In this episode, Anthony Zaller is joined by Steve Fortunato, founder of Hospitality Collaborative, for a conversation that begins right after an early morning surf session. Together, they dive into Steve's journey in the hospitality industry and the release of his new book, The Urgent Recovery of Hospitality . With their shared passion for surfing as a backdrop, Anthony and Steve explore the deeper philosophies of hospitality, discussing how the social experience of dining, gathering, and servi...
Nov 14, 2024•1 hr 3 min
Anthony Zaller dives into the keys of successful dispute resolution with employment law mediator Steve Pearl. In this insightful discussion, Steve shares his vast experience and valuable tips on the mediation process, how COVID has changed mediation, as well as wage and hour litigation trends, including claims under PAGA. Learn the benefits, strategies, and keys behind successful mediation. Valuable information for California employers about the mediation process and what to expect in mediation....
Jun 28, 2024•1 hr 16 min
Tune into the pod for our latest episode of Zaller Talk! Anthony Zaller sits down with Troy Hooper, CEO of Pepper Lunch USA, to talk about navigating the waters (boat puns ahoy!) of a successful career in business. Learn about Troy's path from cash-captaining luxury yachts to his current position as the American CEO of a multi-national restaurant group.
Jan 05, 2024•48 min
In this engaging episode of Zaller Talk, we delve deep into the implications of AB 1228 with Jeff Hanscom from the International Franchise Association. Jeff offers an insightful and detailed analysis of how AB 1228's passage will significantly impact the quick-service and counter-service restaurant industry. He explains the journey leading to this moment, the potential changes and challenges that lie ahead, and provides an essential perspective for understanding this critical legislative develop...
Nov 28, 2023•27 min
In this episode of Zaller Talk, our panel of experienced litigators and workplace investigators will provide a best-practice overview of conducting effective internal workplace investigations from start to finish. Topics will cover how to handle and process the initial complaint, properly gathering documentary, physical, and testimonial evidence, documenting and assessing witness interviews and statements, and preparing findings, conclusions and a report. This guidance will assist California emp...
Oct 18, 2023•47 min
In this episode of Zaller Talk, I sit down with Don FitzGerald, who has an extensive career in the restaurant business. We discuss a wide range of topics, from his experience working in New York City and Los Angeles, for Wolfgang Puck, the Elliot Group, California Pizza Kitchen and others. Don also provides insights into how restaurateurs can create a lasting company culture, survive periods of high inflation, and the importance of having a mentor.
Jan 24, 2023•52 min•Season 7Ep. 2
Starting in 2024, California employers cannot discriminate against employees who use cannabis recreationally outside of work. Learn how to navigate these changing rules as a California employer.
Dec 29, 2022•2 min•Season 7Ep. 1
California's Supplemental Paid Sick Leave has been extended through December 31, 2022. It's important to note that changes have been made, making the process simpler for California employers.
Nov 22, 2022•3 min•Season 6Ep. 12
Requirements for COVID exposure notices have changed for 2023. Keep compliant and keep your employees safe with these tips
Nov 11, 2022•3 min•Season 6Ep. 11
PAGA plaintiffs are making a practice of trying to stack PAGA penalties to seeks greater damages. Learn how plaintiff attorneys are turning minor infractions into major headaches for California employers.
Nov 03, 2022•3 min•Season 6Ep. 10
What is causing the explosion in PAGA cases against California employers? Anthony Zaller explains how PAGA cases are brought about by the plaintiff to the state, and what notices California employers need to be on the lookout for.
Oct 27, 2022•3 min•Season 6Ep. 9
When should California employers implment arbitration agreements? Learn about the pros and cons to using arbitration agreements in the workplace.
Oct 20, 2022•4 min•Season 6Ep. 8
The trend of "Quiet Quitters" has been growing online and the effects are being seen in the workplace. How can California employers spot a quiet quitter, and what can they do to protect themselves?
Oct 13, 2022•3 min•Season 6Ep. 7
This week's podcast focuses on how California small business owners can effectively implement HR policys to protect themselves and make the workplace better.
Sep 29, 2022•3 min•Season 6Ep. 6
There are pros and cons to implementing an arbitration agreement for your workforce as a California employer. This week's podcast episode covers a few important things to consider on this topic.
Sep 22, 2022•4 min•Season 6Ep. 5
There is a potential that California legislation will be drafted in 2023 that would seek to undermine the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Viking River Cruises permitting employers to implement arbitration agreements that prevent representative PAGA claims. Listen to this episode to learn what options the State of California has in addressing this issue.
Sep 15, 2022•4 min•Season 6Ep. 4
In our next installment from our new podcast series, "Viking River Cruises PAGA Decision", Anthony Zaller discusses the facts of the case, the questions brought before the court, plaintiff and defendant arguments, and the determination made by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Aug 22, 2022•21 min•Season 6Ep. 3
In our next installment from our new podcast series, "Viking River Cruises PAGA Decision", Anthony Zaller defines the Federal Arbitraion Act, and provides context for PAGA claims by giving examples of California and U.S. Supreme Court Arbitration Cases.
Aug 08, 2022•8 min•Season 6Ep. 2
Kicking off our new podcast series titled "The Monumental PAGA Decision", this first episode dives deep into the Labor Code Private Attorney General's Act of 2004 (PAGA). We discuss what PAGA is, civil penalties involved, the requirements for filing a PAGA case, and the difference between PAGA and Class Action.
Jul 25, 2022•11 min•Season 6Ep. 1
The are many things employers should consider when conducting a workplace investigation: when to start, who to interview, where should the interviews be conducted, and who will be present during the interviews?
Jul 11, 2022•7 min•Season 5Ep. 19
Employers always have many things to take into account when choosing an investigator. Should the investigation be handled in-house or overseen by someone outside the organization? Should the investigator be legal counsel? Should law enforcement be involved? Our next installment in our "Workplace Investigations Series" explores these commonly-asked questions.
Jun 30, 2022•5 min•Season 5Ep. 18
Our new podcast series, "Workplace Investigations," explores when workplace investigaitons are necessary and an employer's obligation to conduct investigations. Part 4 focuses on litigation considerations, as employers should always assume that workplace complaints could go to litigation, and this possibility should factor into how investigations are conducted.
Jun 16, 2022•3 min•Season 5Ep. 17
Our new podcast series, "Workplace Investigations," explores when workplace investigaitons are necessary and an employer's obligation to conduct investigations. Part 3 focuses on what California employers should consider when starting an investigation in the workplace.
Jun 09, 2022•3 min•Season 5Ep. 16
Part 2 focuses on what should be investigated in the workplace: from serious allegations to personality disputes, Anthony Zaller conveys the importance for employers to seriously listen to all workplace complaints.
Jun 02, 2022•3 min•Season 5Ep. 15
While sexual harrasment is an obvious case for workplace investigations, there are many situations that may require an investigation to be conducted to prevent employee litigation. Anthony Zaller highlights other instances where an investigation should be conducted, as employers have a duty to keep their workplace safe.
May 19, 2022•3 min•Season 5Ep. 14
The California Private Attorney's General Act (PAGA) is a piece of legislation that is becomeing increasingly dangerous for California employers. Just what is it and how can employers protect themselves?
May 05, 2022•6 min•Season 5Ep. 13
Anthony and Anne discuss their thoughts on the potential outcome of the US Supreme court case Viking River Cruises, Inc. v. Angie Moriana that could drastically change California's PAGA and the law's impact on Californina employers. Date of Recording: March 30, 2022.
Apr 19, 2022•5 min•Season 5Ep. 12
Here in California, employers can't use non-competition or non-solicitation clauses. But there is something they can do to protect their IP when employees leave.
Apr 12, 2022•4 min•Season 5Ep. 11
Misclassifying employees at a startup can result in astronomical penalties. Anthony Zaller discuses some considerations start-up companies in California need to understand.
Apr 04, 2022•4 min•Season 5Ep. 10
As managers increasingly use personal cell phones, text messages, and apps to communicate with work forces, employers should be aware of when this may create an obligation to reimburse employees for their cell phone usage.
Mar 29, 2022•2 min•Season 5Ep. 9