Employment Disputes

Employment Dispute Attorney for Employers - Santa Cruz, CA

Running a business is challenging enough without the added stress of an employment dispute. Whether you're facing a wage claim, a wrongful termination lawsuit, or an employee misclassification issue, you need a legal partner who understands California's complex labor laws and can protect your business from costly mistakes.



As a Santa Cruz employment lawyer representing employers, James C. Eschen has over 40 years of experience defending local businesses in wage & hour disputes, discrimination claims, and other workplace conflicts. We work with companies across Santa Cruz and Monterey counties to resolve disputes quickly while minimizing disruption to daily operations.

Helping Employers with Employment Law Disputes

Our practice focuses exclusively on protecting employers' interests. We guide business owners through the maze of California labor law and represent them in disputes before administrative agencies, in negotiations, and in court. From small family businesses to larger companies, we provide tailored strategies to defend against claims and avoid future problems.

We defend businesses in a wide range of disputes, including:

Wage & Hour Claims

Allegations of unpaid overtime, minimum wage violations, or missed meal/rest breaks.

Employee Misclassification

Disputes over whether workers are exempt or non-exempt, or independent contractors vs. employees.

Wrongful Termination or Discrimination Claims

Defense against allegations of unlawful firing, harassment, or retaliation.

Labor Commissioner or EEOC/DFEH Proceedings

Representation before state and federal agencies.

Employee Theft of Trade Secrets 

Protecting proprietary information and enforcing non-disclosure agreements.

California Employment Law Complexities

California's labor laws change frequently and carry strict penalties for non-compliance. Employers can face significant liability for late final paychecks, recordkeeping errors, or even minor technical violations. The Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) also allows employees to bring lawsuits on behalf of the state, increasing risk. We help businesses understand their obligations and avoid costly mistakes.

Our Employment Dispute Services

We support employers through:

• Preventive Counseling - Drafting compliant policies, training managers on wage & hour laws, and ensuring proper classifications.
  
• Defense in Claims & Litigation - Representing businesses in mediation, arbitration, and court proceedings.
  
• Resolution & Compliance - Negotiating settlements when needed and advising on compliance changes to prevent recurrence.
  
  

Representative Scenario: We defended a Santa Cruz retailer in an overtime wage claim, demonstrating the employee was properly classified and fully paid for all hours worked. The claim was dismissed, saving the client thousands in potential penalties.

Employment Law FAQ (For Employers)

Let's Protect Your Company's Interests

When an employment dispute arises, time is critical. We help Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay employers defend against claims, protect their reputation, and maintain compliance with California labor laws.