Independent Contractor or Employee Law

Proper classification of workers has always been a challenge, but a 2018 ruling by the California Supreme Court dramatically changed the law on whether California employers may legally classify workers as independent contractors. This ruling seems directed toward the gig economy, but the court did not expressly limit it to that sector. Bills are being circulated in the state legislature that would affirm or overturn this decision. Please join a discussion with attorney Vida Thomas about this recent ruling, what it means for artists and arts organizations, and how to respond.

Presenter: Vida Thomas. Vida is an Of Counsel attorney in Stoel Rives’ Labor & Employment group. An attorney who has practiced employment law for over 20 years, Vida advises employers regarding all aspects of employment law and human resources management, serves as an expert witness in state and federal employment lawsuits, and mediates litigation and non-litigation matters. Vida assists parties and attorneys in resolving employment claims, including but not limited to: harassment, discrimination, and retaliation claims; wrongful termination claims; failure to accommodate and statutory leave violations; whistleblowing claims; wage and hour violations; invasion of privacy claims; and other statutory, tort and contract claims. Before joining Stoel Rives, Vida was an of counsel attorney with Weintraub TobinChediak Coleman Grodin Law Corporation. She began her legal career as anemployment litigator at Kronick Moskovitz and then co-founded Carlsen Thomas, LLP, a boutique employment law firm that offered workplace investigations and employee training throughout California for 13 years.