Alireza Alivandivafa - Independent Contractor & Worker Misclassification - Mediation & Arbitration Services

Specialized Mediation & Arbitration for AB5, Dynamex, Borello & FLSA Disputes

Clarify worker status and resolve misclassification claims with compliance, discretion, and strategic resolution.

Whether you're navigating California’s complex labor landscape or federal wage and hour regulations, disputes over independent contractor classification can trigger major liability—including backpay, penalties, benefits disputes, and tax exposure.

Alireza Alivandivafa brings over 17 years of litigation and ADR experience across employment and labor law. As a trusted neutral, he helps legal teams resolve worker misclassification claims—particularly under California's AB5 and the evolving interplay between Borello, Dynamex, and the ABC Test.

Why Mediation & Arbitration for Worker Classification Disputes?

• Privacy – Avoid public exposure of contractor relationships, audits, or IRS/EDD investigations

• Efficiency – Fast-track resolution without dragging through years of litigation

• Control – Craft nuanced settlements not available through the courts

• Legal Guidance – Navigate conflicting standards under state and federal law

A Tailored Approach for Every Role

For Employers & Defense Counsel:

Alireza understands how vital contractor classifications can be to business models—especially in startups, tech, logistics, and creative sectors. He facilitates resolution of misclassification disputes that may involve:

• Retroactive reclassification

• Statutory penalties and PAGA claims

• Payroll tax exposure (EDD / IRS)

• Health benefits or retirement claims

• Disputes over control, scope of work, and scheduling

Alireza brings realism, discretion, and structured pathways to resolve high-stakes claims while protecting long-term operational needs.

For Plaintiffs & Employee Counsel:

Misclassified workers often face wage theft, lost benefits, and job insecurity. Alireza provides space for those claims to be heard while fostering a solution-oriented process. He helps resolve disputes involving:

• Minimum wage & overtime violations

• Denied sick leave, vacation, or health benefits

• Unreimbursed expenses and tax burden shifting

• Termination without notice or unemployment coverage

• Types of Misclassification Claims Mediated:

• AB5 / Dynamex / Borello-based misclassification (California)

• FLSA disputes over employee status (federal)

• Gig economy contractor disputes (e.g. rideshare, delivery, freelance)

• Startup equity or contractor IP ownership issues

• Independent contractor agreements and termination conflicts

• IRS, EDD or DOL audit fallout

What Counsel Needs to Know (and Why It Matters)

Understanding the Legal Framework:

• California Labor Code §2750.3 (AB5)

• Dynamex Operations West, Inc. v. Superior Court (ABC Test)

• S.G. Borello & Sons, Inc. v. Dept. of Industrial Relations (common law)

• Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) employee/contractor tests

➡ Why it matters: Knowing which test applies—and when—can change liability calculations dramatically. Alireza ensures all legal theories and exposures are addressed in a cohesive, compliant resolution.

Strategic Case Resolution:

• Backpay, penalties, and interest

• PAGA exposure mitigation

• Classification changes without admitting liability

• IP ownership and confidentiality protections

• Prospective contractor/employee restructuring

➡ Why it matters: Misclassification settlements often require multi-dimensional solutions, not just a payout. Alireza helps all parties build forward-looking agreements that protect rights and limit risk.

Why Choose Alireza Alivandivafa

• 17+ Years of Employment & Civil Rights Law Experience

• Culturally Fluent – LGBTQ+ competent, fluent in English, French, and German

• Trusted Neutral – Panel Arbitrator for AAA & Trusted Mediator for Resolve Law LA, C.D. Cal, LASC MVP

• Trauma-Informed & Resolution-Driven – Balancing empathy with legal precision

• Strategic & Practical – Skilled in protecting clients while crafting sustainable solutions

Locations Served

Alireza offers remote and in-person sessions throughout:

• Los Angeles

• San Diego

• San Francisco Bay Area

• Statewide California

• Nationwide (via Zoom or hybrid)

Ready to Resolve?

Resolve Worker Classification Disputes with Precision and Discretion

Alireza Alivandivafa brings legal fluency, employment law experience, and a practical approach to resolving misclassification claims across California and beyond. Whether you represent a misclassified worker or a company facing claims under AB5 or FLSA, Alireza helps parties find clarity—and closure.

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