While not California specific, a first-of-its-kind ruling in federal court establishes that a client’s use of AI-generated chat content is not protected by an attorney-client privilege or work product doctrine. You can find a summary of the case, United States v. Heppner, a criminal securities fraud case, here. This is important because HR professionals,
California Employment Law
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Three CA Handbook Updates for 2026
It’s time to update those handbooks for 2026 and while there are numerous new laws California employers must comply with, not all of them are, what I call, “handbook worthy.” Here are three changes I’m making to this year’s handbooks to stay compliant and ensure policies are clear for all employees.

First, under the new…
Employment Bills to Watch in the Next Two Weeks
The last California legislative session ended on September 13, 2025 and Governor Newsom must sign or veto bills passed during the legislative session by October 13, 2025, or they will automatically become law. Here’s a brief summary of what to watch over the next two weeks:
Aims to…
Employers’ Use of AI Can Risk Discrimination Claims
California regulations going into effect on October 1, 2025, make clear that employers’ use of artificial intelligence in personnel practices can lead to liability under state fair employment laws.
Partner Odia Kagan, Chair of the firm’s Data Privacy Compliance & International Privacy Practice Group, provides a breakdown in a post to the firm’s Privacy Compliance…
The Million Dollar ChatGPT Mistake
I’m still haunted by the call that started my morning early yesterday. A new client needed help with the termination of an executive, immediately. Now, my spidey senses perk up whenever a client calls with a same-day termination, and I generally try to slow down the process to ensure a proper vetting process. So that’s…
California to Regulate Use of AI in Employment Starting October 1, 2025
Employers are increasingly using Automated Decision Systems (“ADS”) – tools powered by Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) and algorithms – to streamline recruitment and manage the employee lifecycle. Uses so far include resume screening, facial recognition in video interviews, performance evaluation and management, employee engagement, and even benefits enrollment. As adoption of these technologies accelerates by the…