DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS AND DIVISION OF LABOR STANDARDS ENFORCEMENT

The LAW OFFICE OF MITCHELL B. HANNAH works with a long list of clients to handle their matters and related hearings in front of the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE). The DLSE enforces wage and labor laws across the state and investigates businesses that may be in violation of California wage and labor laws. Employees can make individual wage claims based on an employer’s alleged failure to pay wages, overtime worked or vacation pay, and the DSLE will hold informal conferences to try to resolve the matter. If the matter cannot be resolved through an informal conference, the employer will have to attend Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and/or DSLE hearings.

Even though these hearings may not feel as if they are as formal as a typical court proceeding, employers should treat them just as seriously.  Employers can be on the hook for large sums of unpaid wages, including civil penalties for failure to pay wages. Having an experienced attorney represent your business at a hearing in front of the DSLE can prevent you from making grave missteps in resolving an employee wage claim. There is substantial preparation that goes into making sure your business is properly represented at a DSLE hearing. You should have proper documentation and a clear narrative as to how your business endeavored to comply with all state labor and wage laws. You should not show up at a DSLE hearing without serious thought put into your side of the case and the pitfalls of the employee’s claim.  A decision from the DSLE if not satisfied becomes a judgment, and an appear is very costly.

The LAW OFFICE OF MITCHELL B. HANNAH can also help you to examine your business and payroll practices to make sure you are following all California wage and labor laws. This is an effective way to ensure you stay out of administrative proceedings and avoid legal fees down the line.

If your business is being investigated by the DSLE or you would like to make sure that all your business practices are in line with California laws and regulations, call and speak to an attorney at the LAW OFFICE OF MITCHELL B. HANNAH to set up an appointment today.