Photo of Nikki Mahmoudi

Nikki Mahmoudi is an associate in the Firm’s Labor & Employment practice group. Nikki earned her J.D. from UCLA Law and received her B.A. in International Relations from UC Davis.

On February 15, 2023, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decided Chamber of Commerce v. Bonta and found that the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA) preempts California’s Assembly Bill 51 (AB 51).

Continue Reading Good News for Employers: The Federal Arbitration Act Preempts the Prohibition of Mandatory Arbitration Contracts

Background

In California, Wage Order 9-2001 applies to “all persons employed in the transportation industry,” including property-carrying commercial truck drivers. (Cal. Code Regs., Tit. 8, § 11090(1).) Under the order, an employee working more than five hours a day is entitled to a “meal period of not less than 30 minutes,” and an employee working more than 10 hours in a day is entitled to “a second meal period of not less than 30 minutes.” (Cal. Code Regs., Tit. 8, § 11090(11)(A),(B).). The Wage Order entitles employees to 10-minute rest breaks for every four hours worked throughout the day. (Cal. Code Regs., Tit. 8, § 11090(12)(A).)
Continue Reading Federal Preemption of California’s Meal and Rest Laws for Truck Drivers Subject to Federal Regulations Applies Retroactively!

With the holiday season upon us, there are some important tips for employers to keep in mind for holiday gatherings and celebrations. Meagan Bainbridge and Nikki Mahmoudi discuss these best practices in this special edition of California Employment News.
Continue Reading California Employment News: Best Practices for Office Holiday Celebrations

On September 18, 2022, the Governor approved AB 2188, which amends the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), California’s employment antidiscrimination law. Beginning on January 1, 2024, it will be unlawful for employers to discriminate against a person in hiring, termination, any term or condition of employment, or otherwise penalize a person for:

Continue Reading New Cannabis Discrimination Protections Coming to a California Workplace in 2024