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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
Carb Wars – Europe the Latest Evil Empire in the Greenhouse Gas Wars?
Environmental Litigation by Stephen T. Holzer 818.907.3299 Just over a decade after the Cold War ended, we may be beginning another highly stressful, albeit less deadly face-off: a Carbon War. Highly stressful, because it will
Charitable Trusts + Low Interest Rates = Tax Savings
Trusts & Estate Planning by Kira S. Masteller 818.907.3244 Some people don’t like to talk about death and because of that fear, distaste or superstition; they put off planning for the future. But think about
Intellectual Property Law – The Madrid Protocol Promotes Global Trademark Protections
State Bar Certified Specialist, Franchise & Distribution Law by Tal Grinblat 818.907.3284 American based companies wanting to protect their trademarks internationally have been able to do so fairly easily since 2003, when the United States
Will Madonna Sing “Girls Gone Wild” at the Super Bowl?
Los Angeles Business Litigation Attorney February 3, 2012 by Nicholas Kanter Joe Francis, the founder of Girls Gone Wild, just sent a cease and desist letter to Madonna, NBC and the National Football League threatening
Funding a Living Trust — Estate Planning Advice
Trusts & Estate Planning Attorney by Kira S. Masteller 818.907.3244 The most common reason for establishing a living trust is to avoid probate and take advantage of estate tax exemptions. If you don’t have a revocable
Mechanics Liens — Smart Tools of Construction Industry Professionals, and Bane of Property Owners
Construction Litigation by Paul C. Bauducco (818) 907-3245 In 1791, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison proposed the first mechanics liens legislation in order to promote development in Washington. The Maryland Assembly (which governed Washington at
Tax Strategies – 2011 Year End Tax Planning for Businesses & Individuals
Trusts & Estate Planning Attorney by Kira S. Masteller 818.907.3244 What tax strategies do you have in place for yourself, your family or your business for this year and for the years to come? Whether