GUEST COLUMNS
Friday, May 2, 2025
There is a nuanced distinction between a statute's "effective" date - the moment it becomes law--and its "operative" date--the point at which its provisions can be enforced, and how the presumption of prospective application governs most statutes.
California's SB 1383 is transforming food waste from environmental liability into economic and climate opportunity, combining bold mandates, tax incentives, and community-driven programs to slash landfill-bound organics and boost food recovery across the state.
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Emblem and remedy: How a California housing rights law already uniquely protects immigrant tenants from unscrupulous landlords emboldened by Trump's anti-immigrant rhetoric.
It's time to replace outdated, court-based speed
enforcement with automated civil penalties focused on the vehicle, not the
driver, to make our streets safer and hold car owners financially accountable
for dangerous speeding.
Monday, April 28, 2025
As the federal government retreats from climate regulation, California steps up with sweeping disclosure laws requiring large companies doing business in the state to report emissions and climate-related financial risks.
Though well-intentioned, the act urgently needs reform to distinguish between viable housing sites and rural parcels like El Dorado's pond where rigid application of the law blocks community-driven efforts to preserve public spaces without advancing affordable housing goals.
Friday, April 25, 2025
How big tech defends algorithmic addiction in the
name of the First Amendment.
AI developments are rapidly reshaping the legal landscape, with key issues like copyright infringement, trademark misuse, defamation, right of publicity, and unfair competition highlighted through the
hypothetical AI-created film
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Amid rising political scrutiny and legal uncertainty, California nonprofits must navigate shifting rules and rising risks around 501(c)(3) and (4) advocacy to protect their tax-exempt status and public trust.
Insurance payments, including those for wildfire-related damages or bad faith claims, can be tax-free under certain conditions, but complexities in the tax code, such as the treatment of settlements and the IRS's evolving interpretations, make it crucial for taxpayers to carefully navigate insurance recoveries to avoid unintended tax liabilities.
Monday, April 21, 2025
As professional salaries in women's sports remain
underwhelming, female college athletes are uniquely positioned to maximize their earnings through NIL deals -- making strategic planning and legal guidance essential for sustaining long-term financial success.
The El Salvador deportations highlight how the Trump Administration may have manufactured foreign entanglements to bypass domestic due process requirements for accused individuals.
Friday, April 18, 2025
In Capito v. San Jose Healthcare, the
California Supreme Court addressed the scope of "unfair" business
practices under section 17200, ruling that hospitals don't need to disclose
emergency service fees beyond what is required by existing regulations, while suggesting
that "unfairness" in consumer cases may be limited by the Cel-Tech
"safe harbor" rule.
Laws have largely failed to prevent AI generated impersonations and technology companies aren't helping.
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
A settlement may feel like the end of conflict,
but without careful planning, enforcement mechanisms, and foresight, it can
quickly unravel into renewed hostilities and litigation.
By providing junior associates with hands-on trial experience and meaningful roles in high-stakes business disputes, firms can foster growth, build successful teams, and achieve impactful results, as demonstrated by a recent case that resulted in a $28.5 million jury verdict.
Monday, April 14, 2025
Effective payor-provider mediations require meticulous preparation, including detailed claims spreadsheets, expert input, and clear communication, with careful attention to approaches for claim grouping and productive participation.
Children sexually abused in foster care face barriers to justice when the law shields social workers under discretionary immunity without examining if meaningful discretion was actually exercised.
Friday, April 11, 2025
While technology offers efficiency, in-person
interactions are crucial for building trust and resolving emotionally charged
disputes, particularly in cases involving deeper personal stakes.
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
A recent court ruling raises new questions about the scope of liability for owners and contractors when subcontractor employees are involved in incidents away from the construction site.
Governor Newsom's efforts to shield California companies from foreign retaliatory tariffs by working directly with foreign governments could violate the Logan Act.
Monday, April 7, 2025
As the interstate abortion legal battle intensifies, a legal expert examines potential scenarios Louisiana might pursue after New York's refusal to extradite a doctor - raising questions about federal power, state sovereignty, and the constitutional limits of enforcing abortion laws across state lines.
The devastating January 2025 wildfires in Los Angeles have intensified an already severe construction labor shortage, delaying rebuilding efforts, driving up costs, and creating legal challenges that require careful planning, contract protections, and compliance oversight to navigate successfully.
Friday, April 4, 2025
The use of AI in judicial decision-making raises concerns about transparency, ethical reasoning, and the potential erosion of judicial legitimacy
College sports are changing fast with NIL compensation and Title IX compliance in flux. Schools must navigate shifting federal guidance, including presidential transitions, and ensure equity in funding allocation to avoid legal risks.
Judge Lon Hurwitz (File photo)
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NEWS
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General News
Friday, May 2, 2025 |
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| The plaintiffs are SpaceX employees who claim they were passed over for engineering jobs and paid less than their male, white counterparts. | |
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General News
Friday, May 2, 2025 |
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| More than ever before, investors are inundated with news alerts and headlines on market-moving events. | |
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General News
Friday, May 2, 2025 |
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| Disney seeks $532,815 in sanctions against the plaintiff's attorneys, saying copyright claims against "Moana" were baseless | |
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General News
Wednesday, April 30, 2025 |
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| U.S. District Judge Dean D. Pregerson dismisses copyright claims against "Yellowjackets," citing unprotected survival genre tropes and lack of substantial similarity. | |
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General News
Wednesday, April 30, 2025 |
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| If children have questions about finances, parents should be ready to talk, experts say. | |
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General News
Wednesday, April 30, 2025 |
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| The 4th District Court of Appeal affirmed a $538,890 award against FemtoMetrix executives for filing a fraudulent tax return, rejecting their claim that only the company was liable. | |
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General News
Monday, April 28, 2025 |
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| Judge awards $1.6M in attorney fees in the Lunada Bay beach access case, but at least two plaintiffs' counsel may appeal. | |
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General News
Monday, April 28, 2025 |
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| A new bill from Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, D-Los Angeles would require California employers to publicly report how they electronically monitor workers. Supporters cite privacy and mental health concerns, while business groups warn the measure could compromise security. | |
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General News
Monday, April 28, 2025 |
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| Investing in choppy markets, especially with an unpredictable president at the helm, can be distressing. It can be even more so if you are relying on these investments to pay for something as important as your child's college tuition, and you need the money in the foreseeable future. | |
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General News
Friday, April 25, 2025 |
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| The move came as disputes emerge over whether power lines or water supply failures fueled the destruction. | |
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General News
Friday, April 25, 2025 |
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| Landlord claims Foundery abandoned $11.8M lease, misrepresented finances, and mingled assets, seeking damages for breach and fraud. | |
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General News
Friday, April 25, 2025 |
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| The most telling moment of the U.S. antitrust trial against Meta so far came halfway through more than 10 hours of testimony from Mark Zuckerberg, the company's chief executive. | |
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General News
Wednesday, April 23, 2025 |
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| It is noteworthy that some of the earliest mentions of "looting" in news reports during this year's deadly fires in Los Angeles County made the point that there actually wasn't much of it. | |
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General News
Wednesday, April 23, 2025 |
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| Three of the students say they were arrested but not convicted. The government, which was not granted a hearing, says it has not declared them deportable. | |
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General News
Wednesday, April 23, 2025 |
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| An en banc panel reinstated a plaintiff's proposed class action against Shopify, ruling the company's alleged data-mining practices were deliberately aimed at California consumers. The closely watched decision marks a significant development in personal jurisdiction law as it applies to online commerce. | |
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General News
Monday, April 21, 2025 |
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| U.S. District Judge Jesus J. Bernal wrote that the policy violations violates constitutional and federal law, and issued an emergency national injunction. | |
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General News
Monday, April 21, 2025 |
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| Why there is no train to the airport is anybody's guess. | |
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General News
Monday, April 21, 2025 |
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| Orange County Judge Jeffrey M. Ferguson took the stand in his own defense Thursday afternoon, breaking down as he discussed his drinking, the night of the killing, and his claim that the shooting was unintentional. | |
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General News
Friday, April 18, 2025 |
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| MR Technologies, led by Austrian physicist Dieter Suess, sues Toshiba for infringing patents that revolutionized hard disk drive storage. After a $360M win against Western Digital, the company targets Toshiba's devices. | |
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General News
Friday, April 18, 2025 |
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| Disbarred attorney Paul Paradis testifies about chaotic meetings and alleged misconduct by James Clark in a Los Angeles water billing settlement, facing State Bar disciplinary action. | |
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General News
Friday, April 18, 2025 |
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| Clearing through clutter and refocusing on goals can be just as important for your finances as it is for your home. | |
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General News
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 |
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| Creating a stronger future for the Salton Sea depends on our unity, especially as we navigate the uncertainties of the lithium industry, and as the state prepares to disburse $10 billion from the climate bond that California voters passed in November. | |
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General News
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 |
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| Gucci's alleged failure to pay arbitration fees on time could lead to a class action lawsuit, with claims its website misused cookies, violating user privacy despite opt-out settings. | |
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General News
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 |
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| The owners of a mobile home park that straddles two Orange County cities say California lawmakers unconstitutionally targeted them with rent control legislation. After a 9th Circuit revival, their case is being watched for its broader implications in housing and targeting laws. | |
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General News
Monday, April 14, 2025 |
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| OpenAI seeks to crush a rival's trademark in Oakland federal court, accusing founder Guy Ravine of fraud. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers faces a high-stakes AI identity battle. | |
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General News
Monday, April 14, 2025 |
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| Former LA Deputy City Attorney James Clark orchestrated a sham lawsuit to shield the city from a billing fiasco, risking disbarment as testimony unfolds in State Bar court. | |
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General News
Monday, April 14, 2025 |
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| California defends climate disclosure laws against free speech challenge | |
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General News
Friday, May 2, 2025 |
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| The decision caps a chapter in litigation stretching back to the 1990s, involving complex asset protection schemes, IRS scrutiny, and claims of fiduciary breach. | |
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General News
Wednesday, April 30, 2025 |
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| Los Angeles County presiding judge pushes to coordinate nearly 80 silicosis cases from three counties over claims granite counters caused the disease. | |
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General News
Monday, April 28, 2025 |
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| Los Angeles judge voids Pomona's $500-a-day fine on Regency Outdoor Advertising, ruling it an illegal penalty in billboard dispute. | |
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General News
Friday, April 25, 2025 |
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| A Los Angeles judge's stay on a Huntington Park council replacement is stalled by appeal, but the city risks legal peril if it goes ahead. | |
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General News
Wednesday, April 23, 2025 |
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| San Francisco city attorney sues GoShare, alleging illegal driver misclassification under Proposition 22, claiming excessive control and denial of worker benefits, with experts split on the lawsuit's prospects. | |
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General News
Monday, April 21, 2025 |
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| The swift order from U.S. District Judge Sunshine S. Sykes of Riverside came days after the government said it had no power to retrieve another accused gangster deported in error to El Salvador. | |
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General News
Friday, April 18, 2025 |
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| A firearms instructor who trained Judge Jeffrey M. Ferguson disputed claims that Ferguson could have fired one-handed--central to allegations he intentionally shot his wife during a domestic dispute. | |
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General News
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 |
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| A former Tesla engineer's defamation battle with Elon Musk isn't over. The 9th Circuit reversed a federal judge's decision to confirm a zero-dollar arbitration award, potentially reopening the door for claims against the automaker and its CEO--and setting new precedent on arbitration enforcement. | |