Employee vs. Independent Contractor: Legal Differences and Misclassification Issues

Overview

This course provides an in-depth examination of worker classification under federal and California law, focusing on the legal distinctions between employees and independent contractors and the significant risks associated with misclassification. Through statutory analysis and case law examples, participants will gain practical guidance on navigating one of the most heavily enforced areas of employment law.

What the Course Includes

This course consists of a 1-hour on-demand video webinar designed for intermediate-level attorneys. No preparation is required. The program was recorded in December 2025, and participants will receive a Certificate of Completion upon successful completion.

What You Will Learn

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

• Explain why worker classification matters under wage, tax, benefits, and labor laws
• Apply federal worker-classification tests, including the common law, IRS, and FLSA standards
• Analyze California’s ABC test under AB 5 and related developments
• Understand recent case law addressing misclassification, including gig-economy examples
• Identify the legal and financial consequences of misclassification and best practices for compliance