THE CONSUMER ADVOCATE

Overview of Practice Areas

Debt Collection Defense

Creditor Lawsuits, Judgments, Garnishments, Bank Levies, Liens &

Asset Attachments

Many are now in a position where they are being served with lawsuits filed by creditors for defaults and delinquencies of all forms of credit, including credit card accounts, personal loans, payday advances, auto loans, refinancing and other. If you have been served with a creditor collection lawsuit, it is important to

seek legal guidance immediately.

Similarly, small and mid-size business owners have also encountered these financial difficulties and are now facing defaults with business loans, lines of credit, cash advances and collateralized lending programs.

We provide affordable, flat rate fees for both individuals and business debtors.

Go to the Debtor Services page for more information.

Debt Negotiation

Personal & Business Credit Accounts

There are a number of creditors for individual consumer and business debt that may take an overly aggressive approach in proceeding with formal legal action rather than first allowing for some extended and/or modified payment options. When these collection lawsuits are not responded to in a timely or appropriate manner, they can and do result in very costly judgments being entered against the individual and small business debtor.

We are experienced in negotiating settlements that allow the individual or business to better manage their finances.

Employment Law

Labor & Employment Law Solutions for

Small Businesses

The Employment Law landscape has become increasingly more complex for California based businesses. A significant challenge particularly faced by the small or newly established business is that of creating and maintaining employment personnel practices and policies in a manner consistent with evolving employment laws. This be a daunting and costly burden.

While larger businesses can afford more costly solutions, and also absorb those cost into ordinary business operations, the small business owner can find the cost burden associated with ensuring compliance to be overwhelming and even, in some instances, prohibitive altogether.

Our services can provide affordable assistance in key Employment Law compliance areas, specifically in the area of creating and implementing personnel policies, as well as updating existing policies, so as to maintain current compliance with applicable Employment Laws.

Importantly, these services can be provided in a scaled manner that may better accommodate both the needs and budget constraints of the smaller business.

Personnel Policy Implementation & Compliance:

It is important to Implement personnel policies and practices that adhere to the rights and protections afforded employees under both Federal and California State Labor & Employment laws.

In this area, we provide guidance in policy creation and compliance in the following areas:

Implementation of New Personnel Policies
Review and Update of Existing Policies
Creation of Employee Handbook for Specific Job Positions
Job Classification and Job Description
Review and Update of Hiring and Promotional Procedures
Disability and Reasonable Accommodation Compliance
Sick Leave and Leave Related Policies (bereavement & other)
Sexual Harassment & Hostile Work Environment
Personnel Evaluations and Performance Review Procedures
Coaching and Performance Improvement Plans
Disciplinary Process Guidance

Employee Rights

Protecting Employee Rights under Wage & Hour Laws:

This practice also provides assistance to employees facing concerns with employer violations of wage and hour laws.

In the current economic environment, it is a difficult process for employees to take the first step in addressing employment concerns surrounding unpaid wages, improper classifications related to wages and even wrongful and improper determinations related to compensable hours work.

Employees attempting to address these concerns are fearful of retaliation by the employer, which may include termination and thus loss of needed income.

This practice is well experienced in representing employees in the full range of Wage & Hour related issues:

Violation of minimum wage laws
Unpaid wages and late wage payments
Unpaid overtime disputes
Miss-classification of employees (exempt versus non-exempt)
Meal and break period violations
Meal and Rest Period
Local Adjustments
Sales commission disputes
Bonuses
Waiting Time Penalties

Wrongful Termination,

Discrimination

Representing private and public sector employees in Wrongful Termination and Discrimination claims

Wrongful Termination

Violation of Public Policy
Retaliation
Whistle-blower

Harassment & Hostile Work Environment

Sex and Gender based
Race & National Origin
Sexual orientation

Workplace Discrimination

Age
Gender
Race, National Origin
Disability, Failure to Accommodate
Sexual Orientations
Religion