The allure of doing business in California is undeniable. It is the world’s fifth largest economy (moving toward fourth) and a market of more than 39 million people. For employers, however, California presents unique challenges because its laws differ significantly from federal laws and those of other states. California employment laws are the most far-reaching in the nation, usually providing workers significantly greater levels of protection than those offered by other states or by federal laws. These differences can create traps for the unwary employer.

To help all employers doing business in California, we have updated our guide to doing business here. If you are new to the state, or want a refresher on what makes California “special,” then read all about it here.

Read all about Wage and Hour Laws, Leave Laws, Discrimination and Harassment, Litigation, and most importantly, What Employers Can Do to Protect Themselves. Many thanks to Sahara Pynes, Steven Gallagher and Cheryl Spound for their contributions to this super helpful guide.