GUEST COLUMNS
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Trump's new tax bill quietly delivers a major win for startup investors by reshaping federal rules on Qualified Small Business Stock. The catch? State law may still get in the way.
In addition to being faster than waiting for a result at trial -- and the inevitable appeal -- mediation offers a host of advantages over trying environmental disputes in court.
Tuesday, August 5, 2025
A proposed EPA settlement offers long-overdue action on ozone pollution in the Joaquin Valley, but it may once again delay the justice these communities have fought so hard to achieve.
Part 2 of this article series on Proposition 65 settlements highlights the often-overlooked exposure of licensors -- the brand owners whose names appear on licensed products -- and outlines practical strategies, from explicit release language to third-party beneficiary clauses, to ensure they are fully protected from future liability.
Monday, August 4, 2025
The opportunity zone program is now permanent, and with new rural-focused incentives and stricter eligibility rules, recent reforms reshape how investors can tap into these tax-advantaged areas.
While it's flattering that Hollywood finds the law so interesting -- and yes, we get the need for creative license -- we've got four tropes in legal dramas to debunk.
Friday, August 1, 2025
Uber's latest RICO lawsuit -- framed as a fight against fraud but timed to push SB 371--shows that when most corporations lose in court they appeal, but when Uber loses it attacks the entire system to gain political leverage and immunity.
Seasonal jobs may be short-term, but California employers' obligations aren't -- compliance with state and federal law is required no matter how long the employee stays.
Thursday, July 31, 2025
A New Jersey township's effort to seize a 175-year-old family farm for affordable housing has triggered a clash between local obligations under the Mount Laurel doctrine, federal farmland protections, and the Henry family's property rights -- ironically prompting the U.S. government to step in with a Reaganesque "I'm here to help."
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
California courts have embraced a "harmless error" rule to uphold imperfect wills that clearly reflect a testator's intent, but as the recent Estate of Boyajian decision shows, that rule does not extend to revocations--leaving a gap in the law that can thwart clear efforts to cancel a prior will.
Judges must resist external and internal pressures to avoid becoming either a servant or king, which takes courage and humility -- the yin and the yang of judicial independence.
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
This article and self-study test explore evidentiary issues commonly encountered in DUI trials, including the admissibility of a defendant's statements, field sobriety tests, breath test results and blood draws, with Part 2 to address implied consent, refusals, inference instructions, partition ratios, DUI drug offenses and enhancements.
Monday, July 28, 2025
A cyclist who suffered fatal injuries after hitting a known road defect on a paved path leading to a trail has no case against the county, because under Government Code §831.4 and decades of precedent -- including Gibbons v. East Bay Regional District -- the government is immune from liability for injuries on both paved and unpaved recreational trails.
As Prop 65 lawsuits continue to grow, strategic approaches are required to structure settlements that cover the entire supply chain -- from upstream suppliers to downstream partners and licensors.
Friday, July 25, 2025
Given recent ICE workplace activity, California labor and employment attorneys are poised to face a wave of inquiries from both employers and employees about potential civil liabilities tied to employer responses.
The CARE Act arose from a historical need -- its policies, definitions and hearings warrant explanation as to illuminate its complex legal framework.
Thursday, July 24, 2025
In a major shift, California's 2025 budget legislation expanded wildfire recovery tax relief beyond specific named fires, but only for payments received through a class action "settlement entity," leaving many victims -- especially of recent fires like the 2025 LA fires -- uncertain about whether their recoveries will be tax-free under either federal or state law after 2025.
Recent court rulings have complicated smoke damage recovery for wildfire survivors. Rather than pursuing years of costly litigation against insurers, homeowners facing toxic contamination should consider mediation as a faster, more practical solution.
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
The lawsuit, alleging that California's animal welfare laws have led to increased egg prices, ignores the impact of external forces like bird flu, industry pricing dynamics and U.S. Supreme Court precedent.
In 100 days, Trump issued 142 executive orders -- many attacking DEI and transgender rights -- prompting court rulings that they likely violate the Constitution and federal law.
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Practitioners must approach the public charge section of Form I-485 with heightened care and precision, as USCIS has increased scrutiny on applicants' financial histories under this rule -- making it crucial to assess income, assets and benefits usage in advance of filing or attending an interview.
Federal raids and military displays -- including a chilling July 7 show of force in LA's MacArthur Park -- have sparked fear, swept up citizens and immigrants alike, and pushed Los Angeles and nearby cities to fight back in court against what they call unconstitutional overreach.
Monday, July 21, 2025
California's dairy industry consumes more water daily than the populations of San Diego and San Jose combined, spotlighting a critical choice: reform industrial agriculture or watch the wells run dry.
In reaffirming that nudity doesn't make a public business an "intimate association," the 9th Circuit delivers a powerful blow to privacy-based challenges against trans-inclusive access policies.
Friday, July 18, 2025
Mediating claims against public entities involves complex and often time-consuming procedures, but with patience and preparation, a negotiated settlement offers greater certainty and fewer risks than trial.
In Contour IP Holding LLC v. GoPro, Inc., the Federal Circuit clarified that patent claims must include specific, structured technological improvements -- not just abstract ideas -- to meet subject matter eligibility under Section 101.
Thursday, July 17, 2025
An MIT study shows that reliance on AI alone reduces cognitive function, but AI plus brainpower yields superior results
Attorneys increasingly use AI tools in their practice, but misuse of AI -- such as submitting fabricated case citations -- can trigger a reporting obligation under California Rule of Professional Conduct 8.3.
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
California raised its minimum auto insurance
limits in January 2025 for the first time in over 50 years, with another
increase set for 2035 -- a shift that underscores the financial and legal risks
for uninsured drivers seeking noneconomic damages.
A single IRS Form 1099 can trigger a mess for plaintiffs--especially when the form is misapplied or duplicative--making it critical to address tax reporting explicitly in settlement agreements.
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Supreme Court's blessing of Texas Age Verification Law bodes well for California's Digital Age Assurance Act.
Misclassifying California employees as exempt can trigger steep penalties and litigation, making it essential for employers to meet the state's strict exemption standards with rigorous documentation and legal counsel.
Monday, July 14, 2025
California employers are scrambling to balance
state requirements with new federal directives that impact everything from
immigration to gender issues. Here's what you need to know.
Court holds that Anthropic's training of AI using legally obtained books is fair use, but storage of pirated books is not.
Friday, July 11, 2025
With companies increasingly eyeing Nevada and Texas over Delaware, Texas's new Business Court offers a timely, if still untested, alternative to the Court of Chancery's seasoned dominance.
An unpublished appeals court ruling in a machete attack case clarifies the steep hurdles plaintiffs face when suing public entities over dangerous conditions involving third-party conduct.
Thursday, July 10, 2025
In an era where TikTok hauls and hashtag trends blur the line between homage and infringement, Lululemon's lawsuit against Costco spotlights how the law is scrambling to keep pace with the viral rise of "dupes" -- and the high-stakes battle over brand identity, consumer confusion, and what it really means to copy.
California's push for renewable energy is vital, but without strict oversight and meaningful safety standards for massive battery storage facilities, we risk replacing one environmental crisis with another.
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
A controversial excise tax on litigation funding proceeds -- once feared by funders and lawyers alike -- has been left out of the Senate's final tax bill for now, but with strong industry backing and future legislative interest, it may yet return in another form.
The 9th Circuit Court upheld that J-M Manufacturing violated federal and state False Claims Acts by falsely claiming its pipes met industry standards despite evidence of non-compliance, but ruled that penalties apply per project--not per pipe--due to lack of proof on specific defective units or exact damages.
Amanda L. Riddle
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NEWS
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General News
Wednesday, August 6, 2025 |
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| A Los Angeles judge ruled that a former Manhattan Beach employee may proceed anonymously in a hostile work environment suit, citing concerns about reputational harm, mental health and future career prospects. | |
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General News
Wednesday, August 6, 2025 |
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| It is no secret that we have little privacy anymore. But once in a while, companies still have the ability to shock us with how much they know. | |
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General News
Wednesday, August 6, 2025 |
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| The Anaheim Chamber of Commerce filed a $7 million lawsuit against Visit Anaheim, claiming political retaliation was behind the termination of a long-standing agreement tied to tourism district funding. The Chamber is seeking damages and injunctive relief. | |
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General News
Tuesday, August 5, 2025 |
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| Superior Court Judge Elaine Lu ruled that a class action over the 2017 Thomas Fire will be tried where key first responders are based, despite Southern California Edison's concerns about judicial conflicts. | |
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General News
Tuesday, August 5, 2025 |
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| The new school year is about to begin, which means that parents are facing an often-resented task: buying the items on their children's back-to-school supply lists. | |
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General News
Tuesday, August 5, 2025 |
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| With nearly two decades of courtroom experience and deep Orange County roots, Will O'Neill brings legal firepower and civic leadership to Newmeyer Dillion's growing Newport Beach office. | |
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General News
Monday, August 4, 2025 |
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| In a scathing legal filing, her attorney accuses federal prosecutors of abandoning their duty to victims and shielding law enforcement from accountability. The objection challenges the Justice Department's use of prosecutorial discretion and urges the court to preserve the jury's verdict. | |
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General News
Monday, August 4, 2025 |
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| Plaintiffs say the overlapping class and PAGA claims against Urban Alchemy will involve complex motions, difficult pretrial issues, and significant post-judgment oversight. | |
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General News
Monday, August 4, 2025 |
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| Conducting workplace investigations can be tricky, especially when it comes to how much information to share with participants. | |
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General News
Friday, August 1, 2025 |
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| U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli dismissed indictments against Fatburger founder Andrew Wiederhorn and a former L.A. deputy just hours before his interim term was set to expire, as the Justice Department invoked the Federal Vacancies Reform Act to keep him in office without Senate confirmation--prompting criticism from California's Democratic senators. | |
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General News
Friday, August 1, 2025 |
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| A Los Angeles judge is weighing whether Limp Bizkit's lawsuit over unpaid royalties against Universal Music Group should stay in California or be transferred to New York, based on a decades-old contract clause. The band accuses the label of hiding payments for years. | |
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General News
Friday, August 1, 2025 |
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| Imagine that an airline notices you've booked a five-star hotel, so it charges you more for your ticket than it would have if you had booked a four- or three-star hotel. That's the vision of personalized pricing, a concept that has for years intrigued companies and enraged consumer advocates. | |
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General News
Thursday, July 31, 2025 |
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| Salvation Army, with allies, sues City of Bell, alleging CEQA violations in approving a gravel processing center without proper environmental review, risking pollution near a shelter. | |
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General News
Thursday, July 31, 2025 |
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| Former Vice President Kamala Harris will not run for California governor next year, she announced Wednesday, forgoing another campaign after losing last year's presidential election. | |
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General News
Thursday, July 31, 2025 |
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| U.S. District Judge Dolly Gee allowed environmental groups to intervene in a lawsuit by Sable Offshore and ExxonMobil challenging Santa Barbara County's permit transfer process for restarting oil operations on the Gaviota Coast. | |
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General News
Wednesday, July 30, 2025 |
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| Ford accused the firms of inflating fees by $100 million. Attorneys for several prominent California lemon law firms called Ford's claims a retaliatory attempt to punish consumer advocates over billing practices that courts have already reviewed and approved. | |
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General News
Wednesday, July 30, 2025 |
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| Operating in a little-known corner of the nearly $5 trillion health care system, Truemed helps supply people with letters attesting to their medical need for products like red-light masks, Peloton bikes and $9,000 saunas. | |
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General News
Wednesday, July 30, 2025 |
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| Bank of America is challenging class certification in a lawsuit over frozen unemployment debit cards during the pandemic, citing mass fraud; plaintiffs argue BofA's actions harmed thousands unjustly. | |
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General News
Tuesday, July 29, 2025 |
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| For years, 529 accounts were synonymous with college savings plans. But recent updates have given the accounts a makeover. | |
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General News
Tuesday, July 29, 2025 |
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| Pepperdine cites a recent 9th Circuit ruling on NFTs to challenge Netflix's bid to dismiss its trademark suit, arguing the "Waves" marks used in an adult show serve as source identifiers, not artistic elements. | |
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General News
Tuesday, July 29, 2025 |
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| Var Fox of Judicate West received the Raising the Bar award for largest individual donation. Edwards Lifesciences won the Rockstar Voluntarius award for volunteer hours per capita. | |
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General News
Tuesday, July 29, 2025 |
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| Infinity Insurance sued Ford Walker and attorney Mark Flory for alleged malpractice, claiming their mishandling of a personal injury case caused a $36.4 million verdict and violated core fiduciary duties. | |
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General News
Tuesday, July 29, 2025 |
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| Starting in January, California will ban all single-use and thicker plastic bags. | |
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General News
Monday, July 28, 2025 |
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| Plenty of Angelenos these days complain about what they see as the city's lack of leadership, a critique that often is directed at the city's mayor and council. | |
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General News
Monday, July 28, 2025 |
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| The divided appellate panel found that state plaintiffs had standing to sue under the 14th Amendment--even as it dismissed individual claims pending in a related class action. The ruling drew sharp dissent from Judge Patrick J. Bumatay. | |
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General News
Monday, July 28, 2025 |
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| The ruling affirms a permanent injunction issued by a San Diego judge known for repeatedly finding California gun laws unconstitutional, and has already prompted online retailers to resume direct ammunition sales to Californians. | |
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General News
Friday, July 25, 2025 |
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| The fever in financial markets over "meme stocks" is back and stranger than ever. | |
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General News
Friday, July 25, 2025 |
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| In the high-profile Bored Ape case, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found the creator failed to prove consumer confusion and overturned an $8 million award. | |
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General News
Friday, July 25, 2025 |
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| Clorox sued Cognizant for $380 million, alleging the IT firm negligently gave cybercriminals access to company systems, leading to massive operational disruptions, product shortages and tens of millions in damages. | |
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General News
Thursday, July 24, 2025 |
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| New Jersey officials recently proposed that affordable housing projects in coastal flood zones be allowed to apply for "hardship" exemptions from new building regulations meant to protect homes from rising sea levels. | |
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General News
Thursday, July 24, 2025 |
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| Tesla challenges DMV's administrative trial to suspend self-driving car sales, citing Seventh Amendment jury trial rights and First Amendment free speech protections against claims of misleading Autopilot marketing. | |
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General News
Thursday, July 24, 2025 |
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| The Hindu American Foundation sought to intervene in a California civil rights complaint that claims Silicon Valley is rife with caste discrimination. | |
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General News
Wednesday, July 23, 2025 |
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| Blocked for now by a federal court order from sending warrantless roving immigration patrols through Los Angeles and six other Southern California counties, U.S. agents on Thursday moved their sweeps north to Sacramento. | |
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General News
Wednesday, July 23, 2025 |
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| A Los Angeles judge ruled that LAUSD's policy blocking charter schools from sharing campuses violates Proposition 39, ensuring equitable access to facilities for all public school students. | |
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General News
Wednesday, July 23, 2025 |
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| Robbins Geller seeks final approval of a $150 million Zoom settlement and about $28 million in fees after litigating claims the company misled investors about its video call encryption security. | |
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General News
Tuesday, July 22, 2025 |
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| X Corp. argues a former Twitter employee was fired for cause, not laid off, and seeks to dismiss his lawsuit ahead of a September trial over unpaid expenses and severance. | |
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General News
Tuesday, July 22, 2025 |
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| Mortgage lenders will soon have the choice to use either a traditional FICO score or an updated version from a rival, VantageScore, to evaluate a borrower's creditworthiness, a top housing finance regulator announced this month. | |
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General News
Tuesday, July 22, 2025 |
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| Los Angeles sued Airbnb, claiming the platform allowed price-gouging after January wildfires and misled users with flawed host verifications, despite efforts to curb illegal pricing and aid recovery. | |
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General News
Monday, July 21, 2025 |
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| Developers sue San Fernando, alleging the city council illegally rejected a low-income housing project, ignoring the city attorney's advice and violating the Housing Accountability Act. | |
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General News
Monday, July 21, 2025 |
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| What sort of protection does homeowners' insurance provide? | |
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General News
Monday, July 21, 2025 |
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| A judge ruled AT&T may have violated the Federal Communications Act, allowing a jury to decide if the company's failure to protect investor Michael Terpin's data led to a $24 million cryptocurrency loss. | |
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General News
Wednesday, August 6, 2025 |
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| Attorneys for Eaton Fire victims criticize Southern California Edison for shifting undergrounding costs to homeowners, calling it unacceptable and urging expenses be handled through litigation amid uncertain federal funding. | |
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General News
Tuesday, August 5, 2025 |
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| A report from Visit California, a nonprofit that tracks tourism in the state, forecast a decline in international tourism of around 9% in 2025, driven in part by negative sentiment toward the United States as a result of the Trump administration's trade policies. | |
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General News
Monday, August 4, 2025 |
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| At their annual conference in Palm Desert, California's 58 district attorneys warn that the initiative's rollout is faltering without sustained state investment. | |
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General News
Friday, August 1, 2025 |
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| Consumer Watchdog and another nonprofit claim Commissioner Ricardo Lara unlawfully withheld payments and reshaped the hearing process to punish their opposition to key insurance regulations. | |
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General News
Thursday, July 31, 2025 |
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| Palisades property owner sues California FAIR Plan, alleging unlicensed inspectors and wrongful claim denial after January wildfire, citing breaches of good faith and contractual duty. | |
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General News
Wednesday, July 30, 2025 |
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| A Los Angeles judge allowed a lawsuit to proceed against the city and an LAPD officer after a man was struck by a misfired less-lethal round at an unauthorized concert. | |
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General News
Monday, July 28, 2025 |
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| Sports lawyers say NFL players may sue or file labor grievances against the NFLPA for concealing an arbitration ruling on alleged collusion by team owners to limit guaranteed contract money. | |
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General News
Friday, July 25, 2025 |
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| The decision could have significant implications for venue selection in Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act cases, an area where some courts have already voiced frustration over growing case volumes and their impact on court dockets. | |
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General News
Thursday, July 24, 2025 |
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| Like the many similar efforts that came before it, the plan to cleave the nation's largest federal appeals court faces steep political and practical hurdles, not least questions about its necessity in a system some say is running more smoothly than ever. | |
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General News
Wednesday, July 23, 2025 |
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| Ventura and its tree contractor settled for $19 million with the family of a man killed by a falling tree branch, in one of Ventura County's largest wrongful death payouts. | |
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General News
Tuesday, July 22, 2025 |
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| After decades of parallel careers fighting workplace discrimination and sexual harassment, plaintiff attorneys Genie E. Harrison and Maryann P. Gallagher have merged their female-centered practices into a collaborative alliance aimed at challenging powerful institutions and training the next generation of women trial lawyers. | |
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General News
Monday, July 21, 2025 |
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| A new phase of Anaheim's immigrant aid program launches with public funds after a federal court order restrains ICE and CBP practices. | |