Welcome to the Law Offices of Chauvel & Glatt, LLP!
We are based in San Mateo, California, and serve the Peninsula and surrounding communities, as well as clients throughout Los Angeles, San Diego and San Bernardino Counties and the State of California. We’ve been providing legal services for more than 3 decades and specialize in the fields of Business Law, Real Estate Law, Employment Law, Estate Planning/Probate, Transportation Law, and Intellectual Property Law. We bring a wide range of knowledge and experience, with members of our team speaking English and Spanish.
Our attorneys enjoy working collaboratively and strive to keep matters as simple as possible. We share a desire to give you unparalleled customer service by being proactive and responsive to all your needs.
Chauvel & Glatt Staff
Linda Taylor, Office Manager & Senior Legal Assistant, linda@chauvellaw.com
Mellina Calilung, Account Manager, mellina@chauvellaw.com
Amelia Valencia, Receptionist, amelia@chauvellaw.com
Firm News
- Employment Law
Posted in: News
Today, April 1, 2024, the minimum wage for employees working for National Fast Food Chains has increased to $20 per hour. Under this law (AB 1228), National Fast Food chains are defined as limited-service restaurants consisting of more than 60 establishments nationally, that share a common brand, or that are characterized by standardized options for decor, marketing, packaging, products, and services, and which are primarily engaged in providing food and beverages for immediate consumption on or off premises where patrons generally order, or select items, and pay before consuming, with limited or no table service.
This is not the last time we will see the minimum wage increase for fast food employees. The minimum wage for fast food employees will likely increase each year on January 1st moving forward by no more than 3.5%. Any minimum wage increase will be determined by the Fast Food Council. The Food Council is made up of 9 voting members, including representatives from various sectors of the fast food industry, fast food restaurant franchisees or restaurant owners, fast food restaurant employees, advocates for fast food restaurant employees, and a neutral chairperson. In addition to the increases to minimum wage, the Fast Food Council will also provide recommendations to the Department of Industrial Relations related to workplace standards.
While there are exceptions to this law, the question is why only fast food chains, like McDonalds? Why not a Panera (well they fall under one of the exemptions due to their classification as a “bakery”)? But really, how do you pick one employer over the over. This is just another reminder that the arbitrary and challenging employment laws in California make it difficult for Employers to run their businesses California Labor compliant. It also makes California companies breeding grounds for wage & hour lawsuits. As a result, it is crucial for employers who have National Fast Food Chains in California to stay up to date with minimum wage requirements and other workplace recommendations made by the Fast Food Council to ensure CA Labor Law Compliance. For more information, contact the Employer Lawyers at Chauvel & Glatt.
This material in this article, provided by Chauvel & Glatt, is designed to provide informative and current information as of the date of the post. It should not be considered, nor is it intended to constitute legal advice. For information on your particular circumstances, please contact Chauvel & Glatt at 650-573-9500 for legal assistance near you.
- Employment Law
Posted in: News
The California Division of Occupational Safety & Health (CAL/OSHA) exists to protect and improve the health & safety of workers across companies, no matter the industry. As you should already know if you run a business, violating CAL/OSHA standards can create expensive problems for your business.
If your business involves your employees working outside for any amount of time, CAL/OSHA has required Employers to have rules in place to ensure that your employees are protected. Since approximately 2006, Employers have been required to have a Heat Illness Prevention Plan in place (which may be part of your Illness & Injury Prevention Plan – required for all companies). Whether it be providing shade, ensuring fresh and suitably cool water is available free of charge or cool down periods, as just some examples, Employers need to know these rules, especially as summer is soon approaching.
But did you know that since 2016, while California passed legislation for indoor workers, CAL/OSHA has only finally drafted clear standards and rules to ensure the temperatures indoors also meets certain standards. These standards would apply across all industries but specifically hit industries such as restaurants (think of those hot kitchens) or warehouses just as examples. Why? As global warming increases the temperatures, there are more reported cases of heat illness indoors. We are seeing companies on their own, implement air conditioning or cooling stations.
Still, at a meeting last week CAL/OSHA is still seeing pushback from the Department of Finance, due to costs of cooling indoor facilities to the state, think correcotional facilities or other indoor state run facilities. So while CAL/OSHA is finally ready to move forward, it is unclear when these regulations will actually be voted on and move forward toward enforcement. But do not wait. We are seeing companies, on their own, implement air conditioning or cooling stations indoors as well. Your workers need to be protected and there is significant liability for you, the employer, for not doing so.
If you run a business and are unclear how to protect your workers, or you do not know, or have, an Illness & Injury Prevention Plan, contact the Employer Lawyers at Chauvel & Glatt.
This material in this article, provided by Chauvel & Glatt, is designed to provide informative and current information as of the date of the post. It should not be considered, nor is it intended to constitute legal advice. For information on your particular circumstances, please contact Chauvel & Glatt at 650-573-9500 for legal assistance near you.
- Beyond the Law, Estate Planning
Posted in: News
We are pleased to announce that Joseph (“Joe”) Newman has joined the firm of Chauvel & Glatt. Joe’s practice area focuses on estate planning, trust administration and probate. Joe counsels individuals, couples and families on strategic estate planning targeted to meet specific financial legacy, health care and family goals.
Prior to joining Chauvel & Glatt, Joe was a solo Estate Planning attorney with his own Estate Planning practice. His prior legal experience, including handling criminal and personal injury matters, allows him to recognize that all circumstances are different, and planning varies from client to client.
Joe is a native San Franciscan and on his free time he enjoys golfing and spending quality with his wife and three kids.
To learn more about Joe, click here. If you would like to discuss your estate planning needs, please call us at 650-573-9500.