Both a Borrower and a Lender Be: Using Graegin Loans to Pay Estate Tax

Posted on December 28, 2011 by Julie Brook, Esq.

In the too-good-to-be-true department of estate planning, it is sometimes possible to take a loan from a family trust or other entity controlled by the decedent and family members to pay estate tax and deduct the interest on the estate tax return. Such loans are very useful when the estate or trust needs liquid assets and money is available from other sources to pay estate taxes. (more…)

Filed under: Business, Estate Planning, Legal Topics, Tax Law | Tagged: , , , | Leave a Comment »

DUI Basics Every Attorney Should Know

Posted on December 21, 2011 by Julie Brook, Esq.

DUI cases are complex and can deter even the most senior practitioner. But it’s not uncommon for attorneys to be contacted on DUI cases by clients, and even friends and family — particularly during the holiday party season. For this reason, it’s important for every California attorney to know at least the basics of California DUI law. (more…)

Filed under: Criminal Law, Legal Topics | Tagged: , , , | 1 Comment »

Employee Versus Independent Contractor: Get It Right, or Pay the Increased Price as of January 1, 2012

Posted on December 19, 2011 by Julie Brook, Esq.

Part of the fallout of the economic downturn is the emergence of the “freelance economy.” This is largely fueled by the financial advantages of hiring independent contractors instead of employees. But employers beware: Getting your classifications wrong can be costly. (more…)

Filed under: Civil Litigation, Employment Law, Legal Topics | Tagged: , , | 5 Comments »

Protection Against Discrimination Based on Genetic Information Is Coming Soon

Posted on December 16, 2011 by Julie Brook, Esq.

The new year will bring another category of prohibited discrimination in California  — discrimination based on genetic information will no longer be legal. (more…)

Filed under: Business, Employment Law, Legal Topics, New Legal Developments, Real Property | Tagged: , , , , | 1 Comment »

Smile, You’re on Your Employer’s Video Camera!

Posted on December 14, 2011 by Julie Brook, Esq.

The following is a guest blog post by Cynthia E. Fruchtman, a lawyer who represents employers and employees in all aspects of the employment relationship and represents businesses in commercial and employment-related litigation.

It is becoming increasingly common for employers to monitor employee workplace activities electronically. For employers, investigation methods such as video camera surveillance, computer monitoring, and drug testing may be seen as an aid to efficient operations. But employer’s beware: These tools can create several potential areas of liability. (more…)

Filed under: Business, Employment Law, Legal Topics | Tagged: , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Keeping to the Style in Which They Have Become Accustomed

Posted on December 12, 2011 by Julie Brook, Esq.

After a divorce, both parties want to continue to live in the style to which they have become accustomed. And California law supports this desire by requiring courts to base spousal support awards on the standard of living established during the marriage. Fam C §4330(a). Ah, but the rub can be in determining what exactly was the marital standard of living. (more…)

Filed under: Divorce Law, Family Law, Legal Topics | Tagged: , | 2 Comments »

On a Beach in Bali: For Revocable Trusts With Living Settlors, is it Safe for Trustees To Go Back in the Water?

Posted on December 9, 2011 by Julie Brook, Esq.

If the trustee of a revocable trust lets the trust’s settlor make an extravagant purchase or risky investment can he or she get into trouble with the trust beneficiaries later? This issue was explored in a recent California case and the court’s answer would allow trustees to approve the settlor’s luxury beach getaway with impunity. (more…)

Filed under: Elder Law, Estate Planning, Legal Topics | Tagged: , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

New Year, New Day for California Corporations: They Can Pursue Both Socially Responsible Goals and Profits

Posted on December 7, 2011 by Julie Brook, Esq.

With the new year will come a new, socially responsible corporate form in California. New laws will enable California corporations to do something they could never do before:  Pursue both social or environmental goals and financial returns for their shareholders. (more…)

Filed under: Business, Legal Topics, New Legal Developments | Tagged: , , , , , | 7 Comments »

Our Blog Is in the Top 100!

Posted on December 6, 2011 by Julie Brook, Esq.

We are very excited that CEB’s blog was named by the ABA Journal as one of the top 100 law blogs! Thanks to all of our loyal readers and subscribers for your support since our launch in 2010.

Our goal is to always provide useful and relevant legal content for California attorneys. We appreciate your comments and suggestions on the blog — keep them coming!

© The Regents of the University of California, 2011. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.

Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: , , | 6 Comments »

5 Tips for Successful Mediation

Posted on December 5, 2011 by Julie Brook, Esq.

Mediation has been increasingly used to resolve many types of legal disputes. And it’s no wonder why —  mediation gives the parties an opportunity to settle the dispute without incurring substantial litigation expenses. Here are some tips to make your mediations as successful as they can be. (more…)

Filed under: Civil Litigation, Employment Law, Legal Topics, Litigation Strategy, Practice of Law | Tagged: , , , | 5 Comments »

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