A Berman hearing is an administrative procedure under California law designed to resolve wage disputes between employees and employers efficiently and informally.
[2] The primary objective of a Berman hearing is to provide a speedy and cost-effective mechanism for employees to pursue wage claims without the complexities of formal litigation.
The process begins when an employee files a wage claim with the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE).
The setting is informal, and strict rules of evidence do not apply, allowing both parties to represent themselves without legal counsel, though they may choose to have attorneys present.
On appeal, the case is heard de novo, meaning the court reevaluates all evidence and issues afresh.