News from August 2017
Hanford attorney disbarred following 14 counts of misconduct
Hanford attorney Steven Christopher Rivas has been disbarred over allegations he mishandled funds between his client trust and operating accounts in a traffic accident case in which he represented relatives of his, according to a recent California State Bar filing.
Pomona, SQM headed back to trial in polluted water case
LOS ANGELES – Polluted water in the city of Pomona pushed a panel of judges to vacate judgment and demand a new trial.
California judges granted greater empowerment to rule on trial expert testimony
LOS ANGELES - Fred Ufkes, an attorney with the Los Angeles law firm of Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP, said a 5-year-old California Supreme Court decision is giving judges greater empowerment to determine if expert testimony given during trials is reasonable and therefore admissible.
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Nordstrom employees' failed lawsuit refines 'day of rest' law
Although the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a district court's decision to dismiss Nordstrom employees' labor lawsuit, one plaintiff's lawyer said the case has still made strides in narrowing the definition of the ''day of rest'' law and improving employee fairness.
Assembly OKs gender pay bill; senate vote awaits
California’s Gender Pay Gap Transparency Act has been returned to an approbations committee after the California Senate amended the bill to require employers with more than 500 employees to submit pay gap statistics to the secretary of state and publish them on a public website.
Bay Area law professor specializes in visa issues
SAN FRANCISCO – It’s all about principal, according to a Bay Area lawyer with an advanced degree.
Recent real estate kickback ruling could trouble future home buyers
The California First District Court of Appeal recently ruled in favor of real estate brokers J. Rockcliff Inc. and Mason McDuffie Real Estate in their appeal to hold arbitration in a matter related to two similar class action lawsuits brought by homeowners.
Attorney plans an appeal of baseball's antitrust decision.
SAN FRANCISCO -- The attorney representing minor league baseball players has vowed to appeal a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeal Ninth Circuit dismissing the players' class action antitrust suit against Major League Baseball.
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IRS accused of illegal sting operation
A group of businesses who participated in an IRS scheme to catch those filing fraudulent tax returns has claimed they lost millions of dollars.
State Farm accuses client of breach of contract
SAN FRANCISCO — State Farm Insurance is suing a San Mateo County woman, alleging breach of contract.
Employee alleges Abbott Labs violated ERISA
SACRAMENTO — A Placer County man is suing Abbott Labs, alleging breach of contract and violation of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act.
Virginia consumer alleges PayPal violated telephone privacy law
SAN FRANCISCO — A Virginia man has filed a class action lawsuit against PayPal, alleging violation of telephone harassment statutes.
U.S. government alleges debtor owes more than $13,000
LOS ANGELES — The U.S. government is suing a Los Angeles County woman, alleging an unpaid debt of more than $13,000.
Debt collector accuses of violation phone privacy statute
SACRAMENTO — A California woman has filed a class action lawsuit against a debt collector, alleging violation of telephone harassment statutes.
Client alleges Prudential violated ERISA
SAN FRANCISCO — A San Francisco County client is suing Prudential Insurance, alleging breach of contract and violation of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act.
Employee alleges insurance company failed to pay proper wages
SAN FRANCISCO — A San Jose man has filed a class action lawsuit against a mortgage company, alleging unpaid wages, violation of applicable minimum wage laws, violation of state law and violation of workers compensation acts.
Client alleges Hartford Insurance violated ERISA
LOS ANGELES — A Los Angeles County man is suing Hartford Insurance, alleging breach of contract and violation of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act .
Fresno consumer alleges alleges debt collector violated FDCPA
SACRAMENTO — A Fresno County woman is suing a debt collector, alleging misrepresentation.
Employee alleges Google violated wage codes
SAN FRANCISCO — An employee has filed a class action lawsuit against Google Inc., and Does 1 through 500, alleging unpaid wages, violation of applicable minimum wage law violation of state law and violation of workers compensation acts
Construction company alleges Nevada business breached contract
SAN FRANCISCO — A California construction company is suing a Nevada business, alleging breach of contract.