California Employment Law and HR Consulting
I help employers maintain compliance with labor and employment laws and create forward thinking and inclusive workplace cultures that increase workplace satisfaction while reducing the risk of litigation. I work closely with my clients to implement clear HR policies and procedures that meet their individual needs, advise them regarding a variety of employment related issues and, when needed, defend clients against claims of employer misconduct.
My practice is informed by my experience. I am the rare lawyer who has worked on "all sides" having worked "in-house" as well as having represented large and small employers, corporate defendants, labor unions, individual plaintiffs and non-profit organizations in private practice. My breadth of experience allows me to see all sides of an issue and craft uniquely tailored solutions that meet my clients' needs and minimize the risks and/or impact of any conflict.
What We Do
Wage and Hour Compliance
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Exemption Status
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Minimum Wage
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IWC Wage Orders
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Overtime Pay Issues
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Meal and Rest Breaks
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Industry Specific Rules
Human Resources Policies and Procedures
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Leaves of Absence
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Sick Leave and Vacation Policies
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Reasonable Accommodations
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Internet/Data Security
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Employee Time Records
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Covid-19 Related Compliance
Harassment and Discrimination Prevention
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Mandatory Employee Trainings
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Investigation of Harassment Claims
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Harassment and Discrimination Policies and Procedures
Workplace Investigations
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Investigations of Harassment Claims
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Litigation Related Workplace Investigations
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Pre-litigation Information Gathering
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Investigations of Suspicion of Employee Wrongdoing
Sandra Lepson
Sandra has over 25 years’ experience counseling and defending employers in all areas of employment law . . . from A(DA) to Z. She has developed a niche advising small and mid-sized employers and start-ups with particular attention to the changing needs of growing companies. In addition, Sandra has extensive experience presenting and teaching on employment law matters for employers and industry groups, including workplace discrimination and harassment prevention for California employers, workplace bullying prevention, diversity and inclusion, and LGBTQ+ awareness and inclusion. Sandra believes that a compliant, inclusive and respectful workplace is a healthy, productive and profitable workplace.
Bar & Court Admissions
California
United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
United States District Court, Central, Southern and Eastern Districts of California
Education
University of Southern California, Gould School of Law, Juris Doctor (May, 1994)
-Hale Moot Court Honors Program
-USC Mabel Wilson Richards Scholarship Recipient
-American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, Law Clerk
-Research Assistant for renowned Constitutional Scholar, Prof. Erwin Chemerinsky (1991-94)
State University of New York at Albany, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (May, 1986)
Professional Activities
California State University, Northridge Adjunct Lecturer in Business Law and Guest Lecturer on Wage and Hour Law
Volunteer at Alliance for Children’s Rights
Los Angeles ,San Diego and Fresno County Bar Associations, Labor and Employment Law Sections
Sustaining Member, Association of Workplace Investigators
Synagogue Community Lay Leader