Withrow Employment Law, P.C.

03/31/2026

As Programs Chair for the East Ventura County Employer Advisory Council (EAC), I’m excited to invite you to my upcoming presentation on April 22nd, where I’ll discuss a practical, step-by-step approach to compliant employee onboarding under federal and California law. We’ll cover essential new hire requirements, documentation, reporting obligations, and best practices to set your team up for success from day one, all while reducing legal risk.

Hope to see you there! Please contact me for a 20% off discount code for friends and clients.

Ensure your onboarding process complies with federal and California laws. Learn practical steps from HR expert Laura Withrow to reduce risks and build a strong start.

02/13/2026

🚨 $52 Million Whistleblower Verdict in California

A Los Angeles jury awarded $52 million to five former employees in a whistleblower retaliation case against a global foodservice distributor—$21 million of it in punitive damages. The message? Juries are taking retaliation claims seriously in 2026.

Key reminders for employers:
✔ Employees only need a reasonable belief to be protected
✔ Retaliation isn’t just termination
✔ Weak documentation + bad timing = major risk
✔ Punitive damages can be catastrophic

Whistleblower claims remain high-risk and emotionally charged. One verdict can change everything.

Read the full breakdown on our latest blog post:

Laura Withrow has been repeatedly recognized as a Southern California Super Lawyer. She represents employers in employment law disputes, and guides California businesses on compliance issues.

01/13/2026

New year, new compliance requirement for California employers. The Labor Commissioner has issued a model notice under the Workplace Know Your Rights Act—find out what you need to do by February 1, 2026, in our blog:

California issues model notice under new Workplace Know Your Rights Act.

10/23/2025

Don’t Get Caught Off Guard by New Employment Laws

Employment laws change fast — and keeping up can feel like a full-time job. The good news? We’ve got you covered.

Join me and Ryan Haws of EmployLaw Group, LLP on November 5th for the National Human Resources Association’s Annual Employment Law Update. We’ll unpack the latest legal changes impacting California employers — and share practical tips to help you stay compliant, protect your business, and create a workplace where everyone thrives.

Whether you join us in person or virtually, you’ll walk away with:
✅ Clear insights on what’s new (and what’s coming) in employment law
✅ Real-world examples you can apply right away
✅ Peace of mind knowing your business is ahead of the curve

Cost: $50 for NHRA members | $60 for non-members

It’s the most affordable, comprehensive employment law update around — and one you won’t want to miss.

👉 Save your spot today!

10/08/2025

🚨 Federal Shutdown Update: What California Employers Should Know

The ongoing federal government shutdown isn’t just affecting Washington — it’s creating ripple effects across California businesses.

Here’s what employers need to watch for:
✅ Delayed payments or paused federal contracts
✅ Slower DOL, EEOC, and NLRB investigations
✅ WARN Act notice requirements for furloughs or layoffs
✅ Immigration and work authorization delays
✅ Broader economic strain as federal workers tighten spending

Even during a shutdown, wage, hour, and compliance obligations remain in full force.

💡 Pro tip: Review your exposure, plan for delays, and communicate early with employees.

At Withrow Employment Law, PC, we help California employers navigate these complex issues with clarity and compliance. Read our blog post to help safeguard your business: https://withrowemploymentlaw.com/how-federal-government-shutdown-impacts-california-employers/

Everything California employers need to know about the federal government shutdown, from the impacts on contracts, compliance backlogs, immigration filings, and practical next steps. Read more at the Withrow Employment Law blog.

09/18/2025

California Minimum Wage Updates: What Employers Need to Know for 2026

California is moving forward with several wage increases that employers should start planning for now.

Statewide Increase
• On January 1, 2026, the minimum wage will rise to $16.90 per hour (a 40¢ increase).

Industry-Specific Changes
• Los Angeles hotels & airports: A new $30/hour “Olympic Wage” will apply by 2028.
• Healthcare: Wages increased to $24/hour on July 1, 2025, and will rise to about $25/hour on July 1, 2026.

What This Means for Employers
These increases will have a direct impact on labor costs, particularly for businesses in hospitality, healthcare, and food service. Employers should review budgets, update payroll systems, and consider how higher wages may affect hiring, pricing, and staffing strategies.

In addition, the threshold salary for exempt employees (Administrative, Executive and Professional) will increase in January. The new threshold salary for exempt employees will be $70,304 annually, or $5,859 per month.

06/30/2025

California just tightened the rules for household employers. If you hire a nanny, housekeeper, or caregiver, SB 1350 may mean new safety obligations starting July 1—are you ready?

Find out what steps you need to take before it's too late. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.

📲 Read our full blog post here:

Laura Withrow has been repeatedly recognized as a Southern California Super Lawyer. She represents employers in employment law disputes, and guides California businesses on compliance issues.

06/12/2025

California employers—are you ready for the July 1, 2025, minimum wage increases? Several cities, including Los Angeles, Pasadena, Santa Monica, and West Hollywood (now at $19.65/hr) are raising their local rates above the state minimum. If your employees work two hours per week in any of these areas, you may be required to pay the higher local wage.

We’ve outlined a few of Southern California’s new rates and provided a short checklist to help you stay compliant. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.

📲 Read our full blog post here:

Starting July 1, 2025, several California cities and counties are raising minimum wage rates, West Hollywood leads at $19.65/hour. Learn how these changes affect employers and what steps are required to stay compliant.

05/23/2025

Legal Update for California Employers!

In a significant legal win, the California Court of Appeal has confirmed that prospective meal period waivers are enforceable—provided they meet strict legal standards. 📝

Withrow Employment Law, P.C’s latest blog breaks down the recent decision in Bradsbery v. Vicar Operating, Inc. and what it means for businesses managing non-exempt employees. Discover:
✅ When meal break waivers are valid
✅ Best practices for compliant waiver forms
✅ Key training points for supervisors
✅ Risk management tips to stay ahead of legal pitfalls

Stay compliant and protect your business—read the full blog now!

Laura Withrow has been repeatedly recognized as a Southern California Super Lawyer. She represents employers in employment law disputes, and guides California businesses on compliance issues.

04/11/2025

Looking forward to a great presentation!

💼 Meet Ken Malouf — The Coach Behind the Coaches
What do Disney, Nestlé, and top-tier entrepreneurs have in common?
They’ve all benefited from the game-changing strategies of Ken Malouf — President of Game Time Strategies, LLC.

🎯 Wharton MBA
🎯 20+ years in executive leadership
🎯 Trusted by business owners, CEOs & high-impact teams
🎯 Part of an elite network of 200+ FocalPoint executive coaches

Ken helps good leaders become exceptional—by unlocking clarity, building stronger teams, and driving results that stick. If you want to lead better, coach smarter, and elevate your performance strategy—Ken’s the one you want to hear from.

🔥 This is leadership with purpose. Growth with direction.

🎟 Don’t Miss Him Live:
📌 Managing & Unlocking Performance in Your People
📅 Wednesday, April 16, 2025
🕗 8:00–9:00 AM PST | In-person check-in & breakfast: 7:30 AM
📍 Los Robles Greens Golf Course, West Ballroom
299 South Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91361
💲 $40 Registration | $35 Early Bird | Member Discount Codes Available
📲 Register Now: www.EastVenturaEAC.org

11/01/2024

With Election Day just around the corner, it is essential for employers to understand their obligations with regard to providing employees time to vote.

Check out our latest blog post to ensure compliance and support your team in fulfilling their civic duties!

As the presidential election approaches, employers have specific obligations to ensure employees can participate in the voting proces. Learn more about these requirements at the Withrow Employment Law blog.