In 2016, plaintiff Gabriel Juarez, a laborer in his 20s, began working for Immaculate Roofing Co. LLC, a mom-and-pop roofing company in Woodland Hills. Juarez claimed that, between 2016 and 2018, when he was terminated, he was not provided meal and rest breaks. He also claimed that he was not paid the appropriate rate for working overtime. Juarez sued Immaculate Roofing Co. LLC and the company’s owner, Derek Gonzalez. Juarez alleged that the defendants’ actions constituted violations of California’s Labor Code. Defense counsel disputed Juarez’s claims, asserting that Juarez was a part-time, independent contractor who only did cleanup jobs and any extra work that was available., Juarez sought recovery of lost wages and other damages.