About the Course
Introduction
This CLE webinar will provide a comprehensive overview of how to assist clients with navigating a U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division (WHD) investigation, including what employers should expect from investigators, how employers can prepare for and cooperate with the investigation, potential damages and penalties, possible settlement options, and best practices for mitigating the risk of enforcement action.
Description
The U.S. Department of Labor recently obtained a consent judgment requiring a California construction contractor to pay $790,000 in back wages, liquidated damages, and penalties after a federal investigation found the employer failed to pay the federally required minimum wage and overtime to their workers. The investigation found that the employer failed to keep accurate records of hours worked, including travel between job sites or work performed on the weekend, and failed to pay their employees the required time-and-a-half for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek.
Given the complexity of the Fair Labor Standards Act's (FLSA) requirements—including accurately calculating an employee's regular rate of pay to ensure adequate overtime pay, capturing all time considered to be "working" time, and determining whether a position qualifies for an overtime exemption where the determination is usually fact-specific—it is no wonder that many employers become targets of WHD investigations.
Counsel must be able to guide employers through the WHD investigation process, including what to expect of the process, how to prepare for and cooperate with the investigation, and what potential damages and penalties may be awarded. Counsel should also understand how to help clients develop processes to mitigate the risk of enforcement action.
Listen as our expert panel provides a comprehensive overview of WHD investigations and offers best practices for helping employer clients navigate the process.
Presented By
Mr. Saifi is an experienced litigator who has tried multiple jury trials and defended employers and company executives in litigation related to meal periods, rest periods and overtime. He focuses his practice on defending employers in wage and hour class actions and claims brought under California’s Private Attorneys General Act. Mr. Saifi also has extensive experience in defending employers from discrimination and harassment claims brought under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act and Title VI under federal law. He has experience counseling both large public corporations and private companies on state and federal laws relating to personnel policies, employee handbooks, termination accommodations, COVID-19 and compensation, and conducting onsite inspections. Mr. Saifi’s practice also has a special emphasis in the area of AI in the realm of employment law and regularly publishes articles about this emerging landscape.
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This 90-minute webinar is eligible in most states for 1.5 CLE credits.
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Date + Time
- event
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
- schedule
1:00 PM E.T.
I. Introduction
A. Latest WHD enforcement developments
B. WHD investigation triggers
C. Common wage and hour employer mistakes
II. What to expect during WHD investigations
III. How to prepare for WHD investigations
IV. Cooperating during the investigation
V. Settlement vs. litigation
A. Settlement options
VI. Potential damages and penalties
VII. Best practices for assisting clients to mitigate risk of enforcement action
The panel will review these and other important issues:
- What are common triggers for WHD investigations?
- What are best practices for preparing for a WHD investigation?
- What may clients expect during the investigation? How should they cooperate?
- What settlement options do clients have? What types of damages and penalties may be incurred?
Related Courses
Navigating DOL Wage and Hour Investigations: Employer Preparation, Cooperating With Investigators, Settlement Options
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
1:00 PM E.T.
