Speaker Spotlight with Sherry B. Shavit, Esq.

The Latest and (Not So) Greatest on PAGA

It has been 15 years since the enactment of the Labor Code Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA). While this statute remained relatively dormant for about a decade, in the last few years it has exploded to become one of the most prevalent tools in the arsenal of plaintiff attorneys. In order to minimize your company’s risk, join presenter Sherry Shavit, Esq at a PIHRA 2020 Legal Update near you. We will discuss what PAGA is (and what it is not), and why this claim is so dangerous (and expensive). We will go over recent cases interpreting PAGA and survey recent PAGA verdicts. We will also discuss ways to minimize your company’s exposure to this potential land mine.

Sherry Shavit will provide takeaways such as:

1. An Overview of PAGA
2. Updates on the Law of PAGA
3. Strategic Methods to Minimize PAGA Exposure

Sherry’s PIHRA 2020 Legal Update, session “The Latest and (Not So) Greatest on PAGA” will be informative and entertaining. It’s a must-attend for California employers who need to know about these complex legislative topics. Above all, business owners and HR pros will gain the insight needed to navigate the trickiest new 2020 employment laws in California. 

Speaker Spotlight: Sherry Shavit

Special thanks to contributing writer and PIHRA Programs Chair, Baskaran Ambalavanan. Baskaran conducted this interview with PIHRA 2020 Legal Update speaker Sherry Shavit.

PIHRA: PAGA came a decade ago and PAGA claims are expensive. Why is it gaining so much attention now?

Sherry Shavit: In recent years, the U.S. Supreme Court has chipped away at the ability to pursue class action lawsuits against employers. Plaintiff lawyers have found PAGA as a vehicle to maneuver around this for wage/hour violations in California. Now they are more commonly filing lawsuits that include a claim for PAGA penalties or even lawsuits that solely seek civil penalties under PAGA for California Labor Code violations.

In addition to contacting the attorney, what should an employer do immediately after receiving a PAGA notice?

Sherry Shavit: There are certain violations that an employer has the opportunity to cure before a lawsuit is filed. However, you only have 33 days to do so. Also, check whether your company has EPLI coverage. If so, check whether it covers wage/hour claims and put your insurance carrier on notice of a potential claim.

What are two things you tell your clients to minimize PAGA claims?

Sherry Shavit: Unfortunately, there is no magic spell that can insulate an employer from a PAGA claim. However, there are things an employer can do to minimize risk and prepare to defend a claim that may be coming down the pipeline. One is the HR Mantra: Document, Document, Document! To find out the second (and more), you will have to attend my presentation!

Why are you excited to present at the PIHRA 2020 Legal Update?

Sherry Shavit: I have had the honor of speaking at several PIHRA-wide events and serve as the Legislative Affairs Chair for the Woodland Hills chapter. With PIHRA Woodland Hills, I present legal updates at each general meeting. I truly enjoy interacting with the professionals who attend these seminars. They have amazing insight and great questions for us to discuss. I’m looking forward to another great session!

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About Sherry Shavit, Presenter at the PIHRA 2020 Legal Update

Sherry B. Shavit, Esq. is a Partner at Tharpe & Howell, LLP, the largest law firm in the San Fernando Valley. For over 20 years, Ms. Shavit has counseled and defended employers of all sizes. Her experience ranges from Fortune 500 companies to local businesses, on a wide variety of labor and employment matters. These matters include class actions, PAGA, wage and hour requirements, medical and disability leave, discrimination, harassment, retaliation and wrongful termination.

She also provides professional assistance on:

• preparing and updating employee handbooks and other policies and procedures
• employment contracts
• anti-harassment training
• workplace investigations
• workforce reduction/layoffs and proprietary information protection.

Before entering the legal world, Ms. Shavit worked in human resources for several years. She currently serves as the Legislative Affairs Chair for PIHRA Woodland Hills. In her role, she presents “The Legal Brief” at each monthly membership breakfast, and is a frequent speaker for PIHRA. She also is a contributing author to the CEB publication “Drafting Employment Documents for California Employers.”

Ms. Shavit holds a J.D. from the University of Southern California Law Center and a B.S. Degree from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Is it time to renew your PIHRA membership?

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Interview Conducted by Baskaran Ambalavanan, MBA, SPHR, GPHR, SHRM-SCP, PIHRA Programs Chair

Baskaran Ambalavanan, MBA, has more than two decades of HR experience in India, Oman, and the U.S. in both the functional HR and in the HRIS/HR Technology.

He is the Principal of Hila Solutions, LLC, a full-service HR Technology Advisory firm for SMEs. Baskaran earned his MBA from Alliance Manchester Business School, U.K. and also certified in SPHR, SHRM-SCP, GPHR, and PHRca.

He is based in Irvine, California and serving as the Programs Chair for PIHRA and an active volunteer leader in SHRM, IHRIM. In his role as PIHRA Programs Chair, Baskaran is instrumental in curating HR sessions for the PIHRA Legal Update and the California HR Conference. He is responsible for assembling the Task Force that selects California HR Conference speakers.

You can follow Baskaran’s insights on all things technology, HR, leadership, and strategy on Twitter at @baski_LA and LinkedIn. Register today to join us at a PIHRA 2020 Legal Update near you and learn from the top legal experts in California!

JOIN THE CALIFORNIA HR COMMUNITY AT THE PIHRA 2020 LEGAL UPDATE

Space is running out! 

Rancho Mirage (½-Day) | Riverside | La Jolla | Anaheim | Burbank

Experience a comprehensive California legal update with PIHRA! In the world of human resources, staying ahead of constantly evolving employment laws and workplace legislation is essential. Certainly, PIHRA’s most famous flagship program will provide timely information, tips and crucial resources. Our expert speakers will help you cut through the complexity, so that you can protect your organization and effectively manage risk. 

→ Register today! (Group discounts available)