CA Labor Law Blog

What We Do

Business Reorganization, Restructuring and Downsizing
 

Transitions and Terminations: CA Counsel on Layoffs, Plant Closings and Severance Plans

Employers face difficult questions when deciding to reorganize, restructure or downsize their workforce. 

California law often requires employers to take additional precautions when taking such steps.  The manner in which employers plan, strategize and communicate major changes to their California employees can significantly determine whether a transition is turbulent and creates liability exposure or if it smoothly supports business goals. 

Failure to comply with advance notice requirements or relying on improperly drafted severance agreements can threaten the very savings that may have necessitated the difficult decisions impacting the workforce. 

CDF counsels employers on how to effectively implement all varieties of workforce changes, including restructuring and downsizing, and assists businesses in complying with and navigating the myriad California and federal laws and regulations that apply.   Our experience extends statewide, across a variety of industries, and is particularly aligned with the ongoing economic challenges facing the state. CDF’s counsel includes:

  • Layoffs/Reductions in Force (RIF)
  • Labor/Union Issues Related to Sale/Acquisition of Business Entities
  • Severance Agreements
  • Severance Plans
  • WARN Act and Cal-WARN Act Issues and Litigation

In addition to handling the legal implications of business decisions impacting groups of employees, CDF also has significant experience preparing individual severance agreements tailored to the specific circumstances of employee departures.

Pre-RIF Counsel Adds Value to CA Business 
CDF counsels employers considering downsizing or restructuring, usually before such decisions are implemented, allowing our clients to avoid most of the common pitfalls surrounding these changes in workforces.

In the process, attorneys maximize your strategic planning, provide uniquely tailored, company-specific advice and documentation, and offer thorough counseling on alternatives and creative solutions.

Because no two layoff or termination circumstances are identical, CDF attorneys offer advice and counsel drawn from a background rich in guidance to employers of all sizes and multiple termination events, including layoffs, downsizing and separation/severance negotiations and agreements.