California’s Secretary of State website provides available information on corporations, limited liability companies and limited partnerships of record with the California Secretary of State, including, unlimited free uncertified PDF copies of the most recent Statements of Information filed for corporations and limited liability companies if the statements have been imaged.

California Business Search

This link provides free online access to certain corporation, limited liability corporation liability company and limited partnership information including, the entity formation, registration, or conversion date, status, address and name and address of the agent for service of process.

California Publicly Traded Business Disclosure Search

This link provides free on-line access to information contained in Corporate Disclosure Statements filed by publicly traded corporations.

California Business Entities Records- Information & Fees

For more information on company information and obtaining records.

California State Courts

California’s court system is the largest in the nation.  The vast majority of cases begin in one of the 58 superior or trial courts which reside in each of the state’s 58 counties. The next level of judicial authority resides with the California Courts of Appeal typically when it involves the review of superior court decision contested by a party to a case.  There are six appellate districts. The California Supreme Court serves as the highest court in the state and has discretion to review decisions of the Court of Appeal in order to settle important questions of law and to resolve conflicts among the Courts of Appeal.

Los Angeles Superior Court

Los Angeles Superior Court covers a vast region including, Antelope Valley, downtown Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley, San Gabriel Valley, South Bay, Southeast LA, Westside, Eastside, and the Vertugos. 14 Courthouses handle civil cases.

The website allows you to conduct online searches for a variety of information, including, case calendars, court reservation system, civil party name search, accessing/ordering copies of information on a particular court case, courtroom location, and even tentative rulings by the trial court.

The Court Date Calculator is a handy tool to verify due dates based on the Los Angeles Superior Court local rules.

The Forms page have links to the State Judicial Council Approved Forms and Local Forms for most up-to-date approved forms, such as form interrogatories or case management conference forms.

Filing Fees: The Civil Fee Schedule- Effective 7/1/16

Court Rules: California Rules of Court & Los Angeles Court Local Rules

California Federal Court, Central District of California

The vast majority of California court cases are filed in state court because the California employment laws, rules and just about everything else are more liberal and employee-friendly.  However, employers, for the most part, would rather litigate in federal court for a variety of reasons, including a unanimous jury is required on jury issues. The most common way employers can move a case to federal court is by “removing” the case if the employer can meet the requirements for removal.

The Central District of California is divided into Western, Eastern and Southern Districts.  Los Angeles is in the Western Division.

Central District of California Court Procedures: Federal Courts have their own local rules, forms, orders, and filing procedures. Often times, the assigned Judge issues their own procedures and standing orders that parties must also strictly comply.

Electronic Filing and Case Management: Electronic filing in the Central District of California in all civil cases, unless an exemption applies under the local rules. The Case Management/Electronic Case Filing (CM/ECF) System is the federal judiciary’s case management system for all appellate, district and bankruptcy courts.  The system allows courts to accept filings and provide access to filed documents over the internet. To file documents, you need to request a CM/ECF login and password. Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) is an electronic public access service that allows users to obtain case and docket information and download copies at $0.10 per page from the federal appellate, district and bankruptcy courts via the Internet.  You can establish a PACER account online or contact the PACER service center at (800) 676-6856).

California Employment Lawyers Association (CELA)

CELA is a statewide membership-only organization of attorneys representing employees whose mission is to promote the interests of employees and to assist the lawyers who represent them.  CELA does not represent people or give legal advice or provide lawyer referrals. The organization online discussion forum is where CELA members share information about their cases, opposing counsel, judges, mediators and participate in the community of California employee advocates.

National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA)

NELA is the country’s largest professional organization that is exclusively comprised of attorneys who represent employees.  Its publications and on-line library has free resources on various employment law topics.

National Whistleblowers Center (NWC)

NWC is the leading whistleblower advocacy organization protecting the right of individuals to report wrongdoing without fear of retaliation.  NWC is the leading source of information on whistleblower law.

Workplace Fairness (WF)

Workplace Fairness provides online resources for free information about workplace rights.

CalJobs is California’s no-fee internet job search database.

Human Resource Professional & Membership Programs – HROIC is a membership organization that is run by employment attorneys and highly experienced human resources professionals and provides two types of membership programs:

1. The Employer Membership Program is for employers seeking human resources expertise, compliance, smart tools, buying power, solutions, resources, reliable answers, trusted support and better than best human resource practices.
2. The Professional Membership Program is for human resources firms, consultants, coaches, trainers, solopreneurs, recruiters, expert witnesses & workplace investigators seeking growth, resources & community.

Professionals In Human Resources Association (PIHRA)

Networking organization and access to HR Compliance Center forms.

Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

Similar to PIHRA.  Ask an HR Advisor Service, webcasts, samples & forms, publications, newsletters.

California Chamber of Commerce

This is the best place to purchase posters, notices & pamphlets and obtaining more general information.

United States Department of Labor (DOL)

The DOL is the federal enforcement agency for employment issues arising under Federal laws such as, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA, wage and hour law), the Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA, leave for serious health conditions and care for others applicable to employers with 50 or more employees), Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA, continuation of health benefits for limited time and specified circumstances)and Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA, sets standards for most voluntarily established pension and health plans);  Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA, sets and enforces standards safe and healthful working conditions for workers); and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO, laws prohibit discrimination) laws.

• Department of Labor Whistleblower Protection

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

The EEOC enforces federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee because of the person’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information. It is also illegal to discriminate against a person because the person complained about discrimination, filed a charge of discrimination, or participated in an employment discrimination investigation or lawsuit.

Coverage/Process for Filing Charges

EEOC-Employer Coverage

EEOC- Time Limits for Filing an EEOC Charge

EEOC- Filing a Charge of Discrimination

EEOC- Check the status of EEOC Charge

EEOC-Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

Federal Laws Enforced by EEOC

Title VII of the Civil Rights of 1964 (Title VII)

The Equal Pay Act of 1963 (EPA)

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA)

Titles I and V of The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA)

EEOC Regulations

Prohibited Employment Policies & Practices

Remedies

Recordkeeping Obligations

EEOC -Employer Resources

EEOC- Small Business Resource Center

EEOC Outreach, Education & Technical Assistance

Court Decisions, Regulations & Federal Laws

Code of Federal Regulations

FedLaw at the Government Services Administration

U.S. Code at Cornell Law School

U.S. Federal Courts Home Page

U.S. Supreme Court Decisions on Findlaw.com

National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)

NLRB is the federal agency responsible for enforcing the National Labor Relations Act (“NLRA”), as well as conducting and certifying the results of union elections held pursuant to the provisions of the Act.

California Labor & Workforce Development Agency (LWDA)

LWDA is an Executive Agency who oversees seven major departments, boards and panels that serve California businesses and workers. These include the Agricultural Labor Relations Board, California Employment Development Department, California Public Employment Relations Board, California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board, Department of Industrial Relations/Labor Commissioner and Employment Training Panel.

California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR)

The DIR protects and improves the health, safety and economic well-being over wage earners and helps employers comply with state labor laws.  DIR is housed within the LWDA. The Frequently Asked Questions include the most widely asked questions from workers and businesses in California.

California DIR Labor Commissioner’s Office

DLSE Office Locations

• Before the First Employee Starts Work- California Employer Identification Number, Workers’ Compensation Insurance Coverage, Licensing (DLSE-2005-B-1 (rev. 1/11)
• California Laws Governing Independent Contractors (Rev 1/11).
• Which IWC Order applies to your Company’s Classifications (Updated 3/13)
• Laws Relating to Time, Manner & Payment of Wages (Updated 10/13)
•  California Law on Pay Days, Recordkeeping Requirements and Records (rev. 1/2011.
• California Laws re: Payroll Deductions and Offsets Against Wages (Rev. 1/11).
• California Law on Benefits: Vacation, Sick Pay, Workers’ Compensation, Holidays, Medical/Life Insurance, Pension/Retirement plans, Severance (DLSE-2005-B-2) (Revised 9/15)
• California Final Pay, Severance Pay & Unemployment Insurance (Rev. 1/11).
• California Laws re: Meals & Lodging (Rev. 12/2013)
• California Laws re: Call Back and Stand By Time ((Rev. 1/11).
•  California DIR Wage Claim Adjudications before Department of Labor Standards and Enforcement (DLSE)
• California DIR Summary of Policies and Procedures for Wage Claims
• California DIR DLSE Policies and Interpretations Manual (2002)
• California DIR DLSE Opinion Letters

• California Laws that Prohibit Retaliation and Discrimination against Employees and Job Applicants.
• California Assurances of Participation without Retaliation (Labor Code §1102.5)
• California DIR Retaliation Complaint Investigation Unit (RCI)
• California DIR Summary of Procedures for Retaliation and Discrimination Complaints

California Employment Development Department (EDD)

EDD is responsible for the state programs involving unemployment insurance, disability insurance, payroll tax collection, and job training/workforce services.

General-

EDD Fact Sheet

California EDD Employer Services

California EDD Resources

California EDD Workforce Services Fact Sheet

California EDD Training Resources for Employers

Unemployment Insurance Claims

California EDD Respond to Unemployment Insurance Claim Notices

California EDD Unemployment Insurance (UI) Program Fact Sheet

California EDD Unemployment Insurance (UI) FAQ’s

California EDD Managing Unemployment Insurance (UI) Costs

Disability Claims

California EDD Disability Employer Requirements

California EDD Disability – SDI Online

California EDD State Disability Insurance (SDI) Program Fact Sheet

California EDD State Disability Insurance (SDI) FAQ’s

Paid Family Leave

Paid Family Leave (PFL) provides short-term benefits to eligible workers who have a full or partial loss of wages due to a need to care for a seriously ill family member ot to bond with a new child entering the family.  California EDD Paid Family Leave (PFL) Fact Sheet

California Personal Leaves of Absences–

Personal leaves of absence are required in California for Family Leave, Sick Leave, Jury Duty, Emergency Duty as a Volunteer Firefighter, Reserve Police Officer or Emergency Rescue Personnel, Time off to Visit School, Vote, Drug and/or Alcohol Rehabilitation, Literacy Assistance, Temporary Military Leave and/or Reserve Duty.

California Paid Sick Leave Law

California’s Paid Sick Leave Law, Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act of 2014, requires employers to provide paid sick leave to eligible employees.  California employers must also comply with local ordinances.  California Paid Sick Leave Law and Local Ordinances is a good summary of the law and ordinances through 9/16.

Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA)

Cal/OSHA sets and enforces safety and health standards in the California workplace.

Cal-OSHA Recordkeeping Obligations

Cal-OSHA Reporting of Work-Related Accidents

Cal-OSHA Apply for Permit, Certification or License

Cal-OSHA Training

Cal-OSHA Consultative Assistance

Cal/OSHA has a Consultation Service that is entirely separate from Cal/OSHA’s Compliance Unit. At the employer’s request a Cal/OSHA consultant will make an onsite visit and assist the employer in identifying any existing violations. Cal/OSHA consultants do not cite employers for safety and health violations. Instead, advice is given on how to correct the violations. A reasonable abatement plan is agreed upon. However, if the employer refuses to abate an imminent hazard or serious violation, the Cal/OSHA Compliance Unit would be notified. The Cal/OSHA Consultation Service can be reached at (415) 703-4050.

Every California employer for each facility must maintain a written Injury and Illness Prevention Program. Requirements for such a program can be obtained from the OSHA at www.dir.ca.gov/dosh or by writing the Division of Occupational Safety and Health, P. O. Box 420603, San Francisco, CA 94142.

California Heat Illness Prevention e-tool

California Improving Manual Material Handling e-tool

California Portable Ladder Safety e-tool

California Lockout/Tagout for Employers e-tool

Cal-OHSA Workplace Safety Toolkit- guide for setting up effective workplace safety program

The DWC monitors the administration of workers’ compensation claims and provides administrative and judicial services to assist in resolving disputes that arise in connection with claims for workers’ compensation benefits.

General

California DWC Employer Information

California DWC Office of Self Insurance Plans (OSIP)

California DWC Forms

Workers’ Compensation Insurance Coverage.

All employers, except the state, are required to have workers’ compensation insurance to cover injuries or illnesses sustained on the job. (Labor Code §3700, et seq.) An employee who suffers a work-related injury or illness that requires medical treatment beyond first aid must notify his or her employer in writing within 30 days of the injury or illness. (Labor Code §5400) An employer must provide a claim form to an employee within 24 hours of the reported work-related injury or illness. (Labor Code §5401) Contact the Division of Workers Compensation for more information regarding workers’ compensation claims and benefits or visit their website for information at www.dir.ca.gov/dwc.

An employer must file a report with the Division of Labor Statistics and Research or the workers’ compensation insurance carrier for every occupational injury or illness that results in loss-time beyond the date of injury or illness, or that requires medical treatment beyond first aid.

This report must be filed within five (5) days after the employer learns of the injury or illness. A death or serious injury or illness (requiring hospitalization for more than 24 hours other than for purpose of observation) must be reported to the Division of Occupational Safety and Health by telephone or telegraph within 24 hours after the employer knows or should have known of the death or illness. (Title 8, California Code of Regulations, §342)

California DWC Injured at Work

California DWC Fact Sheet for Employers

California DWC 1 DWC Claim Form & Notice of Potential Eligibility

California DOSH Form 5020- Employer’s Report of Occupational Injury Or Illness

California DWC Disability Accommodations

California DWC Electronic Adjudication Management System (EAMS)

California DWC Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB)

Search for public information on Workers’ Compensation Cases

Employers must also maintain, in each establishment, a log of all-recordable occupational injuries and illnesses for that establishment. Reporting Forms 300, 300A and 301.

The DFEH is the state agency charged with enforcing California’s civil rights laws.  The Complainant is the individual filing a complaint. The Respondent is the person named in the complaint.

Process for Filing DFEH Complaint

California DFEH Complaint Process

California DFEH Respond to a Complaint

California DFEH- Laws and Regulations that Govern DFEH

California DFEH FAQ’s

DFEH Resources : Fact Sheets, Brochures and Information

Association of Workplace Investigators (AOWI)