GUEST COLUMNS
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
The Commission on Judicial Performance has launched formal proceedings against 2nd District Court of Appeal Justice Jeffrey W. Johnson, citing sexual assault and misconduct allegations dating back to 1999.
Monday, January 14, 2019
You probably want to be a good person. But you may also be completely self-absorbed. So you may be thinking, "There is no way I can be good if I'm also a narcissist. But how wrong you are!
Judge Yvette M. Palazuelos has taken over the nearly 300 coordinated cases filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court over the 2015 Porter Ranch gas leak.
Friday, January 11, 2019
A prominent economic story of the past year has been the growing tide of trade disputes across the globe. The U.S is at the center of it -- most notably with China -- which means investors are often subject to daily headlines debating possible implications for global markets and the economy.
Wednesday, January 9, 2019
Gov. Gavin Newsom punctuated his inaugural address this week with several jabs at President Donald Trump, referring at one point to "the corruption and incompetence in the White House."
Monday, January 7, 2019
Last month the Delaware Court of Chancery issued an important decision denying a motion to dismiss derivative litigation.
When a motion to disqualify is filed, tensions often run high. The attorney targeted by the motion may feel a mix of anger at opposing counsel and discomfort in explaining to the client why it should incur additional fees to defend a motion in order for the attorney to continue the representation.
A year ago, in the wake of President Donald Trump's tax cut, euphoric investors pushed the Dow Jones industrial average past 25,000, a record.
Friday, January 4, 2019
The Trademark Trial and Appeals Board recently issued an interesting decision regarding standing to oppose the registration of trademark applications.
Wednesday, January 2, 2019
Law students and professors have gone to Tijuana to advise asylum seekers on their options.
Monday, December 31, 2018
This fall, the California legislature responded to the #MeToo movement in a significant way. One bill, SB 1343, affects nearly every employer in California.
California's State Water Project and federal Central Valley Project span several northern watersheds, converging in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, where their pumping stations operate a stone's throw away from one another.
A recent Court of Appeal decision raised the issue of realigning California takings law with paramount federal authority. Why would such realignment be needed? How did California law get out of line?
With the implementation of many provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the drama surrounding the Donald J. Trump Foundation, the continued attention paid to donor-advised funds, and ongoing attempts to modify or altogether repeal the prohibition on 501(c)(3) campaign intervention activity, it's been a big year for tax-exempt organization legal updates.
Friday, December 28, 2018
Actors gain notoriety for different reasons. For some it's due to a physical characteristic or an iconic character portrayal.
Potential hires want to see a firm is advancing equal opportunity in all aspects of operations and practice, and taking concrete action to build a diverse workplace.
Family law proceedings almost exclusively deal with state law. At times, however, federal law issues come into play and when they do, the parties' and attorneys' unfamiliarity with these concepts will unnecessarily disrupt the proceedings. One area is the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
The blocking of a pardon for a twice-convicted felon was a rare stumble in the governor's race to grant clemencies as his last term comes to an end.
Monday, December 24, 2018
Employers and the public understandably focus on workplace harassment claims arising from co-workers' or supervisors' conduct. However, an employer also may incur liability for unlawful workplace harassment perpetrated by an outsider, such as a customer or vendor.
Friday, December 21, 2018
hance to set new goals. If your resolutions are money related, here are some ways to strengthen your financial foundation in 2019.
As presiding judge of nearly 600 courtrooms in Los Angeles County, Daniel Buckley has been responsible for overseeing the largest trial court system in the country.
Wednesday, December 19, 2018
The law school's finances won't face scrutiny from Moody's because its bonds have been paid off.
Monday, December 17, 2018
Jury convicts Mongols motorcycle club in racketeering trial
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
The state Supreme Court upheld Monday the legality of second meal break waivers for health care workers on 12-hour shifts in a ruling hinging on an issue that has since been legislated away.
The state Supreme Court upheld Monday the legality of second meal break waivers for health care workers on 12-hour shifts in a ruling hinging on an issue that has since been legislated away.
Friday, December 7, 2018
The most important goal for many of my clients is to retire on their terms
Wednesday, December 5, 2018
A Los Angeles political hopeful may continue his lawsuit against California's secretary of state for barring him from designating himself as a socialist on a recent ballot for a state Assembly seat, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled.
A Los Angeles political hopeful may continue his lawsuit against California's secretary of state for barring him from designating himself as a socialist on a recent ballot for a state Assembly seat, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled.
Monday, December 3, 2018
Many people think the American political system is "broken" — but what if that's not true? The authors of a recent Harvard Business School report say that the Republican and Democratic parties constitute a duopoly: a wildly successful industry that has colluded to kill off competition, stifle reform and drive the country apart.
Friday, November 30, 2018
Forty-one percent, or approximately 19.5 million Americans, age 65 and older are single, according to the most recent data available from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
Political conflicts are wars without guns, and ordinarily, they pit those of one political party against those of another.
Monday, November 26, 2018
As 2018 winds down, it's time to think about if and how you may be able to reduce the taxes owed on your next tax return.
Friday, November 16, 2018
Retirement brings the end of a chapter in your career and the start of a new lifestyle. This unique transition can bring a myriad of emotions, most commonly ones of excitement and apprehension.
Wednesday, November 7, 2018
Amnon Siegel, partner at Miller Barondess LLP, representing WindAirWest, was able to obtain the jury award Friday for the private charter and aircraft management company, even though it had yet to establish a track record of profitability.
Monday, October 29, 2018
According to the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, sexual harassment claims have increased by more than 50 percent in fiscal year 2018. Increased awareness following the #MeToo movement, along with courts' and agencies' lower standards for what constitutes harassment, reinforce the urgency with which employers must implement effective anti-harassment policies and processes.
Friday, October 19, 2018
Millions of Americans in the workforce are heading back to school to further their education. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 3.5 million students enrolled in college for fall 2016 were age 35 and older.
Wednesday, October 17, 2018
Local government officials throughout the state got some very good financial news when county tax assessors toted up changes in taxable property values for their 2018-19 budgets.
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
We don't know what we don't know.
Monday, October 8, 2018
We've all heard the same story: Our economy would be more dynamic if only the government would get out of the way. But Mariana Mazzucato, a professor of the economics of innovation and public value at University College London, says we've got that story backward.
Friday, October 5, 2018
Each year, employers offer an open enrollment period — a window of time to select your benefits package for the coming year.
Wednesday, September 26, 2018
The Legislature gave Gov. Jerry Brown two opportunities to make it easier for young Californians to get the education they -- and we in the larger society -- need.
Friday, September 21, 2018
Let's face it -- summer can be expensive between vacations, home improvements, the cost of children's camps and dining out.
The pipeline of women qualified to serve on corporate boards is overflowing with talented, smart, well-educated candidates.
Wednesday, September 19, 2018
A Loyola Law School professor testified Monday that the estate plan at the center of a family's fraud lawsuit against Buchalter APC, was "certainly reasonable" and accomplished the financial and tax savings goals as intended.
Monday, September 17, 2018
A challenge every federal judge faces is deciding the appropriate punishment for a white-collar defendant.
Friday, September 14, 2018
No summary was provided
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
Both of California's U.S. senators, Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris, sit on the Senate Judiciary Committee, both played starring roles in last week's confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, and both had personal political agendas.
Monday, September 10, 2018
As you may have heard, Scandinavians are a pretty happy bunch. Defining human happiness is a tricky, inherently subjective task. But we can probably all agree that it has something to do with a combination of material well-being, physical and mental health, personal security and strong social ties.
Wednesday, September 5, 2018
The most interesting statewide contest this year is for an office that's little known to the public but affects arguably the most important state responsibility, K-12 education.
Friday, August 31, 2018
It can be personally and financially rewarding to earn extra cash doing something you enjoy.
Wednesday, August 29, 2018
President Donald J. Trump has nominated Phoenix-based Magistrate Judge Bridget Shelton Bade to an Arizona seat on the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, ending a two-year deadlock between the state's senators and the White House in negotiations to find a suitable nominee.
Monday, August 27, 2018
The school shootings at Virginia Tech and Sandy Hook; the massacres at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, and outside the Mandalay Bay hotel in Las Vegas; the terrorist attacks during the Boston Marathon. After each of these tragedies, someone has a thankless, brutally difficult job to do: determine how the available compensation money should be distributed to the victims and their families. That someone is usually Kenneth Feinberg, along with his small Washington law firm.
Friday, August 24, 2018
The road to retirement is full of twists and turns that can make even the most financially secure person wonder if they saved enough for their next chapter. If you feel similar emotions, know you are not alone. Breaking down your retirement savings into four distinct components can help take the uncertainty out of planning for your financial future.
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
The California Legislature generally abides by the aphorism, rooted in blacksmithing, to "strike while the iron is hot."
Monday, August 20, 2018
What does a beer company do to hedge against slowing growth in its main business? In the case of the parent company of Corona, the answer is to invest heavily in the marijuana industry.
Friday, August 17, 2018
If you have concerns about the longevity of your savings, know there are steps you can take to help you feel more confident.
Last month, the Internal Revenue Service issued proposed regulations describing the transition tax for controlled foreign corporations.
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
No summary was provided
The Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Labor issued its first significant guidance under the current administration related to independent contractor classification.
Monday, August 13, 2018
Is there room for a third party? If some independent mounted a presidential bid in 2020, would that person have a chance? Those are questions we won't be able to answer for a few years.
Friday, August 10, 2018
Educating your adult children on the importance of saving for retirement may be a bit challenging in the short run if they're not receptive to the message, but it may do them a world of good if they accept your advice.
Wednesday, August 8, 2018
The Legislature reconvened this week for the inevitably hectic final weeks of its annual session. The pressure cooker atmosphere that always envelops the final days is, history tells us, not conducive to thoughtful policymaking.
Monday, August 6, 2018
For decades, the district south of downtown and alongside San Francisco Bay here was known as either Rincon Hill, South Beach or South of Market. This spring, it was suddenly rebranded on Google Maps to a name few had heard: the East Cut. The peculiar moniker immediately spread digitally, from hotel sites to dating apps to Uber, which all use Google's map data.
Friday, August 3, 2018
No summary was provided
Wednesday, August 1, 2018
No summary was provided
Monday, July 30, 2018
You wouldn't think that you could win a Nobel Prize for showing that humans tend to make irrational decisions. But that's what Richard Thaler did in 2017. Stephen Dubner recently spoke to Thaler about how institutions and firms are now practicing what he has been preaching, often to quite substantial success.
You wouldn't think that you could win a Nobel Prize for showing that humans tend to make irrational decisions. But that's what Richard Thaler did in 2017. Stephen Dubner recently spoke to Thaler about how institutions and firms are now practicing what he has been preaching, often to quite substantial success.
Friday, July 27, 2018
No matter your life stage or financial situation, it's important to have insurance in place to provide for your loved ones. Make it a priority to regularly review your coverage and ensure it covers the changing needs of your family.
Wednesday, July 25, 2018
After months of legal maneuvering, plaintiff attorneys got the OK to resume the deposition of a principal engineer for Southern California Gas Co. about the largest gas leak in U.S. history.
Monday, July 23, 2018
No summary was provided
The owner of a defective 2005 F-350 Ford pickup truck has been awarded $2.8 million after a Riverside County jury ruled against Ford Motor Company over Lemon Law violations.
Friday, July 20, 2018
Creating a well-crafted financial plan will help you achieve your goals.
Wednesday, July 18, 2018
The state Democratic Party's "executive committee" voted to endorse state Sen. Kevin de León's longshot bid to unseat Senator Dianne Feinstein. The action says more about the party than it does about Feinstein.
In June, several comments were submitted requesting delayed implementation of several Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions, and the U.S. Supreme Court overruled a long-standing physical presence sales tax requirements.
Monday, July 16, 2018
No summary was provided
Wednesday, July 11, 2018
Supermajorities have been more about partisan bragging rights and media speculation than real tools for legislative action.
Friday, July 6, 2018
Today's housing market is creating more and more hurdles for homebuyers.
Monday, July 2, 2018
Shortly after my previous employer suddenly laid me off. I was grateful to be employed again so quickly — but I quickly realized this new job wasn't for me. Given how I was treated at my last company, I didn't think I'd ever feel allegiance to an employer again. Is it acceptable to consider leaving so soon?
Friday, June 29, 2018
No summary was provided
Monday, June 25, 2018
An appellate court has affirmed the criminal conviction of a now-suspended Orange County attorney who was arrested in connection with an extortion plot against a client's purported ex-lover.
Tim Draper's "Three Californias" measure qualified for this November's ballot, and it is a mortal threat to our state. We review the arguments one could use to stop this measure from appearing on the ballot.
The key is to remain open to whichever process your client wishes to use.
Friday, June 22, 2018
Couples who don't have children tend to have more financial flexibility to pursue their own goals throughout life and in retirement. But this flexibility doesn't mean they don't need to manage their future financial, health and legacy needs.
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
Politicians are misusing trailer bills, meant to implement the state budget, to enact far-reaching policies that have virtually nothing to do with the budget, and without any of the traditional safeguards, such as waiting periods and public hearings.
Both Trump and Sessions see the separation of children from their parents as leverage in either keeping people from crossing the border with their families, or to force the Democrats to accept Trump's proposals. A
I am honored to be spending the summer teaching American law in China. Perhaps the better word is "humbled."
Monday, June 18, 2018
Pharmaceutical firms donate an enormous amount of their products. Pfizer, for example, donated $4.7 billion in medicines in 2017. And yet all that generosity doesn't seem to be helping its reputation. According to Gallup, only about a third of Americans hold a positive view of the pharma industry, which makes it nearly as unpopular as the federal government.
Friday, June 15, 2018
No summary was provided
Wednesday, June 13, 2018
No summary was provided
Monday, June 11, 2018
No summary was provided
How the JD-MD duo is the modern day Batman and Robin.
The inclusion of junior associates in these of non-traditional assignments will allow them to acquire a holistic understanding of the practice of law and begin to learn the language of our clients.
Friday, June 8, 2018
Aviation accidents spawn a defense to state law tort claims.
Lawyers can't cite unpublished appellate opinions, except...
Recent changes in the tax landscape can have an impact on the way you give, and here are 4 outside of the box ways to donate.
Wednesday, June 6, 2018
Many proposals on this week's ballot will raise local taxes directly, or indirectly through issuance of bonds that would require higher property taxes to repay.
Assembly Bill 2069 is the latest legislative effort to provide protections to employees who are medical marijuana cardholders.
Just in time for June nuptials, the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday issued the long-awaited decision in Masterpiece Cakeshop.
Monday, June 4, 2018
Patent owners may have finally caught a break with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's recent rules announcement that would change an often-criticized policy.
The recent decision of the FCC imperils much more than the music industry.
These days, more and more businesses are giving back. Corporate social responsibility programs — in which companies donate to educational institutions, or help protect the environment, or strip child labor from their supply chains, or do any number of world-improving things — are all the rage in global C-suites. So why has CSR become so popular? It can't simply be that the world's business titans woke up one day and decided to make the world a better place.
Friday, June 1, 2018
There are steps you can take to feel more financially confident regardless of your age and current health status.
There are steps you can take to feel more financially confident regardless of your age and current health status.
The family of a well-known entertainment lawyer who was killed when a distracted sheriff's deputy ran into him has reached an $11.75 million settlement with Los Angeles County.
Wednesday, May 30, 2018
Professional negligence claims are common against attorneys, doctors and accountants, but a technology company convinced an Eastern District of California jury to hold a software contractor liable for $16 million for attempting to hide its incompetence from the plaintiff during a botched rollout of a major upgrade to internal business software.
Friday, May 25, 2018
Consider the benefits of working another year or more before retirement.
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Too often, political tactics are based on the cynical assumption that voters can be easily fooled and the current election season is, unfortunately, rife.
Does using cheating software in a video game create an unauthorized "derivative work"?
Monday, May 21, 2018
The failure to effectively communicate is often at the center of malpractice or disciplinary complaints.
In a recent case the 9th Circuit provided some guidance to practitioners of how to establish irreparable harm beyond mere evidence of likelihood of confusion, but dueling opinions suggest more may be yet to come.
Friday, May 18, 2018
Freelance professionals have unique opportunities and challenges when it comes to creating a viable path to financial security.
Wednesday, May 16, 2018
Gov. Jerry Brown is strangely unwilling to even try to save the state budget from the existential threat posed by an insanely unbalanced tax system, even though he acknowledges the fiscal peril.
With a goal of fueling long-term private sector investment in low-income urban and rural communities, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act includes a provision creating "Opportunity Zones."
This month, Tesla released its 2018 first quarter financials, with horrid results. In the first three months of the year, Tesla managed to lose another $784 million.
The insurance industry has found it challenging to insure cyber data. Cryptocurrencies present even more challenges.
Monday, May 14, 2018
No summary was provided
Why is the insurance commissioner sponsoring a bill that would make it easier for insurance companies to shortchange homeowners after mass disasters like the 2017 wildfires?
Even if a subpoenaing party has complied with the notice procedures, there may be other reasons that a CPA may not be able to produce records in response to a subpoena.
George Deukmejian, who quietly practiced law in Southern California after leaving the governorship in 1991, died last week at age 89.
Friday, May 11, 2018
For many investors, cash helps protect a portion of income against market volatility and provides the ability to generate a competitive return.
Wednesday, May 9, 2018
California's economy has climbed in global rankings to 5th place behind only the United States as whole, China, Japan and Germany.
Here's one to check off your bucket list of ponderables: If you engage in an intentional act that results in an unintended accident, is it an really an accident?
Monday, May 7, 2018
Comprehensive tax reform will require heavy political lifting.
Policing reproduction recently took a frightening turn in Arizona where lawmakers have intervened in disputes involving cryopreserved embryos.
An exploration of recent nonconsensual pornography cases reveals hurdles victims and advocates face in fighting back against this form of online harassment.
In theory, millions of borrowers are eligible to have their debts forgiven after a decade of public-service work. In practice, the program has produced a litany of frustrations. But there is at least one person who has made the 120 qualifying payments and now has a zero balance as a result, thus joining a very small club of the forgiven.
Friday, May 4, 2018
For an increasing number of investors, investing is not just about selecting opportunities that do well in their portfolio. It's about owning investments that also make a positive social impact.
For numerous reasons, the court should affirm the physical presence rule of Quill and allow Congress to decide what new standard — if any — should govern use tax collection by remote sellers.
There are far too many examples of failed apologies and non-apologies, one response showcases just how removed from reality many executives can be when faced with serious criminal allegations.
Wednesday, May 2, 2018
The Supreme Court's holding that foreign corporations cannot be sued in U.S. courts for international-law violations absent authorization from Congress departed from the near-unanimous views of the lower courts.
Moderator Dawn Haghighi shares what's in store for the keynote fireside chat with Kathryn Ruemmler, White House counsel in the Obama Administration, at the Women Leadership in Law conference on May 2 in Beverly Hills.
Voters often make snap judgments based on ideological predispositions and unpredictable events that unfold during campaigns, what those in politics call "x-factors."
Monday, April 30, 2018
California labor laws generally discourage overtime work by requiring employers to pay a premium for extra work hours.
The death of far-reaching—even revolutionary—legislation to facilitate housing development crystallized a conflict that's been simmering in California for decades: Who controls land use?
In light of the recent tax overhaul, setting up a cooperative — mistakenly perceived to be the domain of farmers and workers' collectives — may provide a viable option for some business owners.
A recent decision will likely instigate a sea change regarding how family law trials and motions are litigated.
Attorney-client privilege is strong so clients will be forthcoming. But when it comes to taxes, lawyers and accountants are not the same.
Friday, April 27, 2018
Consider taking steps to prepare for potential changes in the investment environment that could be caused, in part, by inflation
These programs are helping create a generation of "social justice solos" while diversifying the legal profession.
Tariffs not only are a big stick good for shaking at partners, but also, as the stock market's dramatic reaction shows us, capable of great collateral damage.
Before this measure was passed, Los Angeles was the only major city in the U.S. with a strict prohibition on any type of street vending, and without any citywide licensing program for vendors.
A recent ruling follows California's fundamental precepts that the duty to defend is broad, exclusions are to be narrowly interpreted, and even a small portion of an otherwise excluded complaint can trigger the duty to defend.
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
Legislators failed to close a loophole that would have allowed various aides under them to unionize and more effectivley fight the various harassment scandals that plague the Capitol.
Monday, April 23, 2018
There's a mountain of evidence suggesting that the quality of our relationships has been in steady decline for decades. Over the past five years, loneliness, suicide rates and depression have abruptly gotten worse.
Although a busy time for individual tax filers, it's been a relatively quiet month in the exempt organizations legal space, though there were a few interesting developments.
Without adequate foresight, a client may find that control of the privilege is now in the hands of the successor corporation.
Friday, April 20, 2018
Women often face unique challenges when it comes to managing their finances. If you are a woman working to build your financial confidence today and tomorrow, understanding key challenges is the first step to overcoming them.
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
The California Chamber of Commerce published its annual "job killer" list of bills it wanted to block. 24 bills made the list.
Monday, April 16, 2018
Market volatility does not always mean you need to make changes to your portfolio. There are things you can do to prevent fear from getting the best of you.
Proposed revisions to the Rules of Court would modify the rules for attorneys in conservatorship proceedings.
The Supreme Court should grant certiorari in this case to correct the 9th Circuit's misapplication of the market participation doctrine and affirm that states and local governments may not substitute their judgment on labor policy for that of Congress.
Friday, April 13, 2018
Two new employment laws have expanded parental leave rights with the chance that the new regulations could expand compliance obligations.
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
While the latest version of the High-Speed Rail Authority business plan appears to be more realistic about cost and construction schedules than its predecessors, it's still sorely deficient, as its official reviewers pointed out last week during a legislative hearing.
The U.S. Supreme Court will first review an act of President Donald Trump's leadership on April 25 in Trump v. Hawaii.
While parties generally understand the intent behind indemnity provisions, few understand how they are actually applied.
Friday, April 6, 2018
There are a variety of ways grandparents can help their grandchildren financially in the pursuit of a college degree.
In the first civil action connected to Orange County's jailhouse informants controversy, the ACLU has sued the district attorney and sheriff.
Like many things, the issue will come down to negotiation power, leverage, fear of negative publicity and loss of potential revenue at the box office by the studios for failure to act equitably.
Dealers in California should think twice before assuming the Supreme Court's ruling in the final word. By Arthur Silbergeld. Page 4
Wednesday, April 4, 2018
Sacramento is no stranger to protest marches and other forms of political expression. However, the city has never experienced anything as emotionally powerful as the almost daily marches and rallies to condemn the city police shooting death of 22-year-old Stephon Clark.
President Trump recently signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which includes a section on tipped employees that mirrors the proposed Tip Income Protection Act.
The Supreme Court decided a case on Monday that has played-out in a back-and-forth between the 9th Circuit and the high court over whether a Fair Labor Standards Act exemption covers service advisors.
Monday, April 2, 2018
SB 306, effective January 1, 2018, expanded the California Department of Labor Standards Enforcement's authority to investigate wage law violations, without a worker-filed complaint. The federal government has stepped up immigration laws enforcement. Many inspections occur with little to no notice. Therefore, management should learn their rights and obligations.
I have read with interest, and a sense of bemusement, headlines about the 9th Circuit's decision in much-watched copyright infringement case.
If you want an interested judge, you need to be an attentive advocate.
As the U.S. Supreme Court ponders compelled payment of agency fees, labor unions prepare for the outcome.
Friday, March 30, 2018
Emotional turmoil brought on by divorce can make it hard to prioritize your finances, but there's never been a more important time to make sound decisions. Even if you're eager to move forward with your life, take the time to evaluate your retirement plans thoroughly.
Would today's voters be willing to make a major change in the state's iconic property-tax limitation? They may be given the opportunity in a proposed November ballot measure that would remove Proposition 13's limits from commercial properties such as retail stores, warehouses and factories, raising property taxes on them by $6 billion to $10 billion a year.
Argent Communications Group held its Fourth Annual Conference on California Land Use Law and Policy on March 5 in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles residents will remember that in 2016, news agencies reported that anti-gentrification activists in the Latinx neighborhood of Boyle Heights held antic, and sometimes nerve-wracking, protests against art galleries.
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
Instead of the cakewalk Senate's Democratic leaders assumed when persuading Sen. Dianne Feinstein to run again, they find she is taking heavy fire from the left wing of her own party.
When she went to her UCLA chemistry lab on Oct. 8, 2009, Katherine Rosen didn't know her classmate was hearing voices in his head saying she and other UCLA women were ridiculing him, calling him stupid.
If a private landlord rented a commercial office space and the building was considered unfit to withstand an earthquake, we would call a government regulatory agency. But when the government is your landlord, who do you call?
Monday, March 26, 2018
The Southern District of New York disagreed a 9th Circuit about the so-called "server test."
One wishes that the elected district attorney of a county were not so politically motivated as to skirt the ethical rules and make these kinds of false accusations about a well-respected judge and Court of Appeal justices.
Friday, March 23, 2018
Franchisors must be mindful of their business practices to avoid being held liable for labor law violations committed by franchisees and contractors, and to avoid assuming new collective bargaining obligations.
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
Arizona officials saw opportunity when Uber and other companies began testing driverless cars a few years ago. On Sunday night, an autonomous car operated by Uber — and with an emergency backup driver behind the wheel — struck and killed a woman on a street in Tempe, Arizona. It was believed to be the first pedestrian death associated with self-driving technology.
Monday, March 19, 2018
As of February 5, 2018, California Assembly Bill 403 imposes stiff consequences on members of the legislature or employees who interfere with an employee's right to make a protected disclosure.
Throughout California, city governments are facing budget shortfalls as CalPERS cranks up mandatory contributions in a somewhat desperate effort to make the gigantic trust fund healthy enough to cover pension promises to millions of state and local government workers.
Friday, March 16, 2018
Switching employers can have a substantial impact on your financial life. Four tips to help keep your finances on track through the transition.
High-speed train system linking the northern and southern regions of the state looks like a solution in search of a problem, rather than a vital transportation system.
Donors to campaign groups don't always get what they want.
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
Republicans are exploiting the Democratic Party's abject lack of discipline and gaming California's top-two primary system to potentially block Democratic challengers from reaching the November ballot.
The California Supreme Court recently held that the act does apply to claims involving actual damages in newly constructed in residential housing.
The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to decide by June on a case brought by New Jersey seeking to overturn a federal ban on sports betting in all but four states (Delaware, Montana, Nevada and Oregon).
Monday, March 12, 2018
The gender pay gap is a phenomenon prevalent all over the world and when adjusted for discriminatory factors, the reasons for its existence become less clear with some differences attributed to small but important variance in each gender's behavior.
Taxing motorists and spending the money on transportation improvements is the right thing to do. Claiming overblown economic benefits is the wrong thing to do.
The California primary election takes place on June 5. The state's general election follows on Nov. 6. This includes the election of judges of the superior courts.
Hers has been a lifetime of firsts.
This obligation has taken on new importance in recent years, as law firms find themselves targeted by hackers who realize that firms may have extremely sensitive information regarding some of the largest companies in the world.
Friday, March 9, 2018
Capitalize on the benefits of having an ownership stake in your employer's firm while maintaining a well-diversified portfolio.
Though premised on violation of the state cannabis regulations, these claims will be actionable under state consumer protection laws.
Wednesday, March 7, 2018
Silicon Valley entrepreneur Vinod Khosla is taking his fight all the way to the Supreme Court.
California's commission process for redistricting isn't perfect, but it's one that other states should emulate.
Monday, March 5, 2018
President Donald Trump has announced potential tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports from every country around the world. Various European countries responded on Friday with threats of retaliation and many countries argue that such tariffs would end up harming both all parties rather than just helping the United States.
One conclusion is certain: The PAGA saga is far from over. Each new California or 9th Circuit case introduces another question about the interplay between arbitration agreements and PAGA claims.
The U.S. Supreme Courts is poised to answer a key antitrust issue in a case against American Express.
Friday, March 2, 2018
If you've experienced a life event this year, review your benefits and determine if you need to make new or different elections to ensure the desired insurance coverage for you and your family.
Up until 2017, the California Code of Civil Procedure was unclear as to how one was to calculate deadlines for amending pleadings without leave of court within the context of motions to strike.
Over a year ago, the 9th Circuit asked the state high court to clear up a question concerning third-party claims.
On Monday, the Northern District of California issued a ruling denying Facebook's motion to dismiss for lack of subject matter jurisdiction a biometric-privacy-based class action.
The fact that the IRS says crypto is property might prompt you to consider the concept of ownership. Wouldn't it be nice if some looming tax problem turned out not to be yours, but instead, was someone else's?
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Never judge the true tenor of a political party by what happens at its convention. Last weekend's Democratic gabfest was a case in point.
A recent Delaware Supreme Court ruling grapples with due process concerns and demand futility.
Monday, February 26, 2018
In 1994, Indra Nooyi joined PepsiCo as a chief strategist; 12 years later, she was named its CEO. Today, she oversees 260,000 global employees and a snack empire that includes Frito-Lay chips, Tropicana juices, Quaker foods and of course lots of soda.
"Nothing in [the] opinion prevents the agency from enumerating additional means of SEC reporting." Whether the agency will do so remains to be seen.
Friday, February 23, 2018
With market performance where it is, it may make sense to review your portfolio and determine if changes are appropriate.
The debate about the effectiveness of Jerry Brown's landmark overhaul of public school finance rages on, with the fates of millions of children and Brown's legacy hinging on the outcome.
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
Client agencies – cities, particularly – were already complaining that double-digit annual increases in CalPERS payments were driving some of them towards insolvency and the new policy, which will kick in next year, will raise those payments even more.
As trade among the U.S. and Latin American countries has increased, so has the need for effective anticorruption measures to ensure a level playing field when U.S. companies do business abroad.
The recently enacted Tax Cuts and Jobs Act institutes sweeping changes to the tax code on many levels, but one of the most significant adjustments is the new Code Section 199A
Over the years, my view of the usefulness of moot courts has evolved.
Friday, February 16, 2018
The most sweeping tax reform legislation in decades was enacted into law at the end of 2017. If you pay federal income taxes, you are likely to see an impact this year.
Many have criticized Proposition 57 as too vaguely drafted and too broad. Now, the CDCR must either rewrite the regulations or try to overturn a recent ruling by Sacramento County Superior Court Judge Allen Sumner.
"The only constant is change." Heraclitus may have been talking about life. But he might as well have been talking about the criminal law.
A ruling clarifies that parties without a contractual relationship who each perform separate steps of a method claim can satisfy the Akamai divided infringement test.
Wednesday, February 14, 2018
Proposition 50, a constitutional amendment that voters approved in the June, 2016, primary election, empowers legislative houses, by a two-thirds vote, to suspend without pay, members who either face criminal charges or are deemed to have breached the public trust.
First, an ISP was held liable for not blocking a copyright infringer, and now a California federal court has issued an injunction against TickBox, which makes a device that allows users to stream pirated content.
With the confessional floodgates open, our current society has a renewed awareness of harassment likely unseen since Anita Hill famously testified at Justice Clarence Thomas's confirmation hearing.
Monday, February 12, 2018
Should we go with an insider or an outsider? This is among the central questions that companies ask themselves when choosing a new chief executive.
Americans all know that your signature is also called your John Hancock, after the patriot who signed the Declaration of Independence with the brio of a graffiti artist. But no one seems to appreciate that John neither taught handwriting or sold life insurance.
Foreign lawyers and foreign parties to international commercial agreements have largely bypassed California and have chosen to seat their arbitrations outside of California.
California law is very specific about what is considered a violation and what would be preempted by federal law.
The Feb. 3 event ostensibly pitted the "Patriots" against the "Chicanos." They were separated by the police-laden Logan Avenue divide.
Friday, February 9, 2018
While talking about the sensitive topic of your parents' long-term financial goals may seem uncomfortable, addressing it sooner rather than later can help eliminate challenges and uncertainty down the road.
Despite the fact these contracts end up in civil court when litigated, few civil attorneys, let alone family law attorneys, handle these cases or prepare non-marital cohabitation agreements.
Filing public nuisance suits against oil companies for making and distributing fossil fuels is not the right way to fashion intelligent environmental policy.
Agencies are increasingly finding small errors in the reports and assessing significant penalties — they consider these paperwork errors as grave as harmful emissions and an affront to the integrity of the regulatory program.
While establishing loss causation in securities fraud actions is not always factually simple, it is helpful to be reminded that it is just a proximate causation inquiry; nothing more.
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
It's hypocritical for the Legislature to exempt itself from the laws and procedures it imposes on others, as the firestorm over sexual harassment underscores. If would-be miscreants know that their behavior can be reported and revealed to the public, they'll be much less likely to do it.
With a history going back to 1790, it may come as a surprise to learn that the U.S. Supreme Court is about to decide for the first time, in the context of copyright litigation, what the word "registration" in the Copyright Act actually means.
This should sound obvious. But litigation is complicated, and a win rarely emerges after a completely one-sided process.
A recent Federal Circuit opinion clarified the "reasonable certainty" standard for patent claim definiteness established by the U.S. Supreme Court in a 2014 ruling.
Monday, February 5, 2018
We've all had the feeling that our workplace would completely crumble in our absence. It's rarely true. So at least consider the possibility that the organization will muddle along happily without you.
Plaintiffs must show that the premises owner was aware of similar criminal activity at or near the location and this is often difficult to prove.
Associates serve two masters: Their "bosses" at their firms, and the Rules of Professional Conduct.
Friday, February 2, 2018
It may make sense to use both active and passive investments to effectively build and manage a diversified portfolio.
It's high time that Jerry Brown, the bullet train board he appointed and other project advocates prove that there's a practical way to build the high-speed rail.
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
New Internal Revenue Code Section 164(b)(6), titled Limitation On Individual Deductions for Taxable Years 2018-2025, prevents an individual from deducting more than $10,000 of state and local taxes.
Lending convertible indebtedness is no longer an equity investment by another name. Convertible indebtedness is now, more and more, true commercial subordinated debt.
Los Angeles and San Francisco are suddenly in the throes of turmoil as they search for new leaders.
Monday, January 29, 2018
A recent case out of the Ninth Circuit, Oracle USA, Inc. v. Rimini Street, Inc. (July 13, 2017), illustrates some of the risks third party software vendors run concerning copyright issues.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is anything but simplifying with respect to its international tax code provisions. Co
A system of voluntary mediator certification would benefit both the public and the profession.
Friday, January 26, 2018
If you expect to receive a refund on your 2017 tax return, will you save or spend it? While you may be tempted to indulge, consider using the money to solidify your long-term financial position.
The 9th Circuit decision underscores the breadth of an insurer's duty to defend third-party claims in California — and the often-overlooked potential for coverage for so-called "wage and hour" claims under employment practices liability policies.
The Constitution protects an adult's personal decision to engage in intimate, sexual activity with another adult, whether the intimacy is built on love or done in exchange for money.
With the legalization of cannabis and many of its by-products in California, employers now must wrestle with another type of employee behavior: What can be done when an employee reports to work having recently used some form of cannabis?
Electronic logging records will make a personal injury lawyer's job easier when proving a driver involved in an accident had exceeded the time he or she could lawfully remain behind the wheel.
Wednesday, January 24, 2018
Attorney General Xavier Becerra is imploring the U.S. Supreme Court to validate laws in California and other states requiring public employees who are not union members to nevertheless pay "agency fees" to unions.
Under the Tax Cuts and Job Act enacted last month, the ability to make miscellaneous itemized deductions — including for management fees for private investment funds — has been eliminated.
In 2017, California appellate courts issued several insurance-related decisions. Three are of particular significance.
Monday, January 22, 2018
Everybody agrees society is in a bad way, but what exactly is the main cause? It could be the failure of liberal democracy.
Collective bargaining for California's public employees may have been a questionable idea. But it's not going away and there's absolutely no reason why Capitol workers, except for a small cadre of senior staffers, should not have civil service status and unionization, if they wish.
Friday, January 19, 2018
If you experience an unexpected change in your employment status, review your financial situation and create a plan to help you feel more in control.
In practice, Gov. Jerry Brown has not always adhered to the principle of "subsidiarity," but has been particularly stubborn about applying it to the state's six-million-student public education system, rejecting demands of education reformers for more state intervention on behalf of "high-needs" students.
Merely requiring clinics to post a notice informing women of the availability of free or low-cost reproductive health care services does not violate the First Amendment.
The Trump administration's first year was filled with controversy. But it was also a truly momentous year for the environment and environmental law, especially with respect to climate change.
The nation's highest court heard oral argument for its second review of a case that arises over a specific and narrow job classification under the Fair Labor Standards Act, but the decision may send a broader signal as to whether the Trump administration and the new conservative-leaning Supreme Court will follow prior doctrine of construing federal overtime exemptions narrowly against employers.
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
Gov. Jerry Brown is concerned that the new federal tax overhaul encourages the few thousand Californians with the highest incomes, whose taxes allow Brown and other California politicians to spend tens of billions of dollars a year, to take their money elsewhere.
Friday, January 12, 2018
Purchasing a business comes with numerous financial considerations. There are steps to consider before signing on the dotted line.
A desire for comfort, both physical and mental, has fueled the growth of women's-only co-working spaces — some highly branded and with significant membership fees.
A desire for comfort, both physical and mental, has fueled the growth of women's-only co-working spaces — some highly branded and with significant membership fees.
A desire for comfort, both physical and mental, has fueled the growth of women's-only co-working spaces — some highly branded and with significant membership fees.
A desire for comfort, both physical and mental, has fueled the growth of women's-only co-working spaces — some highly branded and with significant membership fees.
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
No summary was provided
Veteran in-house attorney Arnold A. Pinkston takes the reins of CoreLogic's legal team.
Veteran in-house attorney Arnold A. Pinkston takes the reins of CoreLogic's legal team.
Veteran in-house attorney Arnold A. Pinkston takes the reins of CoreLogic's legal team.
Monday, January 8, 2018
Trademarks deemed vulgar are still protected by the First Amendment. | Intellectual Property Perspectives | By Josh Escovedo
Citing a need for a bigger platform, longtime Orange County bankruptcy lawyer William Lobel has left Lobel Weiland Golden Friedman LLP to work for another restructuring firm, Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones.
Citing a need for a bigger platform, longtime Orange County bankruptcy lawyer William Lobel has left Lobel Weiland Golden Friedman LLP to work for another restructuring firm, Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones.
Citing a need for a bigger platform, longtime Orange County bankruptcy lawyer William Lobel has left Lobel Weiland Golden Friedman LLP to work for another restructuring firm, Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones.
Citing a need for a bigger platform, longtime Orange County bankruptcy lawyer William Lobel has left Lobel Weiland Golden Friedman LLP to work for another restructuring firm, Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones.
Citing a need for a bigger platform, longtime Orange County bankruptcy lawyer William Lobel has left Lobel Weiland Golden Friedman LLP to work for another restructuring firm, Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones.
Citing a need for a bigger platform, longtime Orange County bankruptcy lawyer William Lobel has left Lobel Weiland Golden Friedman LLP to work for another restructuring firm, Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones.
Friday, January 5, 2018
Ways to stay motivated to achieve financial goals.
Citing a need for a bigger platform, longtime Orange County bankruptcy lawyer William Lobel has left Lobel Weiland Golden Friedman LLP to work for another restructuring firm, Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones.
Citing a need for a bigger platform, longtime Orange County bankruptcy lawyer William Lobel has left Lobel Weiland Golden Friedman LLP to work for another restructuring firm, Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones.
Wednesday, January 3, 2018
For years, an "Equity Coalition" of civil rights and education reform groups has battled the state's education establishment – state schools Superintendent Tom Torlakson, the state Board of Education and the California Teachers Association, most notably – over how the "achievement gap" should be addressed.
2017 was the year Twitter commandeered politics.
Citing a need for a bigger platform, longtime Orange County bankruptcy lawyer William Lobel has left Lobel Weiland Golden Friedman LLP to work for another restructuring firm, Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones.
Citing a need for a bigger platform, longtime Orange County bankruptcy lawyer William Lobel has left Lobel Weiland Golden Friedman LLP to work for another restructuring firm, Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones.
Citing a need for a bigger platform, longtime Orange County bankruptcy lawyer William Lobel has left Lobel Weiland Golden Friedman LLP to work for another restructuring firm, Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones.
Friday, December 29, 2017
Saving for retirement should be a top financial priority. It's worth it to commit to saving today.
As a law student, Laura Donaldson took on the case of a 40-year-old man who was sentenced to life for his part in a murder as a minor.
As a law student, Laura Donaldson took on the case of a 40-year-old man who was sentenced to life for his part in a murder as a minor.
The wisest course would be to restrain spending in the next state budget and squirrel away as much money as possible. However, the Legislature is dominated by liberal Democrats who fervently believe that more spending is a godly virtue.
Wednesday, December 27, 2017
The wisest course would be to restrain spending in the next state budget and squirrel away as much money as possible. However, the Legislature is dominated by liberal Democrats who fervently believe that more spending is a godly virtue.
A Los Angeles Superior Court judge ruled that two brothers in a long-running real estate battle worth $1 billion could not reignite litigation against another brother because they had previously sworn under oath that they had no stake in the partnership they were trying to gain some control of.
A Los Angeles Superior Court judge ruled that two brothers in a long-running real estate battle worth $1 billion could not reignite litigation against another brother because they had previously sworn under oath that they had no stake in the partnership they were trying to gain some control of.
A Los Angeles Superior Court judge ruled that two brothers in a long-running real estate battle worth $1 billion could not reignite litigation against another brother because they had previously sworn under oath that they had no stake in the partnership they were trying to gain some control of.
Friday, December 22, 2017
Investors have increasingly turned to international stocks and bonds to diversify their portfolio over the long term. There are considerations to keep in mind.
The state's K-12 system prepares too few students for college admission and – more importantly – college success. And there are physical and organizational shortcomings in the state's public universities that impede the pathway to graduation.
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
California, which had led the nation in cracking down on crime in the 1980s and 1990s by locking up tens of thousands of felons, has dramatically reversed course in the last half-decade.
Kyle S. Kawakami, a partner with Irell & Manella LLP, received the top honor at the youth support group's annual meeting.
Kyle S. Kawakami, a partner with Irell & Manella LLP, received the top honor at the youth support group's annual meeting.
Kyle S. Kawakami, a partner with Irell & Manella LLP, received the top honor at the youth support group's annual meeting.
Monday, December 18, 2017
Kyle S. Kawakami, a partner with Irell & Manella LLP, received the top honor at the youth support group's annual meeting.
Kyle S. Kawakami, a partner with Irell & Manella LLP, received the top honor at the youth support group's annual meeting.
Kyle S. Kawakami, a partner with Irell & Manella LLP, received the top honor at the youth support group's annual meeting.
Kyle S. Kawakami, a partner with Irell & Manella LLP, received the top honor at the youth support group's annual meeting.
Kyle S. Kawakami, a partner with Irell & Manella LLP, received the top honor at the youth support group's annual meeting.
The holidays can be a wonderful time for families and friends to gather together, sharing memories and gifts. This season can also provide the opportunity to instill the value of giving to others in your child.
Friday, December 15, 2017
The holidays can be a wonderful time for families and friends to gather together, sharing memories and gifts. This season can also provide the opportunity to instill the value of giving to others in your child.
California, which had led the nation in cracking down on crime in the 1980s and 1990s by locking up tens of thousands of felons, has dramatically reversed course in the last half-decade.
Kyle S. Kawakami, a partner with Irell & Manella LLP, received the top honor at the youth support group's annual meeting.
Kyle S. Kawakami, a partner with Irell & Manella LLP, received the top honor at the youth support group's annual meeting.
Kyle S. Kawakami, a partner with Irell & Manella LLP, received the top honor at the youth support group's annual meeting.
Wednesday, December 13, 2017
The state's school systems are failing to produce enough graduates prepared to succeed in college. We need enough college-educated workers to replace retiring members of the baby-boom generation and keep us competitive in a global economy, and we need those graduates to be truly educated, not just shuffled through a system with lowered standards.
The major reason for last year's drop in emissions wasn't cap-and-trade, or any other state action. Rather, it occurred because unusually heavy winter rain and snow storms allowed utilities to depend less on generating electricity by burning fossil fuels and more on hydroelectric power from dams in California and other states.
The major reason for last year's drop in emissions wasn't cap-and-trade, or any other state action. Rather, it occurred because unusually heavy winter rain and snow storms allowed utilities to depend less on generating electricity by burning fossil fuels and more on hydroelectric power from dams in California and other states.
The major reason for last year's drop in emissions wasn't cap-and-trade, or any other state action. Rather, it occurred because unusually heavy winter rain and snow storms allowed utilities to depend less on generating electricity by burning fossil fuels and more on hydroelectric power from dams in California and other states.
Monday, December 11, 2017
How could these two men significantly change the dynamic among serious investors on the coasts to reorient their focus on cities, many of them suffering from the erosion of manufacturing, in the Rust Belt and elsewhere?
Friday, December 8, 2017
December is a great time to review your finances and get ready for a fresh start in the new year. Five key financial moves are worth reviewing before year end.
Wednesday, December 6, 2017
Politicians ensnared in the harassment scandal can affect the Legislature's delicate balance of power.
Nutanix Inc. hired Tyler E. Wall to be its new chief legal officer.
Nutanix Inc. hired Tyler E. Wall to be its new chief legal officer.
Nutanix Inc. hired Tyler E. Wall to be its new chief legal officer.
Monday, December 4, 2017
For 15 years straight, nurses have topped the Gallup Poll list of professions that Americans say are most honest and ethical.
Friday, December 1, 2017
Whether your children are getting ready for kindergarten or graduation, capitalizing on tax-saving opportunities can help make college a financial reality.
Although the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California officially backs Governor Jerry Brown's WaterFix project, its largest member agency, the San Diego County Water Authority, is highly critical, so continued backing in Southern California is not certain.
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
With nothing politically to lose, Governor Jerry Brown has the freedom to do whatever he wants. He is asking the state Supreme Court to, in effect, make it easier for state and local governments to reduce benefits in public employee pensions.
A man suing his brother in a long-running, multi-billion-dollar real estate lawsuit is hoping to revive his case with the 2nd District Court of Appeal after it was dismissed this summer.
A man suing his brother in a long-running, multi-billion-dollar real estate lawsuit is hoping to revive his case with the 2nd District Court of Appeal after it was dismissed this summer.
Monday, November 27, 2017
If you experience an accident or injury, cost may be the least of your concerns initially. Yet, unexpected medical care has the potential to impact your financial situation in a big way. Before it does, take the time to prepare your strategy for dealing with surprise medical expenses.
A wrongful termination lawsuit alleges management at the Jonathan Club turned a blind eye to a woman manager sexually harassing a male employee, according to a complaint filed this week in Los Angeles County Superior Court.
A wrongful termination lawsuit alleges management at the Jonathan Club turned a blind eye to a woman manager sexually harassing a male employee, according to a complaint filed this week in Los Angeles County Superior Court.
Friday, November 24, 2017
If you experience an accident or injury, cost may be the least of your concerns initially. Yet, unexpected medical care has the potential to impact your financial situation in a big way. Before it does, take the time to prepare your strategy for dealing with surprise medical expenses.
A lot of taxpayer money is being handed to businesses, without any objective evidence that it's doing anything other than improve their own bottom lines.
Wednesday, November 22, 2017
Distorting the language of a repeal ballot measure should not be allowed. We need to prevent it.
The plaintiff said she worked for 21 years before conflicts with male executives put her job on thin ice.
The plaintiff said she worked for 21 years before conflicts with male executives put her job on thin ice.
Monday, November 20, 2017
Upcoming tax season will be complex. Planning early with an accountant will save money and spare headaches.
A 9th Circuit panel says immunity while executing a search warrant does not apply to arrest warrants.
After 11 years of litigation including a Supreme Court decision that revolutionized California employment lawsuits and the departure of the case's named plaintiff, Arshavir Iskanian, a case on behalf of CLS Transportation limo drivers settled for undisclosed terms.
After 11 years of litigation including a Supreme Court decision that revolutionized California employment lawsuits and the departure of the case's named plaintiff, Arshavir Iskanian, a case on behalf of CLS Transportation limo drivers settled for undisclosed terms.
Friday, November 17, 2017
If you're a retiree who is tempted to travel in the off-season, think through the costs and logistics first.
The whistleblower act isn't the only area of the law in which the Legislature has demonstrated a "do as I say, not as I do" mentality. It is also present when it comes to publishing public records, having open meetings, and in observing out of state travel bans.
Polls indicate Californians don't like the gas tax, but transportation systems need fixing. Politicians need to find a solution.
Monsanto Co. and a dozen agribusiness associations filed suit in federal court Wednesday to stop the state from enforcing the placement of a Proposition 65 cancer warning about glyphosate on the herbicide Roundup and foods treated with it.
Monsanto Co. and a dozen agribusiness associations filed suit in federal court Wednesday to stop the state from enforcing the placement of a Proposition 65 cancer warning about glyphosate on the herbicide Roundup and foods treated with it.
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
Governor Jerry Brown is jetting around the world preaching the gospel of climate change, that everyone needs to reduce' emissions and change their lifestyles. Yet, he has a personal "carbon footprint" that's probably greater than 90 percent of Californians and 99 percent of the globe's population.
A Hollywood writer who has not defended a $56 million wrongful death suit for more than a year escaped paying up Monday after a Los Angeles County judge granted his motion to set aside the default judgment because he wasn't properly noticed in time.
A Hollywood writer who has not defended a $56 million wrongful death suit for more than a year escaped paying up Monday after a Los Angeles County judge granted his motion to set aside the default judgment because he wasn't properly noticed in time.
Monday, November 13, 2017
Why has there been a decline in civic institution building? Political polarization has got to be a big culprit. The affluent have also been less entrepreneurial.
Friday, November 10, 2017
Personal injury attorney Taylor Rayfield set records as a member of the University of North Carolina volleyball team.
Personal injury attorney Taylor Rayfield set records as a member of the University of North Carolina volleyball team.
If you wonder when, where, why or how to fulfill your retirement goals, you are not alone. Your dreams and financial situations are unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all retirement solution.
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
There's no particular reason why rank-and-file legislative workers couldn't be civil servants, rather that serving, as they do now, as "at-will" employees who can be fired without warning by their political masters.
There's no particular reason why rank-and-file legislative workers couldn't be civil servants, rather that serving, as they do now, as "at-will" employees who can be fired without warning by their political masters.
There's no particular reason why rank-and-file legislative workers couldn't be civil servants, rather that serving, as they do now, as "at-will" employees who can be fired without warning by their political masters.
Monday, November 6, 2017
Attorneys representing companies that are involved in the stock photography industry may want to revisit any applicable licensing agreements regarding stock photos to determine whether or not their client will have standing to pursue copyright infringement claims concerning the photos in their catalogues.
Legislative leaders need to clean up the mess they allowed to fester even as they professed fidelity to a progressive state's politically correct values.
Gov. Jerry Brown named three appellate justices and 34 superior court judges on Thursday.
Gov. Jerry Brown named three appellate justices and 34 superior court judges on Thursday.
Gov. Jerry Brown named three appellate justices and 34 superior court judges on Thursday.
Friday, November 3, 2017
Several common mistakes made by financially accomplished people — along with a few tips to counteract them.
Several small, cash-strapped California school districts are using a loophole in state law to boost their revenue by overseeing a raft of far-flung charter schools, according to a recent report published by the state auditor.
The multibillion-dollar package of improvements to highways, streets and other transportation facilities enacted by the Legislature and Gov. Jerry Brown this year may do little, if anything, to relieve traffic jams.
The multibillion-dollar package of improvements to highways, streets and other transportation facilities enacted by the Legislature and Gov. Jerry Brown this year may do little, if anything, to relieve traffic jams.
The multibillion-dollar package of improvements to highways, streets and other transportation facilities enacted by the Legislature and Gov. Jerry Brown this year may do little, if anything, to relieve traffic jams.
Wednesday, November 1, 2017
Eric Garcetti won't be running for governor next year. He may be exploring a presidential run.
Eric Garcetti won't be running for governor next year. He may be exploring a presidential run.
Eric Garcetti won't be running for governor next year. He may be exploring a presidential run.
Monday, October 30, 2017
Student loan forgiveness is getting more complicated. One example shows how it can become a nightmare.
Student loan forgiveness is getting more complicated. One example shows how it can become a nightmare.
Friday, October 27, 2017
The night was supposed to be an unbridled celebration.
Financial considerations to keep in mind if retirement includes earning an income.
Access to medical care may be a dominant campaign issue.
A former executive from the company's LA office says she was demoted after returning from medical leave, while the company denies the allegation.
A former executive from the company's LA office says she was demoted after returning from medical leave, while the company denies the allegation.
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
New gun laws enhanced California's status of having the nation's tightest restrictions on the purchase and use of firearms. However, what politicians and voters wrought last year didn't really cut down on the number of guns.
Monday, October 23, 2017
Paying for college is complex. Legislation aims at making it easier.
More than 140 women –California legislators, Capitol staffers, lobbyists and political consultants – signed an open letter denouncing "pervasive" sexual harassment and other forms of misconduct in state politics. "Each of us who signed this op-ed will no longer tolerate the perpetrators or enablers who do," the letter reads. Nor should we.
Friday, October 20, 2017
Court grants motion to dismiss on the grounds that it lacked personal jurisdiction over the defendant in a case involving the enforceability of noncompetition and nonsolicitation provisions in a stockholders' agreement.
Changes in business practices and developing privacy law may mean that more companies will see share prices fall in the wake of cybersecurity incidents. The government increasingly scrutinizes how those companies and their officials respond.
Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Democrats have three dozen Senate seats up next year, will be financially stretched to defend the most vulnerable and have been counting on big bucks from California's wealthy liberals, particularly those in entertainment and high-tech, to meet fundraising goals. Kevin de León's bold – or cheeky – challenge to Feinstein guarantees that heavy money will be raised and spent in California next year. And it could get even more expensive if billionaire Tom Steyer also jumps into the Senate race.
A source confirmed Harder stopped working with Weinstein last week.
Monday, October 16, 2017
Google May be a Verb, but Verb Use Alone Does Not Constitute Genericness
Business groups are threatening to wage a pricey campaign to stop California's Republican officials from trying to repeal a new state gas tax. But the politicians aren't flinching.
A State Bar court judge recommended a one-year minimum suspension, double what the bar prosecutor requested, for an Orange County prosecutor accused of suppressing exculpatory evidence in a child abuse case.
A State Bar court judge recommended a one-year minimum suspension, double what the bar prosecutor requested, for an Orange County prosecutor accused of suppressing exculpatory evidence in a child abuse case.
Friday, October 13, 2017
Google May be a Verb, but Verb Use Alone Does Not Constitute Genericness
A State Bar court judge recommended a one-year minimum suspension, double what the bar prosecutor requested, for an Orange County prosecutor accused of suppressing exculpatory evidence in a child abuse case.
A State Bar court judge recommended a one-year minimum suspension, double what the bar prosecutor requested, for an Orange County prosecutor accused of suppressing exculpatory evidence in a child abuse case.
Wednesday, October 11, 2017
Dianne Feinstein announced on Twitter Monday morning that she'll seek another U.S. Senate term next year.
After failing last year to prevent a new law requiring massive cuts to greenhouse gas emissions, the oil industry came back this year lobbying hard.
After failing last year to prevent a new law requiring massive cuts to greenhouse gas emissions, the oil industry came back this year lobbying hard.
After failing last year to prevent a new law requiring massive cuts to greenhouse gas emissions, the oil industry came back this year lobbying hard.
After failing last year to prevent a new law requiring massive cuts to greenhouse gas emissions, the oil industry came back this year lobbying hard.
Monday, October 9, 2017
We expect trustees' sales to be handled efficiently and, of course, legally so that all parties to a non-judicial foreclosure are satisfied that each part of the process has been handled correctly. Divergent interests of all parties to such sales can result in some pretty unsavory activities.
Jenner & Block LLP commercial litigator Todd C. Toral competes in Ironman triathlons to raise money for veterans.
Jenner & Block LLP commercial litigator Todd C. Toral competes in Ironman triathlons to raise money for veterans.
Friday, October 6, 2017
Since health care priorities are likely to change over time, it might be beneficial to review and make alterations to how you structure your Medicare solution.
Judges of Central District of California split on whether lack of federal standards matters.
Judges of Central District of California split on whether lack of federal standards matters.
Wednesday, October 4, 2017
Jeffrey Katzenberg, the longtime Hollywood executive and co-founder of DreamWorks Animation, is trying to raise $2 billion for his new television start-up which could upend the format of television for mobile devices.
A former employee of the Glendale city attorney's office has been charged with embezzling $609,764 she illegally obtained by creating documents to make it appear the money was being used to pay civil claims against the city.
A former employee of the Glendale city attorney's office has been charged with embezzling $609,764 she illegally obtained by creating documents to make it appear the money was being used to pay civil claims against the city.
Monday, October 2, 2017
Buying a property at the trustees' sale takes a bit of patience and acceptance. Sometimes the high bidder at a sale does everything right but doesn't get the chosen property even after the offer is made and accepted.
Occidental announced on Wednesday the creation of the Barack Obama Scholars Program, a $40 million endowment intended to cover the $70,000 annual tab of tuition and board for 20 students a year.
Occidental announced on Wednesday the creation of the Barack Obama Scholars Program, a $40 million endowment intended to cover the $70,000 annual tab of tuition and board for 20 students a year.
Occidental announced on Wednesday the creation of the Barack Obama Scholars Program, a $40 million endowment intended to cover the $70,000 annual tab of tuition and board for 20 students a year.
Friday, September 29, 2017
Stock market strategists and analysts are suggesting that we could see some market volatility in the months ahead.
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
If SEC chairman Walter J. Clayton is right that cyberattacks are going to happen even with the best defenses in place, then the small software flaws that hackers exploited at the SEC and Equifax add fuel to the fire of doubt about how secure anyone's information can be.
Monday, September 25, 2017
The questions are often difficult, and the stakes are high.
The amended ABA rule created create numerous "safe harbor" provisions preventing disciplinary prosecutions for multijurisdictional practice.
The Supreme Court should grant certiorari to ensure that the NSA's vast warrantless surveillance of the Internet is not insulated from judicial scrutiny.
Friday, September 22, 2017
Overcoming the challenge of paying for higher education starts with a plan. Understanding the real costs of college tuition and fees helps you craft an effective strategy to reach your financial goal.
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Public stock markets are fundamentally broken. Now, a series of entrepreneurs are emerging with some novel ways to fix the problem.
The deals' expiration opens the door for a potential strike
Monday, September 18, 2017
Trademark dispute between multinational conglomerate and restaurant could get interesting.
Friday, September 15, 2017
Orange County's district attorney asked Harvard Law School to retract a report that asserted his office is among the worst in California.
Wednesday, September 13, 2017
No summary was provided
Monday, September 11, 2017
Ellisen Turner will succeed Andrei Iancu, who has held the job since 2012 and is completing his second three-year term, the maximum tenure allowed.
A recent criminal fine and fee amnesty program cost state courts millions of dollars, according to a new report from the Judicial Council.
In the never-ending search for new clients and more work, attorneys are often willing to overlook or explain away the warning signs.
Index funds and exchange-traded funds are designed to match or track a stock market index, such as the Standard & Poor's 500 Index. They can be bought very cheaply. And in recent years, a lot of people have been buying them. And this is reshaping Wall Street.
Review a new ruling dealing with when an insurer breaches its duty to defend an additional insured.
Friday, September 8, 2017
Court Denies Plaintiff's Motion to Disqualify its Former Counsel as Counsel for Defendant in a Patent Litigation Action After Plaintiff Delayed Filing its Disqualification Motion for Over A Year After Discovering the Conflict.
The California Court of Appeal recently affirmed in part a punitive damages award arising out of an insurer's bad faith in refusing to defend a developer/
Time will tell what a recent state high court decision means for local taxation. But it appears to make it easier to pass local taxes, and that is not something California voters want to happen.
Choosing the right name for your company from a branding perspective is important. Equally important, however, is avoiding a name that is not protectable, or that causes unexpected issues down the road.
Wednesday, September 6, 2017
"Rogue travelers" — those who book on their own. They are used to searching for the best fares, staying in unusual places and collecting reward points. Yet companies want to control travel costs.
Friday, September 1, 2017
Americans need to reconnect with our ancient ideals and reconnect with the land.
The published decision by the 4th District Court of Appeal affirmed a murder conviction for an Orange County man who committed multiple acts of rape and other sexual assaults on a woman in a diabetic coma. She died two hours after the attack of what coroners determined to be natural causes related to lack of insulin.
The published decision by the 4th District Court of Appeal affirmed a murder conviction for an Orange County man who committed multiple acts of rape and other sexual assaults on a woman in a diabetic coma. She died two hours after the attack of what coroners determined to be natural causes related to lack of insulin.
The published decision by the 4th District Court of Appeal affirmed a murder conviction for an Orange County man who committed multiple acts of rape and other sexual assaults on a woman in a diabetic coma. She died two hours after the attack of what coroners determined to be natural causes related to lack of insulin.
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
An attorney for a concert organizer blasted his former law firm in a trial over an investment agreement in opening arguments Monday.
Monday, August 28, 2017
No summary was provided
The first and second articles in this three-part series addressed the scope of the rising cybersecurity problem and some of the common mistakes that law firms make in addressing the problem.
It's never a bad time to prepare, of course, but it turns out that fall is an ideal time for law firms to make this assessment. Fall is frequently the time when partners begin to analyze their year so far, and to decide whether a move may be necessary.
Friday, August 25, 2017
Engaged couples should make good financial communication a priority.
The panel ruled 2-1 that Telephone Consumer Protection Act claims are inherently based on a breach of privacy.
Whether this Roundup ingredient should be listed as a carcinogen is just the beginning. Next comes 'natural' labeling suits.
Wednesday, August 23, 2017
An appeal that triggered an avalanche of plaintiffs' employment bar amicus briefs did not seem to draw much interest from an appellate panel Monday.
No summary was provided
Monday, August 21, 2017
Some good properties can become available when a homeowner becomes unable to meet a commitment on one or more loans secured by a property.
Notice and consent are a basic concept in contracts, but they may be missing when it comes to IoT devices that gather data from the surrounding environment.
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has asked the California Supreme Court to decide whether an employee's time spent waiting for a security check constitutes "hours worked" even if the employee has clocked out.
Friday, August 18, 2017
Checklist can help organize your finances following the death of a spouse.
Wednesday, August 16, 2017
No summary was provided
No summary was provided
Monday, August 14, 2017
"Reverse confusion" happens when a customer believing they were doing business with a defendant actually ends up doing business with the plaintiff. Ninth Circuit holds that "reverse confusion" need not be pled with specificity
A trade secret lawsuit found to be in bad faith does not necessarily create malicious prosecution liability for the lawyer who brought the case, the state Supreme Court ruled Thursday.
Friday, August 11, 2017
Financial conversations between siblings become inevitable, as brothers and sisters manage their parents' money matters, including estate planning, healthcare, retirement income and wills.
No summary was provided
Wednesday, August 9, 2017
No summary was provided
Monday, August 7, 2017
Residential homeowners in California feel they have been singled out by creditors who are using unscrupulous loop-holes in laws to extract unwarranted expenses especially through foreclosures on onerous and burdensome loans. Some county offices are proactively finding ways to alleviate the financial problems of many who suffer when property values plummet.
Why is the ACLU even involved in the defamation case against John Oliver, brought after his talk show "Last Week Tonight" did a segment about the coal industry.
The extension of the cap-and-trade program is a major milestone for the state's greenhouse gas reduction program. However, it leaves some important issues unanswered.
Can the Supreme Court issue an opinion that no later Supreme Court could reverse? Can Congress enact a law that no later Congress could ever repeal? The answer is no.
Friday, August 4, 2017
Protect your business against risks. What you need to know about business insurance.
In the fast-paced, high stakes startup environment in California, a company's legal needs may seem a nuisance and not get the attention they deserve.
Wednesday, August 2, 2017
Repeated Discovery Failures and Abusive Litigation Tactics Warrant Terminating Sanctions, Treble Damages, Attorney Fees and Permanent Injunction Against Defendant In Patent Litigation Case.
Lithium — the natural resource mined from the Earth's crust — is perhaps the best-known commodity that people know the least about. Yet with multiple sovereign states betting their future on an industry bustling with electric vehicles, failure to understand the world's order on the non-renewable element could prove fatal.
Newspapers, television and social media have been forums for recent commentary on whether President Donald J. Trump could use the constitutional pardon power to protect his own interest, including pardoning himself. This debate is fueled, not surprisingly, by Trump's Twitter usage, including his July 22 tweet: "While all agree the U. S. President has the complete power to pardon…"
Monday, July 31, 2017
An important step to include in your research of title and debt on your chosen foreclosure property is checking the grant deed.
Does it violate the First Amendment for the state of California to force merchants who charge more to customers paying with credit cards to refer to that price difference as a "cash discount" rather than a "credit-card surcharge"? The 9th Circuit will consider this on August 17.
Friday, July 28, 2017
Deciding when to collect Social Security benefits takes some thought.
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
The fast-food chain is beginning a venture with the ride-sharing company this week that will allow Lyft passengers to request rides that incorporate a stop at a Taco Bell drive-thru between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m. The companies will test the option, which will appear as "Taco Mode" in the Lyft app, during the next two weeks around a Newport Beach, California, location, with plans to expand the program nationally next year.
Monday, July 24, 2017
Amazon is a major player in multiple industries and continues to expand.
Friday, July 21, 2017
In the years leading up to retirement, prepare ahead of time to protect your assets and adjust as dictated by market and economic conditions.
As more priority products are determined, these regulatory obligations will certainly cause manufacturers to spend time and resources to ensure that they meet the regulations in order to sell their products.
Last October, the State Bar of California sent to the California Supreme Court, on an expedited basis, Proposed Rule 5-110, modeled on ABA Rule 3.8, Special Duties of a Prosecutor. The high court sent the rule back to the bar with a few notes.
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
In an open letter to in-house and outside attorneys, 25 general counsel announced they've begun pooling data to set industry standards for using outside counsel.
Monday, July 17, 2017
After a long absence, attorney Paul Kiesel returns to review some of the latest tech gadgets to help you along both in and out of the courtroom.
In spite of the Supreme Court's continuing reaffirmation of the broad "potential for coverage" standard, policyholders continue to hold many misconceptions about when a duty to defend is owed.
Many artists are branching out of music and general merchandising to start businesses in related industries. To market and monetize on any situation, artists must protect their brand — their name, image and likeness.
Last week, the California Supreme Court ruled against two Encinitas homeowners who challenged the California Coastal Commission's expiration date placed on the seawall built to protect their homes.
Tax audits are nobody's favorite topic. Sometimes your number just comes up, although there are some things that make that more likely.
REO purchases make sense. Buyers can prepare for and avoid surprises.
Friday, July 14, 2017
Having a well-defined path can help you develop peace of mind as you think about retiring
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
Does the right to bear arms extends outside the home? Last month, the Supreme Court declined to review a case that could have answered that question. By C.D. Michel
Monday, July 10, 2017
Buying from the REO lender can be rewarding
Wednesday, July 5, 2017
Foreclosure of a property through judicial action has certain unique characteristics. Borrowers and lenders are cautious.
The June 18 episode of "Last Week Tonight" covered a number of things Oliver found unusual, including the receipt of a cease and desist letter from Robert Murray and several coal companies. The group made good on its threat. By David J. Friedman and Kavon Adli
Monday, July 3, 2017
Case before the Ninth Circuit focuses on question of free speech
In any law practice today, it is critically important to react to partner departures in the right way. It is equally important to anticipate and to manage partner departures proactively. By Daniel O'Rielly and Dena Roche
No matter what type of law you practice, you'll come across all sorts of clients — the good the bad and the ugly. The trick is to keep the bad from getting ugly, and keep the ugly from getting to you. By Hamid Yazdan Panah
Most pundits and politicians mistakenly believe if Special Counsel Robert Mueller is fired reviving the independent counsel law is a solution for continuing the Russia investigation. By Steven D. Reske
Assembly Bill 119 and Senate Bill 104 would require public employers within the state to provide recognized employee exclusive representative organizations access to employees during employee orientation. By David G. Ritchie
Friday, June 30, 2017
Ways to benefit from early tax planning
Wednesday, June 28, 2017
Google fine $2.7 billion for unfairly favoring some of its own search services over those of rivals. The penalty, highlights the aggressive stance that European officials have taken in regulating many of the world's largest technology companies.
An assistant public defender trying to get the death penalty dismissed against a mass murderer spent Monday eliciting testimony from a high-ranking Orange County sheriff's official that at times contradicted previous testimony from a colleague.
Monday, June 26, 2017
Proposition 13 has been around since 1978 and can't be circumvented. We need to develop ways to get additional tax income for the public services we seek.
Friday, June 23, 2017
Consider your long-term financial security and save for retirement. Saving a dollar a day could make a big difference. The most important part is getting started.
One year ago, the U.S. Supreme Court endorsed the implied false certification theory under the False Claims Act. By Kimberly A. Dunne, Douglas A. Axel and James M. Perez
U.S. auto manufacturers may be motivated to push ahead with green technologies regardless of the withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. By Jeffrey Soble and Sarah Slack
Wednesday, June 21, 2017
Suggested actions to take after getting a new computer system.
Monday, June 19, 2017
The high bidder at the trustee's sale or the foreclosing mortgagee may not have immediate occupancy rights after a property is sold at the foreclosure sale.
In response to widespread and long-standing criticisms of the 138-year-old State Board of Equalization, the Taxpayer Transparency and Fairness Act will establish two new agencies to take over many of the board's functions. By Bruce Givner and Owen Kaye
The U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Microsoft Corp. v. Baker ensures that class representatives and defendants maintain an equal footing in federal courts. By Jeffrey A. LeVee and Jason C. Wright
Despite the legislation's potential impact on millions of Americans, there appears to be no plans to bring the legislation to the Senate floor for debate, nor to any committee for hearing. By Michael C. Parme
The Drone Federalism Act of 2017, introduced in the Senate a few weeks ago, provides some needed clarity by eliminating concern about state and local drone regulations potentially interfering with Federal Aviation Administration regulations. By Javan N. Rad
Friday, June 16, 2017
Can your projected future income and assets withstand the cost of long-term care if the need arises? Learn about your options and make an informed decision.
Increasingly, private corporations are facing levels of governmental scrutiny that historically only have been seen by public corporations. Don't wait until preparing for an IPO to have the proper internal controls in place. By Richard S. Horvath Jr.
What Trump's proposed discretionary budget plan tells California employers about the administration's priorities. By By C. Matthew Schulz and Cynthia L. Jackson
The ensuing workplace investigation into alleged employee misconduct can make or break an employer's ability to implement and uphold disciplinary action against the errant employee. By Erin I. Kunze
Monday, June 12, 2017
It may come as a surprise to most trademark aficionados that the Eagles have never registered Hotel California with the USPTO. This begs the question: Is federal registration an absolute necessity to enforcement? The entity in control of the rock band's business affairs filed a lawsuit in the Central District. It will be interesting to see how the case of Eagles Ltd. v. Hotel California Baja plays out.
If adopted, the rule would broaden the definition of advertising in order to more broadly encompass new and emerging attorney marketing modes and platforms. By Laura Riparbelli
Besides governing the monetary aspects of a case, retainer agreements are one tool to educate clients about settlements, expenses, scope of representation, responsibilities and conflicts of interest. By Jennifer A. Becker
Friday, June 9, 2017
This summer is a great time to reset your financial resolutions. . Focusing on your finances today may help you to secure a more comfortable financial future for you and your family tomorrow.
The U.S. Supreme Court has turned back a state court's aggressive effort to decide out-of-state disputes despite the limits on general jurisdiction articulated a few years ago. By Donald Falk
We often talk about the divide between law enforcement and the African-American community, but what about when the two meet? By Angela Powell
Two days after Memorial Day we found out that Los Angeles County is now home to 4,828 homeless veterans. By Laura Riley
The issue before the Supreme Court was a seemingly simple one: whether a church must have established a pension plan in order for the plan to qualify as a church plan under ERISA. By Michelle Roberts Bartolic
Monday, June 5, 2017
No summary was provided
Earlier this year, a federal court dismissed a lawsuit brought by a drone pilot against a Kentucky man who shot down a drone that he thought was being used to spy on his teenage daughter at home. By Joshua Briones, Esteban Morales and Natalie Prescott
Last month, Hobby Lobby Stores joined the list of retailers accused of using false reference prices to sell their products. By Lisa Gilford and Devon Hein
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
That is, how does a society that values and protects personal privacy search employee personal communication accounts in furtherance of governmental transparency without creating a system rife with inconsistency? By Karen Feld
There is a circuit split on whether an employer's Equal Pay Act defense can be based solely on prior salary. By Max Fischer and Dorna Moini
Friday, May 26, 2017
The 9th Circuit has put the final nail in the coffin for grants of discretionary authority to insurers in ERISA-governed insurance policies and employer plan documents. By Robert J. McKennon and Joseph S. McMillen
The 9th Circuit has put the final nail in the coffin for grants of discretionary authority to insurers in ERISA-governed insurance policies and employer plan documents. By Robert J. McKennon and Joseph S. McMillen
So why now and why this bill? In 2015, the sponsors argued that all but one state used a similar or identical labeling standard to the FTC's "all or virtually all" standard. By Daniel J. Herling
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
The Supreme Court has made many decisions affecting patent law in the last few years. But TC Heartland stands out. By Ben M. Davidson
Many believe the Supreme Court will abolish the conditional sale doctrine in favor of a broader rule of patent exhaustion. If so, patent holders will no longer be able to enforce post-sale restrictions through infringement claims. By Jacob A. Kramer
Monday, May 22, 2017
A U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Monday reemphasizes the notion that its time for California courts stop dancing around the Federal Arbitration Act and fall into step with the supreme law of the land. By Steven Katz
The U.S. high court has another opportunity to turn around California courts' seeming hostility to arbitration agreements, this time in the PAGA context. By Richard A. Samp
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai proposes to repeal rules that would have the effect of allowing internet service providors to engage in paid prioritization — seriously endangering open access to information. By Catherine J.K. Sandoval
Friday, May 19, 2017
Assembly Bill 1578 would prohibit the federal government from forcing local agencies to assist in enforcing federal marijuana laws against state-authorized cannabis businesses. By Reginald Byron Jones-Sawyer Sr. and Lynne Lyman
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
The U.S Supreme Court gave civil rights plaintiffs an important victory when it ruled that the city of Miami had standing to sue under the Fair Housing Act to challenge discriminatory lending by banks. By Erwin Chemerinsky
A state tax court would expedite justice by encouraging out-of-court settlement, a key feature of the federal tax court system. By Bruce Givner and Owen Kaye
It doesn't matter why the state Supreme Court rejected the rule. What matters is that prosecutors continue to seek convictions, even when they know of exculpatory evidence. By Thomas M. Hall
In a recent appellate ruling, the court determined that third parties may benefit from a statutory safe harbor whereby an agreement is binding on an LLC even if the "manager" signing has no authority to sign. By Iain Mickle and Andrea Bacchi
Living in the age of cyberhackers, law firms should consider reverting to landline phone calls and paper documents to protect client information. By Anita Taff-Rice
Monday, May 15, 2017
A narrow exception has been carved that gives sex victims a path to recover the full measure of civil compensation against the law enforcement agency for a total abuse of authority by its officers. By Brian S. Kabateck and Douglas Rochen
California, a national leader in the attempt to create a gateway for minorities into the legal profession, can ill afford to lose a law school like Whittier. By Stephen F. Diamond
If Michael Jordan is heading for the tissues over his "Crying Jordan" meme, he would have an arsenal of legal weapons at his disposal. By Sam Iverson and Tim Rawson
Friday, May 12, 2017
No summary was provided
Monday, May 1, 2017
California employers need to be aware that recent and future minimum wage increases affect designations of exempt employees. By Bryan L. Hawkins
Friday, April 21, 2017
Assembly Bill 175, which would require edible cannabis product manufacturers to submit all packaging and labels to the Bureau of Marijuana Control for pre-approval, seeks to address problems Colorado and Washington experienced with minors ingesting cannabis products, By Shabnam Malek, Amanda R. Conley and Sam Berrin