IE Business Daily Business news for the Inland Empire.
Welcome to another episode of the “Professionals of the Inland Empire” podcast hosted by John Tulac. Today’s guest is Cynthia “Cindy” Flynn from Hackler Flynn and Associates, who serves as an employment lawyer focused on defending business owners.
Cindy Flynn aspired to be a lawyer since the age of five. Growing up in a family business, Gap Printing in Orange, California, she witnessed firsthand the challenges that business operations posed, particularly related to employment issues. Her parents experienced various challenges, including workers’ compensation complications and accusations of nepotism due to hiring a family member.
Cindy’s career path began at an employment law firm during high school, continuing through college and law school for eight years, and she is now celebrating twelve years in practice at Hackler Flynn and Associates.
The employment law landscape in California is characterized by complexity due to numerous regulations that can significantly impact business owners. Common issues that employers face include independent contractor misclassifications, severance agreements for dismissing employees, and lawsuits stemming from delayed legal counsel during escalating issues.
In her practice, Cindy collaborates closely with HR consultants to ensure compliance with both state and federal regulations. An illustrative case involved a tech startup where an employee’s behavior during a holiday party resulted in police involvement, serving as a learning opportunity for the company about the legal implications of their organizational culture and employee behavior.
Cindy and her firm are proactive in keeping clients informed about employment law changes, conducting free webinars to provide education about new laws and emphasizing timely communication regarding legal updates to prevent non-compliance.
The importance of privacy compliance is underscored by various laws in California that impact employment practices. In the context of background checks, it’s critical to stay aware of changes in regulations, such as the “ban the box” legislation that alters how these checks can be conducted.
Understanding the complexity surrounding independent contractor status is vital, as there is a presumption that individuals working for a company are employees unless the employer proves otherwise. Compliance management often involves the use of comprehensive checklists for various employment processes.
Employers must prioritize regular updates to employee handbooks and company policies to reflect current laws, as proper documentation plays a crucial role in protecting companies during potential disputes.
Recent changes in legislation have introduced new requirements for employers, such as the distribution of “Know Your Rights” notices to employees detailing their rights and the steps to take if those rights are violated. Employers must also comply with Emergency Contact Information requirements that provide specific guidelines on contact permissions.
Cindy emphasizes the need for a continuous learning environment regarding legal changes in employment law in California. She encourages business owners to seek out available resources for assistance and invites them to return for further discussions on employment law in future episodes.
The PIE podcast aims to showcase Inland Empire professional talent, foster local economic development, and highlight the Provisors networking community. Catch the full show on YouTube @ProfessionalsofInlandEmpire.
