Since the 1992 Charter Schools Act in California, YM&C has spearheaded charter school advocacy. We excel in school establishment, growth, and operation. Our team comprises charter school founders, special education experts, and former public school educators. Some of us have loved ones with special needs. Yet, regardless of our paths here, we share a fervent belief in public education as a means to rectify historical injustices for people of color. This dedication permeates our legal documents, arguments, and support. Our tireless work ethic is evident – we stand by you, even on nights and weekends, to ensure success.

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Board Governance

The lawyers at YM&C have extensive expertise in the organizational and governance structures required for overseeing small charter schools, extensive charter networks, and conversion charter schools. They demonstrate proficiency in both state and federal legal frameworks that regulate the operations of California charter schools. The firm provides forward-thinking legal guidance on board governance matters, regularly conducting board training sessions that emphasize compliance with open meeting laws, conflict of interest regulations, corporate compliance, guidelines for board decisions on administrative compensation, and best practices.

Our services include:

• Open Meeting Law Adherence
• Conflict of Interest Compliance
• Executive Compensation Oversight
• Evaluating Executive Director/Principal
• Data-Driven Decision-Making
• Board's Budget Management Role
• Meeting Bidding Requirements
• Union Negotiations
• Establishing Nonprofit Entities
• Effective Board Meetings
• Tailored Policy Creation
• Involvement in the Charter Renewal Process

Labor & Employment Law

The YM&C Labor and Employment unit is recognized for its extensive expertise in advocating for schools, ensuring compliance with both state and federal legal requirements. They are committed to providing strong legal counsel, proactive recommendations, and hands-on training to assist clients in effectively navigating their daily human resources challenges and addressing complex areas of potential liability. With a proven track record, they have consistently protected schools' rights across a wide range of issues faced by educational employers in the fields of employment and labor law, appearing before administrative bodies and courts at both state and federal levels.

Our services include:

• Employment Contracts
• PAGA audits and assessments
• Employee Handbooks and Board Policies
• Hiring Issues
• Executive Compensation
• Performance Management/Evaluations
• Investigations
• Employee Discipline Proceedings
• Layoffs
• Severance Agreements
• Employee Leaves of Absence
• Unlawful/Sexual Harassment Prevention
• Professional Boundaries
• Wage and Overtime Issues
• Workplace Discrimination
• Disability and Religious Accommodations
• Workers' Compensation
• Whistleblower Retaliation
• Wage and Hour Compliance
• Union Organizing
• Collective Bargaining/Negotiations
• Impasse Proceedings
• Unfair Practice Charges
• Grievances and Arbitration
• Independent Contractors
• Employee Retirement and Health Benefits

Student Rights & Discipline

The YM&C Student Services team engages extensively in ongoing client counseling and the development of proactive policies and procedures related to student rights, discipline, health, and safety for charter schools. Their attorneys work collaboratively with clients to strengthen and safeguard protocols governing student rights and disciplinary actions. They ensure that charter schools comply with various state and federal laws concerning charter students, providing preventative guidance, training, and litigation support as needed, covering all aspects of student rights and safety.

Our services include:

• Agency Audits (State and Federal)
• Student-Parent Guidelines
• Discipline Policies (Suspension and Expulsion)
• Progressive Discipline Steps
• Expulsion Hearings
• Authorizer and Agency Relations Management
• Student and Public Records Requests
• Student Rights, Safety, and Health
• Student Record Management
• School Safety Protocols
• Visitor and Volunteer Guidelines
• Health and Religion in School
• Preventing Harassment, Discrimination, and Retaliation
• Immunization Protocols
• Student Admissions and Lotteries
• Addressing Student Record Disputes

Special Education

YM&C is at the forefront of proactive counseling for IDEA and Section 504 compliance, assisting charter schools in understanding legal requirements and establishing and maintaining policies and procedures in line with legal standards for students with disabilities. YM&C's attorneys are well-versed in both state and federal special education laws, as well as the intricate relationship dynamics between charter schools and their authorizers, especially in terms of funding and delivering special education services. They excel in guiding schools through the transition to becoming an LEA and joining a SELPA and are highly skilled in the defense against claims under IDEA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The firm is recognized as an industry leader in negotiating agreements between charter schools and authorizers regarding the provision and funding of special education services and in preparing applications for SELPA membership.

Our services include:

• IDEA Compliance
• Due Process Assistance
• Advocacy in School-Parent Disputes for FAPE
• Mediation and Settlement Agreement Crafting
• Section 504 Adherence
• Defense against Compliance Complaints
• Fulfilling Child-Find Mandates
• Special Education Policy Management
• Meeting Participation
• LEA Development and Implementation
• SELPA Application and Admission Compliance
• Parent and Advocate Communication
• Special Education Record Management

Facilities

YM&C attorneys are highly skilled in the intricate process of securing a school facility through means such as leasing, buying, or constructing. They exhibit meticulous attention to detail, possessing a deep understanding of both general real estate laws and specialized legal facets relevant to charter schools. Once a facility is selected, YM&C attorneys draw on their extensive experience to oversee critical aspects, including bidding, developer contracts, financing, construction, entitlement, zoning, and environmental considerations. Their substantial record of accomplishment in aiding charter schools uniquely positions them to address specialized legal matters, encompassing SB 740 eligibility, prevailing wage compliance, bond deal structuring, and negotiations with school districts concerning facility use agreements.

Our services include:

• Negotiating Leases
• Arranging Facilities Usage Agreements
• SB 740 Eligibility Assistance
• Advocacy for Proposition 39 Compliance
• Ensuring Prevailing Wage and Public Works Compliance
• Assessing Land Use Obligations
• Financial Advisory for Options
• Negotiating Purchase and Sale Agreements
• Zoning Assessment
• Department of Transportation Approval Support

School Development;

YM&C prides itself on providing the most experienced attorneys specializing in school development across the state. Their clientele spans from new charter school applicants to established schools seeking renewal and schools aiming for expansion within and beyond state borders. They offer comprehensive support throughout the entire development and renewal process, which includes charter formulation, in-depth review, evaluation of relevant authorizer board policies, attendance at authorizer public hearings and decision meetings, and, if necessary, charter appeals. Their advice is tailored, accurate, and promptly delivered, drawing on extensive statewide insights coupled with finely honed local expertise; their proficiency in charter development is unparalleled.

Our services include:

• Charter Creation
• Reviewing and Updating Charters
• Assessing Authorizer Charter School Boards
• Tailored Policies and Administrative Regulations
• Formulating Charter Submission Strategies
• Growth Opportunities Assessment for Charter School Replication
• Personalized Advocacy for Hearings and Board Decisions
• Compiling Appeals for County or State Review
• Customized Guidance and Advocacy in Appeals, Hearings, and Decisions
• Expertise in Districts, Boards, Charter Division, and Expectations
• Conditional Approval/Renewal Consultation
• Meeting Facilities Grant Requirements
• Signature Compliance for Charter Petitions
• Academic Thresholds for Renewal Compliance

School Defense

The school defense unit at YM&C is committed to helping clients prevent revocation or non-renewal. While YM&C attorneys actively work to build cooperative long-lasting relationships between clients and authorizers, there are times when charter defense becomes necessary. Their skilled team is ready to address various notices, including Notice of Concern, Notice to Cure, Notice of Violations, and Notice of Intent to Revoke. They are also proficient in guiding clients through the appeal process following a non-renewal. Whether entering at any stage of the process, they are swift in attending to client needs.

Our services include:

• Addressing Notices of Concern
• Addressing Notices to Remedy
• Addressing Notices of Violations
• Addressing Notices of Intent to Revoke
• Guidance and Advocacy in Appeals, Public Hearings, and Decision-Making Meetings
• Guidance for Interactions with Authorizer Staff
• Advocacy Packages for Revocation Appeals, with In-Person Representation
• Advocacy Packages for Non-Renewal Appeals, with In-Person Representation

Insurance Defense

YM&C's Insurance Defense team is highly experienced in California's federal and state trial courts, administrative jurisdictions, and dispute resolution methods. They specialize in the unique legal issues facing public charter schools in the state, with a deep understanding of the Education Code and related regulations. The team prioritizes cost-effective defense through thorough case analysis, efficient discovery, and expert utilization. Our firm has litigated almost all the seminal appellate court decisions shaping the landscape for charter schools in California. Building strong relationships with insured parties and providing responsive service to insurers are core elements of their approach. For skilled litigators in dispute resolution, trust YM&C's Insurance Defense team.

Our services include:

• Wrongful Termination Claims
• Negligent Hiring and Retention Cases
• Whistleblower Defense
• Personal Injury Claims
• Sexual Harassment Allegations
• Race Discrimination Cases
• LGBTQIA+ Discrimination Matters
• Student Expulsion Litigation
• Constructive Termination Disputes
• Special Education/Section 504 Issues
• Proposition 39 Rights
• Civil Rights Case Defense
• Charter Revocation and Non-Renewal Cases
• Charter School Funding and Audits Defense

Litigation

The proficient litigators and trial lawyers at YM&C are dedicated to providing exceptional legal services, prioritizing efficient and cost-effective resolutions for conflicts, whether through litigation, arbitration, or mediation. They uphold strict standards of practice, ensuring unwavering and exceptional assistance. We represent charter schools in nearly every legal defense or prosecution of claims.  Whether a contract dispute, an injunction against a school district, or defending the school against wrongful termination or death, YM&C has successfully litigated a wide multitude of cases over the last thirty years.

Our services include:

• Harassment and Abuse Claims
• Discrimination (Sex, Disability, Race)
• Retaliation and Harassment
• Labor Code 1102.5 Retaliation
• Negligence Cases
• Premises Liability Cases
• Facility Permitting and Entitlement Disputes
• Landlord/Tenant Disputes
• Contract Breach Claims
• Real Property Disagreements
• Emotional Distress Claims (Intentional/Negligent)
• Writs and Appeals
• Charter Petition and Renewal Denials
• Charter Revocation Cases
• Student Rights Matters

Independent Study

YM&C lawyers are seasoned experts in the intricate convergence of charter school and independent study laws across the state. This encompasses adeptly safeguarding charter schools during audits, audit appeals, and litigation concerning facility placements. Unique in their proficiency in both charter school and independent study laws, YM&C stands as the sole law firm equipped with a team of attorneys. They offer invaluable guidance to clients in the formulation and upkeep of legally sound board policies, master agreements, and frequently scrutinized independent study documents. Their legal representation vigorously defends charter schools facing audit discrepancies, presenting their case before the Education Audit Appeals Panel. In addition, they excel in aiding charter schools in navigating the intricate legal framework surrounding independent study students eligible under the IDEA or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Our services include:

• State Regulations for Independent Study
• Audits, Exceptions, and Appeals
• Legally Sound Documentation, Policies, and Records
• Funding Determination for Nonclassroom-Based Learning
• Resource Center Location Litigation

Corporate Law

YM&C offers comprehensive services tailored to nonprofit corporations. Their seasoned attorneys support clients throughout every phase of a corporation's journey, from inception to cessation. With a wealth of experience working with charter corporations of varying scales, they possess the expertise needed to offer invaluable advice on the distinct challenges affecting California charter school nonprofit corporations and foundations. As adept charter school attorneys well-versed in relevant laws, they will help you navigate the intricate intersection between charter school regulations and those governing nonprofits, including the California Corporations Code and the Internal Revenue Code.

Our services include:

• Establishing Legal Entity
• Tax-Exempt Status Attainment
• Establishing Governing Structure
• Structuring CMO Organization
• Corporate Reconfiguration, Mergers, and Dissolutions
• LLC Establishment
• Expanding Charter Schools Beyond State Borders
• Creating Foundations for Fundraising and Capital Campaigns

Public Law

The attorneys at YM&C offer targeted guidance and training to charter schools concerning adherence to laws that pertain to public agencies, including the Brown Act, the Political Reform Act, conflict of interest laws, and the Public Records Act. These statutes serve to guarantee public entry to charter school board gatherings, mitigate conflicts of interest among public officials in the course of charter school functions, and facilitate public access to most electronic and physical records maintained by the charter school.  YM&C attorneys are vigilant in offering guidance to guarantee compliance with statutes, as non-compliance could result in criminal penalties and fines. While these laws pertain to public agencies and not private corporations, even board members with substantial experience on both for-profit and nonprofit boards find value in receiving advice on meeting these mandates.

Our services include:

• Open Meeting Laws (Brown Act)
• Political Ethics Laws (Political Reform Act)
• Financial Disclosure Compliance (Form 700)
• Government Code 1090 Compliance
• Conflicts of Interest (Common Law)
• Penal Code Provisions
• Anti-Self-Dealing (Corp Code)
• Conflict Policy Development

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Employment

Our expertise runs deep in labor and employment. We craft employee handbooks and policies and pride ourselves on providing preventative advice so that our clients can avoid costly litigation. For more than 30 years, our firm has assisted educational institutions with navigating claims of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation.  We regularly advise clients on layoffs, disciplinary actions, and terminations.  The intricacies of wage and hour laws, employee fringe benefits and public pension eligibility, and creditable service issues are second nature to us, from FMLA to STRS, PERS, and COBRA.

Our services include:

• Conduct Standards
• Confidentiality
• Leaves and Accommodations
• Workforce Reductions

Labor Negotiations

Our legal team wields seasoned expertise in the intricate art of negotiating and deciphering collective bargaining agreements, as dictated by both EERA and HEERA. Our team is adept at negotiating with both certificated/academic and classified employee unions and currently handles negotiations at 40 bargaining tables in California. We work hard to come to an agreement, but when a consensus is not possible, or the union files unfair labor practice charges, we represent clients aggressively at PERB. Beyond negotiations, we offer invaluable counsel on the multifaceted labor relations landscape between management and staff. Our purview encompasses the entirety of labor disputes, spanning from the practical details of contract administration—including grievance and arbitration strategies—to deftly navigating the nuanced terrain of PERB proceedings, which encompasses representation cases, unfair practice disputes, and impasse determinations, among other critical matters. It is an integrated approach honed through years of hands-on experience.

Our services include:

• Collective Bargaining Negotiations  
• Resolution Protocols for Impasses and Strikes  
• Oversight of PERB matters 
• Handling Grievances, Arbitrations, and Administrative Hearings  
• Audits of Labor Agreements and Personnel Rules  

Facilities Development & Construction

YM&C assists educational institutions with property acquisition, financing, and development -- from the intricacies of lease agreements to the complex world of project planning, encompassing entitlements, environmental assessments, and construction contracts. YM&C’s unique experience working with charter schools gives us an incredible depth of experience in resolving disputes with cities and counties that can cause project delays. 

Our services include:  

• Property Acquisition, Financing, and Development  
• Lease Agreement Consultation and Drafting  
• Comprehensive Project Planning and Guidance  
• Environmental Evaluation and Compliance  
• Construction Contract Oversight  

Title IX

At YM&C, our legal team expertly navigates Title IX, covering a spectrum from the training of college staff to policy development and execution. We offer counsel on day-to-day affairs, with a keen eye on equality in athletics, overseeing external investigators, and delving into intricate, extremely sensitive cases. This adept team stands as a pillar of support for schools, guiding them through the intricate web of Title IX complaints, encompassing student and employee sexual harassment, along with gender-based misconduct. Collaborating hand-in-hand with administrators, Title IX Coordinators, and offices of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, our experts craft innovative measures of support. Our mission is to ensure unimpeded access, tackle sex-based discrimination in educational endeavors, and unfailingly administer equitable, effective investigative processes. YM&C's dedicated team is at the forefront of championing equity in educational programs and services.

Our services include:    

• Training 
• Policy Development 
• Supportive Measures 
• Complaints 
• Investigation Support 

Litigation

Our legal team boasts comprehensive experience in civil litigation across federal and state jurisdictions, as well as in administrative hearings and arbitrations. We tailor our defense strategies to align precisely with clients' unique needs, objectives, and financial considerations. Notably, we have honed an exceptional proficiency in safeguarding public entities facing claims from employees, former employees, applicants, and other parties alleging a spectrum of employment-related grievances or seeking writs to compel institutions to comply with statutory or regulatory provisions. This spans from California Fair Employment and Housing Act violations to Federal Civil Rights Acts, Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and a gamut of other state and federal statutes. Equally, we are adept at defending against student claims and addressing allegations of harassment and discrimination with precision and expertise.  

Our services include:   

• Legal Actions for Discrimination  
• Resolving Disputes through Alternative Methods  
• Overseeing Legal Proceedings  
• Defending Against First and Fourteenth Amendment Claims 
• Conducting Administrative Hearings  
• Defending Wage and Hour Claims  

Student Affairs

We are adept advisors in student affairs, handling discipline, harassment, investigations, and withdrawals.  First Amendment intricacies, like free speech and freedom of religious expression, are navigated, along with civil rights concerns, from discrimination to Title IX and campus misconduct. Crafting, reviewing, and advising on handbooks, contracts, and behavior agreements are part of our forte. Clients trust us to address breaches in student contracts with precision and skill.  

Our services include:   

• Student Misconduct Issues  
• Freedom and Speech and Religion Issues 
• Students with Disabilities 
• Student Discrimination and Harassment Claims 

Dual High School Enrollment

Our office helped develop one of the earliest dual enrollment programs on a community college campus – the Riverside Gateway to College Charter School.  Since then, we have helped develop agreements between community colleges and K-12 institutions so that students who could benefit from dual enrollment could do so.  Because we also represent K-12 institutions, we understand the unique challenges associated with dual enrollment programs, such as different student discipline rules and different means of serving students with disabilities at each institution.  These differences can lead to problems if not carefully managed by both institutions. 

District Board Governance and Shared Governance

In administration and governance, we stand as seasoned advisors, having dealt with countless politically charged situations and topics at board and committee meetings. Our mastery extends to conflicts of interest, be they rooted in Government Code section 1090, the Political Reform Act, or common law. We are not just advisors; we are educators, too, imparting wisdom on an array of conflict-related topics. And when it comes to electoral shifts, from at-large to district or odd-year to even-year, we navigate the terrain with finesse. We have advised hundreds of educational institutions on compliance with the Brown Act’s requirements, from agenda descriptions to what can be discussed in closed sessions to new teleconferencing requirements.  We respond to Public Records Act requests and assist educational institutions with complex legal issues surrounding the disclosure of employee and student records.  Our knowledge is not just about processes and compliance – our experience in the K-12 setting gives us a unique perspective on the role that Boards and administrations can and should play in driving student retention and success. 

Our services include:  

• Training Governing Boards on Their Role Versus that of the Administration  
• Brown Act Compliance and Training 
• Responding to Public Records Act Requests 
• Ensuring Compliance with California Conflicts of Interest Laws 
• Understanding Voting Rights & Responsibilities  
• Enhancing Board Governance  
• Reviewing Board Policies and Administrative Procedures 
• Training Governing Boards on How to Run More Effective and Efficient Meetings 

Business Contracts

Our team routinely reviews contracts for essential services or where unique liability risks may be present. With over thirty years of experience litigating matters relating to educational institutions, we can craft contracts that prevent the sorts of problems that have ended in litigation for others. 

Our services include:   

• Legal Review of Business Contracts  
• Legal Review of MOUs 
• Drafting Contracts with Terms Protective of Community Colleges 

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Board Governance

YM&C’s dedicated attorneys stand as pillars of guidance for boards in California's private and religious schools. We offer counsel on pivotal matters, from corporate entity establishment and maintenance, board composition, federal and state tax law compliance, and best practices in board governance. Our expertise lies in addressing the distinctive hurdles faced by educational boards, from defining the board's role vis-à-vis the school's administration to effectively managing dual responsibilities, like being both a parent and trustee. We also emphasize open and effective communication with the broader community served by the institution.

Our services include:

• Establishing Corporate Entities
• Securing and Sustaining 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Status
• Training on Board Responsibilities and Governance
• Drafting and Reviewing Bylaws and Board Policies

Employment

Navigating the intricacies of employment law is no small feat—it's a vast, intricate realm that touches every facet of the employer-employee dynamic. We stand side by side with employers, offering crucial guidance on hiring procedures, wage and hour matters, performance evaluations, and the interactive process for disability accommodations. A substantial portion of our work is dedicated to advising educational institutions, ensuring they uphold a myriad of employment-related laws and regulations. These encompass California's Fair Employment and Housing Act, the historic 1964 Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and vital statutes like the Family and Medical Leave Act, the California Family Rights Act, and the Fair Labor Standards Act, among others.

Our services include:

• Recruitment and Pre-Employment Screenings
• Employment Contracts
• Managing Job Performance and Discipline
• Absence and Leave Management
• Disability Accommodation and Fair Treatment
• Defense of Agency Claims
• Litigation and appeals
• Wage and hour audits
• Comprehensive Pre-Employment Screening
• Employee Handbook and Personnel Policy Development
• Training for Harassment and Discrimination Prevention
• Affordable Care Act Compliance and Appeal Assistance
• Consultation on Employee Relations Matters

Student Issues

The dedicated attorneys at YM&C bring a wealth of expertise to bear on a diverse array of student concerns. We offer sound counsel on matters spanning the admissions journey, pupil records, disciplinary measures, and ensuring fair accommodation. Additionally, we are well-versed in off-campus activities, fostering a safe and enriching learning environment beyond the classroom walls. With a wealth of experience, we meticulously craft, scrutinize, and provide guidance on essential documents like student handbooks, individual behavior contracts, and student agreements, addressing the unique needs and challenges of each student we serve.

Our services include:

• Admissions Processes, Enrollment Agreements, and Handbooks
• Student Conduct and Discipline
• Activities Beyond Campus
• Disability Accommodation and Fair Treatment
• Student Records and Information

Internal Compliance Audit Services

In the dynamic realm of evolving laws and regulations, YM&C stands ready to navigate the shifting landscape. Through meticulous audit services, we tackle the risks and challenges head-on, adapting to the ever-changing legal terrain. Drawing on YMC’s profound legal acumen in labor, employment, and education law, we employ systematic auditing processes to ensure steadfast compliance and uphold best management practices. Our team offers practical, actionable recommendations based on this thorough examination. With a wealth of experience, we are well-equipped to guide non-profit organizations in auditing their policies and practices, ensuring they meet the highest standards of legality and effectiveness.

Our services include:

• Employee Handbook and Personnel Policy Development
• Wage and Hour Compliance Audits in California
• Audits for Fair Pay and Equal Pay Act Compliance
• Drafting and Reviewing Bylaws and Board Policies

Business Contracts

YM&C serves as a guiding light for private and independent schools embarking on vital business law ventures. We stand resolute in offering our expertise, shepherding them through the complex terrain of business affiliations, contracts, and a diverse range of transactions. Our dedication is unwavering, focused on delivering top-tier counsel for their most pressing needs. This commitment empowers these organizations not only to survive but to flourish and thrive in their noble pursuits. Together, we work towards a stronger foundation for these vital entities, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge to make a lasting impact in their communities.

Our services include:

• Business Contracts
• Business Arrangements and Collaborative Agreements

Real Estate & Development

At YM&C, we excel in property acquisition, financing, and development for private and independent schools. Our expertise covers everything from lease agreements to complex project planning, including entitlements, environmental assessments, and construction contracts. With deep knowledge of environmental considerations and legal nuances, such as CEQA/NEPA, brownfield issues, and tribal consultations, we provide robust support in project execution. Count on us to stand with you in facing legal challenges. With YM&C, private and independent schools find comprehensive solutions for their real estate needs, ensuring success in their vital community endeavors.

Our services include:

• Property Acquisition, Financing, and Development
• Lease Agreement Consultation and Drafting
• Comprehensive Project Planning and Guidance
• Environmental Evaluation and Compliance
• Construction Contract Oversight

Litigation

In litigation, a robust defense requires both zealous advocacy and a cost-effective strategy. YM&C's distinct expertise in addressing the daily challenges of educational institutions sets us apart. This deep understanding enables us to swiftly assist when disputes arise. We represent clients in state and federal courts and before key agencies like the EEOC, DFEH, and DLSE. Our success extends to enforcing arbitration provisions in employment contracts and enrollment agreements, guiding plaintiffs toward private arbitration. From wage disputes to wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, and contract breaches, our proven record of accomplishment in both jury and bench trials drives us to seek efficient resolutions through innovative motions practice.

Our services include:

• Legal Actions for Discrimination
• Resolving Disputes through Alternative Means
• Managing Legal Proceedings

Wage and Hour

At YM&C, we stand as leaders in wage and hour laws and best management practices, allowing us to discern risks and address the challenges our clients encounter across the spectrum of wage and hour matters, including overtime and exemption analysis. Our legal experts are at the forefront, having drafted legislation and offering nuanced opinions on these issues. We have also proven our mettle in defending employers amidst intricate wage and hour/FLSA class action and multi-plaintiff lawsuits, navigating every phase of litigation, from jury trials to appeals. Furthermore, we offer invaluable support through wage and hour audits and proactive training, ensuring our client's policies and practices align with the law and best practices.

Our services include:

• Litigation Support Services
• Proactive Training for Wage and Hour Compliance
• Wage and Hour Compliance Consultation and Guidance
• Wage and Hour Compliance Audits in California

Our expertise lies in shepherding nonprofit visionaries through the process of establishing new corporations in California. We offer comprehensive services, encompassing strategic counsel on corporate frameworks, meticulous preparation and filing of incorporation documents, and laying the foundation for enduring influential organizations. Trust that we are here to support you every step of the way on your nonprofit journey.

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Our expertise lies in shepherding nonprofit visionaries through the process of establishing new corporations in California. We offer comprehensive services, encompassing strategic counsel on corporate frameworks, meticulous preparation and filing of incorporation documents, and laying the foundation for enduring influential organizations. Trust that we are here to support you every step of the way on your nonprofit journey.

Formations, Operations, and Governance

In our pursuit to empower California nonprofit organizations, our dedicated legal team assumes the role of steadfast guides. We hold firm in our conviction that a proactive stance proves paramount in minimizing potential hazards. With a focus on both fledgling and well-established nonprofits, we collaborate tirelessly to cultivate and enhance robust, legally sound frameworks that wholeheartedly champion their noble causes.

Our services include:

• Establishing Corporate Entities
• Securing and Sustaining 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Status
• Training on Board Responsibilities and Governance
• Drafting and Reviewing Bylaws and Board Policies

Business Contracts

YM&C stands as the beacon for nonprofit organizations seeking paramount support in their business law endeavors. We are steadfast in providing our expertise, guiding them through the intricate landscape of comprehending and navigating business affiliations, contracts, and a comprehensive array of transactions. Our commitment lies in ensuring that these organizations receive the highest level of counsel for their most critical needs, empowering them to flourish and thrive in their noble pursuits.

Our services include:

• Drafting and Review of Business Contracts
• Handling Mergers, Acquisitions, and Transactions
• Negotiating Joint Agreements and Fiscal Sponsorships

Real Estate & Development

At YM&C, our legal experts boast extensive knowledge in property acquisition, financing, and development, acting on behalf of nonprofits. We offer guidance across the entire spectrum of project evolution, from straightforward lease agreements to the intricate planning of expansive ventures, encompassing entitlements, environmental evaluations, and construction contracts. Our proficiency extends to leasing and developing medical facilities, health centers, and public amenities like sports complexes and parks. Moreover, we hold profound expertise in environmental considerations impacting real estate development and land use, including CEQA/NEPA, brownfield issues, site contamination, tribal consultations, and cost recovery. Leveraging our comprehensive understanding of municipal and real estate matters, we actively support our clients in project planning and execution and stand by them should they face legal challenges from opposing forces.

Our services include:

• Property Acquisition, Financing, and Development
• Lease Agreement Consultation and Drafting
• Comprehensive Project Planning and Guidance
• Environmental Evaluation and Compliance
• Construction Contract Oversight
• Expertise in Public Amenities Development
• Tribal Consultations and Compliance

Employment

Employment law is a multifaceted domain that intricately governs the relationship between employers and employees. It encompasses an extensive array of federal and state statutes, administrative regulations, and judicial decisions, forming the bedrock of workplace dynamics. YM&C's seasoned attorneys specialize in this field, immersing themselves in its complexities daily. Drawing from their profound expertise, they stand ready to offer invaluable guidance and support to nonprofit organizations in navigating the intricacies of employment matters. Whether it pertains to hiring practices, workplace policies, discrimination issues, or any facet of labor relations, our team is committed to providing tailored, practical solutions that uphold legal compliance and the well-being of all parties involved.

Our services include:

• Recruitment and Pre-Employment Screenings
• Employment Contracts
• Managing Job Performance and Discipline
• Absence and Leave Management
• Disability Accommodation and Fair Treatment
• Defense of Agency Claims
• Litigation and appeals
• Wage and hour audits
• Comprehensive Pre-Employment Screening
• Employee Handbook and Personnel Policy Development
• Training for Harassment and Discrimination Prevention
• Affordable Care Act Compliance and Appeal Assistance
• Consultation on Employee Relations Matters

Labor Relations

Our mission is to cultivate a culture of constructive, cooperative labor-management interactions. Armed with deep understanding, we empower employers to harmonize organizational needs with the welfare of their represented workforce. Our accomplished team of labor attorneys and consultants offers invaluable guidance and representation in key areas such as collective bargaining, ensuring adherence to labor agreements, and navigating the complexities of grievance arbitration. Through strategic insight and expertise, we aim to forge a harmonious balance that fosters a thriving, inclusive workplace environment for all.

Our services include:

• Collective Bargaining Negotiations
• Resolution Protocols for Impasses and Strikes
• Oversight of National Labor Relations Board Matters
• Handling Grievances, Arbitrations, and Administrative Hearings
• Audits of Labor Agreements and Personnel Rules

Employment Litigation

At YM&C, our litigators boast a proven track record of championing our clients' interests across various legal battlegrounds. From skillful motion practice to compelling jury trials and persuasive appeals, we have navigated cases involving harassment, wrongful termination, discrimination, whistleblower retaliation, and wage and hour claims with unwavering success. Our expertise extends to both federal and state court litigation, earning us a well-deserved reputation for being a results-driven, efficient litigation firm. We excel in every facet of litigation, from pleadings and discovery to alternative dispute resolution, settlements, trials, and appeals. Our trial attorneys secure defense verdicts in jury trials while also frequently prevailing in cases at the initial pleading stage and through summary judgment motions.

Our services include:

• Managing Employment Litigation
• Resolving Disputes through Alternative Means
• Legal Action for Discrimination Cases
• Pursuing Wage and Hour Claims

Wage and Hour

Wage and Hour Laws stand as a crucial yet often misconstrued facet influencing California's nonprofit sector. At LCW, we take on the responsibility of guiding these organizations through the intricate and ever-evolving landscape of this vital legal realm. Our expertise ensures that they are equipped to navigate the complexities and nuances, allowing them to operate in full compliance while upholding their noble missions.

Our services include:

• Litigation Support Services
• Proactive Training for Wage and Hour Compliance
• Wage and Hour Compliance Consultation and Guidance
• Wage and Hour Compliance Audits in California

Internal Compliance Audit Services

In an ever-evolving legal landscape where laws, regulations, and best practices are constantly changing, YM&C steps in with expert guidance. Through meticulous compliance audit services, we proactively tackle the dynamic challenges and risks that organizations face. Employing systematic review processes, we guarantee alignment with current laws and best practices, offering pragmatic recommendations to navigate this shifting terrain effectively. Our aim is to empower organizations with the knowledge and strategies they need to thrive and flourish in this ever-changing legal environment.

Our services include:

• Employee Handbook and Personnel Policy Development
• Wage and Hour Compliance Audits in California
• Audits for Fair Pay and Equal Pay Act Compliance
• Drafting and Reviewing Bylaws and Board Policies