GUEST COLUMNS
Friday, June 6, 2025
The U.S. Supreme Court clarified that under the federal National Environmental Policy Act, agencies are not required to assess the environmental effects of separate, future, or geographically distinct projects beyond their control, thereby affirming agency discretion in defining the act's scope.
Dairy farming in California's Central Valley, long a cornerstone of the region's economy but also a source of serious environmental and public health challenges, now stands at a crossroads--where collaboration between traditional dairies and lab-grown milk innovators offers a promising path toward sustainability, economic resilience, and community well-being.
Thursday, June 5, 2025
The outcome of Consumer Watchdog v. Insurance
Commissioner Lara will determine not only who bears the financial burden of
the next catastrophic wildfire, but also how much influence Californians retain
over the rules that shape their insurance market.
A little-noticed provision in the House's "One Big Beautiful Bill" threatens to strip federal courts of their contempt power for enforcing injunctions unless plaintiffs post security, marking an unprecedented erosion of judicial authority and a potential shield for the Trump Administration against legal accountability.
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
In response to the impending expiration of key Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions, the House has advanced a sweeping tax proposal that includes major changes to Opportunity Zones, pass-through deductions, SALT caps, R&D expensing, and estate tax exemptions--signaling a pivotal moment for tax planning ahead of 2026.
In Lee v. Cardiff, a homeowner recovered over $475,000 after a contractor violated licensing laws on a high-end pool and landscaping project, but was denied attorneys' fees when the court ruled that most of the claims didn't arise solely from swimming pool construction as required by statute.
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
The states: can they counter the Trump II attack on climate change law?
Amid a nostalgic reflection on legal heroes and cultural memory, Justice Arthur Gilbert honors the legacy of Justice Stanley Mosk, his impact on civil rights and judicial integrity, and celebrates the enduring influence of courageous individuals like Arthur Drye and Roger Diamond who stood up for justice, inclusion, and principle.
Monday, June 2, 2025
Though not without precedent, an immigration-based competition show would confront substantial regulatory and ethical barriers.
Large Los Angeles County retailers will be required to give workers 14 days' notice of their schedules starting July 1 under an ordinance approved by county supervisors.
Friday, May 30, 2025
California real estate law is a complex mix of statutes, local regulations, and historical nuances that can challenge even seasoned litigators, making a solid understanding of fundamental concepts--like zoning, title, partition, and disclosure--essential for effective case strategy and resolution.
Generative AI promises to revolutionize legal practice, but attorneys risk losing their essential human skills and judgment if they become too dependent on this powerful technology.
Thursday, May 29, 2025
A small county's revenue-boosting scheme, which involves administratively penalizing property owners for presumed unpermitted cannabis cultivation, raises constitutional concerns about due process and the right to a jury trial.
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
A recently filed class action complaint against SuperShuttle highlights the ongoing battle for wheelchair-accessible transportation services, despite this year marking the 35th anniversary of the ADA's passage.
Forward-thinking CEOs are increasingly turning to mediation as a strategic conflict resolution tool to reduce legal costs, protect corporate culture, manage risk, and preserve critical business relationships in today's complex and competitive environment.
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
A Conditional Use Permit lets you legally use land for specific purposes but comes with strict conditions and deadlines. Stay on top of your permit, follow its rules, and update it as your business grows--otherwise, you risk fines or losing your permit.
Manufacturers of Roundup face a wave of lawsuits over cancer claims, but plaintiffs could face unexpected tax consequences, especially with punitive damages, legal fees, and shifting tax laws potentially eating into their settlements.
Friday, May 23, 2025
The Court of Appeal's decision in Goebner v.
Superior Court clarifies that objections in probate proceedings--including
demurrers--are governed by Probate Code § 1043 rather than the 30-day deadline
in the Code of Civil Procedure.
From evidence gathering to negotiation tactics, these tips could help reshape your approach to case resolution.
Thursday, May 22, 2025
Real estate's digital evolution promises incredible efficiency gains but requires advanced planning to successfully navigate cybersecurity risks.
In response to post-COVID workplace shifts, law firms--long familiar with remote work--are transforming their office spaces to support hybrid models, enhance collaboration, foster firm culture, and attract top talent through wellness, amenities, and technology.
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
The Trump administration's enforcement of the long-dormant Alien Registration Act of 1940 presents immigration attorneys with an ethical dilemma and their clients with an impossible choice.
Senate Bill 607 poses one of the most serious threats in decades to the California Environmental Quality Act, undermining a 50-year legacy of environmental protection and public participation, and endangering vulnerable communities by weakening critical environmental review and accountability.
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
The Ninth Circuit's decision in Duarte upheld a lifetime gun ban for non-violent felons, clashing with Bruen's historical test and deepening a circuit split that now begs for Supreme Court review.
As the Supreme Court weighs the procedural
challenge to nationwide injunctions in Trump, et al. v. CASA, Inc., et al.,
the nation must remain focused on the original intent of the 14th Amendment--to
guarantee full citizenship and equal protection under the law to all persons
born on U.S. soil.
Monday, May 19, 2025
Aging on the bench is a complex and deeply personal journey, and while some judges remain sharp and effective well past traditional retirement age, the struggle to assess one's own decline, the fear of irrelevance, and the pull of legacy and identity make the decision to step down as difficult as it is inevitable.
As NIL rights continue to reshape college athletics, from high-profile transfer disputes like Nico Iamaleava's to antitrust litigation and revenue-sharing negotiations, sports lawyers are increasingly essential in navigating the legal and regulatory chaos.
Friday, May 16, 2025
Goebner confirms that in probate court, the deadline to file a demurrer is any time at or before the hearing, rather than within 30 days of service of the petition, as would be required in civil actions.
With sky-high beef prices and biotech prowess,
California can pioneer a hybrid meat model--blending ranching and cultivated
meat to cut emissions, boost resilience, and lead the global protein shift.
Thursday, May 15, 2025
California's well-intentioned AB 218 opened the door for long-overdue justice for survivors of childhood sexual assault, but its sweeping elimination of time limits on claims has left public schools and local governments vulnerable to massive liabilities, threatening their financial stability and essential services.
A federal judge recently condemned Apple's willful noncompliance with an injunction and referred the matter for criminal contempt: reminding the legal profession that candor isn't optional -- it's the job.
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
California law once allowed negligent parties to escape full accountability when injured victims died before trial--erasing their pain and suffering from the record--but unless lawmakers pass Senate Bill 29 to make recent reforms permanent, that unjust "death discount" will return in 2026.
Business Email Compromise (BEC) is a fast-moving, trust-based cyberattack that exploits human behavior - not technical flaws - to defraud organizations of billions, making it one of the most financially damaging threats in today's digital workplace.
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
The U.S. Supreme Court's decision may require policymakers to consider targeted reforms to ensure ERISA continues to serve its intended purpose.
The Supreme Court will hear arguments next week in three consolidated cases challenging President Trump's executive order on birthright citizenship, focusing narrowly on whether the lower courts exceeded their constitutional authority under Article III by issuing nationwide injunctions that extended relief beyond the parties before them.
Monday, May 12, 2025
The Ninth Circuit took a common-sense approach in
the case, steering clear of case law and legislative history, and focusing on
what could be proven
California is pioneering sustainable food systems through innovative corporate models and legislation that embed circular economy principles.
Friday, May 9, 2025
The Ninth Circuit's decision in D'Braunstein v. CHP offers a rare win for civil rights plaintiffs, highlighting how qualified immunity--often a near-fatal obstacle--can be overcome when officers fail to recognize and respond to visible medical distress.
Puerto Rico faces worsening blackouts as leaders extend coal and gas use--ignoring clean, proven solutions like rooftop solar that could meet demand and save lives.
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Packard v. Packard confirms that petitions
to reform a trust to reflect a settlor's intent aren't "contests" and
aren't barred by no-contest clauses or the 120-day deadline,
but follow a three-year limit under CCP § 338(d).
To ethically reach out to potential clients during a disaster, lawyers must recognize the difference between advertising and solicitation, ensuring their messages are accurate, not misleading, and in line with the Rules of Professional Conduct.
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Litigation, like archery, demands calm under pressure, sharp focus, and the courage to strike with purpose.
The Trump Administration's crackdown on undocumented immigrants, including courthouse arrests, jeopardizes the ability of vulnerable silicosis plaintiffs who seek justice without the threat of deportation.
Alex Kozinski, former chief judge of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals (File photo)
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NEWS
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General News
Friday, June 6, 2025 |
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| A Torrance jury ruled artificial stone countertops are safe, attributing silicosis to improper handling, not defective products, in a case against Caesarstone, signaling possible trends for similar California lawsuits. | |
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General News
Friday, June 6, 2025 |
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| Judge Lon F. Hurwitz presided over complex civil and family law matters for more than two decades. | |
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General News
Friday, June 6, 2025 |
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| Like thousands of other families, in January we lost our Pacific Palisades home to wildfire. Within minutes, every house on our side of the street was reduced to ashes, while those across the street were left untouched. | |
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General News
Thursday, June 5, 2025 |
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| A judge pushed for resolution in a decade-long disability rights case against The Container Store, focusing on blind customers' access to touchscreens, after mediation stalled over attorney fees. | |
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General News
Thursday, June 5, 2025 |
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| In the race to be New York City's next mayor, few issues have generated proposals as ambitious and sprawling as the housing crisis, a top concern for a growing number of voters. | |
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General News
Thursday, June 5, 2025 |
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| Tom Girardi sentenced to 87 months in prison for wire fraud, ordered to surrender by July 17 after telling judge mistakes were made, but no crime was committed. | |
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General News
Wednesday, June 4, 2025 |
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| Girardi, 86, is set to be sentenced Tuesday for stealing more than $15 million from vulnerable clients. | |
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General News
Wednesday, June 4, 2025 |
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| AI Mode, which is rolling out worldwide in the coming weeks, will soon appear as a tab next to your Google.com search results. | |
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General News
Wednesday, June 4, 2025 |
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| Californians for Homeownership alleges the city is violating the Housing Accountability Act by using application technicalities to skirt approval obligations. | |
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General News
Tuesday, June 3, 2025 |
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| With the Atlantic hurricane season about to start, this may be good time to consider buying flood insurance for your home -- even if you don't live in a hurricane-prone area. | |
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General News
Tuesday, June 3, 2025 |
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| Veteran real estate dealmaker William Ticknor brings $850M portfolio experience to firm's West Coast expansion. | |
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General News
Tuesday, June 3, 2025 |
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| The suit came just one day before the 9th Circuit ruled that the former Los Angeles Dodgers is not bound by a withdrawn plea agreement in a federal gambling probe. | |
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General News
Monday, June 2, 2025 |
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| A federal judge in Santa Ana has dismissed a defamation lawsuit brought by Richard Montañez, the former Frito-Lay janitor who claims to have invented Flamin' Hot Cheetos. The court ruled the company's public denials were protected under California's anti-SLAPP statute, but left the door open for an amended complaint. | |
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General News
Monday, June 2, 2025 |
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| The case, which pits state election protections against local control, will head to the 4th District Court of Appeal. | |
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General News
Monday, June 2, 2025 |
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| The residents, business owners, unhoused people, commuters and passersby in the area around Los Angeles' MacArthur Park have some things in common: They benefit from the community being clean, and they all value their safety. But that consensus papers over some significant differences about how to achieve those goals. | |
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General News
Friday, May 30, 2025 |
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| More and more, couples are choosing to live together before getting married, and some are forgoing marriage altogether. | |
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General News
Friday, May 30, 2025 |
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| A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge denied a dismissal motion from the City of Long Beach and a port terminal operator, finding that a lawsuit over an oil storage project was timely under CEQA. The ruling affirms that the limitations clock begins only after final approval by the City Council--not earlier agency actions--paving the way for litigation to move forward. | |
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General News
Friday, May 30, 2025 |
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| The head of California's insurer of last resort urged lawmakers Wednesday to pass a bill that would help reduce reliance on the state-run FAIR Plan. Amid a wave of devastating fires and a shrinking private insurance market, the plan's financial exposure has skyrocketed--threatening its stability and capacity to respond. | |
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General News
Thursday, May 29, 2025 |
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| Three years before the opening of the 2028 Summer Olympics, ambitious promises have been scaled back, supplanted by obstacles that are threatening to undercut preparations for an event that would test this city's wits and resources even in the best of times. | |
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General News
Thursday, May 29, 2025 |
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| In a new court filing, the companies claim they offer superior services and financial terms, not coercion, as the reason major venues choose their platforms. The case is being heard alongside broader government antitrust litigation that may reshape the live entertainment industry. | |
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General News
Wednesday, May 28, 2025 |
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| Eaton Fire cleanup workers lack PPE, risking their health. Altadena, Pasadena tenants sue Los Angeles County, Pasadena for failing to inspect rentals for toxic ash, seeking declaratory relief. | |
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General News
Wednesday, May 28, 2025 |
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| California has the nation's highest rate of poverty as defined by the Census Bureau when it includes the cost of living in its calculations -- 18.9% in 2023, or more than 7 million people. | |
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General News
Wednesday, May 28, 2025 |
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| Southern California Edison settled for $82.5 million litigation over the 2020 Bobcat Fire, compensating for firefighting costs and damage to Angeles National Forest, without admitting fault. | |
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General News
Tuesday, May 27, 2025 |
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| Investors must deal with uncertainty every day. Without knowing what the markets will bring, they try to get good returns without bearing excessive risk. | |
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General News
Tuesday, May 27, 2025 |
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| Napa property owners sue PG&E, saying they had to sell for $3.5 million less after a fire broke out mid-escrow. | |
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General News
Tuesday, May 27, 2025 |
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| A federal judge ordered authors to provide email addresses to Google to verify licensing agreements in a copyright lawsuit over AI models powering Chrome, Gmail and other products. | |
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General News
Friday, May 23, 2025 |
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| The Energy Star label is in jeopardy thanks to the Trump administration's desire to make cuts at the Environmental Protection Agency and eliminate the agency's division that oversees the Energy Star program. | |
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General News
Friday, May 23, 2025 |
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| The case involves a planned hotel development near Fashion Island, where managers allegedly withheld financial information, misrepresented project prospects, and concealed an $18 million offer. A jury trial on related claims is set for 2026. | |
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General News
Friday, May 23, 2025 |
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| Hedge funds buying wildfire subrogation claims from insurers raise concerns about conflicting interests with attorneys, potentially impacting settlements and fairness for victims in Los Angeles County's Eaton and Palisades fires. | |
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General News
Thursday, May 22, 2025 |
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| U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli has announced the launch of Operation Guardian Angel, a federal initiative in the Central District of California that targets noncitizens in state custody for illegal reentry charges. The program challenges California's sanctuary policies, which limit local cooperation with federal immigration authorities. | |
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General News
Thursday, May 22, 2025 |
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| When Gov. Gavin Newsom unveiled a revised state budget last week, he irritated -- and perhaps alienated -- major interest groups allied with his Democratic Party. | |
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General News
Thursday, May 22, 2025 |
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| A 51-year-old man suffered catastrophic brain damage after Orange County Global Medical Center allegedly failed to provide timely surgery for a ruptured aneurysm. | |
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General News
Thursday, May 22, 2025 |
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| An Orange County judge has granted Attorney General Rob Bonta and the Department of Housing and Community Development permission to weigh in on lawsuits challenging Newport Beach's updated housing plan. The state argues that local charter provisions cannot override California's housing laws. | |
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General News
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 |
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| In the wake of a tragic crash that killed a Dana Hills High School student and injured five others, two families have hired legal counsel as investigators search for the cause. The Seal Beach law firm representing them pledges to pursue accountability. | |
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General News
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 |
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| In Bradsbery v. Vicar Operating, the court held that revocable meal period waivers prospectively signed by employees are enforceable, unless the waivers are unconscionable or unduly coercive. | |
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General News
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 |
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| LACERA sues former cybersecurity officer Carmelo Marquez for allegedly defrauding $123,000 by secretly funneling contracts to his covertly owned firm, SafeSec, using an alias, breaching public trust. | |
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General News
Tuesday, May 20, 2025 |
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| If you're considering opening a 529 college savings account for your child, this may be the time to do it: Some state plans offer cash incentives in May. | |
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General News
Tuesday, May 20, 2025 |
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| In the aftermath of the Los Angeles fires that destroyed thousands of homes and properties, many fire victims moved far away from Altadena and Pacific Palisades in a sudden diaspora that upended the two tight-knit communities in ways beyond the initial loss of property. | |
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General News
Tuesday, May 20, 2025 |
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| Los Angeles landlords sue over rent control, alleging ordinances are unconstitutional takings. Advocacy group and city seek dismissal, citing statute of limitations. | |
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General News
Monday, May 19, 2025 |
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| If there is a political consensus that debanking is a problem, there is less agreement on what to do about it. Or on what it is at all. | |
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General News
Monday, May 19, 2025 |
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| California lawmakers criticize Gov. Gavin Newsom's budget for omitting Proposition 36 funding, warning of a fiscal crisis for courts and counties tasked with enforcing the voter-approved felony theft measure. | |
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General News
Monday, May 19, 2025 |
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| A San Francisco judge urged the parties in the five-year Uber and Lyft wage litigation filed by the state to take the summer to settle. The case centers on driver classification under California's ABC test. | |
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General News
Friday, June 6, 2025 |
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| The former chief judge of the federal appeals court faced pointed questions from a skeptical panel as he argued that "Top Gun: Maverick" infringed on a 1983 magazine article credited as the basis for the original "Top Gun" film. Judges appeared unconvinced that the sequel borrowed protected elements from the article. | |
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General News
Thursday, June 5, 2025 |
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| President Donald Trump has raised tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to 50%, less than three months after imposing a 25% tariff on them. | |
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General News
Wednesday, June 4, 2025 |
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| The 4th District Court of Appeal has upheld a decision awarding workers' compensation to Andrea Morris, a nurse who suffered cardiac arrest and permanent brain damage while working at City of Hope during the pandemic. Her attorneys say the case highlights institutional failure and sets precedent for workplace medical emergencies. | |
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General News
Monday, June 2, 2025 |
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| The organizations say a regulatory rule undermines California's climate goals and relies on an outdated legal standard. At issue is how much deference courts must give to the Public Utilities Commission's statutory interpretations. | |
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General News
Friday, May 30, 2025 |
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| The U.S. Department of Justice filed a first-of-its-kind statement of interest Wednesday supporting two high school girls who sued their school district and state officials, arguing a California law protecting transgender student athletes violates Title IX. The case could test how courts balance gender identity rights with protections for girls' sports under federal law. | |
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General News
Thursday, May 29, 2025 |
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| Under the leadership of managing partner Julie Park, who started as a summer associate in 2006, the office has become a hub for complex litigation and life sciences, while also making significant contributions through pro bono work and community partnerships. | |
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General News
Wednesday, May 28, 2025 |
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| Attorneys say sports investment is attracting increased attention from private equity firms and individual investors as leagues loosen ownership rules and new media opportunities expand beyond traditional broadcasting. | |
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General News
Tuesday, May 27, 2025 |
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| Attorneys representing hundreds of sexual abuse survivors have released newly disclosed data detailing more than 500 claims against the Archdiocese of San Francisco. The release, allowed by U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Dennis Montali, includes internal records and allegations spanning over 60 years, marking a major moment of transparency that plaintiffs say has long been denied. | |
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General News
Friday, May 23, 2025 |
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| Automaker claims attorneys fabricated thousands of hours of work in a decade-long scheme; RICO violations alleged. Knight Law denies allegations as "ridiculous." | |
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General News
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 |
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| On Tuesday, Google said it was introducing a new feature in its search engine called AI Mode. The tool will function like a chatbot, allowing people to start a query, ask follow-up questions and use the company's AI system to deliver comprehensive answers. | |
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General News
Tuesday, May 20, 2025 |
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| The federal government is selling the historic Spring Street Courthouse in LA, a former federal courthouse now home to county civil courts. The 1940 Art Moderne building's sale prompts relocation plans. | |
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General News
Monday, May 19, 2025 |
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| An LA judge scolded attorneys in a sexual harassment and retaliation case against NBCUniversal, urging cooperation. Plaintiff Tyler Adkins alleges wrongful termination after reporting an executive's illicit messages. | |