What “Reasonable Steps” Really Mean in 2026: How California Employers Reduce PAGA and Employment Litigation Exposure
As California employers move through 2026, one thing is clear: employment litigation—and PAGA litigation in particular—is not slowing down.
Despite the highly publicized 2024 PAGA reforms, 2025 became the largest year yet for PAGA LWDA filings. That reality has
As California employers enter 2026, one thing is clear: PAGA risk is not going away—and it is not plateauing.
The numbers tell the story. Despite the highly publicized 2024 PAGA reforms, 2025 became the largest year yet for PAGA filings. That reality should reset expectations for California employers. Reform did not reduce filings—it changed how
Happy Holidays! As we close out 2025, I’m reflecting on an incredible year at Zaller Law Group. This year brought both challenges and opportunities for California employers—from navigating new 2026 legislation to managing the ongoing wave of PAGA litigation, to embracing AI tools that are transforming how businesses operate.
Despite the complexity of California’s regulatory
The recent California Court of Appeal decision in Allison v. Dignity Health (June 24, 2025), involving claims over meal and rest breaks, is a reminder that class certification in wage and hour cases is not the end of the story. Even after a class is certified, it can still be decertified if evidence shows that
In a July 2025 decision, the California Court of Appeal for the Fifth Appellate District ruled that so-called “headless PAGA” lawsuits are allowed—actions in which a plaintiff drops their own Labor Code claims but continues to pursue penalties on behalf of other employees under the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA). This holding, in CRST Expedited
California employers often ask what steps they can take to prevent employment litigation. While it’s impossible to completely avoid frivolous lawsuits, employers can focus on what they can control. By regularly reviewing a few key areas, employers can significantly reduce their liability. Here are five steps to get started (hint: the most important step is
On June 18, 2024, Governor Newsom announced that a compromise had been reached to reform California’s Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA). The negotiations were brought about by a ballot measure to repeal PAGA this November. PAGA cases have been increasing astronomically against California employers, exposing them to huge penalties, and on average PAGA cases
Being named as a defendant in a Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) or class action lawsuit can be overwhelming, especially for a quickly growing company. However, with planning, a company can minimize the impact of the litigation on its existing operations and put forth the best defense.
A lawyer who has experience in employment law