GUEST COLUMNS
Monday, November 11, 2019
Is your son or daughter heading to college? If the answer is yes, it's an exciting moment in your child's life. But, financially, it can also be a paralyzing time if they do not have a principled approach for managing money. Out on their own for the first time, your child has an opportunity to sharpen their financial skills for the future, but they are vulnerable to mistakes. Thankfully, regular chats about money can help get them on the right path. Here are some suggested financial topics to cover with your college-aged child:
Thursday, November 7, 2019
In Arthrex Inc. v. Smith & Nephew Inc. et al., case number 18-2140, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit recently considered whether the appointment of the Board's Administrative Patent Judges ("APJs") by the Secretary of Commerce, as currently set forth in Title 35, violates the Appointments Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
Wednesday, November 6, 2019
Having declared "I own it," Gov. Gavin Newsom is stepping up his personal involvement and political investment in the disaster-tinged bankruptcy of Pacific Gas and Electric Co., wagering his still-new governorship on reforming — or dissolving — the nation's largest investor-owned utility.
Monday, November 4, 2019
I guess it should be no surprise that the same week Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill into law that allows California residents to eat like a Third World country (you're now legally allowed to eat road kill), that they should be forced to live like Third World refugees.
Friday, November 1, 2019
We hear frequent references in the news to the Federal Reserve (or the "Fed," as it is more commonly called). Yet, for many individual investors and consumers, the way the Fed affects their lives is a bit cloudy. So, let's clear the air.
Thursday, October 31, 2019
Should a company be required to license its patents to a competitor? That's one question that arises when intellectual property law and antitrust law intersect.
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
The careers of political executives — presidents, governors and big-city mayors — are often defined, fairly or not, by how they respond to crises.
Tuesday, October 29, 2019
America is a society that relies heavily on tipping. Tipping allows us to reward excellent service. However, research shows that the amount of a tip is rarely related to the quality of the service. What matters most is the size of the check. If you want bigger tips, induce your customers to order more.
Monday, October 28, 2019
WeWork said it was going to transform the market for office space, reinvent the way people work and elevate the world's consciousness. But in recent weeks, the brutal reality beneath the lofty visions has emerged.
Thursday, October 24, 2019
Before 1995, the term of a U.S. utility patent was 17 years from the day the patent issued. In 1994, the federal statutes were changed to make the patent term 20 years from the effective filing date of the patent application. This change was part of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act and was intended to make U.S. patents comparable to foreign patents, which, in most countries, expire 20 years from their filing dates.
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Gavin Newsom has a transportation problem — not personally, but politically.
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
This article is Part 2 of a two-part series providing an overview of recent California Supreme Court decisions in employment law.
Monday, October 21, 2019
Californians often cite homelessness as the top issue facing their state.
Thursday, October 17, 2019
While so-called cryptocurrencies are widely understood as a means for unscrupulous people to buy and sell contraband online with impunity, they have increasingly become a tool for law enforcement.
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
It was a problem that California had come to dread. The risk of wildfires was high. acific Gas & Electric, the giant utility whose power lines and transformers have been blamed for a series of disastrous wildfires in recent years, was determined to prevent another one.
Wednesday, October 9, 2019
Educational accountability is attracting a lot of political attention — or perhaps lip service — these days in California.
Monday, October 7, 2019
When I was a little girl, my brothers and I would get dressed, eat breakfast and then dash out the door to walk to school. It was our time together to have adventures, gain independence, bond and burn off a little energy before spending the day learning.
Wednesday, October 2, 2019
California's longest-running single-issue political battle, over limits on damages in medical malpractice lawsuits, is about to heat up again.
Friday, September 27, 2019
For families of individuals with disabilities, crafting a financial plan requires a delicate balance. As a financial advisor, I've seen this balance play out firsthand. Families want to save responsibly, anticipating future expenses including retirement, but need to be careful not to save more than the limits required for government assistance.
Tuesday, September 24, 2019
It has been more than 10 years since Bernard Madoff was caught running the biggest Ponzi scheme in history, a case that became a cautionary tale for investors and a call to action for regulators. The Securities and Exchange Commission made changes in its enforcement division to better detect fraud, established specialized teams and even revamped its system for handling tips from the public.
Monday, September 23, 2019
Reacting to actions in Congress and the White House this week, antitrust attorneys said they were suspicious the Department of Justice's inquiries may be politically motivated, and defended the U.S. model of having two federal agencies handle antitrust investigations as a balance.
Friday, September 20, 2019
For decades, people have subscribed to newspapers, magazines and cable services. Today, that subscription-based payment model is being used across a wide range of consumer products and services.
Wednesday, September 18, 2019
No summary was provided
Friday, September 13, 2019
Many people dream of starting a business. And, for some, a spouse or significant other is the ideal business partner. The prospect of building an enterprise with the person they share other parts of their lives with may be appealing on a number of levels from shared passion, convenience and common goals. However, it's important to approach the joint venture with the same care a person would apply to any other business dealings.
Thursday, September 12, 2019
Landlords whose tenants sell counterfeit goods can be liable for trademark infringement if they have knowledge of the infringing acts or are willfully blind to the infringement.
Wednesday, September 11, 2019
Spanish explorer Juan Cabrillo claimed California 477 years ago this month when his three-ship armada sailed into a bay he named "San Miguel," which we know today as San Diego.
Monday, September 9, 2019
A federal judge indicated Thursday he will likely restore the nationwide scope of his prior ruling temporarily blocking the Trump administration from enforcing an immigration policy barring almost all asylum applications at the Mexican border.
Friday, September 6, 2019
Insurance is one of the fundamental financial tools for any household. Most people recognize the important role of insurance, but many are unsure about how it works. If you have questions about insurance, you aren't alone. As a financial advisor, I get a variety of questions about insurance.
Wednesday, September 4, 2019
One of the more curious anomalies about California is that while labor unions' political power has increased to virtual hegemony, especially in the last decade, union membership has declined just as sharply.
Friday, August 30, 2019
With the real estate market as competitive as it is in various U.S. cities, more people are opting to stay in their current homes. This decision frequently comes with the desire to take on additional house projects, which often impact your financial situation. If you are considering upgrades and remodels, read on for several considerations on how to prioritize your housing projects.
Thursday, August 29, 2019
The atrocious acts in Dayton, El Paso and Gilroy are incomprehensible. How could anyone with any modicum of human decency ever carry out a mass shooting?
Wednesday, August 28, 2019
Everything old is new again, at least when it comes to punching loopholes in state tax laws to benefit corporate interests.
Monday, August 26, 2019
Human resources professionals may shudder at the sound of an "audit." For starters, it is difficult to make available the time and personnel needed for day-to-day work. And what if the audit uncovers "bad news?"
Friday, August 23, 2019
Retirement is one of the most important financial goals for many married couples. It's something you may dream about and work hard to reach. But, even if you feel like you are on track in terms of meeting your financial objectives, there is an equally important factor to consider ? are you both on the same page about your vision and plans for retirement?
Wednesday, August 21, 2019
Katy Caouette is Flagship's first general counsel, and it's her first venture into the facilities industry.
The Golden State has lost its largest bottle and can recycling chain following a slow-motion collapse
Tuesday, August 20, 2019
The Legislature must fix the California Consumer Privacy Act before it takes effect on Jan. 1, 2020.
People are always changing their minds, day to day. But over the past 20-odd years one group has shifted to an astounding degree: highly educated white Democrats. I'm not sure I understand why this group has undergone such a transformation, but it has, and the effects are reshaping our politics.
Corn-based ethanol cheaper to produce but less environmentally friendly than more advanced biofuels
People are always changing their minds, day to day. But over the past 20-odd years one group has shifted to an astounding degree: highly educated white Democrats. I'm not sure I understand why this group has undergone such a transformation, but it has, and the effects are reshaping our politics.
Friday, August 16, 2019
It's no secret that many American parents want to support their kids by paying for their college education. According to recent Ameriprise research, 87 percent of parents today already have paid for or plan to assist with these costs. Furthermore, 33 percent of respondents have delayed their own retirement, or plan to, in order to help their kids pay for college.
Thursday, August 15, 2019
Though California has slipped in the rankings over the past several years, it is still an innovation hub
Wednesday, August 14, 2019
Two proposed class actions alleging California's public universities unfairly punish students accused of sexual misconduct will likely win class certification, legal experts say, in what would be the state's first-ever lawsuits seeking mass dismissal of student disciplinary decisions based on alleged due process violations.
Tuesday, August 13, 2019
A Fresno-based small business owner is suing the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration and its director for allegedly failing to make Amazon pay the state billions in uncollected sales tax.
Monday, August 12, 2019
Paying severance money to a departing employee in exchange for a release of claims is a good decision
Paying severance money to a departing employee in exchange for a release of claims is a good decision
Friday, August 9, 2019
Parents want good things for their children, and a good credit record is certainly something that falls into that category.
Thursday, August 8, 2019
A larger EITC led mothers to move out of shared living arrangements with non-related adults
Tuesday, August 6, 2019
Californians have wait times of as long as a month and a half for appointments at some DMV offices.
Things should be dismal in Silicon Valley right now, with technology's biggest companies under attack from regulators, lawmakers and even President Donald Trump. Not for Henrique Dubugras and Pedro Franceschi. The two Stanford dropouts, both 23, are the founders of Brex, one of the hottest young companies today. Their startup's mission? To provide charge cards to other startups.
Monday, August 5, 2019
Californians are worn out by the high cost of housing and see no alternative but to leave.
Californians are worn out by the high cost of housing and see no alternative but to leave.
Friday, August 2, 2019
Americans juggle a lot of interest rates in their daily lives. They pay interest on car loans, credit card balances and mortgages. They earn interest, at least a little, on the money they save with banks.
Thursday, August 1, 2019
Gentrification is allowing less advantaged families to 'move to opportunity' without even moving.
The federal patent laws provide for an award of attorneys' fees to the prevailing party in exceptional patent infringement cases.
Monday, July 29, 2019
COMPTON — It was bath time and Rosalba Moralez heard a cry. She rushed to the bathroom and found her 7-year-old daughter, Alexxa, being doused with brown, putrid water.
Friday, July 26, 2019
Newsom's vision for addressing the state's homeless problem involves only government.
Thursday, July 25, 2019
Even women who are famous for their mastery of a domain find themselves being mansplained.
Tuesday, July 23, 2019
The panel is pursuing a split from the State Bar by the end of 2019.
Friday, July 19, 2019
One of the most important decisions you will make in retirement is when to begin receiving your Social Security benefits. Yet this decision often depends on another: whether you plan to retire or keep working. The following are some pointers to help you make both decisions with confidence.
Wednesday, June 19, 2019
Given their druthers, many government officials would prefer to do their business ? our business, actually ? behind closed doors and provide sanitized, self-serving versions of their actions after the fact.
Most apartment homes around the country use more energy and water than they need to.
Tuesday, June 18, 2019
Nearly 110,000 109,089 men and women are sleeping on the streets of major West Coast cities
California employees may claim unpaid wages, unreimbursed expenses, penalties, and interest via administrative complaints filed with the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (also known as the Labor Commissioner's office). Claims not settled are resolved via an informal hearing before a Deputy Labor Commissioner.
Monday, June 17, 2019
A culture that has allowed homelessness, filthy streets, and increasingly unlivable conditions to persist.
A culture that has allowed homelessness, filthy streets, and increasingly unlivable conditions to persist.
Tuesday, June 11, 2019
The California bullet-train project is a case study in mismanagement of an infrastructure megaproject.
ver the past several years, teenage suicide rates have spiked horrifically. Depression rates are surging, and America's mental health overall is deteriorating. What's going on?
Wednesday, June 5, 2019
High performers don't stop being high performers simply because they take a career break.
When I think about "a technology innovation that specifically and demonstrably improves people's lives for the better," I immediately jump to the value of technology-based companies innovating their recruiting strategies to include non-traditional candidates of all kinds
Monday, June 3, 2019
David Bornstein points out that a lot of American journalism is based on a mistaken theory of change.
California currently has 879 Opportunity Zones – roughly a tenth of all those in the United States
Thursday, May 30, 2019
SB 707 is opposed by business groups coordinated by the California Chamber of Commerce, which object to specifics of the bill, such as the definition of a material breach of the agreement and the ability of a civil court to impose monetary sanctions for companies found to have engaged in delays.
Many of the state's 'contract' workers will be involuntarily reclassified as 'employees'
If your heart is beating and your lungs are taking in oxygen, you know that Game of Thrones recently reached its epic conclusion.
Wednesday, May 29, 2019
The key to eliminating inequality while fomenting future economic growth
By reading this you will be plunging into the Legislature's almost impenetrably arcane thicket of internal procedures.
Friday, May 24, 2019
S.F.is the nation's leader in property crime, including burglary, larceny, shoplifting, and vandalism.
In January, the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and the International Documentary Association started hearing worrying reports from journalists and documentarians covering developments related to migrants arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border from Central America.
S.F.is the nation's leader in property crime, including burglary, larceny, shoplifting, and vandalism.
Thursday, May 23, 2019
Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis called privacy the "right to be let alone." Perhaps Congress should give states trying to protect consumer data the same right.
One of the requirements for obtaining a patent is the written description requirement -- the specification must include a written description of the invention. 35 U.S.C §112(a).
Wednesday, May 22, 2019
At last count, California's Democratic political leadership had filed four dozen lawsuits against President Donald Trump's administration, reflecting differences on policies large and small.
Voters who supported Proposition 64 were duped by a bait-and-switch
Monday, May 20, 2019
I was honored to speak to the graduating students at Arizona State University. It was an intimidating occasion. Anybody speaking to college students these days is aware of how hard it is to be a young adult today, with rising rates of depression, other mental health issues, even suicide. So while these talks are usually occasions to talk about professional life, my goal was to get them thinking about the future of their emotional lives, which is really going to be at the center of everything.
Several cities and counties have banned fracking here in the Golden State
Thursday, May 16, 2019
Earlier this year Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed a so-called "data dividend" because, he said, "California's consumers should also be able to share in the wealth that is created from their data..." The governor provided almost no details then, and few to none since, but the idea seems to suffer from a lack of careful consideration.
In Apple Inc. v. Pepper et al., case number 17-204, the United States Supreme Court considered a case alleging Apple has monopolized the retail market for the sale of apps and has unlawfully used its monopolistic power to charge consumers higher-than competitive prices. As an early defense in the case, Apple asserted that the consumer plaintiffs could not sue Apple because they supposedly were not "direct purchasers"
Wednesday, May 15, 2019
Gavin Newsom has spent the last four months telling Californians that he could -- and would -- cure some of California's most pressing social ailments.
Though well-meaning, increases in minimum wage portend deleterious consequences
Tuesday, May 14, 2019
More than 40,000 investors descended on Omaha for Berkshire Hathaway's annual meeting. The most prominent face of capitalism — Warren Buffett, the avuncular founder of Berkshire appeared to distance himself from many of his peers, who have been apologizing for capitalism of late. "I'm a card-carrying capitalist," Mr. Buffett said.
Los Gatos company spends much more cash than it brings in, leading to consistent negative cash flow.
Monday, May 13, 2019
When it comes to solving the state's housing affordability crisis the Legislature seems at a loss.
When it comes to solving the state's housing affordability crisis the Legislature seems at a loss.
Tuesday, May 7, 2019
Employers must pay workers for "reporting time" when employees call in to determine if they will be expected to work, according to the California Court of Appeal's decision in Ward v. Tilly's, Inc.
A study of tiny home downsizers found that their ecological footprints were reduced by about 45%.
Wednesday, May 1, 2019
The California Democratic Party and former chairman Eric Bauman have been named in another lawsuit alleging sexual harassment and retaliation.
California motorists pay $1.17 per gallon more than the national average, according to AAA
Tuesday, April 30, 2019
Gary Cohn was born in 1960 in the suburbs of Cleveland. In college at American University he programmed computers and became obsessed with the financial markets.
The CPUC has previously defined safety performance metrics for utilities and the utilities responded
Friday, April 26, 2019
Whether or not the Impossible Burger venture succeeds on a large scale remains to be seen
Whether or not the Impossible Burger venture succeeds on a large scale remains to be seen
Wednesday, April 24, 2019
State legislature has made California's cost of living unaffordable for all too many residents
State legislature has made California's cost of living unaffordable for all too many residents
Tuesday, April 23, 2019
List of expenditures unavailable because financial data is scattered across 500 incompatible systems.
List of expenditures unavailable because financial data is scattered across 500 incompatible systems.
Monday, April 22, 2019
Developers invited to submit proposals to build affordable housing on 1,300 suitable sites in California
Developers invited to submit proposals to build affordable housing on 1,300 suitable sites in California
Wednesday, April 17, 2019
In the jargon of the Capitol, "trailer bills" are measures that accompany the annual state budget -- in theory making the changes of law necessary to implement the budget's fiscal policies.
Tuesday, April 16, 2019
Last year, Facebook's chief executive, Mark Zuckerberg, testified before Congress and apologized for his company's role in enabling "fake news, foreign interference in elections and hate speech." As Silicon Valley grapples with its version of becoming too big to fail, Zuckerberg and his industry peers might take lessons from Wall Street, whose leaders have some experience with government scrutiny.
California cities in SMSAs with lowest homeownership rates are most affected by affordability issues
Monday, April 15, 2019
Airlines respond differently to public concerns about fatal accidents involving Boeing 737 MAX 8
Wednesday, April 10, 2019
Democratic legislators have already proposed $40 billion in new spending, much of that beyond what Gov. Newsom has proposed.
Attorney General Xavier Becerra has enjoyed a chummy relationship with Democrat-dominated Legislature in Sacramento over the past two-plus years. But friction has cropped up recently as he defends an annual budget of more than a billion dollars for the first time.
Monday, April 8, 2019
It is hard to choose the right communication channel because the issue is quite context dependent
There is an essential aspect of the creative process that everyone can relate to, even people who don't think of themselves as creative. And it's something that almost no one enjoys: failure.
Friday, April 5, 2019
California lawmakers propose inexplicable ban on safer alternatives to conventional cigarettes
California lawmakers propose inexplicable ban on safer alternatives to conventional cigarettes
Wednesday, April 3, 2019
The value of the past lies in remembering how recently higher education was affordable, even cheap.
The value of the past lies in remembering how recently higher education was affordable, even cheap.
Tuesday, April 2, 2019
The two most recent times I saw my friend Makoto Fujimura, he put a Kintsugi bowl in my hands. These ceramic bowls were 300 to 400 years old. But what made them special was that somewhere along the way they had broken into shards and were glued back together with a 15th-century technique using Japanese lacquer and gold.
Even after two fatal crashes of the Boeing 737, CEO Dennis Muilenburg insisted the aircraft is safe
Monday, April 1, 2019
Only one new home community under construction here in the Golden State for every 45,000 residents.
Only one new home community under construction here in the Golden State for every 45,000 residents.
Wednesday, March 27, 2019
Second set of regs should deal with practical problems many potential investors are currently facing.
Second set of regs should deal with practical problems many potential investors are currently facing.
Tuesday, March 26, 2019
The information-technology industry has successfully lobbied against attempts to legislate or regulate it
The information-technology industry has successfully lobbied against attempts to legislate or regulate it
Monday, March 25, 2019
The average American consumes roughly 200 pounds of meat a year. According to Jayson Lusk, an agricultural economist at Purdue University, Americans eat more meat per capita than citizens of almost any other country in the world, making them "the king of meat eaters." How did the United States achieve such a status? And what — if anything — should be done about it?
California needs fewer NIMBYs (not in my backyard), and more YIMBYs (yes in my backyard).
Friday, March 22, 2019
All have one or more leading research universities and a large proportion of college-educated people
All have one or more leading research universities and a large proportion of college-educated people
Thursday, March 21, 2019
Voters thought higher pump prices would be used to repair the state's freeways and roads
Voters thought higher pump prices would be used to repair the state's freeways and roads
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
Freddie Mac is leveraging data analytics to bring borrowers to the closing table sooner.
Freddie Mac is leveraging data analytics to bring borrowers to the closing table sooner.
Tuesday, March 19, 2019
Proposedmeasure would require all of California's state and local government agencies to use XBRL
Josef Stalin dreamed of creating a totalitarian society where every individual's behavior could be predicted and controlled but he was born a century too early. He lived before the technology that would have made being a dictator so much easier!
Monday, March 18, 2019
Frans and Caroline Swaalf, management consultants in the Netherlands, have been enamored of South Florida since they were graduate students at the University of Miami in the 1990s.
The profit margin of scientific journal publisher Elsevier nearly 40% while Apple is only 23%
Friday, March 15, 2019
A San Jose federal judge awarded data center design company BladeRoom Group Ltd $30 million in exemplary damages over a claim the company's intellectual property was stolen.
Governments are increasingly banning the use of plastic products, such as carryout bags, straws, utensils and microbeads.
The 2016 voter initiative to keep the death penalty required the state to maintain the ability to "perform any duty needed to enable it to execute the judgment."
Thursday, March 14, 2019
Dozens of people accused of having bought their children's way into elite colleges and universities.
Dozens of people accused of having bought their children's way into elite colleges and universities.
Wednesday, March 13, 2019
Two of the nation's largest telecommunications providers have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene in lawsuits claiming they improperly refused to carry programs produced by an African-American owned production studio because of racial discrimination.
The Cadiz Water Project has received numerous validations of its plans, including CEQA approval
Tuesday, March 12, 2019
Efforts to shift direction and build more transit-oriented development are moving slowly
Efforts to shift direction and build more transit-oriented development are moving slowly
Monday, March 11, 2019
Raghuram Rajan is a professor of finance at the University of Chicago. Rajan's book called "The Third Pillar: How Markets and the State Leave the Community Behind." Its theme is the fragility of democracy — a fairly radical notion for an economist.
TCJA offers tools and provisions for both commercial real estate and residential real estate investors.
Thursday, March 7, 2019
Taxpayers want to know if new rules incorporated in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act apply to them
This week, the Supreme Court resolved a split in the circuits regarding an issue in copyright law that affects copyright owners in California.
Wednesday, March 6, 2019
An Oakland federal judge on Monday struck down San Francisco County's use of money bail for those suspected of crimes but not yet charged as a "significant deprivation of liberty."
California's housing demand will not be met by stealing the profit motive from housing suppliers
Tuesday, March 5, 2019
Recreation and commerce flourish in daylight and are hampered by evening darkness
Everyone, it seems, has ideas about new tax strategies, some more realistic than others. Whatever your politics, there is a bipartisan acknowledgment that the tax system is broken. Whether you believe the system should be fixed to generate more revenue or employed as a tool to limit inequality, there is a justifiable sense the public doesn't trust the tax system to be fair.
Monday, March 4, 2019
Freddie Mac is focused on inclusion, defined as the intentional act of making people feel included
Freddie Mac is focused on inclusion, defined as the intentional act of making people feel included
Thursday, February 28, 2019
Companies have a number of tools available to them to help protect their intellectual property, including trade secret and other proprietary information that give them a competitive advantage.
An option could be to charge electric cars a few extra cents per kilowatt 'pumped into the tank.'
Wednesday, February 27, 2019
Fewer than 10% of independent contractors prefer traditional work environments to freelancing
The Bay Area should have added a million housing units since 2000, but only 380,000 units were built.
The Bay Area should have added a million housing units since 2000, but only 380,000 units were built.
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
The Bay Area should have added a million housing units since 2000, but only 380,000 units were built.
The Bay Area should have added a million housing units since 2000, but only 380,000 units were built.
Monday, February 25, 2019
California backs 'safe harbor' federal legislation for banks accommodating the cannabis industry
It's natural enough to see elite athletes as finely tuned machines. They're usually bigger, faster and stronger than the rest of us, and their movements can have a grace that appears nearly effortless. But if you talk to enough athletes and coaches, you discover that the mind, not the body, is where most of their energy is going.
Thursday, February 21, 2019
Ripping off the band-aid yourself by revealing the crisis can put you in control of the news cycle
Ripping off the band-aid yourself by revealing the crisis can put you in control of the news cycle
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
On October 11, 2018, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a memorandum relaxing the rules on post-accident drug testing and drug testing as part of a safety incentive program.
Tuesday, February 12, 2019
SF Ordinance requiring health warning labels on sugary drink ads runs afoul of 1st Amendment
SF Ordinance requiring health warning labels on sugary drink ads runs afoul of 1st Amendment
Wednesday, February 6, 2019
The state Supreme Court denied anti-SLAPP motions by the city of Carson stemming from its unsuccessful attempt to lure a National Football League franchise.
Revelation that Virginia governor Ralph Northam once wore black face has fomented national outrage
Tuesday, February 5, 2019
2018 saw quite a few changes in labor and employment law. Most employers are asking 'what's next?'
2018 saw quite a few changes in labor and employment law. Most employers are asking 'what's next?'
Monday, February 4, 2019
Advertisers and marketers once struggled to predict sales of such leisure products movies and books.
Advertisers and marketers once struggled to predict sales of such leisure products movies and books.
Thursday, January 31, 2019
Development and clarification of important Opportunity Zone regulations adversely affected.
Development and clarification of important Opportunity Zone regulations adversely affected.
Wednesday, January 30, 2019
The American Bar Association's policy-making body rejected a proposal to raise bar passage standards, though the legal education council will likely move forward with the change.
U.S. continues to allow Internet Service Providers to self-regulate with minimal external controls.
Tuesday, January 29, 2019
The state government has caused trouble by stomping on private acts of kindness, like food sharing.
The state government has caused trouble by stomping on private acts of kindness, like food sharing.
Monday, January 28, 2019
The number of applicants to nursing schools in California far exceeds the number of available slots
Friday, January 25, 2019
Through index funds, investing in the stock market became easy, at low cost while minimizing risk.
Through index funds, investing in the stock market became easy, at low cost while minimizing risk.
Thursday, January 24, 2019
Residents are beset by conventions that annoy, antagonize, confound, enrage and inconvenience.
Residents are beset by conventions that annoy, antagonize, confound, enrage and inconvenience.
Residents are beset by conventions that annoy, antagonize, confound, enrage and inconvenience.
Wednesday, January 23, 2019
Operating costs for the Valley's tech startups as much as four times higher than in emerging tech hubs.
With nearly 53,000 federal inmates eligible for relief under the newly enacted First Step Act, the federal criminal justice law that eases mandatory minimums, a ruling from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals may indicate the court's inclination to streamline the process, attorneys say.
Tuesday, January 22, 2019
Former California Gov. Jerry Brown signed more than 1,000 new laws that go into effect this year.
Stocks came very close to entering a bear market on Christmas Eve, which was a very bad thing. Just about everybody said so.
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
Assemblyman would require California businesses to offer electronic rather than paper receipts
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.
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
The demise of the iconic retailer is a sad for the company and those associated with it.
Monday, January 14, 2019
OZ's offer preferential tax treatment when investing in economically distressed communities.
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!
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.
California already has several existing programs to subsidize students who attend community college.
Thursday, January 10, 2019
The potential fallout from an insincere apology can make the fallout from a crisis far worse.
The potential fallout from an insincere apology can make the fallout from a crisis far worse.
Wednesday, January 9, 2019
The general public is much more educated about retaliation claims than they used to be.
After he was sworn in as state attorney general Monday, Xavier Becerra took shots at his most frequent opponent in court: the Trump administration.
Tuesday, January 8, 2019
The inauguration usually reflects both the personal and governing style of the governor being sworn in.
Trader Joe's outsells all other grocery stores per square foot. It's ranked among the 100 best American companies to work for. And it doesn't advertise much. But, if Trader Joe's is really so good, should its philosophy be applied elsewhere?
Monday, January 7, 2019
The tea leaves suggest that the days of fiscal wine and roses for California government are over
The tea leaves suggest that the days of fiscal wine and roses for California government are over
Friday, January 4, 2019
The Trademark Trial and Appeals Board recently issued an interesting decision regarding standing to oppose the registration of trademark applications.
Thursday, January 3, 2019
A quick glance at television commercials or online pop-up ads shows that rewards programs are the name of the game for many credit cards.
1,800 businesses moved out or 'disinvested' from California, according to the most recent data
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.
Friday, December 28, 2018
Actors gain notoriety for different reasons. For some it's due to a physical characteristic or an iconic character portrayal.
Thursday, December 27, 2018
The open office design has been around for decades, in a variety of forms. If you're a cynic, you might think an open office is all about cramming the maximum number of employees into the minimum amount of real estate. But you could also imagine that an open office produces better interactions and more collaboration. Wouldn't it be nice to know if this were true?
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
Give time, talent or treasures to the least of those in our communities
Give time, talent or treasures to the least of those in our communities
Friday, December 21, 2018
For many of us, the new year means a fresh start and the chance to set new goals. If your resolutions are money related, here are some ways to strengthen your financial foundation in 2019.
Thursday, December 20, 2018
ABC California hopes 2019 provides growth and prosperity in every industry and every region
ABC California hopes 2019 provides growth and prosperity in every industry and every region
Wednesday, December 19, 2018
No gas-fueled cars, no 'gig' jobs, no fur products and other questionable legislation
No gas-fueled cars, no 'gig' jobs, no fur products and other questionable legislation
Tuesday, December 18, 2018
Just seven months before the scheduled release of a new technology system intended to simplify the repayment process for more than 35 million federal student loan borrowers, the Education Department is scrapping its plan and starting over.
Monday, December 17, 2018
Retired 1st District Court of Appeal Justice William A. Newsom III died Wednesday. He was 84.
Ruling allowing a much-needed pension reform would save California from fiscal disaster.
Thursday, December 13, 2018
Facing NIMBY opposition Elon Musk, abandoned plans his for a hyperloop transportation system
The Ninth Circuit recently was called upon to decide awarding attorney's fees in a case where artists were suing for unpaid royalties under the California Resale Royalties Act ("CRRA"). The Ninth Circuit ordered that the Plaintiff-artists be required to pay attorney's fees to the defendants. This conclusion required a discussion of the doctrine of preemption and a determination that defendants could still be awarded attorney's fees under CRRA despite a finding that the bulk of Plaintiffs' claims under the CRRA were preempted by the 1976 Copyright Act.
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Recently, officials in California announced that the Camp Fire, the deadliest wildfire in the state's history, had been fully contained. The achievement was made possible through the hard work of firefighters on the ground, with some help from above: a swarm of tiny, orbiting satellites that represent the next phase of the space age.
There are many benefits to owning property in Opportunity Zones, including generous tax incentives.
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
We're enjoying one of the best economies of our lifetime. Since 1975, the U.S. economy has tripled in size. The gains are finally being widely shared, even by the least skilled. And yet are we happy?
For many the holidays mean not only shopping and family time but also scanning job advertisements.
Monday, December 10, 2018
2018 has been another lackluster year for housing permits and much needed new home construction
2018 has been another lackluster year for housing permits and much needed new home construction
Friday, December 7, 2018
Focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing costs potential returns
Focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing costs potential returns
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.
It's near impossible to fix our own stuckness because we all operate in our own blind spots
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.
Tuesday, December 4, 2018
Young leaders bring passion, but that doesn't necessarily make up for a lack of wisdom
Young leaders bring passion, but that doesn't necessarily make up for a lack of wisdom
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.
Outcome of court case could determine whether compelled commercial speech is Constitutional.
Friday, November 30, 2018
While still early in the regulatory process, Opportunity Zones are a boon for real estate investors.
While still early in the regulatory process, Opportunity Zones are a boon for real estate investors.
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
The case consumers brought against Apple Inc. alleges the company holds a monopoly on apps and passes its costs to customers.
Devastation caused by forest wild fires increasing, nowhere more so than in California.
Tuesday, November 27, 2018
Nonprofits should send fundraising communications on a day when they can be the star of the show.
Days after President Donald Trump attacked the impartiality of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, attorneys at the U.S. Department of Justice asked the nation's highest court to review an injunction blocking the government from implementing a ban on transgender soldiers in the military, effectively seeking to skip the very court Trump brazenly called a "complete and total disaster."
Monday, November 26, 2018
Climate scientist refutes Gov. Brown's claim of link between warming and recent wildfires
Climate scientist refutes Gov. Brown's claim of link between warming and recent wildfires
Wednesday, November 21, 2018
We give our thanks, most of all, for the ideals of honor and faith we inherit from our forefathers
A federal judge questioned government lawyers Monday concerning the legality of a new Trump administration policy stopping asylum applications between border posts.
Tuesday, November 20, 2018
Corporate social responsibility is demonstrably beneficial to an organization's bottom line.
Corporate social responsibility is demonstrably beneficial to an organization's bottom line.
Monday, November 19, 2018
It is all well and good to expect innovation but not give people the time and space to do it.
It is all well and good to expect innovation but not give people the time and space to do it.
Friday, November 16, 2018
Freelancers and independent contractors are playing a crucial role in the nation's overall economy.
Freelancers and independent contractors are playing a crucial role in the nation's overall economy.
Wednesday, November 7, 2018
The fight over federal legislation curbing the power of Article III judges to grant habeas relief lives on in the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, despite the fact that one of the law's biggest critics is dead.
Thursday, November 1, 2018
Californians have the opportunity to take a big step toward addressing our housing crisis
Californians have the opportunity to take a big step toward addressing our housing crisis
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.
There's no guarantee that replacements for Styrofoam will be more environmentally friendly.
Monday, October 22, 2018
Soft drink giant's courting anything connected with marijuana is an incredibly telling sign of the times.
Friday, October 19, 2018
A state audit found that UC is outsourcing to replace its lower wage career workforce.
A state audit found that UC is outsourcing to replace its lower wage career workforce.
Wednesday, October 17, 2018
Women entrepreneurs confident about the business environment and their own outlook for growth.
Women entrepreneurs confident about the business environment and their own outlook for growth.
Thursday, October 11, 2018
Supreme Court struck down 25-year-old federal law that limited sports betting.
Supreme Court struck down 25-year-old federal law that limited sports betting.
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
Opportunity Zones aim to uplift low-income neighborhoods, while providing generous tax incentives.
Opportunity Zones aim to uplift low-income neighborhoods, while providing generous tax incentives.
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
This article is Part 2 of a two-part series providing an overview of laws affecting San Francisco employers.
Rapid response is not always prudent when issues arise necessitating crisis communication.
Monday, October 8, 2018
Fourth Industrial Revolution, like all good revolutions, is disrupting social and economic structures.
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
UC Berkeley has signed master lease agreements at privately developed housing projects.
Wednesday, October 3, 2018
The State Senate killed a bill that would have eased building regulations near frequent transit stops.
The State Senate killed a bill that would have eased building regulations near frequent transit stops.
Tuesday, October 2, 2018
Debtors who file for bankruptcy protection under Title 11 are protected an automatic stay.
Debtors who file for bankruptcy protection under Title 11 are protected an automatic stay.
Debtors who file for bankruptcy protection under Title 11 are protected an automatic stay.
Thursday, September 27, 2018
Gavin Newsom is promising California voters he'll deliver universal coverage if elected governor.
Gavin Newsom is promising California voters he'll deliver universal coverage if elected governor.
Wednesday, September 26, 2018
A plaintiffs' lawyer told an Orange County Superior Court jury Monday that Buchalter APC should pay about $15 million to the heirs of the Alta-Dena Dairy fortune for a former attorney's work on an estate plan that "became a lawyer self-enriching scheme" protected by firm officials leery of scrutiny.
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
Partnerships and LLCs face dramatic changes in how audits are conducted.
Partnerships and LLCs face dramatic changes in how audits are conducted.
Monday, September 24, 2018
The national anthems of the United States and Mexico were played over the stadium speakers as the flags of both countries fluttered in the hot summer wind. Fans chatted away in English and Spanish. It was time for the Tecolotes de los Dos Laredos, the Owls of the Two Laredos, one of the oldest teams in Mexican baseball, to take the field here at Uni-Trade Stadium on the Texas side of the border. Except this was not an away game.
There are now more than 42 billion notes in circulation, with a value of more than $1.7 trillion.
Friday, September 21, 2018
The U.S. is the largest coin manufacturer in the world. It has six locations, including the Bay Area.
The U.S. is the largest coin manufacturer in the world. It has six locations, including the Bay Area.
Wednesday, September 19, 2018
High-cost housing California's biggest metropolitan areas accounts for the nation's worst poverty rate.
High-cost housing California's biggest metropolitan areas accounts for the nation's worst poverty rate.
Tuesday, September 18, 2018
Those who take climate change and efforts to stop it seriously can arguably be divided into two broad camps: environmentalists and techno-optimists. The former believe that technology, population growth and overconsumption have led us to the brink of a disaster that only a dramatic change in lifestyles can avert. Techno-optimists, meanwhile, tend to believe that technology is as much the answer to our climate problems as the cause and that, ultimately, we can innovate our way out of the crisis. Mary Robinson, a former president of Ireland (the first woman to hold the position) and United Nations high commissioner for human rights most surely falls into the first camp.
Monday, September 17, 2018
Lisa Brennan-Jobs' memoir recounts life with (and without) father Steve Jobs.
Lisa Brennan-Jobs' memoir recounts life with (and without) father Steve Jobs.
Friday, September 14, 2018
Lawmakers determined to root out sexual harassment in the Golden State.
Lawmakers determined to root out sexual harassment in the Golden State.
Thursday, September 13, 2018
NAFTA's trilateral composition is the heart, not a glitch of the original agreement.
NAFTA's trilateral composition is the heart, not a glitch of the original agreement.
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
Baby boomer reality of "you are lucky to have a paycheck" has vanished. For millenials, culture is king
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.
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
Caltrans runs afoul of state law that prohibits use of taxpayer funds for campaign activities or advocacy
Caltrans runs afoul of state law that prohibits use of taxpayer funds for campaign activities or advocacy
Monday, September 10, 2018
Prop. 10 will yield unintended consequences deleterious to California's more than 3 million renters.
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.
Thursday, September 6, 2018
An inter partes review (IPR) is one of the ways a party can challenge a patent in the Patent and Trademark Office.
Wednesday, September 5, 2018
Builders foresaw affordable housing crisis. Now crisis looms for workforce and middle-class housing
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.
Thursday, August 30, 2018
Women are making progress in executive and senior level management, but still lag behind men.
Women are making progress in executive and senior level management, but still lag behind men.
Wednesday, August 29, 2018
By happenstance, the first political campaign I covered was also one of the strangest in California history because one candidate was dead.
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.
Mortgage professionals gaining better understanding of borrowers of the future
Friday, August 24, 2018
Labor Day is a testament to America's high esteem for hard work.
Labor Day is a testament to America's high esteem for hard work.
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
The long-running legal dispute between the Commission on Judicial Performance and the state auditor could be nearing its conclusion, thanks in part to a pair of bills now advancing through the Legislature.
Tuesday, August 21, 2018
Lance Armstrong was once one of the most lionized athletes on the planet. Then, in 2012, it all fell apart. During a television interview with Oprah Winfrey he admitted to using erythropoietin, or EPO. Stephen Dubner recently chatted with Armstrong about that infamous interview and how the years since have changed him.
New warning signs must be posted on buildings, or property owners could face lawsuits or penalties
Monday, August 20, 2018
Wages grew 3.5 percent when adjusted for compositional change in the workforce
Wages grew 3.5 percent when adjusted for compositional change in the workforce
Friday, August 17, 2018
Now is the time for crisis threat assessment while more urgent business waits until after Labor Day.
If you have concerns about the longevity of your savings, know there are steps you can take to help you feel more confident.
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
No summary was provided
Tuesday, August 14, 2018
No summary was provided
Monday, August 13, 2018
High-Speed Rail remains necessary to the Golden State's transportation future.
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.
Friday, August 10, 2018
A meaningless vote that does nothing to reunite migrant children with their parents.
Thursday, August 9, 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.
Non-homeowners face daunting challenges in the current housing market
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.
Tuesday, August 7, 2018
Balancing consumer privacy protection and development of innovative technologies
Balancing consumer privacy protection and development of innovative technologies
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.
Pictures of a 'Gone City.': Tech and the dark side of prosperity in the Bay Area
Friday, August 3, 2018
HHS says that many of the 711 migrant children remaining in custody are ineligible for reunification.
HHS says that many of the 711 migrant children remaining in custody are ineligible for reunification.
Thursday, August 2, 2018
Conflicts continue over subpoenas and information obtained during the newsgathering process
Conflicts continue over subpoenas and information obtained during the newsgathering process
Wednesday, August 1, 2018
No summary was provided
Tuesday, July 31, 2018
Starting with 12 employees, Intel is now the world's second-largest maker of semiconductors
Starting with 12 employees, Intel is now the world's second-largest maker of semiconductors
Monday, July 30, 2018
The settlement agreement between Stormy Daniels and President Trump is far from ordinary. It contains an assignment of copyright, which begs the question: Is there a video we should be looking at?
Assembly Bill 2282 clarifies existing California law intended to prohibit the use of prior salary history in negotiations between employers and applicants for employment.
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.
Thursday, July 26, 2018
Network of urban air vehicles will alleviate transportation congestion on the ground.
Network of urban air vehicles will alleviate transportation congestion on the ground.
Wednesday, July 25, 2018
Those seeking help from addiction shouldn't have to worry about false advertising
The lawsuit has put $2 billion in funding on hold, and the state Legislature hopes to partially break the logjam with a November ballot initiative.
Tuesday, July 24, 2018
New technologies key to reducing carbon emissions of fossil fuels
Dan Doctoroff, a successful investment banker in New York spearheaded a massive effort to bring the Olympics to the city in 2012.Though the bid failed, it helped catalyze dramatic development throughout New York as a result of extensive rezoning efforts.
Monday, July 23, 2018
It is premature to assess the ultimate impact of recent trade policy developments on the U.S. economy
It is premature to assess the ultimate impact of recent trade policy developments on the U.S. economy
Friday, July 20, 2018
Electricity and distribution will be highly integrated in the state's future electrical grid
Creating a well-crafted financial plan will help you achieve your goals.
Thursday, July 19, 2018
Conor McGregor's presence in the business world is just as polarizing as his presence in the sports and entertainment world.
Wednesday, July 18, 2018
Golden State's cannabis industry awaits permanent regulations with both fear and trepidation
Tuesday, July 17, 2018
No summary was provided
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.
Tuesday, July 10, 2018
Monday, July 9, 2018
FCC applies old regulations to new industries like cloud computing
FCC applies old regulations to new industries like cloud computing
Friday, July 6, 2018
The issue arises as to whether a victim's U Visa application and/or status is subject to mandatory disclosure by a prosecutor under the landmark decisions of Brady v. Maryland and its progeny
U.S. in the midst of the third great inflection point since the dawn of manned flight
Today's housing market is creating more and more hurdles for homebuyers.
Thursday, July 5, 2018
Offshore wind benefits from potential demand, as 53% of the nation's population live in coastal areas
Tuesday, July 3, 2018
No summary was provided
Monday, July 2, 2018
While neutrality doesn't mean that we don't have values, it must mean that we are not partisan.
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
Artificial intelligence a power tool we're just beginning to understand.
Artificial intelligence a power tool we're just beginning to understand.
Thursday, June 28, 2018
Today's real estate industry relies heavily on the use of websites displaying photographs of properties for sale to entice buyers. Many of the photographs on these sites are taken by professional photographers who license the use of their photos and retain the copyrights to them. The Ninth Circuit was faced with the question of whether these photographers can maintain an action for copyright infringement against a company whose software apparently "scrubbed" metadata identifying the copyright holders of photographs on various real estate websites.
Tuesday, June 26, 2018
Despite booming economy, labor force participation remains stubbornly low
With the World Cup taking place in their backyard, does Russia have any chance of winning the World Cup? Authors of the book Scorecasting found that home-field advantage is a real thing.
Monday, June 25, 2018
Project Labor Agreements choke off merit shop training programs
Project Labor Agreements choke off merit shop training programs
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.
An estimated 9 in 10 employers currently use background checks in hiring
Thursday, June 21, 2018
While many animals are afforded various protections by the rule of law, photos taken by some do not have the risk of liability for copyright infringement.
The long-term health of the nation's economy is tied to the real interest rate.
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.
Tuesday, June 19, 2018
The U.S. exports more than five times the goods to Western Hemisphere countries than to China.
Monday, June 18, 2018
Justices reason that allowing untimely class actions tantamount to infinite statute of limitations.
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.
Thursday, June 14, 2018
No summary was provided
Wednesday, June 13, 2018
In a nearly unanimous decision, the justices ruled Monday that tolling provisions that allow plaintiffs to bring individual lawsuits after relevant statutes of limitations periods pass if a previous attempt at class certification fails do not apply to subsequent tries at class-wide complaints.
Tuesday, June 12, 2018
ABC's response to the Roseanne crisis will be favorably written up in crisis communication textbooks.
Sunday is not my favorite hour to discuss home-improvement projects with a prospective contractor, but there I was, eagerly showing this one my basement. He seemed promising, spending almost two hours in my basement. All I had to do now was wait for his bid. I eagerly opened the email only to find a half-page proposal with scant information, just a vague bullet list with a dollar sum at the bottom. When I asked for more detail and references, I never heard from him again. My experience is not uncommon among homeowners looking to hire tradespeople.
Monday, June 11, 2018
Opportunity Zones provide incentives for developers to invest in economically distressed communities
How the JD-MD duo is the modern day Batman and Robin.
Opportunity Zones provide incentives for developers to invest in economically distressed communities
Friday, June 8, 2018
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.
Thursday, June 7, 2018
The nation's highest gasoline taxes force California drivers to pay the nation's highest pump prices.
Can Joel Embiid block the Buffalo Bills' attempt to register "Respect the Process"? And better yet, if he can, will he?
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.
Tuesday, June 5, 2018
The California Supreme Court's recent decision in Dynamex v Lee changes the way businesses evaluate their employee classifications.
Monday, June 4, 2018
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.
Renaissance in U.S. oil and gas production nothing short of remarkable.
Thursday, May 31, 2018
Union official time constitutes a direct government subsidy to federal employee unions.
Union official time constitutes a direct government subsidy to federal employee unions.
Wednesday, May 30, 2018
'Driving while black' has resurged n 2018 under the wider umbrella, "existing while Black" or 'EWB."
'Driving while black' has resurged n 2018 under the wider umbrella, "existing while Black" or 'EWB."
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
The U.S. high court's recent sports betting ruling is sure to cause a flurry of activity in state legislatures across the country.
Friday, May 25, 2018
Consider the benefits of working another year or more before retirement.
Thursday, May 24, 2018
Patent owners should consider whether the ITC is the appropriate forum for litigating their patent infringement claims.
Controversial 5-4 majority decision was authored by Justice Neil Gorsuch.
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.
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
The Trump administration is working on an agreement with China so the country can purchase more US goods and shrink the trade gap.
California's new rooftop solar mandate will add approximately $12,000 to the cost of a new home.
Monday, May 21, 2018
U.S. and China endeavor to strike a grand bargain to avert a trade war
U.S. and China endeavor to strike a grand bargain to avert a trade war
Thursday, May 17, 2018
Many patent owners feel that alleged infringers have an unfair advantage under the current system that applies different claim construction standards for different forums.
Study finds toxic contaminants in 20 out of 20 samples at "licensed" marijuana dispensaries.
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.
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.
Research indicates that many adults with autism are willing and able to work.
The insurance industry has found it challenging to insure cyber data. Cryptocurrencies present even more challenges.
Tuesday, May 15, 2018
A new guidebook for communications professionals when a fast moving crisis hits.
Atul Gawande is an extraordinarily busy man, even for a doctor. Not only is he a surgeon, but he's also a health policy professor at Harvard, an executive director at Ariadne Labs, and a staff writer at The New Yorker. Gawande recently found time to chat with Stephen Dubner about how we can improve health care and how he gets it all done each day.
Monday, May 14, 2018
The Phillippine Supreme Court has voted to remove the Chief Justice of the court in what some are calling a "black day for justice."
Gov. Brown allowed to designate up to 25 percent of low-income census tracts as 'Opportunity Zones.'
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.
Companies see value in career education for their middle-skill workers
The new reality in California is that cannabis interests have become a formidable lobbying force.
Thursday, May 10, 2018
Ninth Circuit finds monkeys cannot sue for copyright infringement
Legislature rejected a measure that would have reduced California's acute housing deficit
Wednesday, May 9, 2018
Protecting the integrity of the pharmaceutical supply chain
California's economy has climbed in global rankings to 5th place behind only the United States as whole, China, Japan and Germany.
Tuesday, May 8, 2018
While using independent contractors gives companies an edge, California's high court said it was an unfair competitive advantage.
Comprehensive tax reform will require heavy political lifting.
Space weather has the potential to disrupt such technologies as GPS, telecommunications and aviation
Monday, May 7, 2018
Trump's administration, answering pleas of auto executives, wants to roll back more stringent fuel efficiency standards promulgated during the final days of the predecessor Obama administration – rules that, at the time, California, other like-minded states and the auto industry jointly supported.
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
When we begin to think about how to maintain a thriving legal practice that is being outpaced by artificial intelligence, automated on-line legal services, and lawyer "robots," the first question that hits us is, where do we even begin? Below we suggest a roadmap for addressing what is arguably the biggest challenge the legal industry has faced in its history.
Businesses across the world are bracing for the impact of the new European Union data-protection regulation, known as the GDPR, which comes into effect on May 25.
Plenty of problems arise in the course of audits. What if the IRS asks you questions you are afraid to answer?
Western societies apparent are unable to assimilate and integrate rapidly newcomers
Thursday, May 3, 2018
Social media platforms need to be better stewards of information they disseminate to the public
Ren Ventures argues that Lucasfilm doesn't have common law trademark rights to SABACC card game because it failed to use the game in a trademark manner.
Wednesday, May 2, 2018
Voters often make snap judgments based on ideological predispositions and unpredictable events that unfold during campaigns, what those in politics call "x-factors."
Tuesday, May 1, 2018
What is the one thing that sets humans apart from all other animals? Some say it's our innate curiosity; some say our language. Others say it's our culture. Our capacity for trade — our ability to create markets and respond rationally to supply and demand — would seem an obvious, and particularly strong, candidate for what make us human. And yet research suggests that economic activity isn't as uniquely human as we might imagine.
Work centers have evolved into de facto labor organizations. They should comply with the laws that regulate unions
Monday, April 30, 2018
A recent decision will likely instigate a sea change regarding how family law trials and motions are litigated.
Co-op option may enable specified service businesses to avoid the pass-through income limitations
California labor laws generally discourage overtime work by requiring employers to pay a premium for extra work hours.
Friday, April 27, 2018
Consider taking steps to prepare for potential changes in the investment environment that could be caused, in part, by inflation
America has a deficit of 7.3 million homes, half of that is in California
Thursday, April 26, 2018
The 107 Women's Business Centers have created a community of two million women entrepreneurs throughout the country.
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
California politicians are concerned about a potential exodus of the taxpaying rich to other states, some of which have no state income taxes, such as neighboring Nevada, Texas and Florida.
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.
Tuesday, April 24, 2018
In light of the recent US-China trade dispute, various Chinese companies are facilitating alternate shipping routes through other countries in hopes of circumventing new tariffs.
The Internet has been disrupted by advances in networking technology and applications
California's public employee pension systems have immense gaps between what they have in assets and what they will need to meet their obligations to retirees.
Monday, April 23, 2018
The lieutenant governor has few, if any, substantive duties other than take over if a governor dies or resigns.
Cybercrime damage will reachit $6 trillion by 2021, nearly 10 percent of the global economy.
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.
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.
The U.S. has been the indisputable world leader in disruptive innovations in the internet age.
Thursday, April 19, 2018
The Ninth Circuit recently revisited the issue of the applicability of the safe harbor provision of the Digital Millenium Copyright Act ("DMCA").
The IRS received more than 94.1 million individual returns between Jan. 29 and March 30.
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.
The U.S. Supreme Court previously ruled that federal law trumps state law on marijuana
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
Last summer, Stephen Dubner had the opportunity to chat with arguably the most heavily scrutinized chief executive in the United States: Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg. Even before Americans and the world learned that data from an estimated 87 million Facebook users had been weaponized by political operatives, and before the 33-year-old CEO sat down for a two-day grilling session from an irate Congress, Zuckerberg was feeling the heat.
In 2017, Customs and Border Patrol recorded the lowest level of illegal cross-border migration on record.
Monday, April 16, 2018
Americans who are financially abused lose an average of $140,500 of their life savings
California is experiencing what educators call an "achievement gap."
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.
Friday, April 13, 2018
Two new employment laws have expanded parental leave rights with the chance that the new regulations could expand compliance obligations.
It is likely the internal combustion engine will remain the dominant powertrain for the next several decades
Thursday, April 12, 2018
A discussion of a few of the most common aspects of patent law that are misunderstood.
Building your business reputation isn't a guarantee you will survive a crisis. But it gives you a fighting chance
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.
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
A Los Angeles Superior Court judge ruled that stores selling coffee must post cancer warning labels
Dropbox had a strong market debut last week and has reassured investors with large holdings in other private start-ups.
Monday, April 9, 2018
More than a half million men, women and children in America suffered homelessness at some point last year
Friday, April 6, 2018
Dealers in California should think twice before assuming the Supreme Court's ruling in the final word. By Arthur Silbergeld. Page 4
In the long run, only Congress and the president can resolve the underlying issue: the extent to which the United States will permit the entry of particular immigrants.
On March 23, President Donald Trump signed a law that could undo the very protections for privacy and autonomy that American colonists fought for in the Revolutionary War.
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.
Racially explicit government policy in the mid-twentieth century separated the races in every metropolitan area
There are a variety of ways grandparents can help their grandchildren financially in the pursuit of a college degree.
Thursday, April 5, 2018
There are four types of intellectual property protection, and it is important to understand the distinctions between them to keep your business safe.
Recently enacted Tax Cut and Jobs Act includes unexpected provision on carried interest
Tuesday, April 3, 2018
The future is like a game: Moves made today affect the way future plays out
This year is shaping up as a great year to die because of recent changes to estate tax rules. We're back to some good times for dying following the big federal tax reform passed December 2017.
Monday, April 2, 2018
As the U.S. Supreme Court ponders compelled payment of agency fees, labor unions prepare for the outcome.
Californians have a constitutional right to hold and express beliefs that may be in the political minority, even if they are misguided, without that right being diluted or violated by state legislators.
I have read with interest, and a sense of bemusement, headlines about the 9th Circuit's decision in much-watched copyright infringement case.
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.
Thursday, March 29, 2018
Lawsuit claims LegalZoom engages in the unauthorized practice of law when its non-attorneys instruct customers on how to register trademarks.
More than 24 million mostly-rural households lack the broadband access most Americans take for granted
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.
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
The 9th Circuit in Hall v. Swift found the allegedly infringed phrases of the song in question to be "too brief, unoriginal and uncreative to warrant protection under the Copyright Act" and provided Hall and Butler leave to amend their complaint.
Monday, March 26, 2018
Dealing with California's housing crisis will require some very difficult political decision making, and whether it eases or grows worse will be a hallmark test for the next governor, whoever it might be.
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.
Earlier this month, the 9th affirmed dismissal of a securities class action against on the basis that the inference of scienter was not at least as compelling as the inference of an honest mistake by a mismanaged organization.
This week, a unanimous U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Securities Litigation Uniform Standards Act grants state courts the jurisdiction to hear class action claims under the Securities Act of 1933.
Thursday, March 22, 2018
Americans have spent much of the past decade wondering when the economy would recover from the crippling Great Recession. Now, they are considering another question: When, and how, will that recovery end?
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.
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
Dropbox, the online file storage company, is poised to hold one of the year's most highly awaited stock market debuts. But whether investors think the technology darling is more valuable as a publicly traded company or as a privately held start-up is debatable.
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.
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.
Thursday, March 15, 2018
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas finds defendants have not committed acts of infringement sufficient to establish venue.
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.
Tuesday, March 13, 2018
Google currently has multiple lawsuits filed against it by former employees alleging that the companies' diversity practices are both too disruptive and too ineffective.
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.
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.
Friday, March 9, 2018
So far, electing a new governor of California has resembled a game of musical chairs.
Capitalize on the benefits of having an ownership stake in your employer's firm while maintaining a well-diversified portfolio.
Thursday, March 8, 2018
The on-sale bar can be raised as a defense in patent infringement litigation.
Wednesday, March 7, 2018
California's commission process for redistricting isn't perfect, but it's one that other states should emulate.
Tuesday, March 6, 2018
When Google agreed to buy Zagat for $151 million nearly seven years ago, the technology giant intended to bring the restaurant review empire into the digital age. Now ownership of Zagat will change again — into the hands of an upstart restaurant review company that has harnessed smartphone apps, an Instagram hashtag and a texting recommendation service as parts of its path to growth.
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.
The Delaware Supreme Court recently held that director compensation awards made pursuant to discretionary compensation plans are not to be afforded review under the deferential business judgment rule.
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.
Thursday, March 1, 2018
If a patent only covers a component of a product that a defendant in a patent infringement case has sold, the plaintiff must apportion damages between the patented component and the whole product. The plaintiff is only entitled to a reasonable royalty on the patented component, not on the whole product.
Vapor intrusion can be an issue at industrial properties, suburban strip malls and residential developments.
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Before announcing Tony Mendoza's resignation, Kevin de León told the Senate, "we will not tolerate harassment or sweep it under the rug." That pledge will be tested as both the Senate and the Assembly handle multiple complaints about how legislators have behaved.
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.
The U.S. economy appears to be performing very well. It is in the best shape that it has been in since the crisis.
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
Homelessness increased 13 percent in 2016 and 14 percent in 2017, posing a threat to the state's economic prosperity, mayors warn
There are many situations in which employers are obligated to give their employees time off from work. The California Family Rights Act has expanded the class of employers to include small business, so it is always pertinent to check and see which forms of leave are protected before coming to a conclusion.
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.
Blockchain will help democratize the benefits of digitizing data and allow the entire food system to get smarter together
Friday, February 23, 2018
With market performance where it is, it may make sense to review your portfolio and determine if changes are appropriate.
As union membership has decreased because of attacks on working people, income inequality has risen
Thursday, February 22, 2018
Certain claims are not patentable under 35 U.S.C. §101. If claims are well-understood, routine, and conventional they might not be eligible for patent.
The Americans With Disabilities Act has created a cottage industry of unscrupulous attorneys trying to make a quick buck.
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.
The 'small business economy' has yet to fully receovered from the Great Recession
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.
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
During over three decades of prosecuting legal malpractice claims, I have been asked over and over again for concrete ideas to help lawyers eliminate or at least reduce the risk of being sued by an unhappy client.
The complaint that Stone Brewing filed in District Court against MillerCoors epitomizes the fight between craft brewers and "Big Beer." It will be interesting to see how it plays out.
Taxes are an ever-present danger, and it is clear that the IRS is on the hunt. The IRS is pursing tax enforcement with summonses, tracking software and training its criminal IRS agents.
History's ultimate "bar exam question" is the fact pattern in United States v. Libellants of the Schooner Amistad, the U.S. Supreme Court's first civil rights case.
Grateful Dead lyricist and internet activist John Perry Barlow passed away last week. So who will pick up where he left off?
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.
Thursday, February 15, 2018
Thinking even the most offensive thought is still private. With any other expression, all bets are off.
Thinking even the most offensive thought is still private. With any other expression, all bets are off.
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.
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
California's "bullet train," which has a deserved reputation for running late even before the first car has rolled along the tracks, is the most expensive public works project in state, and also in U.S. history, outside the federal interstate highway program.
Mudslides and an earthquake already have occurred in 2018. Along with the terrible losses, a natural disaster can significantly disrupt business operations, affecting employees and employers alike.
Renewal of Sacramento's expiring half-cent tax would cover perhaps half of the projected increase in annual pension costs, but crowd out other services the tax now finances. Were voters to double it to a full cent, virtually every new dollar it generated would be needed to pay increased CalPERS demands.
Monday, February 12, 2018
Bipartisan legislation awaits the president's signature
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.
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.
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.
Thursday, February 8, 2018
When the evidence shows that an ISP fails to enforce the terms of its own policy in any meaningful fashion, that ISP has not "reasonably implemented" a repeat copyright infringer policy.
Misconduct complaints involving senior military leaders increased 13 percent from 2015 to 2017.
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.
The expansion is proceeding at a good pace, unemployment is low, and inflation is finally headed in the right direction again.
The expansion is proceeding at a good pace, unemployment is low, and inflation is finally headed in the right direction again.
One of California's most complex and unusual financial/political/legal conflicts was settled last week, but the deal left a couple of mysteries.
Tuesday, February 6, 2018
A group of Silicon Valley technologists who were early employees at Facebook and Google, alarmed over the ill effects of social networks and smartphones, are banding together to challenge the companies they helped build.
Enactment of new employment laws require California employers to make significant changes in their hiring practices and workplace policies.
Monday, February 5, 2018
Associates serve two masters: Their "bosses" at their firms, and the Rules of Professional Conduct.
Let me just start by saying I grew up in a military family. I am a military brat.
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.
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.
Friday, February 2, 2018
The water tunnel and high-speed rail projects that Jerry Brown has touted are plagued by problems.
It may make sense to use both active and passive investments to effectively build and manage a diversified portfolio.
President's first year in office has been 'a wasted opportunity in meeting the needs of the American people.'
Thursday, February 1, 2018
These companies are at the forefront of America's economic growth.
While not all software-based innovations are patent eligible, it is clear that some are. Therefore, it is imperative to take into account recent court decisions when drafting the specifications and claims for such inventions.
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
Governor Jerry Brown punctuated his State of the State address with lists of what he clearly regards as major accomplishments. Does his work qualify for a commendable legacy?
Los Angeles and San Francisco are suddenly in the throes of turmoil as they search for new leaders.
Tuesday, January 30, 2018
the California Legislature just amended the California Family Rights Act so that small businesses will be subject to part of its provisions.
There is no guarantee the U.S. will stay on top as 5G rolls out
Monday, January 29, 2018
Citizen or not, registered to vote or not, California schools are for Californians first.
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.
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 state's top political figures—U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein in particular—received a harsh reminder this week that what plays in liberal California may be a liability elsewhere.
Thursday, January 25, 2018
Giant tech firms like Google spend a lot of money on political lobbying and are attempting to shape the public policy debate through support of a wide variety of think tanks and nonprofit groups.
Children in California's K-12 public school system trail badly in educational accomplishment.
Wednesday, January 24, 2018
Decision softens the blow of repeal of other miscellaneous itemized tax deductions
These cases deal with the statutory interpretation of the Dodd-Frank Act and its whistleblower protections, the jurisdictional reach of state courts in certain securities class actions, and separation of powers issues related to the appointments clause of the U.S. Constitution.
The SEC's recent Compliance and Disclosure Interpretation regarding Regulation G should bring an end to one popular claim that has proliferated in the post-Trulia world.
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.
Tuesday, January 23, 2018
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.
Effective January 1, 2018, employers are subject to new state law requirements related to federal officials' access to employees and documents. Employers must carefully walk the line between complying with federal immigration law, and state law prohibiting "too much" cooperation.
With passage of an infrasture bill, growth in the construction industry could reach unprecedented levels.
Monday, January 22, 2018
While email is often used to send important information and documents, it is by no means a foolproof method of communication for attorneys.
Controversial political issues like immigration are often complex, presenting the public with a range of options from which to choose. Absent narrow exceptions, courts may not reject the product of the democratic process and substitute their own preferred policy.
Sheriff's Department and DA's office files are worthy of review and disclosure.
Everybody agrees society is in a bad way, but what exactly is the main cause? It could be the failure of liberal democracy.
What can we expect to see as the marijuana industry continues to ramp up? An increase in impaired driving crashes, more teens and young adult addicts, more psychotic breaks and violence related to marijuana, and even more arrests.
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.
Friday, January 19, 2018
Feinstein tells new DHS secretary her agency impacts California 'in profound ways'
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.
Thursday, January 18, 2018
According to a 584-page report, released this month by the federal government, California committed gross negligence in the construction and maintenance of the nation's highest dam, Oroville.
Real estate development is a risky and expensive proposition in California
The Federal Circuit just reversed itself in holding that patent owners can now appeal a decision by the Patent Trial and Appeal Board finding that a challenger's petition for inter partes review (IPR) is timely.
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
People confide to reporters, then profess astonishment when their comments become public
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.
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
The U.S. District Court issued an opinion in TCL Communications v. Ericsson and determined Ericsson did not offer to license its standard essential patents on reasonable terms, and instead become only the fourth U.S. Court to determine a royalty rate for essential patents.
Friday, January 12, 2018
A proposed ballot measure would remove commercial properties from the protection of Proposition 13
Purchasing a business comes with numerous financial considerations. There are steps to consider before signing on the dotted line.
Thursday, January 11, 2018
The Tax Cut and Jobs Act is the first major tax reform legislation approved by Congress in more than 30 years.
State legislators are floating some creative schemes to blunt the impact of the new federal tax law on California taxpayers.
The Tax Cut and Jobs Act is the first major tax reform legislation approved by Congress in more than 30 years.
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
In a split decision, a federal appellate court partially overturned a $39.5 million ruling Wednesday for cybersecurity company Finjan Inc. in a patent infringement suit against Blue Coat Systems.
State legislators are floating some creative schemes to blunt the impact of the new federal tax law on California taxpayers.
Tuesday, January 9, 2018
hen you buy tickets to a big concert, a professional sports event or a hot Broadway play — on a scale of 1 to 10 — how would you rate the ticket-buying experience? Think about everything from the price to the availability of tickets to the transparency of the whole transaction. The public has almost no chance to buy good tickets to the best events.
The Federal Reserve System has two goals, both set by Congress: maximum employment and price stability.
Monday, January 8, 2018
Trademarks deemed vulgar are still protected by the First Amendment. | Intellectual Property Perspectives | By Josh Escovedo
A number of California cities have designated parking lots where people sleep for for the night.
Friday, January 5, 2018
Ways to stay motivated to achieve financial goals.
The Democratic supermajority is in trouble in California. What will happen?
2017 was the year Twitter commandeered politics.
Thursday, January 4, 2018
This summer, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a decades-old law that made it difficult for unmarried men to pass citizenship to their children born abroad.
Part 2 of a two-part series providing an overview of new California employment laws.
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.
There are 700,000 DACA recipients, 200,000 of which are in California alone
A federal judge overseeing the ineffective counsel claim of a man convicted a decade ago of terrorism charges has denied a government motion to kick the defendant's lead attorney off the case.
There are 700,000 DACA recipients, 200,000 of which are in California alone
Tuesday, January 2, 2018
Some studio lawyers insist that no third-party brands may be used under any circumstances without permission.
Friday, December 29, 2017
We don't know what initiative measures will make it to the ballot, but it's likely to be a potpourri of special interest gambits, ideological symbolism and serious governance proposals.
Saving for retirement should be a top financial priority. It's worth it to commit to saving today.
Thursday, December 28, 2017
Home for the holidays after passing the eighth-largest tax cut in U.S. history, Republicans could be forgiven for reveling in the warm embrace of nostalgia. Ronald Reagan's first State of the Union address promised the biggest tax cut ever to "expand our national prosperity, enlarge national incomes and increase opportunities for all Americans". Republicans are proving notably more reluctant to acknowledge the true impact of the tax changes that Reagan wrought.
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 sharply divided state Supreme Court affirmed an appellate court ruling that will allow a lawsuit to go forward potentially holding a pharmaceutical company liable for the side effects of a generic form of a drug it invented.
Tuesday, December 26, 2017
As legal cannabis moves from campaign pitch to reality—amid lots of lobbying by industry groups along the way—some details of the plan have changed. Voters may not get what they expected.
Several new laws taking effect in 2018 will affect how California employers do business.
Investment in solar energy improves U.S. industrial competitiveness, strengthens our nation's economy, and creates jobs.
Friday, December 22, 2017
Investment in solar energy improves U.S. industrial competitiveness, strengthens our nation's economy, and creates jobs.
Investors have increasingly turned to international stocks and bonds to diversify their portfolio over the long term. There are considerations to keep in mind.
Mountain View approved a master plan that will deliver almost 10,000 new homes, increasing the city's housing stock by 30,000.
Thursday, December 21, 2017
A first-time chief executive, was barely a year into a turnaround effort at Marvell Semiconductor when he sold its board on a bold move: a $6 billion offer to purchase Cavium, another midsize maker of computer chips.
After selecting a strong trademark, there are many things a trademark owner can do to strengthen and protect a trademark but one of the essential things it must do is to force infringers to stop infringing.
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
Making California the first state to guarantee health care for every resident has become a touchstone issue – and a divisive one – for the state's dominant Democrats. The state Assembly will take up – or possibly ignore – a universal health care bill that the Senate passed this year.
Tuesday, December 19, 2017
A first-time chief executive, was barely a year into a turnaround effort at Marvell Semiconductor when he sold its board on a bold move: a $6 billion offer to purchase Cavium, another midsize maker of computer chips.
Monday, December 18, 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.
While California's economy is largely driven by Silicon Valley's digital innovation, its state government in Sacramento, just 100 miles northeast, has abysmally failed to use that technology effectively.
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.
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.
Thursday, December 14, 2017
Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, two candidates for governor who run a close 1-2 in the polls, are exhibiting serious differences over education policy that next year's campaign may magnify.
Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, two candidates for governor who run a close 1-2 in the polls, are exhibiting serious differences over education policy that next year's campaign may magnify.
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.
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.
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.
Thursday, December 7, 2017
There is no federal court jurisdiction for disputes involving patents where the claimant does not actually own the patents. The possibility that one might own a patent, if a contingent future event occurs, is not enough. This seems like an obvious rule, but it ended up before the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals.
There is no federal court jurisdiction for disputes involving patents where the claimant does not actually own the patents. The possibility that one might own a patent, if a contingent future event occurs, is not enough. This seems like an obvious rule, but it ended up before the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals.
A new report from the federal Bureau of Economic Analysis hints that a recession may have started in California.
Wednesday, December 6, 2017
There is no federal court jurisdiction for disputes involving patents where the claimant does not actually own the patents. The possibility that one might own a patent, if a contingent future event occurs, is not enough. This seems like an obvious rule, but it ended up before the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals.
Politicians ensnared in the harassment scandal can affect the Legislature's delicate balance of power.
Tuesday, December 5, 2017
It's time for my annual "gifts with meaning" guide, with suggestions for presents that won't just clog a chest of drawers.
Today's bill is an important step in the right direction, but let's not fool ourselves -- it is a baby step.
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.
Thursday, November 30, 2017
Although In Re Micron clarified waiver of venue under Rule 12(g)(2) and (h)(1)(A) in light of TC Heartland, there are still a number of issues that need to be worked out at the District Court level. And, it is likely there will be differing application across District Courts until more of these issues are worked out.
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.
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
Bowing to pressure from critical legislators, the State Bar finally agreed to divide its two incompatible roles of licensing (and policing) attorneys and acting as a trade association for the profession.
Monday, November 27, 2017
Employers must understand the legal parameters of obtaining and using criminal history.
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.
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.
Wednesday, November 22, 2017
Distorting the language of a repeal ballot measure should not be allowed. We need to prevent it.
Tuesday, November 21, 2017
Most people under 40 sense a social and moral void and understand that change has to come at the communal, emotional and moral level. People over 40 need to be informed.
Monday, November 20, 2017
Upcoming tax season will be complex. Planning early with an accountant will save money and spare headaches.
Friday, November 17, 2017
Gov. Jerry Brown was on message throughout his nearly two-week trip through Europe: Climate change is a serious threat, California is doing its part—and, especially, come to San Francisco next year for a climate conference that gets things accomplished.
If you're a retiree who is tempted to travel in the off-season, think through the costs and logistics first.
California's political and legal war over whether the state's six million K-12 students are being adequately educated pits the state's education establishment against a coalition of civil rights groups, education reformers and charter school advocates over the "achievement gap" that separates poor children, particularly Latinos and African-Americans, from more privileged white and Asian students.
Thursday, November 16, 2017
Gorilla Glue #4 pot strain may need to rebrand.
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 Southern California personal injury attorney accused of misappropriating millions of dollars in client settlement money and fleeing to Costa Rica has accused the State Bar of failing to properly investigate other attorneys, who, he says, are the real criminals.
Tuesday, November 14, 2017
Those without celiac-like symptoms may want to think harder before causally adopting a gluten-free lifestyle. Doing so may damage your bank account and make your social life far more complicated, without doing your body much good.
Monday, November 13, 2017
A federal judge in San Francisco fined a mortgage financing service $7.9 million and permanently enjoined it from a wide array of misleading business practices Thursday.
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.
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NEWS
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Monday, November 11, 2019 |
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| Hedge funds associated with Rimrock Capital are suing two Jefferies financial entities over a failed investment | |
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Monday, November 11, 2019 |
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| The first recalcitrant witness convicted in California as an accessory to murder is guilty because her refusal to testify in a gang murder case, despite a grant of immunity, counts as an "affirmative act," a state prosecutor argued to the California Supreme Court. | |
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Friday, November 8, 2019 |
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| The multi-front war over access to President Donald Trump's taxes landed in the California Supreme Court on Wednesday, with justices hearing arguments over whether a law demanding those returns is permissible under the state Constitution. | |
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Friday, November 8, 2019 |
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| The Commission on Judicial Performance removed Contra Costa County Superior Court Judge John T. Laettner from the bench Wednesday after finding he deprived defendants' of due process rights and made inappropriate comments to women in his courtroom. | |
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Thursday, November 7, 2019 |
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| An attorney representing a Los Angeles law firm wants to take Eagan Avenatti to trial despite bankruptcy | |
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Thursday, November 7, 2019 |
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| An attorney representing a Los Angeles law firm wants to take Eagan Avenatti to trial despite bankruptcy | |
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Thursday, November 7, 2019 |
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| An attorney representing a Los Angeles law firm wants to take Eagan Avenatti to trial despite bankruptcy | |
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Wednesday, November 6, 2019 |
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| Overworked prosecutors, an exodus of trial attorneys, unfair treatment and distracted leadership are among the problems of the San Francisco district attorney's office under the leadership of George Gascon, said candidates vying for his former office in Tuesday's election. | |
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Wednesday, November 6, 2019 |
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| Cathleen Hartge digs into privacy and cybersecurity as the head of legal at Branch Metrics Inc. | |
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Tuesday, November 5, 2019 |
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| Public defenders believe Global Tel Link is not disclosing the full scope of its recordings | |
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Tuesday, November 5, 2019 |
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| A U.S. district judge's referral of an attorney to the State Bar over documents he filed to prove his client's fraudulent contract claim, and an appellate affirmation, has surprised legal ethics experts because such referrals by federal jurists are rare. They also warned new rules require California lawyers to take even more care with what they write about the opposing party. | |
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Tuesday, November 5, 2019 |
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| The Trump administration last week declared that pumping more water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to supply farms will not jeopardize the endangered salmon and smelt that live in the estuary. This clears the way for the federal government to deliver more water, possibly as soon as next year. | |
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Monday, November 4, 2019 |
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| Retired superior court judge Lester E. Olson, class plaintiff in a landmark state Supreme Court case enshrining cost of living increases for all California judicial officers, has died at 92. | |
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Monday, November 4, 2019 |
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| Lawyers value mediator Dana Curtis' Zen approach to dispute settlement. | |
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Friday, November 1, 2019 |
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| Facing a "crisis of unprecedented magnitude," Chief Judge Virginia A. Phillips of the Central District and Chief Judge Lawrence J. O'Neill of the Eastern District individually wrote desperate letters to Congress members this month, urging them to fill judicial vacancies. | |
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Friday, November 1, 2019 |
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| DLA Piper says partner Vanina Guerrero, who accused former partner Louis P.A. Lehot of sexual assault and the firm of retaliating against her for making the allegations, is a liar. | |
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Friday, November 1, 2019 |
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| Law school deans met Wednesday with four California Supreme Court justices to discuss a wide variety of topics related to the bar exam, a potentially unprecedented session both sides praised afterward as productive. | |
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Thursday, October 31, 2019 |
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| In the latest debate between candidates for San Francisco district attorney, exchanges occasionally became heated as they discussed Suzy Loftus' controversial appointment as interim DA, the Board of Supervisors' decision to shut down juvenile hall, and how to meet the needs of victims while also tackling what the candidates largely characterized as the county's over-incarceration problem. | |
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Thursday, October 31, 2019 |
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| Of the numerous 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeal cases that upheld qualified immunity for public defendants this year, at least one may be on its way to the U.S. Supreme Court in a bid to hold police officers accountable for what plaintiffs say are constitutional rights violations. But attempts to challenge the qualified immunity doctrine are also being waged by others, including attorneys litigating cases at the district court level, activists, and perhaps high court justices too. | |
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Thursday, October 31, 2019 |
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| A group representing Kincade fire victims in Sonoma County might soon emerge in the Pacific Gas & Electric Corp.'s bankruptcy. | |
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Wednesday, October 30, 2019 |
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| Attorneys trying a wrongful termination case used their opening statements to paint very different pictures of the El Dorado County public defender's office Monday. | |
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Wednesday, October 30, 2019 |
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| Los Angeles County's criminal justice system will likely follow examples set by San Francisco if George Gascon is elected district attorney next year, with the candidate unveiling plans Monday to introduce a young adult court, neighborhood courts, and an in-office sentencing planner. | |
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Tuesday, October 29, 2019 |
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| The environmental group has been seeking information about "no action" letters to companies seeking to avoid shareholder votes on climate change resolutions. | |
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Tuesday, October 29, 2019 |
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| The group is majority minority and all Democrats. It includes attorneys from a variety of public and private backgrounds, including family and employment law, prosecutors and defenders. | |
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Tuesday, October 29, 2019 |
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| Intel Corp. is purusing a rare complaint against a SoftBank Group. Corp.-owned investment firm claiming it is violating antitrust law by acquiring more than 1,000 technology patents and filing waves of aggressive infringement cases against the Santa Clara-based semiconductor giant. | |
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Monday, October 28, 2019 |
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| A U.S. magistrate judge in Sacramento recused herself from a nearly-dead discovery dispute sprouting from a civil action brought by Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc., which is seeking damages for a public accusation that it sold fetal tissue for profit. | |
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Monday, October 28, 2019 |
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| SAN FRANCISCO — Law enforcement should be required to obtain search warrants to gather information from systems that track license plates, an attorney for the Electronic Frontier Foundation arguedThursday. | |
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Monday, October 28, 2019 |
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| As California employers and employees clash over settling disputes via arbitration, plaintiff-side employment attorneys are increasing their use of filing individual arbitration cases en masse as a way to fight despite a lack of available options, experts said Thursday. | |
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Monday, November 11, 2019 |
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| A class action filed against USC and former student health gynecologist Dr. George Tyndall alleging sexual harassment and abuse of female students could be the first in a new wave of legal action following the enactment of a new state law signed last month. | |
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Friday, November 8, 2019 |
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| The opinion published last week, granting the Salvadoran appellant's request for review of her rejected appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals, was the result of efforts by students of UC Irvine School of Law's appellate litigation clinic. | |
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Wednesday, November 6, 2019 |
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| SAN FRANCISCO — Facebook Inc. cannot determine which applications had access to private user data through what the federal judge handling the case called a "backdoor" channel to the information, a company attorney argued Monday. | |
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Tuesday, November 5, 2019 |
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| Public defenders believe Global Tel Link is not disclosing the full scope of its recordings | |
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Monday, November 4, 2019 |
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| Lawyers value mediator Dana Curtis' Zen approach to dispute settlement. | |
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Wednesday, October 30, 2019 |
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| Los Angeles County's criminal justice system will likely follow examples set by San Francisco if George Gascon is elected district attorney next year, with the candidate unveiling plans Monday to introduce a young adult court, neighborhood courts, and an in-office sentencing planner. | |