Santa Rosa Employment Law Attorneys

Dedicated Representation for Employers Facing Claims & Disputes

Smith Dollar helps businesses navigate the complex federal, state, and local laws that apply to the employment relationship. Our attorneys work to prevent disputes and intervene early to help you avoid costly issues. We advise and represent employers throughout every stage of the employment relationship.

From establishing policies and procedures to delivering training, reviewing compensation, managing disputes, handling terminations, conducting investigations, and, when needed, managing litigation, our team addresses every aspect of employment law. Drawing from over 150 years of collective legal experience, our award-winning attorneys have resolved challenges for a wide range of businesses and corporate environments.

Employers in Santa Rosa deal with a variety of workplace challenges as local industries change. Seasonal demand in wineries and vineyards and evolving wage and hour rules in Sonoma County make compliance critical. By keeping current with the latest local and state changes, our team helps your business manage legal risks unique to the Santa Rosa business community. As a woman-owned, local firm, we deliver proven strategies with a personal touch rooted in the values of our region.

Call (707) 405-7391 or contact us online to book a consultation about your concerns with a Santa Rosa employment lawyer.

Understanding Employment & Labor Law Issues & Disputes

Prevent Costly Disputes with Experienced Advice & Counseling

Establishing and following effective employment policies and procedures helps employers avoid costly disputes. We work with our clients to develop and update policies that follow all legal requirements and address the specific needs of each business.

Strong policies and clear documentation give employers in Santa Rosa an advantage as California employment laws change. Specialized training programs and thorough documentation address unique requirements like sick leave ordinances and protections for agricultural and hospitality workers in Sonoma County. Our guidance helps you create a compliant workplace and build open communication to reduce legal risk.

Our firm has deep experience preparing employment contracts, drafting non-disclosure and severance agreements, and creating employee handbooks that clarify workplace expectations.

We advise businesses on employment law issues such as wage and hour matters, leaves of absence, benefits, workplace safety and health, workers’ compensation, labor relations, disability accommodations, layoffs, and terminations.

Employers in the North Bay face careful scrutiny over employee misclassification and independent contractor status, especially with the increased use of seasonal and gig workers throughout Sonoma County. We help clients take proactive steps with classification to reduce audit risk under California law and avoid costly legal challenges.

Our team advises and supports employers facing civil rights violation accusations and investigations related to workplace discrimination, harassment, and hostile work environments.

We also organize and present training seminars covering a wide range of employment issues.

Defending Against Administrative Claims

The firm’s attorneys represent and defend employers before a wide range of administrative forums, including:

• National Labor Relations Board
• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
• Employment Development Department
• California Department of Employment and Housing
• California Department of Industrial Relations (Labor Commissioner)
• Cal-OSHA

Employers in Sonoma County often face claims that reflect the region’s unique workforce, including seasonal hiring and multilingual work environments. Our team defends clients in audits, wage disputes, and discrimination investigations, always mindful of the standards set by local and state agencies. We draw from our knowledge of regional employment practices to handle administrative matters efficiently and limit disruption to your business.

Navigating Collective Bargaining Agreements

We represent employers facing unionization, claims of discrimination for union activities, and disputes involving striking employees under collective bargaining agreements and negotiations.

Santa Rosa’s food processing, distribution, and public service sectors often involve collective bargaining and union relations that require careful management. We help employers shape practical strategies for strong labor relations that follow California law and address local standards. Our familiarity with union activities across the North Bay helps employers make informed decisions when negotiating with unions or facing disputes.

We represent employers in collective bargaining, National Labor Relations Board proceedings, labor arbitrations, union avoidance, strike management, and defending against unfair labor practice charges.

Effective Arbitration & Mediation Services

Smith Dollar attorneys bring years of experience in all forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), including arbitration, mediation, neutral evaluation, and the enforcement of ADR agreements.

Businesses in Santa Rosa and the Sonoma County region increasingly use arbitration and mediation to resolve disputes efficiently. ADR can help maintain business relationships and preserve confidentiality while saving time compared to court proceedings. We assist employers in evaluating whether ADR fits the situation depending on the nature of the dispute, who is involved, and local factors that may influence how quickly a dispute is resolved.

Comprehensive Litigation Support for Employers

Smith Dollar’s employment law litigators have wide-ranging experience defending employers of all sizes. Our attorneys respond rapidly to lawsuits and identify the most cost-effective litigation strategies. We handle both individual claims and class actions.

Litigation can impact business reputation and focus, especially in tight-knit communities like Santa Rosa. We prepare clients to navigate local jury preferences, judicial tendencies, and Sonoma County court regulations. Our team keeps up with trends that affect this region, such as wage and hour class actions and wrongful termination claims common in the hospitality and agricultural industries.

We represent the following industries:

• Trucking and transportation
• Construction
• Retail
• Manufacturing
• Financial
• Service

Discuss your legal issue with an employer-focused attorney in Santa Rosa to learn your options. Contact Smith Dollar at (707) 405-7391.

FAQs

What industries most often face employment law issues in Santa Rosa?

Industries such as hospitality, agriculture, construction, and retail in Santa Rosa frequently experience employment law issues related to seasonal hiring, compliance demands, and changing workplace regulations. Businesses with hourly or shift workers must carefully follow state and local labor laws.

How do local employment regulations in Santa Rosa differ from state requirements?

Santa Rosa employers must comply with all California employment laws and, in many cases, additional city and county requirements. Local rules may include stricter minimum wage standards, unique safety regulations, and local leave provisions that apply within Sonoma County.

Can small businesses in Santa Rosa access employment law services affordably?

Many law firms in Santa Rosa, including Smith Dollar, provide affordable legal services and complimentary consultations. This approach helps small and midsize companies address employment matters without putting off help due to budget concerns.