San Diego Wage & Hour Lawyer
Protecting the Rights of California Workers and Helping Employers Stay in Compliance
Wage and hour laws are designed to ensure that employees are paid fairly for the work they perform. These laws establish minimum standards for wages, overtime, meal and rest breaks, and working hours. When employers don’t follow the law — whether intentionally or unintentionally — disputes can arise that affect a person’s livelihood and expose a business to significant legal risk.
At In Motion Law, APC, we help both employees and employers navigate California’s complex wage and hour laws. Whether you’re a worker who hasn’t been paid what you’re owed, or a business owner seeking to stay compliant and avoid lawsuits, our San Diego wage & hour lawyer offers experienced, thoughtful representation tailored to your specific situation. We don’t just understand the law — we know how to apply it effectively in and out of court.
California Wage & Hour Laws: An Overview
California has some of the most employee-friendly wage and hour laws in the country, often exceeding federal protections under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). These rules apply to a wide range of issues, including minimum wage, overtime pay, meal and rest breaks, off-the-clock work, employee classification, and final paychecks.
One of the most common sources of wage disputes in San Diego involves unpaid overtime. Non-exempt employees in California are generally entitled to overtime pay when they work more than eight hours in a day or 40 hours in a week, with double time owed in certain cases. Yet misclassification of workers as exempt from overtime or as independent contractors rather than employees is an ongoing problem. Employers may also fail to track hours accurately or compensate employees for time spent working off the clock — which is required even if that time is not explicitly authorized.
Meal and rest break violations are another frequent issue in the Golden State. Under California law, employees who work more than five hours in a day are entitled to a 30-minute, uninterrupted, unpaid meal break. For shifts over 10 hours, a second meal break is required. Additionally, employees are entitled to paid 10-minute rest breaks for every four hours worked. Employers who fail to provide these breaks must pay penalty wages — and those penalties can add up quickly if violations are widespread or habitual.
Final paycheck rules are also strictly enforced in California. Employees who are terminated must be paid all final wages — including any unused vacation time — on their last day of work. Employees who resign are entitled to timely payment as well, depending on how much notice they provide. Delays in issuing final paychecks can lead to waiting time penalties, which accrue daily for up to 30 days.
Common Wage & Hour Disputes in San Diego and How We Help
Wage and hour violations don’t always look like blatant exploitation. Sometimes they involve subtle oversights or misunderstandings — a missed lunch break here, an incorrectly classified employee there, or policies that seem fair but don’t meet legal standards. These issues can result in individual claims or evolve into class actions or representative actions under the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA), which allows workers to act on behalf of the state to enforce labor code violations.
At In Motion Law, APC, we have experience representing employees in claims involving unpaid overtime, minimum wage violations, missed breaks, and unlawful paycheck deductions in San Diego and Los Angeles counties and statewide. We take time to understand your experience and investigate whether your rights have been violated. In some cases, you may be owed back pay, penalties, interest, and attorneys’ fees. If your issue affects a broader group of employees, we can help determine whether a class action or representative action is appropriate.
We also counsel and defend employers facing wage and hour claims. Our work often begins long before a lawsuit is filed. We assist with policy development, classification audits, and training to ensure compliance and reduce the risk of litigation. If a dispute does arise, we work to resolve it efficiently — whether through informal negotiation, mediation, or litigation. When necessary, we are fully prepared to defend our clients in court or before the Labor Commissioner.
Why Experience on Both Sides of Wage & Hour Disputes Matters
Wage and hour law is as much about strategy as it is about substance. Knowing how the other side thinks can make a substantial difference in the outcome of a case. Jack H. Pogosian brings a unique advantage to these matters: extensive experience representing both employees and employers. This dual perspective helps us identify practical solutions and craft arguments that resonate with judges, juries, and opposing counsel alike.
Jack is also no stranger to the courtroom. He is a trial-focused attorney who’s as comfortable in front of a judge as he is at the negotiating table. But he also understands that results often come from the work done before trial — in drafting persuasive motions, laying the factual foundation, and applying pressure strategically. His approach is hands-on, client-focused, and grounded in doing what’s best for you, even if it requires more work or yields less immediate reward for the firm.
What to Do if You Have a Wage Dispute in San Diego
If you believe you haven’t been paid properly — or if your San Diego business is being accused of violating wage laws — your first step should be to consult with an attorney who understands the nuances of California labor law. Waiting too long can hurt your claim or your defense, especially since wage and hour cases are governed by strict statutes of limitations and often involve detailed recordkeeping.
In many cases, we can resolve wage disputes without litigation. But if trial becomes necessary, you’ll want a lawyer who’s not afraid to fight. At In Motion Law, APC, we are ready to advocate fiercely for your interests while offering you honest advice about your rights, obligations, and the best path forward.
Contact In Motion Law Today
Whether you’re seeking unpaid wages or trying to ensure your San Diego business complies with California’s labor code, we’re here to help. At In Motion Law, APC, we bring a high level of care, skill, and courtroom readiness to every wage and hour matter. We don’t just process cases — we work with real people, real businesses, and real consequences in mind.
Reach out our San Diego wage & hour lawyer today to schedule a consultation. Let’s talk about your goals and how we can help you get there.
