Insights

The Components of Effective and Defensible Workplace Investigations

May 9, 2024 Articles

Daily Journal

Harassment, discrimination and retaliation are serious workplace threats that demand vigilant attention from employers under state and federal laws. This article explores some high-level yet essential components of effective workplace investigations. By understanding the legal duties, adopting comprehensive anti-harassment measures, and prioritizing thorough investigations, organizations can proactively prevent workplace misconduct and have a stronger defense to legal claims arising from such.

Read the full article here.

Firm Highlights

News

Farella Represents Château Montrose Owners in Acquisition of Virginia’s RdV Vineyards

Northern California legal powerhouse Farella Braun + Martel represented the Bouygues family’s winery enterprise, SCDM Domaines, in its purchase of RdV Vineyards in Virginia. SCDM Domaines owns a number of winery holdings in France, including...

Publication

The Ninth Circuit Clarifies Employers’ Obligations When Addressing Social Media Posts Affecting Workplace

A recent Ninth Circuit decision clarifies employers’ obligations to address hostile work environment complaints arising out of employees’ off-premises social media activity. In Okonowsky v. Garland , the Ninth Circuit overturned a Title VII...

News

Lawyers on the Fast Track Award: Kelly Matayoshi

Publication

PAGA Amendments: A Reprieve for Employers Proactively Addressing Labor Code Violations, but Ambiguities Remain

On July 1, 2024, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law a package of reforms to the Private Attorneys General Act (“PAGA”), a statute that has created headaches for employers and driven up wage...

Event

Tools To Tackle Today's Legal Landscape

Holly Sutton is a speaker at the Winejobs.com SUMMIT for the session "Tools To Tackle Today's Legal Landscape." Click here for more information.

Publication

The Ninth Circuit Reminds Employers of Obligations When Addressing Social Media Posts Affecting Workplace

A recent Ninth Circuit decision clarifies employers’ obligations to address hostile work environment complaints arising out of employees' off-premises social media activity. In Okonowsky v. Garland (No. 23-55404; Jul. 25, 2024), the Ninth Circuit...

News

Farella Lawyers Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2025 Edition

Publication

4 Things HR Needs To Know Today About the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act

In 2023, the U.S. Congress passed the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), and this summer, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC’s) regulations interpreting the PWFA took effect. In general, the PWFA requires employers with at least...

News

On Managing Leave and Accommodation Requests

Holly Sutton was interviewed by Matt Crossman of the AccelPro Employment Law podcast for the episode "On Managing Leave and Accommodation Requests" where they talked about the do’s and don’ts of effectively managing leave rules and regulations. Click here to...

Publication

Pregnant Workers Fairness Act: What California Employers Need to Know

In 2023, the U.S. Congress passed the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (“PWFA”) and, in June 2024, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (“EEOC’s”) regulations interpreting the PWFA took effect. In general, the PWFA requires employers...