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Neil Pedersen

Neil Pedersen

Neil Pedersen, Pedersen Law APC
  • Employment Law
  • California
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Biography

Neil is a 30-year litigator who aggressively advocates employee rights against medium sized and large employers. Neil is also an adjunct professor of law, teaching employment law and law practice management. He is highly respected among his peers and by his former clients. He has been named a Southern California Super Lawyer and one of the Best Employers in Orange County several years running. He was named Attorney of the Year by the State Bar Solo and Small Firm Section in 2016. He has tried several significant matters to settlements and judgments in the high six-figure and the seven figure ranges.Neil's Orange County law firm represents employees in all Southern California courts, including the federal courts located therein. He is equally comfortable arbitrating disputes.

Education
Western State Univ
Undergraduate Degree
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Western State Univ COL
Law Degree
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Professional Experience
Senior Principal
Pedersen Law APC
- Current
Vice-President of Human Resources/General Counsel
QuantumLink Corporation, Torrance, CA
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Vice-President of Corporate Policy/General Counsel
QuantumLink Corporation, Torrance, CA
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Principal
Pedersen & Black, a Professional Law Corporation, Newport Beach, CA
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Senior Associate Attorney
Ford & Pedersen, Los Angeles, CA
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Associate Attorney
Walker, Kendrick & Jackson, Newport Beach, CA
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Publications
Articles & Publications
Mandatory Harassment Training is Expanded to Include Small and Medium-Size Firms
California State Bar Law Practice Management and Technology Section’s E-News
Beware Treating Disabled Employees the Same as Everyone Else
California State Bar Law Practice Management and Technology Section’s E-News
New Laws That Will Affect Law Office Employers
California State Bar Law Practice Management and Technology Section’s E-News
Reducing Stress in the Practice of Law: Some Practical Tips – Part Three in a Recurring Series
California State Bar Law Practice Management and Technology Section’s E-News
Reducing Stress in the Practice of Law: Some Practical Tips – Part Two in a Recurring Series
California State Bar Law Practice Management and Technology Section’s E-News
Reducing Stress in the Practice of Law: Some Practical Tips – Part One in a Recurring Series
California State Bar Law Practice Management and Technology Section’s E-News
Getting Paid: 20 Ways to Avoid Fee Disputes With Your Client
The Bottom Line, official publication of the State Bar Law Practice Management and Technology Section
Employment Law Changes That Affect Law Firms
California State Bar Law Practice Management and Technology Section’s E-News
The Wild, Wild West of PAGA Litigation
eNewsletter for the Solo and Small Firm Practitioner Section of the State Bar of California
Risk Management for the Law Office Owner
California State Bar Law Practice Management and Technology Section’s E-News
There’s A Thief In Your Office: The Hidden Cost of Non-Business-Related Internet Use and Texting
The Bottom Line, official publication of the State Bar Law Practice Management and Technology Section
Going Paperless: The Nuts and Bolts of Converting Your Office to a Digital Environment
The Bottom Line, official publication of the State Bar Law Practice Management and Technology Section
Legal Marketing – Have your Elevator Speech Ready!
California State Bar Law Practice Management and Technology Section’s E-News
Avoiding Exposure to Wage and Hour Claims by Interns and Externs
California State Bar Law Practice Management and Technology Section’s E-News
Going Digital: Now is the Time to Convert Your Practice to a Paperless Environment
The Bottom Line, official publication of the State Bar Law Practice Management and Technology Section
Managing Client Expectation During the Attorney-Client Relationship
The Bottom Line, official publication of the State Bar Law Practice Management and Technology Section
Time Capture and Recordation
The Bottom Line, official publication of the State Bar Law Practice Management and Technology Section
Time Management Tips – Handling Predictable Interrupters
California State Bar Law Practice Management and Technology Section’s E-News
Improving and Maintaining Cash Flow for the Solo and Small Firm Practitioner
Newsletter for the Solo and Small Firm Practitioner Section of the State Bar of California
Time Management Tips – Enforcing No Interruption Times
California State Bar Law Practice Management and Technology Section’s E-News
Time Management Tips – Let Technology Work For You, Not Against You
California State Bar Law Practice Management and Technology Section’s E-News
Time Management Tips – Managing Your Phone To Make Yourself More Efficient
California State Bar Law Practice Management and Technology Section’s E-News
Time Management Tips – Handling Paper Efficiently
California State Bar Law Practice Management and Technology Section’s E-News
Time Management and Meetings
California State Bar Law Practice Management and Technology Section’s E-News
Time Management Tip: Efficient Use of Your Workspace to Save Time and Money
California State Bar Law Practice Management and Technology Section’s E-News
Time Management Tip: Make a List, Work the List
California State Bar Law Practice Management and Technology Section’s E-News
MCLE Self-Study Article: The Attorney as Employer: The Law Regarding Employee Privacy in Social Media Posts
The Bottom Line, official publication of the State Bar Law Practice Management and Technology Section
FEHA Red Flags: Common Employer Violations of California’s Disability Discrimination Laws
Workers Compensation Quarterly, official publication of the California State Bar Worker’s Compensation Section, vol. 26, no. 1
So You Don’t Want Your Employer To Be Your Friend?
Orange County Lawyer Magazine, vol. 55, no. 3
“A Message from the Guest Editor” for “The Attorney as Employer” edition of The Bottom Line
The Bottom Line, official publication of the State Bar Law Practice Management and Technology Section
Plugging the Leak: Employing Efficient Intake Practices to Avoid the Loss of Valuable Time
The Bottom Line, official publication of the State Bar Law Practice Management and Technology Section
Maximizing Mediated Settlements
Big Meeting Magazine, periodical publication of the Solo and Small Firm Practitioner Section of the State Bar of California
Attorney Fee Awards in FEHA Claims: The Lodestar Analysis
The Gavel, vol. 15, no. 3
Attorney Fee Awards in FEHA Claims: The Lodestar Analysis,
Western State Law Review, vol. 39, no. 2
Authored a chapter entitled “Operating Successfully in a Solo or Small Firm Environment: What Lawyers Need to Know Before Striking Out on their Own.”
“Inside the Minds: Establishing a Successful Solo Practice” published by Aspatore Books, a Thomson Reuters business
Behind the Scenes: Solo & Small Firm Section
Orange County Lawyer, vol. 51, no.5
Staying Competitive for the Solo and Small Firm: The Paperless Law Office
Orange County Lawyer, vol. 50, no. 7
Representing an Insured: Avoiding Insurer Reimbursement Actions
Orange County Lawyer, vol. 36, no. 10
Effective Closing Argument
Western State University Law Review, vol. 17, no. 1
Speaking Engagements
Ethical Issues Presented by the Cyber-Security Threat to the Small Firm or Solo Practitioner, A one-hour presentation to the Los Angeles County Bar Association Intellectual Property Section
Los Angeles County Bar Association Intellectual Property Section
The Prospective Client and Beyond, Client Interviews to Identify Problem Clients and Avoid Potential Pitfalls During the Representation, A one-hour presentation to the Peter M. Elliott American Inn of Court
Time Management and Proper Delegation, “Jump Start Your Law Practice,” a three-day conference held in Indianapolis, Indiana
Money, Fees, and Pricing (Making Your Money Work for You), “Start Your Law Practice,” a three-day conference held in Indianapolis, Indiana
Employee Hiring, Firing, and Management, A one-hour presentation at “Start Your Law Practice,” a three-day conference held in Indianapolis, Indiana
It’s Time to Close Up Your Legal Practice for Good, A two-hour presentation sponsored by the Orange County Bar Association
Orange County Bar Association
Hit the Floor Running: Practical Advice for the Novice Attorney, Seminar sponsored by Western State College of Law
Western State College of Law
Employment Law, One hour segment of day-long Bridging the Gap program sponsored by the Orange County Bar Association
Orange County Bar Association
The Attorney-Client Contract, 1.25 hour video MCLE recorded by the National Law Foundation
National Law Foundation
Client Intake Procedures and Considerations, 1.25 hour video MCLE recorded by the National Law Foundation
National Law Foundation
Converting your Law Office to a Digital Environment, 1.25 hour video MCLE recorded by the National Law Foundation
National Law Foundation
The Attorney-Client Contract, Balancing Ethics with Risk Management, California Lawyers Association Annual Conference in San Diego
California Lawyers Association
The Importance of Good Legal Writing in the Practice of Law, Two 1.5 hour presentations to the first year class at Western State College of Law
Western State College of Law
Inherent Bias in the Arbitration Process, Workplace Perspective Podcast
Saffire Legal
Creating a Discovery Plan – Using Discovery Mechanisms Effectively, National Law Foundation Video Presentation
National Law Foundation
Identifying and Dealing with Defense Dirty Tricks in Employment Litigation, Orange County Bar Association Last Dash event
Orange County Plaintiffs Employment Lawyer Group
Surviving and Thriving in the Practice of Law, Orange County Bar Association Last Dash event
Fowler School of Law at Chapman University
Hit the Floor Running: Practical Advice for the Novice Attorney
Western State College of Law
Employment Law, Bridging the Gap
Orange County Bar Association
Being Salt and Light as a Lawyer Christian, Daniel’s Inn Annual Meeting
Daniel's Inn
Awards
Distinguished Alumni Award
Western State Law Review
Attorney of the Year
California State Bar Solo and Small Firm Section
Client's Choice Award
Avvo.com
Super Lawyer
Thompson Reuters publications
Awarded in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
Named a “Top 100 Employment Lawyer”
The National Advocates
“Wall of Justice” honoree
California Employment Lawyers Association (CELA)
Identified as one of the “Best Attorneys in Orange County” in employment law
Orange County Register’s OC Metro Magazine
2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
Southern California’s Top Rated Lawyers
Legal Leaders Publications
2013, 2016
Identified as one of the “Best Attorneys in Southern California”
American Lawyer Media
Awarded from 2012 to present
Rated “Superb” and a perfect “10”
Avvo.com
Since 2012
Top Contributor distinction
Avvo.com
Since 2012
Inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame
Western State School of Law
Special Appreciation Award for dedication and service to the section
Orange County Bar Association Solo and Small Firm Section
AV Rated continuously since 1995
Martindale Hubbell
Professional Associations
California State Bar  # 139262
Member
- Current
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Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
California
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Fees
  • Free Consultation
  • Contingent Fees
  • Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
    My firm advances all costs of litigation and seeks no fees or up front costs to handle your case. To determine if we can assist, we engage in substantial up-front analysis and investigation at no charge to you. To get started you need to contact the Intake Manager at the firm.
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Practice Area
Employment Law
Employee Benefits, Employment Contracts, Employment Discrimination, ERISA, Overtime & Unpaid Wages, Sexual Harassment, Whistleblower, Wrongful Termination
Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
Legal Answers
Q. Can my employer force me to go on disability if they refuse my accommodations request? Do I have grounds to fight back?
A: Far more needs to be known about your situation before an attorney can confirm whether you are being treated unlawfully. However there are indications in your post that the employer may be violating the Fair Employment and Housing Act. For instance, you do not post about what restrictions you have been placed under that led to the recommended accommodations of wheelchair access and work from home. If there is a way to accommodate the doctor's restrictions without creating an undue hardship on the employer, and that would allow the employee to perform all of the essential functions of the employee's regular job, then the employer will be duty bound to provide that/those accommodations. If the employer cannot identify a way to accommodate you so that you can do all of your essential functions, then the employer must look for a job within the company (not just where you normally worked) then the employer must accommodate you into another job if you are qualified to do it, and it is not a promotion. If there are no such jobs, the employer is legally bound to place you on unpaid leave until you are able to be accommodated. If none of these can accommodate you so that you can return to work in a reasonable period of time, the employer is allowed to terminate you. Note: in looking for another job, while the employer can ask for your input, the company cannot simply do nothing and make you find the jobs you can do that would be a reasonable accommodation.

It would be very wise and important for you to locate and consult with an experienced employment law attorney as soon as possible to explore your facts and determine your options. I would suggest you look either on this site in the Find a Lawyer section, or go to www.cela.org, the home page for the California Employment Lawyers Association, an organization whose members are dedicated to the representation of employees against their employers.

Most employment attorneys who practice this area of law offer a free or low-charge consultation and then if the matter has merit and sufficient value, they work on a contingency basis, meaning you can hire an attorney without paying any money until the matter results in a positive outcome for you. Many advance all the costs of the litigation as well. Do not let fear of fees and costs keep you from finding a good attorney.

Good luck to you. ... Read More
Q. Can an employer be selective in which employee can use time tracking software like timecamp.
A: Yes. An employer has no legal obligation to treat all employees the same. However, if you suffer an adverse difference in treatment because you are a member of a protected class of people or because you engaged in some form of legally protected conduct, then you might have a meritorious unlawful discrimination claim. Good luck to you.
Q. I filed a claim for retaliation termination and I received works como but nothing on the wrongful termination
A: You say you filed a claim for retaliatory termination. However you do not indicate how or where you did such a filing. It is critically important that you immediately locate and consult with an employment law attorney with whom you can share much more detail. Depending on where you filed your complaint, and what kind of complaint you filed, time could be running short to protect your rights. Most employment attorneys who practice this area of law offer a free or low cost consultation in the beginning and then, if the matter has merit and value, will usually agree to work on a contingency basis, meaning you can hire an attorney without paying any money until the matter results in a positive outcome for you. Many advance all the costs of the litigation as well. Do not let fear of fees and costs keep you from finding a good attorney. Good luck to you. ... Read More
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Social Media
Websites & Blogs
Website
Firm Website
Videos
How Did I Get Into Employment Law How Did I Get Into Employment Law? | Pedersen Law, APC

How Did I Get Into Employment Law

 Common Violations Of The Fair Employment And Housing Act FEHA Violations Described by California Employee Rights Lawyer, Neil Pedersen

Common Violations Of The Fair Employment And Housing Act
Contact & Map
Pedersen Law, APC
5455 Garden Grove Blvd.
Suite 450
Westminster, CA 92683
Telephone: (949) 260-1181
Fax: (949) 260-1185
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