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Tax & Estate Planning – Small Win for Same Sex Couples?
Trusts & Estate Planning by Kira S. Masteller 818.907.3244 The Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA, was enacted in 1996 to “define and protect the institution of marriage.” It defined marriage as a legal union
Municipal Bankruptcies – When Local Governments Go Belly-Up
Environmental Law & Civil Litigation AttorneyJune 6, 2012 by Stephen T. Holzer When an individual opts to declare bankruptcy, he or she generally qualifies for either Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, in which the individual’s property is
Medical Marijuana Use Not Protected by ADA, 9th Circuit
Wage and Hour Defense by Nicole Kamm 818.907.3235 In 2008, the California Supreme Court held in Ross v. Ragingwire that an employer may lawfully terminate an employee (or refuse to hire an applicant) who tests
California Employment Law – Criminal Treatment of Employers
Employment Defense Attorney Los Angeles by Sue M. Bendavid 818.907.3220 Picture this: The owner of a small company in Los Angeles is in an office, calmly tackling the challenges of day-to-day business needs, when all
Getting Clear on Creditor Protection: The Limitations of the Revocable Living Trust
by Robert A. Hull People often believe that if they set up a revocable living trust, and put their assets into the trust, their assets are protected from creditors. While a revocable living trust can
Another Blow for Property Owners Challenging Foreclosure
Real Estate Litigation Attorney by Nicholas Kanter 818-907-3289 When challenging a foreclosure sale, property owners look to defects or irregularities in the foreclosure process, which is strictly regulated by California’s Civil Code, to have the sale
Landmark Decision: CA Supreme Court Decides Employers Are Not Meal Police
Employment Defense Attorney Los Angeles by Sue M. Bendavid 818.907.3220 Employees of Brinker Restaurant Corporation (the parent company of Chili’s, Maggiano’s, and Macaroni Grill, among others) brought a class action against Brinker alleging years of
Social Networking and Recruiting – Should Employers Ask for Facebook Passwords?
Wage and Hour Defense by Nicole Kamm 818.907.3235 Many employers these days are incorporating policies on social networking in their employee handbooks. Usually the policies address whether or not employees can use work computers and
Franchisee Law – PMPA Protects Gas Station Franchise Owners
Franchise & Business Litigation Attorney by David Gurnick 818.907.3285 British Petroleum or BP, one of the world’s largest oil companies, owns the ARCO gas station brand. Recently, BP announced they will sell their southern California oil refinery
What is Alternative Minimum Tax & Why Are We Paying It?
Trusts & Estate Planning by Kira S. Masteller 818.907.3244 In 1969, Congress created the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) to ensure that anyone who benefits from certain tax advantages pays at least a minimum amount of