Practice Areas

Labor Law

State and federal labor laws like California's Meyers-Milias-Brown Act (MMBA) and the federal National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) protect the rights of public and private employees and labor associations to organize and bargain collectively. Your rights as an employee and union member, and the rights of your bargaining unit, were won through the hard work of generations of employee advocates.

Modern collective bargaining and labor representation is not without its battles. In California, the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) hears unfair labor practice claims by public employees and non-sworn public employee associations. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) administers the National Labor Relations Act and issues rulings in collective bargaining cases involving private sector employees and labor unions. At the Law Offices of Christopher W. Miller, we have the experience and expertise to handle PERB and NLRB cases from the pleading stage through the evidentiary hearing before an administrative law judge.

The practice of labor law also concerns grievances and other mechanisms for contract enforcement, as well as issues such as bargaining unit creation, modification, and decertification. As an experienced labor attorney, Mr. Miller has assisted hundreds of public employees in forming and maintaining city and county bargaining units. He has litigated contract grievances and contract violations in arbitration hearings as well as in the courtroom. Follow this link for more information.

Discipline Defense

For nearly 20 years, Mr. Miller has represented firefighters, peace officers and other public employees in internal affairs and EEO investigations, disciplinary appeals, State Personnel Board hearings, license revocation hearings, and related judicial proceedings. Mr. Miller is a leading provider in northern California for the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Legal Defense Plan. Whether your matter is before the State Personnel Board, a local civil service commission, a private arbitrator, or a superior court judge, we welcome the opportunity to put our experience to work on your case. Follow this link for more contact information.

Mr. Miller has litigated a number of cases involving the Public Safety Officers Procedural Bill of Rights Act (POBRA) and is a frequent trainer and commentator on POBRA and other peace officer and public employee rights. The Law Offices of Christopher W. Miller offers experienced representation in defending your rights as a public employee.

Employment Litigation

Employees subjected to workplace discrimination, harassment or termination based on race, gender, disability, whistleblowing, sexual preference, national origin, military service or other grounds are often on the front lines of employment litigation. The Law Offices of Christopher W. Miller is available to review your potential claims and work to resolve your matter in your best interests. A former naval officer, Mr. Miller has litigated cases under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) to protect the rights of those who have served our country. Follow this link for more contact information.

Contract Negotiations

Successful collective bargaining with a public employer requires an effective, dedicated negotiating team of union representatives backed up by reliable legal representation, consultation, drafting and analysis. The Law Offices of Christopher W. Miller offers representation at the table in contract negotiations as well as negotiations support, such as reviewing and drafting proposals, preparing your team for bargaining, and evaluating complex proposals.Follow this link for more contact information.

Training

Mr. Miller is a certified Standards & Training for Corrections (STC) trainer. He provides regular training to several statewide, regional and local peace officer organizations and public safety agencies at conferences, association meetings and seminars. Topics include the Public Safety Officers Procedural Bill of Rights Act, Avoiding Civil Liability, Association Governance, Shop Steward Orientation, Critical Incident Investigations, and other topics related to public safety and peace officers. Please contact the Law Offices of Christopher W. Miller to schedule training for your organization or agency. Follow this link for more contact information.