Zaller Talk

In this episode, Anthony Zaller is joined by Steve Fortunato, founder of Hospitality Collaborative, for a conversation that begins right after an early morning surf session. Together, they dive into Steve's journey in the hospitality industry and the release of his new book, The Urgent Recovery of Hospitality. With their shared passion for surfing as a backdrop, Anthony and Steve explore the deeper philosophies of hospitality, discussing how the social experience of dining, gathering, and service can nourish individuals and communities on multiple levels. Tune in for a thoughtful and engaging discussion about how hospitality can drive meaningful connection and recovery.

Anthony Zaller dives into the keys of successful dispute resolution with employment law mediator Steve Pearl. In this insightful discussion, Steve shares his vast experience and valuable tips on the mediation process, how COVID has changed mediation, as well as wage and hour litigation trends, including claims under PAGA. Learn the benefits, strategies, and keys behind successful mediation. Valuable information for California employers about the mediation process and what to expect in mediation.

Tune into the pod for our latest episode of Zaller Talk! Anthony Zaller sits down with Troy Hooper, CEO of Pepper Lunch USA, to talk about navigating the waters (boat puns ahoy!) of a successful career in business. Learn about Troy's path from cash-captaining luxury yachts to his current position as the American CEO of a multi-national restaurant group.

In this engaging episode of Zaller Talk, we delve deep into the implications of AB 1228 with Jeff Hanscom from the International Franchise Association. Jeff offers an insightful and detailed analysis of how AB 1228's passage will significantly impact the quick-service and counter-service restaurant industry. He explains the journey leading to this moment, the potential changes and challenges that lie ahead, and provides an essential perspective for understanding this critical legislative development. This episode is a crucial listen for all California employers in the restaurant sector, packed with valuable insights and expert commentary that will help navigate the evolving landscape of the industry.

In this episode of Zaller Talk, our panel of experienced litigators and workplace investigators will provide a best-practice overview of conducting effective internal workplace investigations from start to finish. Topics will cover how to handle and process the initial complaint, properly gathering documentary, physical, and testimonial evidence, documenting and assessing witness interviews and statements, and preparing findings, conclusions and a report. This guidance will assist California employers meeting the obligations of conducting investigations, as well as mitigating risks of employment-related litigation.

In this episode of Zaller Talk, I sit down with Don Fitzgerald, who has an extensive career in the restaurant business. We discuss a wide range of topics, from his experience working in New York City and Los Angeles, for Wolfgang Puck, the Elliot Group, California Pizza Kitchen and others. Don also provides insights into how restaurateurs can create a lasting company culture, survive periods of high inflation, and the importance of having a mentor.

Starting in 2024, California employers cannot discriminate against employees who use cannabis recreationally outside of work. Learn how to navigate these changing rules as a California employer.

California's Supplemental Paid Sick Leave has been extended through December 31, 2022. It's important to note that changes have been made, making the process simpler for California employers.

Requirements for COVID exposure notices have changed for 2023. Keep compliant and keep your employees safe with these tips

PAGA plaintiffs are making a practice of trying to stack PAGA penalties to seeks greater damages. Learn how plaintiff attorneys are turning minor infractions into major headaches for California employers.

What is causing the explosion in PAGA cases against California employers? Anthony Zaller explains how PAGA cases are brought about by the plaintiff to the state, and what notices California employers need to be on the lookout for.

When should California employers implment arbitration agreements? Learn about the pros and cons to using arbitration agreements in the workplace.

The trend of "Quiet Quitters" has been growing online and the effects are being seen in the workplace. How can California employers spot a quiet quitter, and what can they do to protect themselves?

This week's podcast focuses on how California small business owners can effectively implement HR policys to protect themselves and make the workplace better.

There are pros and cons to implementing an arbitration agreement for your workforce as a California employer. This week's podcast episode covers a few important things to consider on this topic.

There is a potential that California legislation will be drafted in 2023 that would seek to undermine the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Viking River Cruises permitting employers to implement arbitration agreements that prevent representative PAGA claims. Listen to this episode to learn what options the State of California has in addressing this issue.

In our next installment from our new podcast series, "Viking River Cruises PAGA Decision", Anthony Zaller discusses the facts of the case, the questions brought before the court, plaintiff and defendant arguments, and the determination made by the U.S. Supreme Court.

In our next installment from our new podcast series, "Viking River Cruises PAGA Decision", Anthony Zaller defines the Federal Arbitraion Act, and provides context for PAGA claims by giving examples of California and U.S. Supreme Court Arbitration Cases.

Kicking off our new podcast series titled "The Monumental PAGA Decision", this first episode dives deep into the Labor Code Private Attorney General's Act of 2004 (PAGA). We discuss what PAGA is, civil penalties involved, the requirements for filing a PAGA case, and the difference between PAGA and Class Action.

The are many things employers should consider when conducting a workplace investigation: when to start, who to interview, where should the interviews be conducted, and who will be present during the interviews?

Employers always have many things to take into account when choosing an investigator. Should the investigation be handled in-house or overseen by someone outside the organization? Should the investigator be legal counsel? Should law enforcement be involved? Our next installment in our "Workplace Investigations Series" explores these commonly-asked questions.

Our new podcast series, "Workplace Investigations," explores when workplace investigaitons are necessary and an employer's obligation to conduct investigations. Part 4 focuses on litigation considerations, as employers should always assume that workplace complaints could go to litigation, and this possibility should factor into how investigations are conducted.

Our new podcast series, "Workplace Investigations," explores when workplace investigaitons are necessary and an employer's obligation to conduct investigations. Part 3 focuses on what California employers should consider when starting an investigation in the workplace.

Part 2 focuses on what should be investigated in the workplace: from serious allegations to personality disputes, Anthony Zaller conveys the importance for employers to seriously listen to all workplace complaints.

While sexual harrasment is an obvious case for workplace investigations, there are many situations that may require an investigation to be conducted to prevent employee litigation. Anthony Zaller highlights other instances where an investigation should be conducted, as employers have a duty to keep their workplace safe.

The California Private Attorney's General Act (PAGA) is a piece of legislation that is becomeing increasingly dangerous for California employers. Just what is it and how can employers protect themselves?

Anthony and Anne discuss their thoughts on the potential outcome of the US Supreme court case Viking River Cruises, Inc. v. Angie Moriana that could drastically change California's PAGA and the law's impact on Californina employers. Date of Recording: March 30, 2022.

Here in California, employers can't use non-competition or non-solicitation clauses. But there is something they can do to protect their IP when employees leave.

Misclassifying employees at a startup can result in astronomical penalties. Anthony Zaller discuses some considerations start-up companies in California need to understand.

As managers increasingly use personal cell phones, text messages, and apps to communicate with work forces, employers should be aware of when this may create an obligation to reimburse employees for their cell phone usage.

California's Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) is facing challenges on multiple fronts in 2022. This podcast episode explains how a legal challege to the US Supreme Court and a proposed ballot initiative to replace PAGA could change this law.

Firm partner Anthony Zaller discusses the seven top items that California Employers should know when handling California's Supplemental Paid Sick Leave in 2022.

ZLG Senior Counsel Mike Thompson lays out the basics on employee meal breaks for California Employers. Recorded on January 20, 2022.

Darren Berkowitz, co-founder of TeleSign, discusses the importance of embracing new market opportunities in 2022 and beyond.

Firm Partner Anthony Zaller reviews Covid-19 exclusion pay required under the Cal/OSHA ETS applicable to California employers. More information about exclusion pay and the ETS can be found on our blog at www.californiaemploymentlawreport.com.

Erica Buxton joins Anthony Zaller to talk about finding the channels where consumers live in 2022 and engaging on their terms. Erica Buxton currently serves as the President of Hello Bello where she is committed to their mission of eliminating the choice many parents have to make – deciding between what's best for their kids and best for their budget. She has also worked as the COO of Razor USA, LLC, co-founder and CEO of EQtainment.

New episode on our podcast! Nolan Bushnell joins Anthony Zaller to discuss what major opportunities and threats face startup and tech businesses in 2022. Considered the father of the video gaming industry Nolan was founder of Atari and inventor of Pong. He also founded Chuck E. Cheese, and over 20 other start-up companies. Nolan was named one of Newsweek's "50 Men Who Changed America." Nolan also has the distinction of being the first and only person to ever hire Steve Jobs.

The close of the 2021 California legislative session brings forth a series of new wage and hour laws that impact employers and take effect on January 1, 2022. Anthony Zaller gives a brief overview of some of these new laws, and what California employers need to know going into 2022.

Audio recording from our Executive Leadership Insights event on December 2, 2021. Anthony Zaller engages in a discussion with Erica Buxton (President, Hello Bello), Nolan Bushnell (Entrepreneur, Businessman, Inventor), and Darren Berkovitz (Co-Founder TeleSign, 2018 USC Alumni Entrepreneur of the Year), with regards to the following topic: What major opportunities and threats face startup and tech businesses in 2022?

Accurate and accessible timekeeping records are absolutely essential in helping CA employers defend against claims of improper or incorrect hours worked. With employees' access to computers, point of sale systems, tablets and other technology, timekeeping should be a seamless function within a company in 2021, but surprisingly software companies often over promise on what they can deliver.  Here are five key functions that timekeeping software need to provide to California employers in 2021.

Adding yet another layer of confusion into who must receive a COVID-19 vaccine, Los Angeles City Council enacted a vaccine mandate for indoor venues. This ordinance is not to be confused with the recent Los Angeles County order issued on September 28, 2021 requiring patrons and employees of certain establishments to be vaccinated. Date of Recording: October 26, 2021.

Employers often ask me the question of what steps can they take to stop employment litigation. My response usually begins with a warning that there is nothing an employer can do that will prevent a frivolous lawsuit. However, employers can control their actions and decisions, and by reviewing a few items on a regular basis, it can greatly reduce a company's liability. This episode covers five steps employers can start with.

Federal and California law make it clear that employers can mandate employees to be vaccinated. The City of Los Angeles' mandate raises many issues and questions for employers, should it pass as expected. ZLG attorneys, Anthony Zaller and Veenita Raj, give an overview of what California employers should expect with various vaccine mandates moving forward. Date of Recording: August 20, 2021.

On this episode of Zaller Talk I sat down with Madelyn Alfano, founder of Maria's Italian Kitchen, which has 9 locations around the Los Angeles area. The podcast starts abruptly, as Madelyn started discussing great topics before we even started recording. The discussion covers various topics: how founders can maintain their composure, how Madelyn started the restaurant and how important her network was in expanding the band, technology trends in restaurants, and how Madelyn navigated the COVID-19 pandemic.

Welcome to the "California Employee Handbook Series," presented by ZLG attorney Michael Thompson. This series gives an overview as to what California employers should be including in their employee handbooks. Part 2 discusses having a Timekeeping Policy, a Meal and Rest Break Policy, and a Harassment, Discrimination, and Retaliation Prevention Policy. 

Governor Newsom signed new legislation on March 19, 2021 requiring California employers to provide COVID-19 supplemental paid sick leave. California employers were required to provide California COVID-19 supplemental paid sick leave under an old law passed in 2020 that expired on December 31, 2020. There are a few key differences between the old requirements and the new 2021 COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave just enacted, and California employers need to beware of these new requirements.

Welcome to the "California Employee Handbook Series," presented by ZLG attorney Michael Thompson. This series gives an overview as to what California employers should be including in their employee handbooks. Part 1 discusses Non-Distribution and Non-Solicitation policies, a Lactation Accommodation Policy, and a Right to Revise Policy. 

ZLG attorney Mike Thompson discusses the new preferential rehire legislation (SB 93), which was signed into law by Governor Newsom on April 16, 2021. Certain hospitality employers should review if SB 93 applies to them, and if so, understand how the process for preferential rehiring works, and what they need to do in order to comply with the new legislation.

ZLG partner, Anthony Zaller, discusses some commonly overlooked rules for documenting the job performance of an employee.

SB 973, a new California law passed in September 2020, created a new obligation for California employers to annually submit pay data report to the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH). Employers must submit their pay data reports to DFEH on or before March 31, 2021, and then on or before March 31 each year thereafter.

ZLG attorney, Anthony Zaller, provides an overview of the signed executive orders by President Biden, which set forth plans for how employers should respond to issues during the COVID-19 pandemic.