California Wage & Hour 2027: New Developments, Litigation Risks & Winning Strategies

California Wage & Hour Litigation: What’s Changed—and What Matters in 2027

Plaintiff and Defense Perspectives on Key Cases, PAGA Reforms, and Practical Litigation Strategies

Start 2027 with a practical examination of the cases, legislative changes, and litigation trends shaping California wage and hour practice. This 90-minute webinar brings together Sam Hyde and Ryan Wu, with Kelsey Szamet guiding a discussion of plaintiff and defense perspectives on evaluating, litigating, and resolving these claims. Topics include developments surrounding Leeper v. Shipt, the California Supreme Court’s decision in Iloff v. LaPaille, and the continuing implementation of California’s PAGA reforms. Attendees will gain practical insights into compliance, litigation strategy, and financial exposure, with time for audience questions.

Welcome & Overview

• PAGA claims and arbitration: Developments surrounding Leeper v. Shipt and whether plaintiffs may pursue only non-individual PAGA claims.
• PAGA reforms in practice: How AB 2288 and SB 92 affect standing, penalties, opportunities to cure violations, and early resolution.
• Minimum wage claims and damages: Iloff v. LaPaille (2025), good-faith defenses, and exposure to liquidated damages.
• Compensable time and overtime: Off-the-clock work, timekeeping practices, and regular rate calculations.
• Meal periods, wage statements, and penalties: Naranjo v. Spectrum Security Services (2024) and the good-faith defense to wage statement penalties.
• Class certification and settlement strategy: Classwide proof, exposure analysis, and resolution of overlapping wage, damages, and penalty claims.

Faculty

Samuel “Sam” S. Hyde — Greenberg Traurig, LLP

Sam Hyde is a shareholder in Greenberg Traurig’s Sacramento office and a member of its Labor & Employment Practice. He represents employers in wage and hour class actions, PAGA litigation, and individual employment disputes, including claims involving misclassification, overtime, and meal and rest breaks. His clients span industries including retail, hospitality, technology, and manufacturing. He earned his J.D. from New York University School of Law.

Kelsey M. Szamet — Kingsley Szamet Employment Lawyers | Discussion Leader

Kelsey Szamet is a partner at Kingsley Szamet Employment Lawyers. She is a frequent speaker and moderator on employment law topics, including programs for the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles and Judicate West. She earned her J.D. from UCLA School of Law and her undergraduate degree, cum laude, from the University of California, San Diego. She will serve as host and interviewer for this program.

Ryan Wu — Capstone Law APC

Ryan Wu is a partner at Capstone Law APC, where he leads the firm’s appeals and complex motions team. His practice includes class action and PAGA procedure, and he is a State Bar of California Certified Specialist in Appellate Law. He received a California Lawyer Attorney of the Year award for his work on Iskanian v. CLS Transportation Los Angeles. He earned his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School and regularly writes and speaks on litigation topics.

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