Focused advice and representation for security guard companies
The private security guard industry is a specialty area of law for Bradley, Gmelich & Wellerstein LLP. We have a reputation as being the foremost knowledgeable law firm in California regarding private security company matters. Our lawyers represent private security companies, corporate security departments, family offices, alarm businesses, Private Patrol Operators (PPOs), electronic surveillance companies, security system monitoring operations, executive protection specialists and all private security-related entities.
Our attorneys are intimately familiar with the standards in the security industry in California and have assisted in drafting legislation related to the security industry. We have authored state-mandated training programs and regularly write articles for National and California security organizations. For over two decades, our attorneys have served as legal advisors to the California Association of Licensed Security Agencies, Guards & Associates (CALSAGA), the non-profit organization professionalizing the security industry.
We also focus on resolving security company business disputes, from breach of contract actions to unfair trade practices and unfair competition. We provide vigorous defense to security service employers in employment law matters, such as claims alleging age discrimination, race discrimination, wrongful termination, sexual harassment and any type of employment claim. We also represent employers in complex class actions and Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) claims alleging wage and hour law violations.
Our attorneys vigorously represent private security companies and their employees in civil lawsuits alleging:
- Negligent security
- Assault and battery
- Excessive use of force
- Wage and hour class action
- Breach of contract
- False imprisonment
- Civil rights violations
- Defamation
- PAGA claims
- Employment-related lawsuits
Knowledgeable assistance with regulatory compliance and licensing
Private security guard licensing in California is very complex. Our administrative law attorneys have comprehensive knowledge of the standards and licensing requirements in the security industry and have actively participated in drafting legislation in conjunction with the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS), the licensing and enforcement body for California. Whether a security company faces a compliance audit, a Department of Consumer Affairs complaint or needs to provide employees with regulatory compliance training, our knowledgeable attorneys can help. Our business formation attorneys also assist entrepreneurs wishing to reorganize or start a security-related business.
Skilled drafting and review of business documents
The attorneys at Bradley, Gmelich & Wellerstein LLP help clients prevent future litigation by assisting them with the proper development of employee manuals, policies involving use of force and procedure documents that will withstand future challenges. We regularly review and draft contracts, security service agreements, employee manuals, and policy and procedure manuals, and have special knowledge associated with wage and hour issues arising out of the security industry. We pride ourselves on our ability to respond to clients’ needs in time-sensitive matters.
Barry Bradley and Jaimee Wellerstein lead a team of skilled, dedicated business and employment law attorneys who know the private security industry inside and out. We can help clients proactively plan and strategize to avoid problems before they ever occur. In addition, we use our extensive knowledge of the laws, regulations and jurisprudence that developed around California’s security industry to defend clients through trial if litigation becomes unavoidable.
Quality litigation services from start to finish
Because of the inherently dangerous nature of the work, and because security companies occupy a position of special responsibility, they face all the litigation risks associated most businesses, but also have additional exposure in negligence and breach of contract unique to the security industry.
We have successfully defended countless security and alarm companies from negligence charges. We also represent security companies in wage and hour claims, employment claims and actions alleging assault and battery, excessive use of force during an arrest, false imprisonment, civil rights violations and defamation. Additionally, we resolve business disputes such as actions for breach of contract or unfair trade practices.
Our accomplished appellate and research attorneys support any necessary litigation
Our Law & Motion Writing Team, made up of skilled research and writing lawyers, have a strong background in civil litigation and partner with our trial attorneys from the outset of litigation. Thus, our trial team can draft motions for summary judgment with an eye toward the pre-trial work needed to win. The depth and range of our experience lends efficiency to our pretrial and trial work. If we must appeal an adverse ruling, or defend a favorable one, our appellate attorneys provide clients with quality representation that has won our firm an enviable reputation.
Get the legal support your security firm needs
At Bradley, Gmelich & Wellerstein LLP we take a comprehensive approach to meeting your needs. Security industry companies and security departments in California receive focused, dedicated legal support from a law firm that knows their industry. We have developed a niche practice that can help you with everything from business law and employment law matters to complex legal defense and litigation issues. When you need expert assistance with business planning, document preparation, employee issues, policy manual writing, employee training or even help to sell your business if needed, we’ll be there for you.
