Most attorneys are aware that there are rules about retaining and disposing of client files, but not enough of them have a clear policy that follows these rules and communicate the policy to their clients. It’s when the representation is over that the policy kicks in. (more…)
Filed under: Practice of Law, Starting a Law Practice | Tagged: attorney-client relationship, client file policy, client files, file disposal, file retention, law office management, law office policies | 1 Comment »
The Los Angeles Times calls it “The Green Rush,” referring to the newly-lucrative cultivation of premium marijuana to serve the “discriminating consumers who frequent medical cannabis dispensaries.” California laws permitting medical marijuana have spawned an industry that has moved from remote, clandestine locations to our city centers. But what’s become a boom for growers and sellers is causing a headache for many city regulators. (more…)
Filed under: Business, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Legal Topics, New Legal Developments, Real Property | Tagged: Compassionate Use Act, land use regulation, medical marijuana, medical marijuana dispensaries, Medical Marijuana Program Act | Leave a Comment »
Franchising has had long-term success in the U.S. economy, both for franchisors and franchisees. Franchise businesses aren’t just fast food, either. According to a USA Today article, home health care is one of the top franchises in the US. Although most franchise systems—and most franchisees—are reasonably successful, buying a franchise isn’t always the right decision. As an attorney, your job is to insert some practical reality into your client’s franchise dreams. (more…)
Filed under: Business, Legal Topics | Tagged: franchise business, franchisee, franchisor, small business | 1 Comment »
The unexpectedly decisive re-election of President Obama, and the apparent stability of his electoral coalition, confronts estate planners with a new political reality. Here are my thoughts on where tax law is likely to go. (more…)
Filed under: Elder Law, Estate Planning, New Legal Developments, Tax Law | Tagged: capital gains, charitable gift, Estate Planning, estate tax, estate tax exemption, gift tax, gift tax exemption, tax planning, taxes | Leave a Comment »
When clients come to you to set up a joint venture, they’re often excited and focused on the big picture. You need to be the details person, and maybe a bit of a wet blanket. (more…)
Filed under: Business, Intellectual Property, Legal Topics, Young Lawyers | Tagged: intellectual property, IP, joint venture, strategic alliance, venture capital | 2 Comments »
In the first part of this blog post, we presented 5 tips from retired family law judge and CEB author Hon. Frederick A. Mandabach to help practitioners best approach family law hearings and trials. Here are 5 more inside tips from the judge. (more…)
Filed under: Family Law, Litigation Strategy, Practice of Law | Tagged: attorneys, child custody, divorce, family court, oral argument, trial | 1 Comment »
Tenant organizations take many forms and reflect diverse goals. An attorney’s role varies with the nature and objectives of the tenant organization. Before you advise a tenant organization, you need to understand its particular needs and how to meet them. (more…)
Filed under: Landlord/Tenant Law, Legal Topics, Real Property | Tagged: landlord, landlord-tenant law, tenant, tenant organization | Leave a Comment »
In California family law cases, it’s a judge—not a jury—that will decide your case. To help you hone your approach to handling family law hearings and trials, here are the first 5 of 10 inside tips from retired family law judge and CEB author Hon. Frederick A. Mandabach. (more…)
Filed under: Family Law, Legal Topics, Litigation Strategy | Tagged: attorneys, child custody, divorce, family court, oral argument, trial | 3 Comments »
Miss Manners may wisely advise us to follow the old adage not to talk about politics or religion, but can California employers prohibit their employees from discussing these and other lightening rod subjects? (more…)
Filed under: Business, Employment Law, Legal Topics | Tagged: employee discussions, employees, employer policy, employers, English-Only, political speech, religion, workplace privacy | 2 Comments »
The following is a guest blog post by Myanna Dellinger, a law professor at Western State College of Law.
The Ninth Circuit has repeated what the Supreme Court has already said about plaintiffs suing polluters for climate change: look to the Clean Air Act and the EPA for possible relief, not the federal courts. Courts simply won’t hear claims that the polluters have created a common law nuisance when federal law covers the area. (more…)
Filed under: Business, Environmental Law, Legal Topics, New Legal Developments, Real Property | Tagged: CEQA, climate change, greenhouse gases, land use, nuisance | Leave a Comment »
