Civil Litigation

GRT Law is proud to provide both employee and employer representation.

Looking for Sacramento civil litigation lawyers? Goyette, Ruano & Thompson’s (“GRT”) Civil Litigation Department handles various types of pre-litigation matters and lawsuits to aggressively litigate for all clients.

We provide a wide variety of services related to civil litigation in Sacramento. We can successfully take on large class actions, individual plaintiff cases, arbitration, and mediation. We are also skilled at negotiating settlements with state and federal courts, providing strong defense for employers/businesses, or prosecuting civil actions for employees/claimants seeking monetary damages for violations of the law.

We take on cases in the private sector, public sector, union clients, simple complaints, or complex administrative appeals. GRT Sacramento civil litigation lawyers have successfully defended and prosecuted lawsuits under every type of employment and labor law scenario.

Sacramento Civil Litigation Lawyers

GRT Civil Litigation serves as your Sacramento civil litigation law firm, providing our clients with representation to ensure each client’s case receives a fair trial and a just hearing.

Our civil litigation attorneys are highly experienced in civil litigation law and bring to the table multiple attributes that aid in creating strong cases as well as factual and well-thought-out arguments. As a team, we pride ourselves on being a highly successful civil litigation law firm. Each member of our staff has the experience necessary to see each case through to the end.

Civil Litigation Attorneys in Sacramento

With Goyette, Ruano & Thompson’s background in legislation, our Sacramento California civil litigation lawyers understand the inner workings of the courtroom and have the persistence and patience to follow through to a satisfactory solution. This approach leads to GRT typically being more prepared than opposing counsel, resulting in the best outcome possible for the client.

We encourage individuals who believe they have a case to reach out to us. Our law firm handles many major civil litigation cases in Sacramento. GRT Civil Litigation understands that our clients have specific, often time-sensitive needs that must be addressed. We strive to make ourselves readily available to provide you with the support you need to ensure you are properly represented in the courtroom.

Additionally, our collective experience as Sacramento civil litigation lawyers allows our firm to provide each client with a competitive edge. With experience across multiple industries, we are ready and prepared to represent you in court.

Call us when you need a civil litigation attorney or pre-litigation attorney in Sacramento. GRT’s Civil Litigation attorneys can offer a discreet and professional review of your case.

Areas Of Practice

Trust & Estate Litigation

Protecting Your Legacy: Trust and Estate Litigation Services

At Goyette, Ruano & Thompson, we understand the sensitive and complex nature of trust and estate disputes, and we are committed to providing compassionate and strategic legal representation to protect your rights and interests. Our firm offers comprehensive trust and estate litigation services to address disputes arising from wills, trusts, probate proceedings, and fiduciary responsibilities.

Our Trust and Estate Litigation services include:

Will Contests: We represent beneficiaries, heirs, and other interested parties in challenging the validity of wills based on grounds such as undue influence, lack of capacity, fraud, or improper execution. Our attorneys conduct thorough investigations, gather evidence, and present compelling arguments in court to contest wills and seek appropriate remedies.

Trust Disputes: We handle disputes involving trusts, including allegations of breach of fiduciary duty, mismanagement of trust assets, trustee removal or replacement, trust accounting disputes, and challenges to the validity or interpretation of trust documents. Our firm advocates for the rights of beneficiaries and trustees in trust litigation proceedings, seeking to protect trust assets and ensure compliance with the terms of the trust.

Probate Litigation: We represent clients in contested probate proceedings, including disputes over the administration of estates, distribution of assets, appointment of personal representatives or executors, and interpretation of wills or estate planning documents. Our attorneys provide skilled representation in probate court to resolve disputes efficiently and fairly, while safeguarding our clients’ interests and preserving the integrity of the probate process.

Fiduciary Litigation: We handle disputes involving fiduciary relationships, including claims against trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, conservators, and other fiduciaries for breach of fiduciary duty, self-dealing, conflicts of interest, or other misconduct. Our attorneys provide aggressive representation to hold fiduciaries accountable for their actions and seek appropriate remedies for beneficiaries and interested parties.

Alternative Dispute Resolution: We explore alternative dispute resolution options, such as mediation or arbitration, to resolve trust and estate disputes efficiently and cost-effectively outside of court. Our firm assists clients in negotiating settlements, crafting creative solutions, and preserving family relationships while resolving contentious trust and estate matters through alternative dispute resolution methods.

Estate Planning Review & Counseling: We provide comprehensive estate planning review and counseling services to help clients anticipate and prevent trust and estate disputes before they arise. Our attorneys review existing estate planning documents, identify potential areas of conflict or vulnerability, and offer strategic advice to minimize the risk of litigation and protect our clients’ legacies.

If you’re facing trust and estate litigation or anticipate potential disputes in your family’s estate planning matters, don’t hesitate to seek legal assistance. Contact Goyette, Ruano & Thompson today to schedule a consultation with our experienced trust and estate litigation attorneys. We’re dedicated to providing compassionate, effective, and results-driven representation to help you navigate through the complexities of trust and estate disputes with confidence and peace of mind.

Business litigation

Strategic Advocacy for Business Litigation Matters

At Goyette, Ruano & Thompson, we provide sophisticated legal representation for clients involved in business litigation. With a deep understanding of the intricacies of commercial disputes and a track record of success in high-stakes litigation, our firm offers strategic advocacy to protect the rights and interests of businesses facing complex legal challenges. Paul Goyette is an entrepreneur and a principle of several other business ventures. We recognize that business litigation is a another business strategy all designed to meet the goals of your business venture: profits.

Our Business Litigation services include:

Case Evaluation and Strategy: We begin by conducting a comprehensive evaluation of your case, assessing the legal and factual issues involved, and developing a strategic litigation plan tailored to your objectives. Our experienced attorneys analyze complex contractual agreements, financial documents, corporate records, and other relevant evidence to identify legal theories, anticipate challenges, and formulate effective strategies for success.

Dispute Resolution Options: We explore all available dispute resolution options, including negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and litigation, to achieve the most favorable outcome for our clients. Our firm is adept at navigating complex settlement negotiations and alternative dispute resolution processes to resolve disputes efficiently and cost-effectively while protecting our clients’ interests.

Trial Advocacy: If litigation becomes necessary, our trial attorneys provide aggressive advocacy and skilled representation in state and federal courts. We have a proven track record of success in complex business litigation trials, including breach of contract claims, business torts, and shareholder derivative actions. We prepare meticulously for trial, conduct thorough witness examinations, present compelling legal arguments, and pursue favorable verdicts or settlements on behalf of our clients.

Class Action Defense: We defend businesses facing class action lawsuits alleging violations of consumer protection laws, securities fraud, antitrust violations, or other claims. Our firm has extensive experience in class action defense, representing clients in complex multi-district litigation (MDL) proceedings and coordinating defense strategies across multiple jurisdictions. We work tirelessly to protect our clients’ interests and minimize exposure to liability in class action matters.

If your business is facing complex legal challenges, don’t navigate them alone. Contact Goyette, Ruano & Thompson today to schedule a consultation with our experienced civil litigation attorneys. We’re dedicated to providing strategic, effective, and results-driven representation to help you achieve your goals and overcome the complexities of business litigation with confidence and success.

Appellate & Writ Practice

Goyette, Ruano & Thompson is one of the select labor and employment firms that also has extensive experience with writ petitions and appeals.

Whether the decision originates from a superior court, administrative agency, or a department of state government, Goyette, Ruano & Thompson has aggressively represented many clients in writs petitions (administrative and traditional mandate) and appeals to our state’s courts of appeal. Our California appellate lawyers have argued before district courts of appeal throughout California as well as before the Ninth Circuit. We handle appeals from virtually any imaginable trial court decision as well as administrative appeals of every kind.

What is a Writ and Appeal?

A court writ is a formal, legal document or an order from a higher court directing a person or entity such as a lower court to perform or stop some kind of action or deed. In terms of who can file a writ petition, know that any judge, court, or other entity with administrative or judicial jurisdiction can do so.

In contrast, an appeal is a formal request to a superior court to review the final judgment, order, or decision made by a court. It’s typically done in cases when the defendant believes a legal error was made in the trial by any entity, be it the attorney, judge, or another party. In addition another distinction between a writ and an appeal is that there is a limitation to a defendant making an appeal on a case to the next higher appellate body in a trial as they can do it only once. However the best part about court writs is that a defendant may file multiple writs in one trial.

Types of Writs

A writ is a common legal document and is issued after a judgment has been given. It allows the concerned people in a suit to carry out the judgment. Writs are of many types as they can take the form of a writ of habeas corpus, summons, warrant, writ of execution, or order. However the two most common types of writs are subpoenas and warrants.

Why Choose Goyette, Ruano & Thompson?

Goyette, Ruano & Thompson has some of the most renowned writs and appeals attorneys in Sacramento with extensive knowledge in administrative law and disciplinary hearings before city, county, and state administrative tribunals. As such, Goyette, Ruano & Thompson is a natural choice for those who have received unfair decisions from these entities and refuse to take “no” for an answer.

Our clients include a wide array of licensed professionals of every conceivable type, including medical professionals, nurses, EMTs and paramedics. With some of the best appeal lawyers in California, Goyette, Ruano & Thompson is the preeminent firm defending law enforcement personnel and firefighters statewide, we handle appeals involving denials of concealed carry weapons (CCW) permits for honorably retired peace officers and appeals involving industrial disability retirement benefits.

Seek Expert Legal Counsel & Service

Employee associations and unions already look to Goyette, Ruano & Thompson for our expertise in pursuing and obtaining writs of mandate and appellate victories. We are proud of our track record in our writs and appeals division and have achieved several notable victories and positive outcomes for our clients. Administrative mandamus or appellate work requires the expertise of an attorney who has represented clients in numerous administrative cases, regularly files appeals, and can spot reversible error in the record below. A writ petition or appeal is not a trial “do-over” but a careful review of the record to spot legal error that can justify overturning the outcome of the trial below. If you or someone you know is considering filing a petition for writ of mandate, appealing an adverse license decision, or appealing an adverse action from a state, county, or city agency, then please contact Goyette, Ruano & Thompson. Are you ready to consult our writs and appeals attorneys in Sacramento? Consultations are always free.

Class Action

Goyette, Ruano & Thompson is one of only a few wage and hour law firms in California experienced in class action litigation and representing the employees or plaintiffs in these actions.

Due to the large scale and complicated nature of class action litigation, potential actions for groups or ‘classes’ of both and unionized public employees have to be carefully evaluated to determine if the cases are viable and can succeed. The firm’s litigation lawyers are specialists at thorough evaluations of such disputes, which may be treated as class actions. Due to the large scale and complicated nature of class action litigation, potential actions for groups or ‘classes’ of both private sector employees and unionized public employees have to be carefully evaluated to determine if the cases are viable and can succeed. The firm’s class action attorneys in Sacramento are specialists at thorough evaluations of such disputes, which may be treated as class actions.

What is a Class Action Lawsuit? When to File One

A class action lawsuit can be filed by one or more claimants in case of a claim that pertains to a common violation or liability and one that affects a large group of people. These lawsuits typically pertain to both employment and consumer protection.

Filing a class action lawsuit is recommended when an individual’s claim is small and not worth pursuing on an individual basis. It also helps save time and money, as well as be more effective in addressing the larger issue.

For example, wage and hour class action lawsuits are common in California. These class action lawsuits are filed against an employer for wage and hour violations, such as not paying overtime or minimum wage, or not providing meal and rest breaks.

If you believe that you have suffered a wage and hour violation at your workplace, you may be able to file a wage and hour class action lawsuit. To do so, you will need to consult with an experienced class action attorney to discuss your case and see if you are eligible to join a class action. Goyette & Associates offers wage and hour class action California services to help workers get the justice they deserve.

If you have been the victim of wage and hour violations, don’t hesitate to contact Goyette & Associates today to discuss your case. We will fight for you and make sure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to.

Situations That Warrant a Class Action Lawsuit

There are vast number of legitimate reasons for filing class action lawsuits, some of which include the failure to pay minimum wage, no overtime pay, failure to provide breaks, wrongful termination, or even the failure to provide time off. The truth is these don’t even begin to skim the surface of the diverse domains of class action lawsuits. There are others pertaining to injuries at the workplace, uniform code, reimbursement for travel expenses or mileage, discrimination on account of race, gender, or age, and many, many more.

Based on the diverse reasons, some of the primary types of class-action lawsuits include illegal wage deductions, unpaid overtime, missed meal or rest breaks, unpaid expense reimbursement, salary misclassification, and unpaid commissions.

In cases of consumer protection, the reasons include misleading or false advertising, data breaches, injuries, and other relevant matters.

How to Start a Class Action Lawsuit in California?

As vast as the number of reasons for filing a class action is the expertise required to get a ruling in your favor. Class action litigation requires years of work, and an experienced legal team can not only tackle the challenges that lie ahead but will also do their due diligence to thoroughly investigate the situation. More importantly, they are equipped with the knowledge and insight required to protect employees’ rights. Therefore, it’s essential to file a class action lawsuit with the help of a legal team that possesses both the expertise and experience.

In terms of the process, the first step is for the plaintiff to initiate and file a lawsuit in California and then move for certification as a class. The court would then evaluate the eligibility for certification and whether or not the claims should be tried.

Why Choose Goyette, Ruano & Thompson?

Goyette, Ruano & Thompson wage and hour lawyers – the best class action lawyers in Sacramento – have successfully litigated class actions for groups of both private sector employees and unionized public employees. In the private sector, the firm’s wage and hour lawyers have successfully undertaken traditional class actions in which the class must be certified for groups of misclassified as ‘white collar’ exempt employees to recover overtime pay owed as well as for groups of ‘blue collar’ hourly employees to recover prevailing wages and overtime pay owed.

For public employees, the firm’s litigation lawyers are well versed in the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”), the federal wage law applicable to public employees. Class Actions or ‘collective actions’ under the FLSA are unique since, unlike traditional state wage law class actions or other traditional federal law class actions, FLSA based actions require each potential class member to affirmatively join or “opt-in” to the lawsuit. This opt-in requirement creates a multitude of other issues and potential complications. Goyette, Ruano & Thompson’s class action lawyers in Sacramento are experienced at handling these FLSA class actions and have handled and continued to handle large FLSA based class actions seeking overtime pay for large groups of public employees.

If you believe you may have a wage and hour claim which is the same or similar to your co-workers or to other employees of the same employer and are asking yourself, “Do I qualify for a class action suit?” or “how to file a class action lawsuit?” contact the class action litigation attorneys at Goyette, Ruano & Thompson for a free evaluation of your potential class action claims.

Employment Litigation

Vigorous Advocacy for Employee Rights: Comprehensive Employment Litigation Services

At Goyette, Ruano & Thompson, we recognize the profound impact that workplace issues like wrongful termination, discrimination, whistleblower retaliation, FMLA/CFRA leave violations, sexual harassment, and retaliation can have on employees’ well-being and careers. If you have encountered unfair treatment or unlawful practices at work, our firm provides tailored civil litigation services to safeguard your rights, pursue justice, and ensure accountability from employers.

Our Employment Litigation services include:

Wrongful Termination Claims: If you suspect you were wrongfully terminated from your job, our attorneys offer strategic representation to pursue legal action against your employer. We thoroughly assess the circumstances surrounding your termination to identify potential legal claims related to protected classes such as disability (mental and physical), gender, race, religion, ancestry, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, and violations of public policy. Our team advocates vigorously to pursue suitable monetary and non-monetary remedies and seek compensation for your losses.

Discrimination Litigation: We advocate for employees who have faced discrimination based on protected classes such as disability (mental and physical), gender, race, religion, ancestry, sexual orientation, and military/veteran status. Our firm handles discrimination claims under both federal and state anti-discrimination laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).

Whistleblower Retaliation Claims: If you’ve suffered retaliation for reporting illegal or what you perceive to be illegal conduct in the workplace, our attorneys provide aggressive representation to protect your rights as a whistleblower. We handle whistleblower retaliation claims under various federal and state laws, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Dodd-Frank Act, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), California Labor Code Section 1102.5, and the California False Claims Act. Our goal is to secure both economic and non-economic damages for you, including potential reinstatement if warranted.

FMLA/CFRA Leave Violations: We fight for employees whose rights have been infringed upon by their employers under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and/or California Family Rights Act (CFRA). Our firm advocates for employees who have been denied FMLA/CFRA leave, retaliated against for taking leave, or subjected to adverse employment actions due to their protected leave requests, by seeking remedies for lost wages, reinstatement, and other damages.

Sexual Harassment Litigation: We offer compassionate yet aggressive representation to individuals who have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace. Our attorneys handle sexual harassment claims under federal and state laws, such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), alongside other anti-discrimination statutes. We are dedicated to pursuing justice and securing compensation for survivors of harassment and hostile work environments.

Retaliation Claims: If you’ve experienced retaliation for asserting your legal rights in the workplace, such as reporting discrimination, harassment, or safety violations, our firm offers adept representation to ensure accountability from employers. We manage retaliation claims under federal and state laws, including the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and California Labor Code Section 1102.5, along with other anti-retaliation statutes. Our mission is to secure remedies such as reinstatement, back pay, front pay, compensatory damages, and punitive damages when appropriate.

During the litigation process, our firm offers tailored assistance, strategic counsel, and vigorous advocacy to safeguard your rights and interests as an employee. We recognize the sensitivity of employment conflicts and their potential effects on your professional path, finances, and overall welfare. This is why we are dedicated to delivering empathetic and efficient legal counsel aimed at guiding you through these complexities and securing a favorable resolution for your employment litigation matter.

If you’re confronted with employment-related legal issues, don’t hesitate to seek legal assistance. Contact Goyette, Ruano, and Thompson today to arrange a consultation with our experienced civil litigation attorneys. We are dedicated to advocating for your rights, pursuing justice, and empowering you to regain command over your life and future.

Wage & Hour

Labor Law/Overtime Lawyer

A common error under both federal and California wage law is the misclassification of employees as “exempt” from overtime pay, when such employees are actually non-exempt, hourly employees under the applicable law. Goyette, Ruano & Thompson’s team of wage and hour lawyers are experts in navigating the ‘tests’ to qualify for ‘exempt’ status and how they are defined under both the federal FLSA and under CA wage law.

If you’re not clear on what the difference is between these two statuses, you’re far from alone, as the law can be somewhat murky in this regard.

However, if you’re found to be non-exempt and you’re being paid a salary when you should be getting paid an hourly wage, such a finding could entitle you to a recovery of backpay, if you worked overtime and were not paid for it.

The best way to find out whether or not this situation applies to you is to seek the advice of a labor law exempt misclassification lawyer in California.

There are basically two tests that are applied to these situations that help to determine if someone should be or should have been classified as exempt or non-exempt. Once again, given the intricacies involved, these questions are best tackled by a labor law exempt misclassification lawyer in California.

Contact Goyette, Ruano & Thompson today for help if you need clarification and answers. Below is a brief look at the tests and other factors to consider for these situations.

Minimum Wage

Both California wage law and federal wage law require a minimum hourly rate of pay to be provided to all employees.

While the state and federal minimum wage rates differ slightly (for 2020, the CA minimum wage rate is $13.00/ hour while the federal rate is $ 7.25/hour), the idea is the same; minimum wage requirements are intended to ensure a minimum level of pay for all employees (and in turn, in theory ensure some minimum standard of living).

Federal minimum wage requirements are specified under the Fair Labor Standards Act (the “FLSA”). California’s minimum wage requirements are set forth both in statutes under the CA Labor Code, and in the various Wage Orders issued by the Industrial Welfare Commission (IWC) under the CA Department of Industrial Relations (DIR). Contrary to common misunderstanding, public employees in California are covered by CA minimum wage requirements.

One key difference between federal and California minimum wage requirements is that ‘averaging’ is allowed under federal law to assess compliance with the minimum wage rate, while the CA minimum wage rate applies to every hour or portion of an hour worked.

Under the FLSA, the total pay received by an employee in a given work or pay period, divided by the total hours worked in that work/pay period, determines whether the federal minimum wage rate is being provided (in other words, ‘averaging’ within a work/pay period is allowed to comply with the minimum wage rate). Under CA wage law, every hour or portion of time worked must satisfy the required minimum wage rate.

Employers also need to be aware that some Cities may have minimum wage requirements which are higher than the federal and state minimum wage rates. For example, the required minimum wage rate for the City of San Francisco starting in 2019 is $ 15.59 per hour.

Employers should also be aware that, with only limited exceptions, ‘volunteer’ work is not allowed under CA wage law, just as trading ‘goods’ for minimum wage pay is, for the most part, now allowed. If you are an employee OR an employer with specific questions regarding minimum wages under either CA wage law or under the federal FLSA, contact an attorney at Goyette, Ruano & Thompson for a free consultation and review.

Overtime Pay

Under California wage law, non-exempt, hourly employees must be provided overtime pay at one and a half times their regular hourly rate of pay for hours worked above eight hours per work day, above 40 hours per week, and for the first eight hours worked on the seventh day of any workweek. If a worker believes they are being treated unfairly, hiring a Sacramento overtime pay lawyer can help.

If an employee works over 12 hours on any work day, or over eight hours on the seventh day worked in any workweek, overtime pay at twice the employee’s regular rate of pay – or ‘double time’ – must be provided by the employer. If an employer refuses to pay, an overtime pay attorney can help workers receive the compensation they deserve.

Under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (the “FLSA”), employees must be provided time and a half overtime pay for hours worked above 40 hours in any workweek. For specific types of employment, different FLSA overtime triggers apply; for example, for law enforcement employees with a work period of between seven and 28 days, overtime pay starts when over 43 hours per week, or 171 hours in 28 days, are actually worked by employees.

Like most wage law issues, there are special circumstances and exceptions regarding the obligation to provide overtime pay. Overtime pay applies to ‘non-exempt, hourly employees’ and not to ‘salaried, exempt employees’.

Many employers are completely aware that they are required by law to pay overtime. However, they often refuse to pay or misclassify employees. They will label their employees as “exempt” even if they are truly “non-exempt” so they do not have to pay overtime rates. If a worker believes their boss has been intentionally misclassifying them, contacting a Sacramento overtime pay lawyer should be their first step.

Meal & Rest Period Pay

As an hourly wage employee, you may be concerned that you’re not getting the mandatory work breaks in California for meals and rest. Or perhaps you’re simply researching your rights as mandated by the lunch and bathroom break laws in California. No matter what questions you may have related to the laws for meal (lunch) and rest periods (breaks), Goyette, Ruano & Thompson has the answers.

Labor Commissioner Claims

Disputes arise with regards to wages all the time across California, and the specific reasons that these controversies arise is nearly limitless. Unfortunately, there aren’t many people who inherently understand their legal rights and options when these situations spin out of control. Which means that too many workers are left unpaid or underpaid despite having put in the time for their employers. Our job, as one of the best legal teams in Sacramento for filing Labor Commissioner claims, is to help lead you through the process. One of the rights that workers possess is the ability to file Labor Commissioner claims in Sacramento, or anywhere else in the state, when they need to pursue such a course of action.

Labor Commissioner claims in Sacramento may seem like highly technical, nuanced and difficult claims to pursue, but they are relatively straightforward in nature if you get the right legal help protecting your interests. As you’ll see below, these claims provide several options and choices with regards to how someone can proceed, but the choices made at each juncture are extremely important.

Prevailing wage Lawyers

Do you need to speak to a prevailing wage lawyer? Are you aware of how this wage is determined and what to do about it? Employees working for contractors or subcontractors on any project which relies in whole or in part on federal or state funds (on ‘public works projects’) must, in most cases, be paid prevailing wages. Prevailing wages are typically higher than employees’ regular ‘straight time’ pay rates, so the failure to pay such rates, combined with the failure to pay all overtime owed can create significant liability for contractors or subcontractors.

Off-the-Clock Time

GRT offers expert OTC attorney services and we are experts in Off-the-Clock (OTC) Time laws in California. We have been helping clients navigate the complex wage and hour law space for decades. Read on for a brief overview of off the clock (OTC) work laws and contact GRT for a free consultation.

Civil Litigation Attorneys

If you need a Civil Litigation attorney contact our office to schedule your case evaluation. Call us today at 916.851.1900 or fill out the form below.