News & Insights

On October 13, 2025, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill (SB) 464 into law as part of California’s broader effort to advance pay equity and transparency. SB 464 amends Government Code section 12999 and...

Assembly Bill (AB) 692 was enrolled on October 13, 2025. The law adds Section 16608 to the Business and Professions Code and Section 926 to the Labor Code. AB 692 applies to employment contracts entered into on or after...

Karen Kirollos has joined Payne & Fears LLP as an Associate in the firm’s Employment Litigation and Business Litigation Group. Known for her strategic thinking and meticulous preparation, Karen brings valuable...

This is an urgent update regarding a Presidential Proclamation issued yesterday that will have immediate impacts on H-1B applicants.  The order introduces a new restriction on the entry and reentry of H-1B visa holders....

Cliff White has joined Payne & Fears LLP as Counsel in the firm’s Insurance Litigation Group, with his extensive background expected to extend into the Business and Employment Groups as well. With more than 25 years of...

A company can reduce legal risk by adopting strong policies and procedures when onboarding an employee from a competitor. Similarly, when offboarding, there are several measures companies should consider to prevent theft of...

Congratulations to the 13 Payne & Fears attorneys included in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers In America® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch®. Attorneys have been recognized in the following practice areas: The Best...

On August 19, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit — the federal court that hears appeals from federal trial courts in Texas, Mississippi, and Louisiana — held that statutory removal protections for NLRB...

Employers in California often present new employees with an arbitration agreement, usually at onboarding. Employers often — or at least they should — take great care when drafting arbitration agreements to ensure they...

On July 1, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California entered summary judgment in favor of a national homebuilder against its insurance company, United Specialty Insurance Company (“USIC”),...

We congratulate Payne & Fears attorney Leila Narvid for being named a 2025 Northern California Super Lawyer in Employment Litigation: Defense....

The news is rife with stories of federal immigration agencies increasing their enforcement activity, particularly US Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). But what should...