Joel M. Van Parys
Sacramento Office Managing Partner
About Joel
Representative of Joel M. Van Parys' litigation counsel is his handling of a putative class action for a national retail employer. He obtained a summary judgment ruling dismissing plaintiffs' claims for off-the-clock work, and missed meal and rest periods. In other cases, he successfully argued for and achieved summary judgment of claims for California-based wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.
Joel regularly uses prompt action and conducts thorough investigations to efficiently resolve claims and disputes. In several cases, he has negotiated resolution of a case before summary judgment using damaging information about the plaintiff uncovered during his case investigation.
He represents management in all aspects of the employer/employee relationship. This includes litigation defense of claims for wrongful termination, discrimination and harassment, retaliation, wage and hour violations, employee misclassification - with an emphasis on independent contractor claims - and Unfair Competition.
In conjunction with his litigation counsel, Joel maintains a significant practice advising companies on managing and avoiding employment risks. His experience includes counseling and representing employers with California workforces and operations in such sectors as health services, retail, media, food and agriculture, public services and construction.
Areas of Practice
- Wage and Hour Issues
- Class Actions
- PAGA Litigation
- Wrongful Termination and Workplace Tort Litigation
Education
McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific, J.D., with distinction, 2003
- McGeorge Law Review, Comment Editor, 2002-2003; Comment Writer, 2001–2002
- Dean’s list, 2000-2003
University of California at Davis, B.A., 2000
Publications
Contractor Law & 1099 Risks
How to Avoid Timekeeping Pitfalls
California Bill Means 'End for Independent Trucking' in State
Uncertainty Abounds in California After 9th Cir. Withdraws Classification Ruling
Presentations
Everything You Really Need to Know, Right Now, About the Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards
Dynamex – One Year Later: A Survey of Post Dynamex Developments and Issues In The Year Since It Was Published
Managing Employees – Make The Law Work For You
Independent Contractors: How To Recognize And Manage Liability With Changing Laws and Aggressive Government Pressure
Background Checks: Know the Dangers and Get the Info Your Company Needs
Exempt or Non-exempt or Contractor: Getting Employee Classification Right
Jeopardizing Exempt Status Under California & Federal Law
Managing and Addressing Employee Performance in A Post-Complaint Workplace
Steps Employers Can Take To Be Prepared To Respond to Administrative Agency Complaints and Lawsuits
Independent Contractors & Interns: The Most Dangerous Types Of Workers In California
AB 1825 Harassment Training
Employee Termination & Resignation: Managing Final Pay Issues and Knowing Employers' Rights and Obligations When the Employment Relationship Ends
New Year, New Laws, New California Employee Handbook: What to Change and What to Keep in 2013
Commission Sales Agreements in California: Knowing the New Law and Managing Your Risk
Commission Sales Agreements in California: How to Manage Your Risks and Obligations Under A.B. 1396
Written Opinions
Anthoine v. North Central Counties Consortium et al. (9th Cir. 2010) 605 F.3d 740
- Summary judgment of discrimination and retaliation claims
Walsh v. Ikon Office Solutions, Inc. (2007) 148 Cal. App. 4th 1440
- Decertification of a California class action for account managers
Recognitions
Listed, Best Lawyers® - Employment Law Management (2022 - 2027) and Labor and Employment Litigation (2022 - 2027), Sacramento, CA
Listed, Top Lawyers, Sacramento Magazine, 2023
Sacramento County Bar Association, 2005 - Present
Civic Activities
Boys and Girls Club of Greater Sacramento
- Board of Directors, 2009 – Present
- Human Resources Committee member
Related Case Results
Draft Handbook Policy to Allow Employees to Use Social Networking Sites
Investigation Quickly Resolves Disability Discrimination Claim Against Grocer
Alleged Class Action Against Construction Co. Resolved Before Certification
Dismissal of Nationwide Wage Claims Against National Retailer Before Certification
Govt. Agency’s Dismissal of Gender Discrimination Claims Upheld on Appeal
News
30 CDF Attorneys Named to 2027 Best Lawyers® and “Ones to Watch”® Lists
24 CDF Attorneys Named Among The Best Lawyers in America and “Ones to Watch” in 2025
CDF Labor Law LLP Attorneys Named Among Best Lawyers in America© for 2024
17 CDF Labor Law LLP Attorneys Named to 2023 Best Lawyers® Lists
CDF Attorneys Receive Best Lawyers in America© Awards
Uncertainty Abounds in California After 9th Cir. Withdraws Classification Ruling
Managing Employee Alcohol Consumption At Your Brewery - Best Practices to Avoid a Lawsuit
CDF Expands Firm Leadership Adding Four Partners Statewide
Here’s How Craft Breweries Can Comply with Updated California Labor & Employment Laws in 2019
CDF Sponsors California Craft Brewers Association’s Dinner Reception at the Fall Conference
Alcohol Consumption Policies for Breweries Article Appears in the Brewing Industry Guide for Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine
Podcast: California Employment Laws That Affect Breweries
Blog Posts
The Long Arm of the California Labor Code Does Not Extend to Utah
Gas Costs Keep Climbing – IRS Increases Business Standard Mileage Rate to 76 Cents per Mile
Sexual Orientation Harassment Claims Are Exempt From Arbitration
Tips on Tips
Reminder: Minimum Wage Hikes Take Effect Tomorrow (July 1)
2025 Compliance Checklist: Distributing the CRD’s New Model Notice Under AB 2499
Why CDF
Our clients can rest assured that our attorneys will protect their time, protect their dime and protect their peace of mind, so they can focus on maintaining productive and rewarding workplaces to remain competitive and successful in their marketplace. CDF - Attorneys you can Trust. Experience you can Trust. Results you can Trust.
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