FredSanderson
Counsel
Labor & Employment
fsanderson@seyfarth.com
Fred understands the day-to-day employment challenges faced by companies on the leading edge of progressive labor and employment laws.
More About Fred
Alfred (“Fred”) Sanderson has more than two decades of experience specializing in complex wage and hour litigation and advice, traditional labor work, and broad based employment advice and counseling. Fred has the unique perspective of having been an attorney at two major national labor and employment law firms, and the former lead in house labor and employment counsel for a large West Coast-based employer with many different locations and union bargaining units. Fred is able to use his practical day-to-day in-house experience, and his deep employment litigation background, to partner with clients to achieve favorable results in advice, litigation and labor matters.
Fred recognizes the unique nature of every client. Before providing any advice, he makes a point of getting to know the client’s business, as well as its philosophical approach to employment challenges. Fred understands that there is no set playbook or template approach to advice or litigation strategy; his approach to all matters is thoughtful and unique to best fit the goals of the client. As both an effective communicator and writer who accepts challenges and opportunities for persuasion, Fred knows that the efficacy of a lawyer comes down to that lawyer’s ability to communicate, whether verbally or in writing. Fred has defended numerous employers in individual and class action wage and hour cases under California law, as well as under the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act. Fred has successfully defeated class certification multiple times at different stages of litigation, and on appeal. He also has significant experience in the areas of single plaintiff wrongful termination, sexual harassment and employment discrimination litigation in federal and state courts.
Fred is a frequent speaker on wage and hour topics to a wide variety of groups, and has been a part time professor of Employment Law at the University of the Pacific, Eberhardt School of Business. Prior to his legal career, Fred served in the US Navy as a Naval Flight Officer aboard the P-3C Orion aircraft, and was affiliated with the Navy Reserve as a Lieutenant Commander.
Fred recognizes the unique nature of every client. Before providing any advice, he makes a point of getting to know the client’s business, as well as its philosophical approach to employment challenges. Fred understands that there is no set playbook or template approach to advice or litigation strategy; his approach to all matters is thoughtful and unique to best fit the goals of the client. As both an effective communicator and writer who accepts challenges and opportunities for persuasion, Fred knows that the efficacy of a lawyer comes down to that lawyer’s ability to communicate, whether verbally or in writing. Fred has defended numerous employers in individual and class action wage and hour cases under California law, as well as under the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act. Fred has successfully defeated class certification multiple times at different stages of litigation, and on appeal. He also has significant experience in the areas of single plaintiff wrongful termination, sexual harassment and employment discrimination litigation in federal and state courts.
Fred is a frequent speaker on wage and hour topics to a wide variety of groups, and has been a part time professor of Employment Law at the University of the Pacific, Eberhardt School of Business. Prior to his legal career, Fred served in the US Navy as a Naval Flight Officer aboard the P-3C Orion aircraft, and was affiliated with the Navy Reserve as a Lieutenant Commander.
- JD, McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific
- BS, University of the Pacific
Business Administration
- California
- Oregon
- Washington
- US Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
- US District Court, Central District of California
- US District Court, Eastern District of California
- US District Court, Northern District of California
- US District Court, Southern District of California
Related Services
- American Bar Association - Federal Labor Standards Legislation Section, member
- California State Bar Association - Labor and Employment Section, member
- Board of Editors, “Wage & Hour Collective and Class Litigation,” ALM Law Journal Press (2012).
- Chapter Author, Chapter 20 A &B - The Salary Basic Test / White-Collar Exemptions - Duties, "Wage & Hour Collective and Class Litigation,” ALM Law Journal Press (2012).
- Contributing Author, ”The Fair Labor Standards Act,” ABA Publication (2008 - present)
- Author, "The Ninth Circuit Changes Its Mind, Holding That Commute Time May Be Compensable Under California Law," Employee Relations Law Journal (Fall 2010)
- Author, "Banking Kin Care: Employer Kin Care Leave Obligations Arise Only When Policies Provide Accrual-Based Sick Leave," Employee Relations Law Journal (Fall 2010)
- Author, “Medical Leave of Absence – Is One Certification Enough?” San Joaquin Human Resource Association Newsletter (May 2008)
- Author, “Labeling Marijuana Use ‘Medical’ Does Not Immunize California Employees from Employer Drug Policies: Ross v. RagingWire,” San Joaquin Human Resource Association Newsletter (March 2008)
- Author, “California Enacts Family Military Leave Act,” San Joaquin Human Resource Association Newsletter (November 2007)
- Author, “Social Security Mismatch Letters: New ICE Rule Increases Risk to Employers,” San Joaquin Human Resource Association Newsletter (August 2007)
- Author, “San Francisco Enacts Employer Provided Paid Sick Leave Ordinance for Full and Part Time Employees,” San Joaquin Human Resource Association Newsletter (February 2007)
- “Court of Appeal Confirms Employer Right to Recover Advanced Commissions,” San Joaquin Human Resource Association Newsletter (October 2006)
- Author, “Courts Expand California Employer Obligations to Disabled Workers,” San Joaquin Human Resource Association Newsletter (August 2006)
- Author, “Sexual Harassment Meets Creativity and Freedom of Speech,” San Joaquin Human Resource Association Newsletter (May 2006)
- Author, “Meal Period and Rest Period Update,” San Joaquin Human Resource Association Newsletter (January 2006)
- Author, “Continuous Workday Rule Affirmed by Supreme Court,” San Joaquin Human Resource Association Newsletter (November 2005)
- Author, “Partial Day Deductions of Vacation No Longer Are Inconsistent With the Salary Basis Test,” San Joaquin Human Resource Association Newsletter (August 2005)
- Author, “A Quick Look at a Few Bills Tracking Through the Legislature,” San Joaquin Human Resource Association Newsletter (May 2005)
- Author, “Indian Head – Appellate Court Analyzes Certification of Overtime Class Action,” The Daily Recorder (February 2002)
- Author, “Military Reservists: When Employees Are Called to Duty,” The Daily Recorder (December 2001)
- Author, “Domestic Partnerships and Employers,” The Daily Recorder (November 2001)
- Author, ’Front Pay Damages Are Not Capped Under Federal Anti-Discrimination Statutes,” The Daily Recorder (July 2001)
- Author, “Employer-Sponsored Social Events,” The Daily Recorder (June 2001)
- Author, “Employer-Sponsored Sports Team – What Are the Risks?” The Daily Recorder (June 2001)
- Author, “Circuit City v. Adams – Compelling Arbitration of Employee Under the Federal Arbitration Act,” The Daily Recorder (April 2001)
- Author, “Employers’ Obligation to Compensate Workers Unable to Perform their Jobs Due to Rolling Blackouts and Power Outages,” The Daily Recorder (February 2001)
- Presenter, “Employment and Labor Law Update,” Risk and Insurance Management Society, Inc. (April 2010)
- Presenter, “Alternative to RIFs: Practical Methods for Reducing Labor Costs in Compliance with Wage and Hour Laws,” Seyfarth Shaw Webinar (June 2009)
- Presenter, “Employee Layoffs and Reductions in Force,” San Joaquin Human Resource Association (March 2009)
- Presenter, “Surfing the Next Wave of Wage and Hour Litigation,” Seyfarth Shaw Breakfast Briefing (October 2008)
- Presenter, “Employee Free Choice Act 2007,” San Joaquin Human Resource Association (July 2008)
- Presenter, “Medical Marijuana and Other Drug/Alcohol Issues,” San Joaquin Human Resource Association, (February 2008)
- Presenter, “Religion in the Workplace,” Seyfarth Shaw Breakfast Briefing (June 2007)
- Presenter, “Preparing for the Next Wave of Wage Hour Litigation,” Seyfarth Shaw Breakfast Briefing, (October 2006)
- Presenter, “Navigating Wage and Hour Minefields,” Sacramento Area Human Resource Association Annual Conference (September 2006)
- Presenter, “Overtime Exemptions and Other Issues,” Medical Group Management Association (June 2006)
- Presenter, “Understanding FLSA (Overtime Exemptions),” Wholesale/Retail Group Annual Conference (March 2006)
- Presenter, “Wage and Hour Developments,” Seyfarth Shaw Breakfast Briefing (March 2006)
- Presenter, “Ten Critical Skills of HR Managers,” Sierra Human Resource Association (December 2005)
- Presenter, “Developments In California Wage Hour Law,” Seyfarth Shaw Symposium (November 2005)
- Presenter, “Wage and Hour - Understanding FLSA,” San Joaquin Human Resource Association (December 2004)
Fred understands the day-to-day employment challenges faced by companies on the leading edge of progressive labor and employment laws.
More About Fred
Alfred (“Fred”) Sanderson has more than two decades of experience specializing in complex wage and hour litigation and advice, traditional labor work, and broad based employment advice and counseling. Fred has the unique perspective of having been an attorney at two major national labor and employment law firms, and the former lead in house labor and employment counsel for a large West Coast-based employer with many different locations and union bargaining units. Fred is able to use his practical day-to-day in-house experience, and his deep employment litigation background, to partner with clients to achieve favorable results in advice, litigation and labor matters.
Fred recognizes the unique nature of every client. Before providing any advice, he makes a point of getting to know the client’s business, as well as its philosophical approach to employment challenges. Fred understands that there is no set playbook or template approach to advice or litigation strategy; his approach to all matters is thoughtful and unique to best fit the goals of the client. As both an effective communicator and writer who accepts challenges and opportunities for persuasion, Fred knows that the efficacy of a lawyer comes down to that lawyer’s ability to communicate, whether verbally or in writing. Fred has defended numerous employers in individual and class action wage and hour cases under California law, as well as under the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act. Fred has successfully defeated class certification multiple times at different stages of litigation, and on appeal. He also has significant experience in the areas of single plaintiff wrongful termination, sexual harassment and employment discrimination litigation in federal and state courts.
Fred is a frequent speaker on wage and hour topics to a wide variety of groups, and has been a part time professor of Employment Law at the University of the Pacific, Eberhardt School of Business. Prior to his legal career, Fred served in the US Navy as a Naval Flight Officer aboard the P-3C Orion aircraft, and was affiliated with the Navy Reserve as a Lieutenant Commander.
Fred recognizes the unique nature of every client. Before providing any advice, he makes a point of getting to know the client’s business, as well as its philosophical approach to employment challenges. Fred understands that there is no set playbook or template approach to advice or litigation strategy; his approach to all matters is thoughtful and unique to best fit the goals of the client. As both an effective communicator and writer who accepts challenges and opportunities for persuasion, Fred knows that the efficacy of a lawyer comes down to that lawyer’s ability to communicate, whether verbally or in writing. Fred has defended numerous employers in individual and class action wage and hour cases under California law, as well as under the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act. Fred has successfully defeated class certification multiple times at different stages of litigation, and on appeal. He also has significant experience in the areas of single plaintiff wrongful termination, sexual harassment and employment discrimination litigation in federal and state courts.
Fred is a frequent speaker on wage and hour topics to a wide variety of groups, and has been a part time professor of Employment Law at the University of the Pacific, Eberhardt School of Business. Prior to his legal career, Fred served in the US Navy as a Naval Flight Officer aboard the P-3C Orion aircraft, and was affiliated with the Navy Reserve as a Lieutenant Commander.
- JD, McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific
- BS, University of the Pacific
Business Administration
- California
- Oregon
- Washington
- US Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
- US District Court, Central District of California
- US District Court, Eastern District of California
- US District Court, Northern District of California
- US District Court, Southern District of California
Related Services
- American Bar Association - Federal Labor Standards Legislation Section, member
- California State Bar Association - Labor and Employment Section, member
- Board of Editors, “Wage & Hour Collective and Class Litigation,” ALM Law Journal Press (2012).
- Chapter Author, Chapter 20 A &B - The Salary Basic Test / White-Collar Exemptions - Duties, "Wage & Hour Collective and Class Litigation,” ALM Law Journal Press (2012).
- Contributing Author, ”The Fair Labor Standards Act,” ABA Publication (2008 - present)
- Author, "The Ninth Circuit Changes Its Mind, Holding That Commute Time May Be Compensable Under California Law," Employee Relations Law Journal (Fall 2010)
- Author, "Banking Kin Care: Employer Kin Care Leave Obligations Arise Only When Policies Provide Accrual-Based Sick Leave," Employee Relations Law Journal (Fall 2010)
- Author, “Medical Leave of Absence – Is One Certification Enough?” San Joaquin Human Resource Association Newsletter (May 2008)
- Author, “Labeling Marijuana Use ‘Medical’ Does Not Immunize California Employees from Employer Drug Policies: Ross v. RagingWire,” San Joaquin Human Resource Association Newsletter (March 2008)
- Author, “California Enacts Family Military Leave Act,” San Joaquin Human Resource Association Newsletter (November 2007)
- Author, “Social Security Mismatch Letters: New ICE Rule Increases Risk to Employers,” San Joaquin Human Resource Association Newsletter (August 2007)
- Author, “San Francisco Enacts Employer Provided Paid Sick Leave Ordinance for Full and Part Time Employees,” San Joaquin Human Resource Association Newsletter (February 2007)
- “Court of Appeal Confirms Employer Right to Recover Advanced Commissions,” San Joaquin Human Resource Association Newsletter (October 2006)
- Author, “Courts Expand California Employer Obligations to Disabled Workers,” San Joaquin Human Resource Association Newsletter (August 2006)
- Author, “Sexual Harassment Meets Creativity and Freedom of Speech,” San Joaquin Human Resource Association Newsletter (May 2006)
- Author, “Meal Period and Rest Period Update,” San Joaquin Human Resource Association Newsletter (January 2006)
- Author, “Continuous Workday Rule Affirmed by Supreme Court,” San Joaquin Human Resource Association Newsletter (November 2005)
- Author, “Partial Day Deductions of Vacation No Longer Are Inconsistent With the Salary Basis Test,” San Joaquin Human Resource Association Newsletter (August 2005)
- Author, “A Quick Look at a Few Bills Tracking Through the Legislature,” San Joaquin Human Resource Association Newsletter (May 2005)
- Author, “Indian Head – Appellate Court Analyzes Certification of Overtime Class Action,” The Daily Recorder (February 2002)
- Author, “Military Reservists: When Employees Are Called to Duty,” The Daily Recorder (December 2001)
- Author, “Domestic Partnerships and Employers,” The Daily Recorder (November 2001)
- Author, ’Front Pay Damages Are Not Capped Under Federal Anti-Discrimination Statutes,” The Daily Recorder (July 2001)
- Author, “Employer-Sponsored Social Events,” The Daily Recorder (June 2001)
- Author, “Employer-Sponsored Sports Team – What Are the Risks?” The Daily Recorder (June 2001)
- Author, “Circuit City v. Adams – Compelling Arbitration of Employee Under the Federal Arbitration Act,” The Daily Recorder (April 2001)
- Author, “Employers’ Obligation to Compensate Workers Unable to Perform their Jobs Due to Rolling Blackouts and Power Outages,” The Daily Recorder (February 2001)
- Presenter, “Employment and Labor Law Update,” Risk and Insurance Management Society, Inc. (April 2010)
- Presenter, “Alternative to RIFs: Practical Methods for Reducing Labor Costs in Compliance with Wage and Hour Laws,” Seyfarth Shaw Webinar (June 2009)
- Presenter, “Employee Layoffs and Reductions in Force,” San Joaquin Human Resource Association (March 2009)
- Presenter, “Surfing the Next Wave of Wage and Hour Litigation,” Seyfarth Shaw Breakfast Briefing (October 2008)
- Presenter, “Employee Free Choice Act 2007,” San Joaquin Human Resource Association (July 2008)
- Presenter, “Medical Marijuana and Other Drug/Alcohol Issues,” San Joaquin Human Resource Association, (February 2008)
- Presenter, “Religion in the Workplace,” Seyfarth Shaw Breakfast Briefing (June 2007)
- Presenter, “Preparing for the Next Wave of Wage Hour Litigation,” Seyfarth Shaw Breakfast Briefing, (October 2006)
- Presenter, “Navigating Wage and Hour Minefields,” Sacramento Area Human Resource Association Annual Conference (September 2006)
- Presenter, “Overtime Exemptions and Other Issues,” Medical Group Management Association (June 2006)
- Presenter, “Understanding FLSA (Overtime Exemptions),” Wholesale/Retail Group Annual Conference (March 2006)
- Presenter, “Wage and Hour Developments,” Seyfarth Shaw Breakfast Briefing (March 2006)
- Presenter, “Ten Critical Skills of HR Managers,” Sierra Human Resource Association (December 2005)
- Presenter, “Developments In California Wage Hour Law,” Seyfarth Shaw Symposium (November 2005)
- Presenter, “Wage and Hour - Understanding FLSA,” San Joaquin Human Resource Association (December 2004)