In this podcast episode of Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah, Evelyn interviews Wilder Clements, the owner and managing lawyer of Clements Employment Law in California.

They discuss various topics related to employment law, including the importance of a people-first approach in the workplace, the unique challenges and obligations faced by employers in California, the legal implications of trends such as AI, automation, remote work, the gig economy and the significance of building a strong employer brand.

Wilder also shares insights and advice based on her experience as an employment lawyer and entrepreneur.

Connect with Wilder Clements on LinkedIn.

Here are the key takeaways from Evelyn Ackah's podcast interview with Wilder Clements, a California employment lawyer:

California Employment Law

• More complex than federal law and many other states.
• Employers have stricter obligations regarding meal and rest breaks, pay stub accuracy, and misclassification of employees.
• EPLI insurance is highly recommended due to the prevalence of lawsuits and high potential penalties.

The Future of Work

• Remote work is here to stay, but employers need to find a balance between flexibility and team building/training.
• Clear communication, established values, and employee surveys are crucial for remote work success.
• Legal compliance and data protection are essential for remote work setups.
• Monitoring can be done ethically to ensure productivity, but shouldn't be excessive surveillance.

Employer Best Practices

• Develop a strong employer brand to attract and retain talent.
• Encourage open communication and feedback from employees.
• Invest in HRIS systems and consider HR consultants for record-keeping and conflict resolution.
• Focus on preventing discrimination through training and diverse recruiting practices, avoiding quotas.

Entrepreneurial Journey

• Lawyers can find success with their own firms by offering alternative fee structures and prioritizing client alignment.
• Preventative law services can be valuable for both employers and employees compared to litigation.
• Business skills are crucial for lawyer-entrepreneurs, and some may wish they had learned more about accounting and bookkeeping.

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