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Employment Law Lawyer Pleasanton

Severance Negotiation Wage Claim Attorney

Lawyer in Pleasanton, California

If your employment has been terminated, it is often useful to review the circumstances with an experienced attorney, particularly to determine if your rights have been violated and/or to secure the best terms in a severance package. Similarly, if you have not been paid for work done, you want a skilled and knowledgeable lawyer to help you win the compensation you earned and deserve, typically in a Labor Board proceeding.

The Law Office of Christopher Schlies brings a broad base of experience to individuals and small businesses involved in employment law matters, from the negotiation of severance packages and advice on employment rights, to representation in wage and hour claims. Mr. Schlies will analyze and explain your situation in understandable terms. If a situation is in flux, Mr. Schlies can assist in navigating the typically emotional and difficult circumstances surrounding termination of employment.

The Firm's Employment Law Practice

Mr. Schlies handles a wide range of employment law matters, representing both employees and small businesses. The firm focuses its employment law practice on matters involving:

• Severance agreements. Mr. Schlies works with employees, helping you negotiate the terms of a severance package, reviewing proposed agreements, and helping you understand the benefits to which you are entitled and what you should ask for from your employer. He also advises small business owners regarding severance issues as an element of his small business practice and can prepare an effective severance agreement.

• Commission and wage claims. Mr. Schlies represents employees who have claims for unpaid wages, whether a final paycheck was never issued, overtime or vacation pay was calculated incorrectly, there were unauthorized deductions, or non-reimbursed or unpaid business expenses. Mr. Schlies also represents small employers who have received a claim for unpaid wages, wage penalties or lunch-time/break-time violations from a former employee. Mr. Schlies will prepare any complaint, response, itemization, schedule or briefing which may be required and will appear on your behalf before the California Labor Commissioner's Office (commonly referred to as the "Labor Board"). Don't make the mistake of trying to handle these claims by yourself. There are strict filing requirements and the proceedings are run like a mini-trial. Wage penalties can be significant and appeals to court are time-sensitive and can be strategically critical.

• Litigation. Mr. Schlies has had an active litigation practice in sex harassment and retaliation cases for 20 years. His advice draws on this experience and, if your case is appropriate for litigation, Mr. Schlies will advise you accordingly and may be able to provide references to practicing litigation counsel. Mr. Schlies has a limited litigation practice.

Contact the Law Office of Christopher Schlies in East Bay

The firm offers an hour-long consultation for employment matters for half the normal hourly rate. To schedule an appointment, contact the firm or call (925) 462-0444. Evening meetings can be arranged upon request. The office is located in historic Downtown Pleasanton, with easy and convenient access from I-580 and I-680.

Prior to scheduling an appointment, Mr. Schlies is generally available for a brief phone consultation to determine if an office consultation will be useful or whether referral to another professional may be appropriate.