There is no payment for the first day of service. If you employ people in California, you need to know which employee benefits are required.Get an overview of the HR laws that are unique to California. My most recent experience with CA laws is that employers are to allow employees unpaid leave for jury duty. The law protects employees who need to take time-off to serve on a jury or appear in court in compliance with a subpoena or serve as a witness. I just want to do my civic duty and I'm up to be on a jury if selected. Employers may be obligated to pay CA employees serving jury duty or making a court appearance, or face misdemeanor charges. Don't get caught unaware! However, employers are strongly encouraged to offer paid relief as part of their benefits package. Last year, the Jury Commissioner excused 11,472 people due to financial hardship, without them ever having to come to court.