When a Defendant Dies During Litigation: What Plaintiffs Must Do Under California Law
When a Defendant Dies During Litigation: What Plaintiffs Must Do Under California Law (Part 2 of a Two-Part Series) This article is the second installment of a two-part series addressing how a party’s death affects pending civil litigation in California. The first article examined the procedural steps required when a plaintiff dies during a lawsuit. Here, the […]
Adjustment and Credits in Partition Actions Are Not Discharged in Bankruptcy in California
Partition actions are a unique legal remedy in California, aimed at resolving disputes among co-owners of real property. They ensure equitable distribution of interests and costs, particularly through adjustments and credits for expenditures like taxes, attorney fees, and maintenance. However, an important issue arises when a party involved in a partition action files for bankruptcy: […]
Recent Developments in Breach of Fiduciary Duty by Real Estate Agents: What You Need to Know
In the dynamic world of real estate, fiduciary duty remains a cornerstone of the agent-client relationship. However, a recent California appellate court ruling has brought renewed attention to the legal and financial implications of breaches of fiduciary duty by real estate professionals. This article discusses the latest case law, its implications, and what buyers and […]
Understanding Adverse Possession in California: A Guide for Property Owners and Claimants
Adverse possession is a legal concept that sparks strong opinions. For some, it seems like a loophole enabling squatters to “steal” land. For others, it’s a fair way to ensure unused or neglected property is put to productive use. Whether you see it as theft or justice, adverse possession plays a significant role in property […]
The Hidden Danger of 1099 vs. W-2 Employees: Why Misclassifying Workers Can Cripple Your Business
In 2026, California business owners are facing an increasingly aggressive enforcement environment. The distinction between a W-2 employee and a 1099 independent contractor has never been more serious. Misclassifying a worker isn’t just an accounting or billing issue, it’s a legal issue that can expose your business to crippling fines, unpaid back taxes, and costly litigation. Whether you run […]
Your AI Chats Are Not Confidential – How Courts Can Request Them in a Lawsuit
Do you use AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude or Deepseek to draft emails, or research everyday questions or problems? You may have even used AI tools to analyze legal documents or understand how laws apply to you or your businesses. But are those conversations private? AI tools are a new area courts in the US […]
California Courts Expands Court Ordered Mediation Guidelines on January 1, 2027
Mediation is a voluntary and non-binding process in which a neutral third party assist two or more people who are in a disagreement to find a resolution. Mediation can be a beneficial meeting in which settlement can be reached. In fact, about 80% of cases resolved before trial through mediation, settlement or are otherwise resolved. […]