect. The law requires hospitality, service, and travel industry employers to offer open positions to qualified laid-off employees and prohibits retaliation. Watch this episode on the Weintraub YouTube channel.
Dec. 23, 2025
Best Practices for Office Holiday Celebrations (Featured)
With the holiday season upon us, there are some important tips for employers to keep in mind for holiday gatherings and celebrations. Meagan Bainbridge and Nikki Mahmoudi discuss these best practices in this special edition of California Employment News. Watch this episode on the Weintraub YouTube here.
Jan. 13, 2026
SB 513 and Personnel File Requirements
Another update for California employers is on the horizon. In this episode of California Employment News, Weintraub Tobin attorneys Meagan Bainbridge and Nikki Mahmoudi break down SB 513, a new law that clarifies what documents must be included in an employee’s personnel file which came into effect on January 1, 2026. Watch this episode on the Weintraub YouTube channel.
82
Jan. 27, 2026
Employee Benefits 101
In this episode of California Employment News, Weintraub Tobin attorneys Chris Horsley and Ryan Abernethy break down employer obligations related to 401(k) retirement plans, CalSavers, and health benefits. Watch this episode on the Weintraub YouTube channel.
Feb. 10, 2026
California AB 692 Cuts Back “Stay or Pay” Contracts with Workers
In this episode of California Employment News, we break down AB 692, a law that places significant limits on so called “stay or pay” provisions in contracts between employers and workers in California.
Weintraub Tobin attorneys Shauna Correia, Chair of the Firm’s Labor and Employment group, and associate, John Slavik, cover: Watch this episode on the Weintraub YouTube channel.
Feb. 24, 2026
Calculating and Tracking FMLA Leave Including Travel to Medical Appointments
New guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor is changing how employers should track FMLA leave tied to medical appointments. In this episode of California Employment News, Weintraub Tobin shareholders Lizbeth (Beth) V. West and Meagan Bainbridge break down the DOL’s recent opinion letter and provide a practical refresher on how to properly calculate and track FMLA leave in a variety of scenarios. In this episode of California Employment News, Weintraub Tobin attorneys Lizbeth (Beth) V. West a...
March 3, 2026
Navigating AI Compliance: Employer Best Practices Pt.1
AI is showing up in hiring, recruiting, performance management, and employee monitoring. While these tools promise efficiency, they can also create significant legal risk if they result in discriminatory outcomes. In this episode of California Employment News, Weintraub Tobin attorneys Jackie Simonovich and Lukas Clary discuss how employer use of AI can implicate Title VII, the ADA, and FEHA, and review key new California AI laws and deadlines. In this episode, they cover: How AI tools can cre...
March 17, 2026
Navigating AI Compliance: Employer Best Practices Pt.2
Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used in hiring, performance management, and workplace decision making. In this episode of California Employment News, Weintraub Tobin Shareholder Meagan D. Bainbridge and Senior Attorney Jackie Simonovich discuss practical steps employers should take when implementing AI and how to conduct meaningful bias audits. In this episode they cover: How to create internal AI policies that address approved tools, data privacy, and reporting concerns Steps e...
March 31, 2026
Document Checklist for Departing Employees
When an employment relationship ends, California employers have specific legal obligations they must meet. In this episode of California Employment News, Weintraub Tobin associates Nikki Mahmoudi and Chris Horsley provide a practical refresher on final pay requirements and the key notices employers should be prepared to deliver. Listen for guidance on what California employers need to know to stay compliant when navigating employee separations.
April 14, 2026
Considerations for Employee Termination
Terminating an employee can present significant legal risk if not handled carefully. In this episode of California Employment News, Weintraub Tobin attorneys Nikki Mahmoudi and John Slavik discuss best practices and key considerations employers should evaluate before making a termination decision. Listen for a breakdown of what California employers need to know to approach employee terminations thoughtfully and stay compliant
April 28, 2026
Navigating ICE’s Updated I-9 Audit Guidelines: What Employers Need to Know
ICE has updated its audit guidelines, and the stakes for I-9 compliance just increased. In this episode of California Employment News, Weintraub Tobin attorneys Shauna Correia and Meagan Bainbridge discuss how recent ICE changes are reclassifying common I-9 errors and what that means for employers facing potential audits.