Category: Department of Labor & Industries
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DoorDash’s $14.5 Million Lesson: Independent Contractors Can Still Be Covered by L&I
As many of you know, and as we’ve tried to educate any client who will listen, calling workers independent contractors does not necessarily mean that you are not required to pay…Read more
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How to Respond to Record Requests in Washington L&I and ESD Audits
One of the first things employers notice after receiving an audit notice from the Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) or the Employment Security Department (ESD) is the extensive list…Read more
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L&I v. Simmons Clarified the Service Rule — But Left Employers Guessing When the Clock Starts
The Washington Court of Appeals’ decision in Dept. of Labor & Industries v. Simmons, 537 P.3d 701 (Wash. App. 2023) brought much-needed clarity to one issue that had been lingering in…Read more
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Prioritizing Compliance in 2026 Can Be a Million-Dollar Move: A Practical Checklist to Start the Year
We recently represented a business in an appeal of a government agency assessment exceeding $1 million. By the end of the process, the assessment was reduced to $0. While we’re proud…Read more
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Attorney General’s Office Creates New Workers’ Rights Enforcement Unit
Washington State Attorney General last month announced the creation of a new Workers’ Rights Unit that will collaborate with the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) and Seattle’s Office of Labor…Read more
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How to Respond to Record Requests in an L&I or ESD Audit
One of the more stress-inducing aspects of an L&I Audit or ESD Audit is the list of records you’re asked to provide. The checklist of requested records is often viewed as…Read more
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ESD Audits vs. L&I Audits — How do They Compare?
Over the years, we’ve represented clients in hundreds of audits and appeals before the Washington State Employment Security Department (“ESD”) and Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (“L&I”). While it…Read more
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Independent Contractor Injured on the Job? It Gets Complicated, and Messy!
When an employee is injured on the job, what follows is fairly straightforward. The employee will seek treatment and file a workers’ compensation claim with L&I. This will usually result in…Read more
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Is Your Unpaid Intern Actually an Employee?
When hiring a student or a trainee, it can be tempting for some to hire and classify them as unpaid interns and thus avoid adding them to your books and payroll…Read more
LATEST POSTS
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DoorDash’s $14.5 Million Lesson: Independent Contractors Can Still Be Covered by L&I
-
How to Respond to Record Requests in Washington L&I and ESD Audits
-
L&I v. Simmons Clarified the Service Rule — But Left Employers Guessing When the Clock Starts
-
Prioritizing Compliance in 2026 Can Be a Million-Dollar Move: A Practical Checklist to Start the Year
-
Attorney General’s Office Creates New Workers’ Rights Enforcement Unit
-
How to Respond to Record Requests in an L&I or ESD Audit
-
ESD Audits vs. L&I Audits — How do They Compare?
-
Independent Contractor Injured on the Job? It Gets Complicated, and Messy!
-
Is Your Unpaid Intern Actually an Employee?