Ryan Michael Haws

About Me

I’ve helped California businesses confidently navigate workplace compliance and employee issues since 2009, first as a litigator, now as a trusted advisor. After several years in the litigation trenches, I shifted my focus to preventing legal disputes before they escalate. Throughout my career, I’ve partnered with hundreds of organizations from startups to established enterprises, crafting clear policies, minimizing risk, and resolving complex employment issues efficiently.

Why I Co-Founded EmployLaw Group
Jamie and I co-founded EmployLaw Group with a shared belief: legal services should be built on genuine client relationships, transparent communication, and practical solutions. Traditional firms often create distance between partners and clients. We’ve built a practice that prioritizes collaboration, mutual respect, and real connection, because clients deserve nothing less.

My Approach
As a consultant first and former litigator second, I approach client relationships with strategy and a clear understanding of the legal landscape. I stay current on California and federal law so I can offer proactive, forward-looking advice. I take time to understand your culture and operations, ensuring my recommendations align with your business goals. Clients always know where things stand and what’s coming next. I keep the law clear, the communication honest, and the focus practical.

Here’s how I can help:

• Employment Compliance Audits: Identifying and resolving compliance issues early, preventing costly lawsuits down the road.
• Litigation Risk Management: Minimizing litigation exposure to safeguard your business priorities.
• Policy Development: Developing clear, practical workplace policies and employee handbooks.
• Personnel Management Counseling: Coaching HR teams, managers, and business owners on disciplinary actions, conflict resolution, and personnel challenges.
• Workplace Investigations: Leading or advising on investigations involving harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and other serious workplace misconduct.
• Disability Accommodations & Leaves of Absence: Guiding employers through accommodation and leave requests.
• Wage & Hour Compliance: Addressing misclassification, overtime, breaks, and other high-risk compliance areas.

My employment law commentary has been featured in business publications, with recognition from Pacific Coast Business Times as an emerging business leader and the Los Angeles Business Journal as a trusted advisor.

Education & Community
I earned my law degree from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, a master’s from the University of Utah, and completed undergraduate studies at Brigham Young University.

I regularly speak at live events and webinars hosted by PIHRA, NHRA, and EAC, where I break down complex legal topics into actionable guidance for HR teams and business leaders. EmployLaw Group also hosts its own webinars throughout the year, offering timely insights on California workplace laws and practical strategies for employers.

Born and raised in Ventura County, I now live in Newbury Park with my family. When I'm not advising clients, I’m surfing beaches in Ventura and LA counties, coaching my kids’ teams, cheering on the Dodgers (Go Blue!), or shaping gemstones in my lapidary workshop.

I speak conversational Spanish and often use it while volunteering in my community and church.

If you’re navigating an employment issue, or want to prevent one, I’d be glad to connect.