December 2021 Every fan of TV legal dramas has heard the phrase “attorney-client privilege.” Tune in to almost any episode of Law & Order and odds are good that you will hear someone asserting “attorney client privilege” or discussing the implications of “the privilege” for their investigation or case. It is easy to dismiss attorney-client [...]
November 2021 In the wake of the global pandemic, many employers have concluded that an on-site workforce may be both unnecessary and undesirable. A remote workforce can cause a dramatic reduction in overhead (via lessened or nonexistent rental costs on office space, energy usage, etc.), can promote employee goodwill, and can potentially enable tapping [...]
The 1031 exchange, a popular tool to create wealth by “deferring” capital gains tax on real estate investments, is on the chopping block in the “American Families Plan” put forward by the Biden Administration earlier this year. If the change is implemented it could have a significant impact on the way small investors participate [...]
May 2021 Small businesses need capital to startup, operate, and grow. When entrepreneurs lack the ability or desire to fund a venture entirely from personal assets, they will seek capital from outside investors. If you have or plan on founding a startup, it is imperative to have a general understanding of United States securities laws. Many [...]
February 2021 On November 3rd, Californians voted by a slim margin to pass Proposition 19, the Home Protection for Seniors, Severely Disabled, Families, and Victims of Wildfire and Natural Disasters Act (“Prop 19”). Prop 19 changes property tax benefits for all people who stand to inherit real property in California from their parents (or grandparents) [...]
December 2020 We love to help clients start and grow successful businesses, bring ideas to market and create value. We also love to help client protect what they have built. One of the ways we are called upon to do so is when the need arises to file or defend against a lawsuit. No rational [...]
November 2020 At the start of this legislative session, the California Legislature seemed primed to pass bills that would have significantly impacted housing production and regulation. However, due to the wide-ranging impacts of COVID-19, many were either dropped or tabled for next year. Still, the Legislature did end up passing several more modest amendments [...]
November 2020 This election season brought a number of new propositions to California ballots. Included on the ballot was Proposition 24, the California Privacy Rights Act of 2020 (“CPRA”). It will strenghten California’s already robust consumer privacy protection law – the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”) – but also adds burdensome regulations for businesses across [...]
October 2020 It’s the time of year that we try to update you on the new laws affecting employers in the State of California. The legislative session has completed and the Governor has now either signed or vetoed all the bills sent to his desk. Below is an attempted summary of key bills for employees [...]
Santa Barbara County moves into the red tier allowing more businesses to open and for some to include indoor operations, with modifications. The County of Santa Barbara’s Public Health Department announced that Santa Barbara now qualifies for red tier status after two consecutive weeks of meeting its rolling average. Gyms, movie theaters, personal care services [...]