Free Consultation: (949) 260-1181Tap to Call This Lawyer
Neil Pedersen

Neil Pedersen

Neil Pedersen, Pedersen Law APC
  • Employment Law
  • California
Badges
Claimed Lawyer ProfileQ&ASocial Media
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.

Practice Area
Employment Law
Employee Benefits, Employment Contracts, Employment Discrimination, ERISA, Overtime & Unpaid Wages, Sexual Harassment, Whistleblower, Wrongful Termination
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.
View Additional Fee Information ›
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
California
Placeholder image for jurisdictions.
Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
Professional Experience
Senior Principal
Pedersen Law APC
- Current
Vice-President of Human Resources/General Counsel
QuantumLink Corporation, Torrance, CA
-
Vice-President of Corporate Policy/General Counsel
QuantumLink Corporation, Torrance, CA
-
Principal
Pedersen & Black, a Professional Law Corporation, Newport Beach, CA
-
Senior Associate Attorney
Ford & Pedersen, Los Angeles, CA
-
Associate Attorney
Walker, Kendrick & Jackson, Newport Beach, CA
-
Education
Western State Univ
Undergraduate Degree
Placeholder image for education.
Western State Univ COL
Law Degree
Placeholder image for education.
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
Placeholder image for professional associations.
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
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
Legal Answers
1453 Questions Answered
Q. Am I entitled to back pay of my overtime that had been ignored for the past 2 years??
A: If you were entitled to overtime, and it was not paid to you, you can bring a legal claim to get the money that should have been paid to you, plus interest and attorney fees you incur to collect that money. If you file a lawsuit and the failure to pay the OT is determined to be an unfair business practice, you can reach back four years to get unpaid wages including OT. If you file an administrative wage claim with the Labor Commissioner's Office, you can go back three years from the date of the filing of that claim.

There are pros and cons to going one route or the other. It would therefore be a good idea 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 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
Q. I have a contract with my employer and I want to break the contract. My employer has unlawfully excersized her power
A: Employment contracts in California are not binding on the employer unless the agreement makes the relationship other than an at will one. Most employment contracts do not do that. So first thing you need to determine if your relationship is an at will one.

The employer of an at will employee can change the terms and conditions of the employment at any time and for any reason or even no reason at all. The employee in an at will relationship can quit at any time and for any reason or even no reason at all.

If you are a non-exempt employee, you must be paid overtime when you work more than 8 hours in a workday or more than 40 hours in a workweek. If you are an exempt employee you have no right to overtime.

It would be wise 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, 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 I sue my supervisor civilly for harassment and racism
A: I disagree with the other attorney answering here. You should have sued the supervisor at the same time the employer was sued. You will likely be precluded from suing for the exact same thing seeking the exact same damages against the supervisor. At the very least you have a judgment saying that the exact same conduct did not cause you cognizable damages, and the law of collateral estoppel will likely prevent you from seeking damages from another jury about the exact same thing.

Seek a personal consultation with an attorney before making any decision about this.

And one last note, trying to get an attorney to take on a lawsuit against an individual will be a daunting task. Usually managers do not have the individual wherewithal to pay a large judgment, and a large judgment will be needed to support the fees and costs of a second lawsuit, even if you could bring it.

Good luck to you. ... Read More
View More Answers ›
Social Media
Contact & Map
Pedersen Law, APC
5455 Garden Grove Blvd.
Suite 450
Westminster, CA 92683
Telephone: (949) 260-1181
Fax: (949) 260-1185
Download vCard