Labor/Employment, Immigration
Protecting immigrant workers' rights
By Kati L. Griffith
States can do more to protect unauthorized immigrant workers' rights, particularly in light of inadequate federal support. ...
The Trump administration's agenda could make a bad situation worse and place women's reproductive autonomy at increased risk. ...
Civil Litigation, Bankruptcy
When courts can approve structured dismissals
By David S. Kupetz
In bankruptcy courts as on the playground, everyone has to wait their turn, says the U.S. Supreme Court. No cutting allowed in...
Should you file an amended return, and what are the pitfalls?
U.S. Supreme Court, Intellectual Property
New copyright test may not be the final chapter
By Elliot N. Brown
One wonders whether the Supreme Court's new test will resolve or replicate the puzzles that led to this decision.
As one court has stated, "even if the insurer has not denied coverage or refused to defend, the insurer has a duty to accept a...
Long before dueling banjos, there were dueling people, including dueling politicians. ...
Government, California Supreme Court
Jerry Brown's legacy at the high court
By Joseph R. Grodin
In August, Jerry Brown will have the opportunity to appoint his 11th Supreme Court justice. But the numbers aren't the end of ...
U.S. Supreme Court, Constitutional Law
The next big takings case... maybe
By Michael M. Berger
The Supreme Court has for years been unable to arrive at a simple rule for determining when a regulation constitutes a taking.
Securities, Mergers & Acquisitions, Corporate
Private equity sponsors using SPACs
By Sara L. Terheggen
Historically, "special purpose acquisition companies" only appealed to hedge fund investors. But recent years have seen a shif...
U.S. Supreme Court
Ruling weighs distributions in violation of absolute priority rule
By Evan M. Jones, Daniel S. Shamah
A recent Supreme Court ruling has closed the door to distribution of entire estates in violation of the absolute priority rule.
Constitutional Law, Administrative/Regulatory
Modern surveillance is mass surveillance
By Jennifer Stisa Granick
Because modern surveillance is mass surveillance, Congress should pass laws that will preserve civil liberties.
U.S. Supreme Court, Education Law, Civil Rights
Disabled students' rights ruling stops short of true equality
By Kim Karelis
Until last week, the educational opportunities of minor students with disabilities have been hobbled by a decision the U.S. Su...
California Courts of Appeal
Ruling is a win for vulnerable nursing home patients
By Stephen Garcia, David M. Medby
A Court of Appeal held that in an action for violations of a patient's rights, a plaintiff may recover up to $500 per cause of...
Government, Administrative/Regulatory
Funding cut will deny Californians access to legal aid
By Maureen E. Keffer
The Trump administration's plan to eliminate federal funding for the Legal Services Corporation will hurt poor people and vuln...
Because they tend to come about hurriedly at the height of financial crises, statutes regulating the industry don't always mes...
U.S. Supreme Court, Intellectual Property
Decision will hurt patent defendants
By Ben M. Davidson
Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court held that the equitable defense of laches is not available as a defense to a damage claim in...
U.S. Supreme Court, Judges and Judiciary
Leaving things undecided
By Lawrence Rosenthal
Since the death of Justice Scalia, there has been much talk of the Supreme Court's efforts to issue narrow decisions to avoid ...
Justices probe patent venue
By Matthew K. Blackburn
On Monday, the Supreme Court will hear oral argument in an important patent case that could upend the patent venue system.
Superior Court Commissioner Orange County (Santa Ana) ...
Learn about how a judge may maintain control of the courtroom in cases involving pro per defendants.
San Diego County Judge Cindy Davis wins praise for her handling of family law disputes.
While national attention is focused on the hearings examining Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch, average folks are actually m...
Environmental & Energy, Administrative/Regulatory
Prop 65: If it's on the list, you mustn't resist
By Daniel J. Herling
A recent ruling, however addressed a basic Prop. 65 issue: Should a certain chemical even be on a list of cancer-causing chemi...
Can that party rely on its own interrogatory responses to prove or defend its case? In California state court, the answer is no.
Law Practice, Intellectual Property
New rules, new issues: revisions to Northern District's local patent rules
By John P. Bovich, Keyonn L. Pope
The Northern District of California recently enacted revisions to the Patent Local Rules. The revised rules are effective imme...
The drama remaining in these confirmation proceedings consists of the skill by which a senator from the opposing party deploys...
Ethics/Professional Responsibility
Create a culture of compliance
By J. Randolph Evans, Shari L. Klevens
Law firms can actively engage with employees to ensure that all are knowledgeable regarding their obligations and understand t...
Civil Litigation, Insurance
'Special justification' and punitive damages
By Rex Heeseman
More clamor for larger awards of punitive damages? The "battle" may turn on the presence (or not) of a "particularly egregious...
IRS expands Fast Track Settlement nationwide for more taxpayers
By Robert W. Wood, Scott B. Weese
In the past, Fast Track Settlement has been available for complex audits -- handled by the IRS's Large Business & Internat...