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Possibly, yes. Being paid a salary does not make you exempt from overtime in California. To be legally exempt, you must meet two separate requirements: a minimum salary of $70,304 per year as of January 1, 2026, and a duties test based on what you actually do all day.
In California, employees do have important protections for lawful off-duty conduct and certain types of speech. But employers also have the right to protect their business, reputation, and workplace environment.
Retaliation is illegal in California. This article explains what retaliation is, how the law protects employees, what signs to look for, and what steps to take if your employer punishes you for reporting misconduct.
If you were fired, demoted, or punished after taking medical leave in California, the short answer is this: it may be illegal. Both the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and California’s California Family Rights Act (CFRA) protect eligible employees from being terminated or retaliated against for taking approved medical or family leave.
Losing a job is stressful enough on its own. But when the termination feels unfair, retaliatory, or discriminatory, it can leave you with far more than financial concerns. Many people wonder whether what happened to them was “just business” or if it crossed the legal line into wrongful termination. In California, employment laws offer strong protections—but they are often misunderstood. Some employees do not realize they had rights until long after they have been let go.
As California continues to lead in progressive labor legislation, 2025 brings a host of new laws that significantly impact both employers and employees. From expanded leave rights to stricter classifications for independent contractors, staying informed is crucial to ensure compliance and protect your rights.
In an increasingly competitive job market, unpaid internships have become a rite of passage across industries like media, fashion, politics, entertainment, and tech. But behind the promise of “real-world experience” lies a complex legal question: Are these internships lawful—or just a way for companies to get free labor?