InnovaCounsel Blog

The Managerial Overtime Exemption, and How to Keep It

The federal Fair Labor Standards Act requires employers to pay employees at least minimum wage for every hour (or fraction) worked, and to pay overtime (at time-and-a-half) for all time exceeding 40 hours in a week.   Some states and … Continue reading


Does Your Employee Handbook Undermine Your Company Culture?

In a tightening market for talent (especially tech talent), your company’s culture is a key differentiator. The CEO of Scentsy, (a company known for being a great place to work) recently said: “The right company culture attracts the right people … Continue reading


No Harm, No Foul? No Way!

Here’s a risk management tip for employers who aren’t located in California but decide they need to hire people residing in the Golden State.   Many states permit employers to include non-compete clauses in their employment agreements. With rare exception, … Continue reading


What is keeping software company CEOs awake? Part 2

We at InnovaCounsel recently asked several software company execs this question: “What are the big issues that are costing you sleep these nights?”   Last week, we addressed the issue: “Use of [independent] contractors and having various taxing agencies dictate … Continue reading


What is keeping software company CEOs awake?

We at InnovaCounsel recently asked several software company execs this question: “What are the big issues that are costing you sleep these nights?”   We are getting some very thoughtful responses.   We will, from time to time, post an … Continue reading


Top Five Ways CEOs Can Utilize Business Lawyers

Top Five Ways CEOs Can Utilize Business Lawyers   You’ve heard that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  How can you apply that if you are the CEO of a company that’s not yet big enough … Continue reading


Getting Your Employees to Help Protect Your Trade Secrets.

Once you have figured out what your company’s trade secrets are, it is vital to engage your employees in the effort to protect them from improper use or disclosure.   Remind employees that company prosperity is vital to employee prosperity.  … Continue reading


Here’s What Your Company Needs to know and Do about Trade Secrets.

Trade secrets are inventions and methods that have value to your company and that would lose value if they were disclosed to your competitors.   Did you know there is a good chance every company has some trade secret information?  … Continue reading


What Employee Training Should Cover

Employee training is essential to an organization’s success. It was once thought of as an optional benefit, and was often the first area to go during cutbacks. However, employ training programs are more important now than ever before. There are … Continue reading


3 Employment Policies To Review For 2017

Due to the regular addition of new laws, companies should be continuously reviewing, updating and improving their employee policies. The beginning of the year is a good time to review policies and adjust them to match the new requirements that … Continue reading