Protecting Employers.
Defending Your Business.

When employees or the State of California come after your business, you need experienced, aggressive legal defense. Rosenstein & Associates has defended employers throughout Southern California against Wage & Hour claims, PAGA actions, and all forms of employment litigation for over 40 years.

40+
Years of Experience
100+
Years Combined Legal Experience
5
Southern CA Counties Served
Free
Initial Consultation

Employer Defense Practice Areas

We represent employers of all sizes — from small businesses to large corporations — across Southern California in all aspects of employment law defense.

⚖️

Wage & Hour Defense

California's wage and hour laws are among the most complex and employee-friendly in the nation. We defend employers against claims involving unpaid overtime, meal and rest period violations, minimum wage disputes, off-the-clock work allegations, and misclassification of employees as exempt or independent contractors.

  • Overtime & minimum wage disputes
  • Meal and rest period violations
  • Employee vs. independent contractor misclassification
  • Expense reimbursement claims
  • Wage statement penalties (Labor Code § 226)
  • Waiting time penalties (Labor Code § 203)
🛡️

PAGA Defense

The Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) allows employees to sue employers on behalf of the State of California for Labor Code violations — and recover substantial civil penalties. We provide strategic, experienced defense against PAGA claims, including early resolution strategies, standing challenges, and full litigation defense.

  • PAGA notice response strategy
  • Standing and manageability challenges
  • Individual vs. representative claim separation
  • Settlement and penalty mitigation
  • Coordinated defense with class action claims
  • Post-Viking River Cruises strategy
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Employment Discrimination Defense

We defend employers against claims of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation under FEHA, Title VII, ADEA, ADA, and related statutes. Our attorneys have extensive experience in both administrative proceedings before the DFEH/CRD and in state and federal court litigation.

  • Race, sex, age, disability discrimination
  • Sexual harassment defense
  • Wrongful termination claims
  • Retaliation and whistleblower claims
  • DFEH/CRD administrative defense
  • EEOC charge response
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Class Action Defense

Class action lawsuits pose an existential threat to businesses of all sizes. We defend employers in class and collective actions arising from wage and hour violations, PAGA claims, and other employment law matters, with a focus on defeating class certification and achieving early resolution.

  • Class certification opposition
  • FLSA collective action defense
  • Wage and hour class actions
  • Mediation and early resolution
  • PAGA/class action coordination
  • Appeals and post-judgment strategy
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Employment Contracts & Policies

Prevention is the best defense. We help employers draft and review employment agreements, arbitration agreements, non-compete clauses, employee handbooks, and workplace policies designed to minimize litigation exposure and comply with California law.

  • Employment agreements & offer letters
  • Arbitration agreements (post-Viking River)
  • Non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements
  • Employee handbooks & workplace policies
  • Independent contractor agreements
  • Severance and separation agreements
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Wrongful Termination Defense

California is an at-will employment state, but numerous exceptions create significant liability for employers. We defend businesses against wrongful termination claims, including public policy violations, implied contract claims, and retaliation allegations.

  • At-will employment defense
  • Public policy exception claims
  • Implied contract theories
  • WARN Act compliance
  • Reduction-in-force defense
  • Executive termination disputes

Is Your Business Exposed to a PAGA Claim?

The Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) allows a single employee to sue on behalf of all current and former employees — and recover civil penalties of $100–$200 per employee per pay period for each Labor Code violation. A single PAGA action can generate millions of dollars in penalties for even a small employer.

Recent changes to PAGA (AB 2288, effective 2024) create new opportunities for employers to reduce penalties and challenge standing. Our attorneys are up to date on the latest developments and ready to build your defense strategy.

Discuss Your PAGA Exposure — Free Consultation

The Employer's Advocate

01

Employer-Side Focus

We exclusively represent employers, not employees. Our entire practice is built around understanding the challenges businesses face and developing strategies that protect your bottom line.

02

40+ Years of California Experience

Robert Rosenstein has been practicing law in California for over 42 years, with deep roots in the Temecula Valley and extensive experience in state and federal courts throughout Southern California.

03

Aggressive, Strategic Defense

We don't just react to claims — we build proactive defense strategies designed to defeat claims early, minimize exposure, and protect your business from future litigation.

04

Full-Service Employment Counsel

From drafting employment agreements and handbooks to defending class actions and PAGA claims, we provide comprehensive employment law services so you have one trusted firm for all your employer needs.

05

Southern California Coverage

We serve employers throughout Riverside, San Diego, San Bernardino, Orange, and Los Angeles Counties — with deep knowledge of the local courts, judges, and legal landscape.

06

Free Initial Consultation

We offer a free, confidential initial consultation so you can understand your options and our approach before making any commitment. Call us today to get started.

Meet the Team

With over 60 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys are known for providing high-quality, expert legal advice to employers throughout Southern California.

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Robert B. Rosenstein

Founder & President

Robert Rosenstein has been providing legal services for over 42 years, and in the Temecula Valley for over 28 years. He has handled matters in various courts including Superior Courts throughout California, the United States District Court, the United States Tax Court, and the United States Bankruptcy Court. Robert has served in leadership roles in the American Bar Association and various community organizations.

[email protected]
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Paul N. Evenson

Associate Attorney

Paul Evenson brings focused expertise in employment law and business litigation to the firm's employer defense practice. He works closely with employers to navigate California's complex employment regulations and provides strategic counsel on both preventive measures and active litigation defense.

[email protected]

Request a Free Consultation

Fill out the form below or call us directly. All consultations are free and confidential. We serve employers throughout Southern California.

Law Offices of Rosenstein & Associates

28600 Mercedes St. Suite 100
Temecula, CA 92590

📞 (951) 296-3888
Attorney Emails
Robert B. Rosenstein
[email protected]
Paul N. Evenson
[email protected]
Service Area

Riverside County · San Diego County · San Bernardino County · Orange County · Los Angeles County

Including Temecula, Murrieta, Lake Elsinore, Fallbrook, Menifee, and surrounding Southwest Riverside County.