GUEST COLUMNS
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
As state-sponsored cyberattacks grow more disruptive, insurers are expanding the War Exclusion to deny coverage even in peacetime--threatening to leave U.S. businesses exposed to financial losses that were previously handled through cyber insurance.
The Supreme Court ruled unanimously in Ames v. Ohio that Title VII protects all workers equally, striking down the extra "background circumstances" burden for majority-group discrimination claims and unifying the standard for all plaintiffs.
Monday, June 16, 2025
The Trump administration's sweeping "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" may be doomed to fail because it illegally stuffs non-budgetary provisions--from AI regulation bans to court enforcement restrictions--into a fast-track budget process that's supposed to handle only fiscal matters.
National Audubon reframed water rights as
conditional privileges, establishing that environmental values are core
criteria--not secondary considerations--in California's ongoing water governance.
Friday, June 13, 2025
What is happening in Los Angeles today is not unprecedented--and if we ignore the lessons of our past, including the vital role immigrants have played in building our state and sustaining our economy, we risk repeating the injustices we once rose up to resist.
President Trump's second-term immigration agenda marks a sharp escalation from his first, with an aggressive revival of civil denaturalization efforts that put not only naturalized citizens--but also their spouses and children--at risk of losing U.S. citizenship based on past omissions or alleged misstatements, no matter how minor.
Thursday, June 12, 2025
The Supreme Court's decision eliminates extra burdens for majority-group plaintiffs, casting new doubt on California's Assembly Bill 7 and its reparative admissions policy.
Citing a rarely used statute and without the governor's request--President Donald Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops following ICE raids that sparked resistance, igniting a constitutional clash over presidential power, the limits of military enforcement and the meaning of "rebellion."
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
In the aftermath of devastating wildfires and mounting litigation, Los Angeles faces a critical need for accelerated legal resolution to protect its financial future and public interests--especially ahead of global events--raising the urgent question of who will lead the city forward.
Wildfire victims may be able to reduce, delay, or avoid paying taxes on insurance or settlement proceeds--especially if the fire is classified as a federally declared disaster, which unlocks key tax relief options like casualty loss deductions and Section 1033 deferrals.
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
After avoiding foreign business deals during his first term, President Trump and his family now appear to have embraced international dealmaking. It's time for the public to take notice.
Despite spending significant resources to support victims, district attorney offices often fail to address serious ethical risks--particularly under Rule 4.3--when prosecutors, without proper guidance or safeguards, inadvertently give legal advice to unrepresented victims whose interests may conflict with those of the prosecution.
Monday, June 9, 2025
A recent decision by the U.S. Court of International Trade held that President Trump exceeded his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act by imposing sweeping tariffs, ruling the measures unconstitutional and enjoining their enforcement--setting the stage for ongoing appellate battles that could ultimately reach the Supreme Court.
The California Supreme Court in Escamilla v. Vannucci clarified that the one-year statute of limitations under Code of Civil Procedure § 340.6 applies only to claims by clients or intended beneficiaries against attorneys, while claims by non-clients--such as third-party malicious prosecution actions--are governed by the statute of limitations for the underlying cause of action.
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.
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NEWS
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General News
Tuesday, June 17, 2025 |
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| A new legislative report shows retail theft has increased modestly in recent years, especially in large urban counties--though rates remain far below their 1990s peak. | |
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General News
Tuesday, June 17, 2025 |
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| California's insurance regulator investigates State Farm's handling of January wildfire claims, amid concerns over underpayments and delays, potentially setting new standards for disaster-related insurance claims. | |
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General News
Tuesday, June 17, 2025 |
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| There's one small bit of good news for college students heading to campus in the fall who are borrowing to fund their education: The rates on new federal loans will fall, though ever so slightly. | |
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General News
Monday, June 16, 2025 |
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| Some experts are worried that a recent uptick in unemployment for college graduates is a sign that companies are already using AI as a substitute for some entry-level workers. | |
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General News
Monday, June 16, 2025 |
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| Disbarred attorney Michael Avenatti was resentenced to just under eight years in prison Thursday for defrauding clients and committing tax violations, after the 9th Circuit vacated his original 14-year term and ordered a new hearing. | |
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General News
Monday, June 16, 2025 |
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| California's authority to enforce stricter vehicle emissions rules is once again under fire--this time from a rarely used federal statute. Now, with President Donald Trump's latest push to block those waivers, state officials are taking the fight to court. | |
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General News
Friday, June 13, 2025 |
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| Life insurance can play a key role in protecting your loved ones financially should you pass away unexpectedly. | |
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General News
Friday, June 13, 2025 |
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| Several charged in Southern California over alleged assaults on police and bystanders during immigration raid protests. U.S. Attorney and LA DA file charges, including for Molotov cocktails and thrown objects. | |
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General News
Thursday, June 12, 2025 |
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| The big domestic policy bill passed by House Republicans last month would, by the end of this year, eliminate tax credits for homeowners and solar leasing companies that have fueled the popularity of rooftop solar. | |
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General News
Thursday, June 12, 2025 |
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| Bee the Buzz Media denies defrauding attorney Ronald W. Makarem with 511 fake firefighter leads, vowed to fight the allegations in federal court. | |
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General News
Thursday, June 12, 2025 |
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| Altadena homeowner sues California FAIR Plan for bad faith denial of Eaton Fire damage claim, alleging systematic rejection of valid wildfire claims despite policy issuance one day before the blaze. | |
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General News
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 |
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| Migrant day laborers seek to intervene in Huntington Beach's challenge to California's sanctuary law, arguing their interests in protecting immigrants from police-ICE cooperation are not fully represented. | |
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General News
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 |
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| Apple's annual developers conference has usually been a must-watch event for what it revealed about the iPhone giant's plans. But this year's event has been more notable for what it didn't focus on: advancements in artificial intelligence tools. | |
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General News
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 |
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| The settlement means college athletes can be paid directly by their schools for use of their name, image and likeness. | |
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General News
Tuesday, June 10, 2025 |
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| Santa Ana settles with Anchor Stone Christian Church, allowing it to conduct religious services in a professional zone after a court battle over alleged discriminatory zoning practices. | |
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General News
Tuesday, June 10, 2025 |
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| Los Angeles Superior Court's appellate division adopts eService starting June 16, promising faster, more efficient justice. Attorneys praise the overdue change, while self-represented litigants can opt in. | |
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General News
Tuesday, June 10, 2025 |
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| Gas stations are a lot bigger these days, and there's a new reason for them to keep growing: electric vehicles. | |
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General News
Monday, June 9, 2025 |
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| The scheme used fake company names like "Begin Modeling" and "Bubblegum Casting" to conceal the business's true nature. When women tried to stop filming, Pratt or his associates threatened lawsuits, canceled return flights, and warned they would post the videos online if the shoots weren't completed. | |
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General News
Monday, June 9, 2025 |
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| In San Francisco, children attend elementary school at Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy. Travelers pass through the Harvey Milk Terminal at the airport. At Harvey Milk Plaza at Castro and Market streets, a giant rainbow flag dedicated to him can be seen for miles. | |
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General News
Monday, June 9, 2025 |
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| Homeowners affected by the Eaton and Palisades fires accuse AAA and USAA of underinsuring properties, alleging systemic undervaluation of replacement costs and misleading assurances of adequate coverage. | |
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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
Tuesday, June 17, 2025 |
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| Celebrity attorney Gloria Allred says her firm has not been informed of a State Bar investigation, despite a media report citing allegations of restrictive contracts and steep contingency fee arrangements. | |
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General News
Monday, June 16, 2025 |
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| San Francisco federal judge doubts basis for nonprofits' bid to join sanctuary jurisdictions' lawsuit against Trump's funding cuts, citing their inability to set policies. | |
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General News
Friday, June 13, 2025 |
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| Disney and its studios sue Midjourney in federal court, alleging the AI image generator illegally uses copyrighted characters like Darth Vader, ignoring cease-and-desist letters and profiting from plagiarism. | |
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General News
Thursday, June 12, 2025 |
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| Los Angeles judge dismisses discrimination claims against Illumination Foundation, ruling intent to join Navy isn't protected class, grants 10 days to amend complaint. | |
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General News
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 |
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| The sentencing of Andrew Do represented the first criminal conviction of a county supervisor in nearly 50 years. | |
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General News
Tuesday, June 10, 2025 |
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| SAP, agrees to allow Celonis access to mutual client data, avoiding an injunction in an antitrust lawsuit. | |
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General News
Monday, June 9, 2025 |
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| Homelessness in some parts of the Inland Empire declined this year, according to an annual survey that estimates the number of people living in shelters or on the street. | |
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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. | |