Employment Law

This is an elective course on private employment law, in which you will read edited California state law cases. Private employment law involves the study of both federal law and state law. In some areas, federal law and state law are consistent and, in other areas, they differ. Likewise, among the various states, there are both similarities and differences in the law. However, because so much of employment law is state law, and because California is the most heavily regulated state in terms of employment law, this course will use California law as our foundational law while noting similarities and differences with federal law and other states’ law. Additionally, to give you a fuller understanding of how employment law may differ from state to state, students will be assigned to a state other than California and required from time to time to conduct online research regarding the law in their assigned state.

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

  • Identify the most important topics in private employment law.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the substantive rules in private employment law.
  • Describe ways in which private employment law is similar and different as between federal law on the one hand and individual states’ laws on the other hand, as well as among the various states’ laws.
  • Show how substantive rules in private employment law apply to differing factual scenarios.
  • Assess and critique cases interpreting private employment law.
  • Show proficiency in reading cases, statutes, and administrative regulations.
  • Compare and contrast the lawyer’s dual requirements of zealously representing clients and faithfully serving as an officer of the court.