Royal Oakes, Esq., has practiced business litigation for over forty years, in the fields of employment law and insurance claim litigation. He is an ABC News Legal Analyst and has appeared nationally on the syndicated programs Inside Edition, Entertainment Tonight, and Access Hollywood. In Los Angeles, he is the Legal Analyst for NBC4 News and KABC Radio, and also contributes to ABC’s Good Morning America and NBC’s Today Show. From 1984-2021, he was a partner in the national law firm of Barger & Wolen, and from 2014-2021 was a partner in the national law firm of Hinshaw & Culbertson.

Royal and his son, attorney Connor Oakes, host the weekly podcast “Too Many Lawyers,” focusing on high-profile legal news stories. He is a graduate of UCLA and UCLA Law School.

 

 

 

Wage and Hour Law Compliance
Wage and Hour Law ComplianceWhen it comes to crossing your Ts and dotting your Is, following wage and hour rules to the letter is hugely important. Even a slight departure from the technical requirements for keeping pay records, and making sure people are paid every penny they're entitled to get, can result in disastrous awards of penalties and attorneys' fees against employers.
Preventing Workplace Harassment and Discrimination
Preventing Workplace Harassment and DiscriminationDo you have a few dinosaurs on staff, in spite of the drumbeat of advice to respect workers' rights, and in spite of the fallout from the "Me Too" movement? If so, it's critical to invest the time required to develop a comprehensive system of training intended to prevent harassment.
Workplace Investigations and Documentation
Workplace Investigations and DocumentationWhen an employee submits a complaint, the temptation is to hope the problem will go away, or sweep it under the rug. Instead, a thorough investigation, by an independent party, is the best way to satisfy a company's obligations and lay the groundwork for a reasonable resolution of the complaint.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Alternative Dispute ResolutionLitigating an expensive case for years, and then going through an arduous jury trial, may be a lawyer's idea of fun (or at least a way to pay the mortgage), but it doesn't appeal to companies. Instead, when faced with an allegation or lawsuit, steering the dispute to a mediator can resolve the problem quickly, and without paying an arm and a leg in legal fees.
Managing Independent Contractors and Freelancers
Managing Independent Contractors and FreelancersCompanies are often tempted to micromanage workers because, frankly, the bosses may be in a much better position to achieve good results. But, if you want to preserve your workers' status as independent contractors, not employees, you have to make sure you let them decide the time, place and manner of their efforts.
Trade Secret Protection
Trade Secret ProtectionTrade secrets aren't just the Coca-Cola formula and Jeff Bezos' secret algorithms. They can be customer lists or other confidential tools. Employees need to be told that misappropriating secrets can land them in very hot water.
Mediation and Settlement Negotiation Skills
Mediation and Settlement Negotiation SkillsArranging for a dispute to be resolved by means of a mediation is a great first step, but companies need to know how to handle the process. Thorough preparation of an outline of the strengths of your case, and your answers to the major arguments by your opponent, is a critical step in securing a favorable outcome.
So You're Going to Testify: Witness Dos and Don'ts
So You're Going to Testify: Witness Dos and Don'tsYes, the cardinal rule when it comes to testifying is, "Tell the Truth." But there's much more to being an effective witness. Employees should receive guidance about how to be credible, and likable, in order to present a human face for a corporate position.