RECENT POSTS
Landlords: Proceed With Caution in Wake of Los Angeles Wildfires
State and local governments enacted new protections for residential tenants in the wake of the firestorms that razed large parts of Southern California. These protections are intended to help tenants navigate the challenges that arise
2025 California Wildfire Tax Relief
The following summarizes some of the available tax relief procedures for taxpayers affected by the Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, and other Los Angeles County wildfires. Answers to commonly asked disaster-related tax questions are also below: Income
How do the Los Angeles Wildfires Affect Estate Plans?
The devastating wildfires in Los Angeles and surrounding areas serve as a stark reminder of how unpredictable life can be. Beyond the immediate physical and emotional tolls, these disasters can have long-term implications for personal
Franchisors: Working With Franchisees Affected by the Los Angeles Wildfires
The Los Angeles wildfires pose significant challenges for businesses, including franchised businesses. But if a business is lost in a national disaster, support already exists within a franchise system. It’s organic. That is not always
Divorce Amidst Natural Disaster – Community Property and the Los Angeles Wildfires
Divorce can be challenging under any circumstances, but when community property is damaged during legal proceedings, the challenges and stress can escalate significantly. Here in Los Angeles, we seem to face that possibility often, as
Los Angeles Fires: Employers Should Weigh Employee Needs With Current Laws
The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have significantly impacted businesses and their employees – employers should be aware of their responsibilities to support their workforce during this challenging time. Key considerations include: Wildfire Smoke Regulations:
Wage & Hour Compliance: 2025 Mileage Reimbursement Rate
On December 19, the IRS published an updated mileage reimbursement rate for 2025: $0.70 per mile, a three cent increase from the 2024 rate. The rate applies to all vehicles, electric and gas alike. Employers
Franchise 101: Convenient Franchise Practices; and Booked for Personal Jurisdiction
Franchisor 101: Convenient Franchise Practices A New Jersey federal district court granted summary judgment in favor of 7-Eleven, Inc. in a dispute with a franchisee. The franchisee signed a franchise agreement to operate a 7-Eleven
Beyond the Contract: Non-Signatories to an Arbitration Agreement Can Compel Arbitration
Departing from the ruling in Soltero v. Precise Distribution earlier this year, the California Court of Appeal in the Second District in Gonzalez v. Nowhere Beverly Hills LLC, created a split of authority regarding an
Franchise 101: No Control, No Liability; and Muscling Through the Competition
FRANCHISOR 101: No Control, No Liability A California federal court granted summary judgment in favor of Red Roof Inns, a hotel franchisor, on sex trafficking claims brought under the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA).