Jointly owning property can be a cost-efficient and lucrative investment, but when disputes arise, it can quickly become a legal and financial challenge. Whether it is in the context of a shared vacation home, an investment property, or inherited real estate, co-ownership disagreements can be complex. Understanding the causes of disputes and your legal options can help you resolve these …
Piercing the Corporate Veil in California: What Business Owners Need to Know
In the realm of corporate law, the concept of limited liability is a cornerstone, providing a shield for shareholders against personal liability for the debts and obligations of the corporation. However, this protection is not absolute. Under certain circumstances, courts may “pierce the corporate veil” and hold shareholders personally liable. In California, courts have developed specific criteria for when this …
5 Reason that Early Mediation May Be Right For Your Legal Dispute
Legal disputes often bring stress, uncertainty, and the risk of costly court battles. While those who have not spent significant time in litigation often see it as a path to vindication and justice, the reality is that it is seldom an effective tool for that purpose and even more rarely an efficient one. Thus, it is not surprising that around …
The Cannabis Industry Isn’t Wearing Any Clothes! California Court of Appeal Exposes Tenuous Reality of “State Legalization”
As a litigator who has tried dozens of cannabis-related cases in the eight years since California voters legalized cannabis for adult use, yesterday’s decision by the California Court of Appeal in JCCrandall v. Santa Barbara immediately called to mind an image from one of my favorite childhood books. A young girl steps out from a throng of adoring subjects, points …
The Crucial Role of Standard of Review in California Civil Appeals
If you are considering appealing a decision from a California Superior Court in a civil case, it is essential to understand the concept of the standard of review. This legal principle dictates how the Court of Appeal will evaluate the decisions made by the trial court or jury. Misunderstanding or overlooking the standard by which the court will evaluate your …
Undue Influence in the Execution of a Deed in California
In California, the concept of undue influence plays a critical role in the execution of deeds, particularly in property transactions. Undue influence occurs when one party exerts excessive pressure on another, undermining their free will and resulting in an unfair transaction. This legal principle is especially pertinent in cases involving confidential relationships, where one party places significant trust in another. …





