California employers are required to maintain certain workplace policies in writing. In many cases, having properly drafted workplace policies may serve to reduce an employer's liability in a lawsuit filed by an employee. There are other types of policies that, though not legally required, will likewise minimize legal exposure and additionally ensure that employers retain certain rights and discretion (which may not otherwise be available to them) at their disposal.

Because employee manuals and other written employment policies generally create contractual obligations, employers are strongly encouraged to retain legal counsel to assist in the development of proper policies. An employee manual should not be a cookie cutter version of someone else's policies. In fact, there are a number of laws that may only apply to operations of a certain size. Experienced counsel will help you develop a specific set of policies catered to the type and size of business you operate.

If you would like Duvel & Duvel, PLC to assist you with the development of written workplace policies or to review an existing manual for legal deficiencies, please contact the firm.