Previously on our blog, we discussed the enforceability of non-compete clauses. It is important to be familiar with the concept not only for contracting purposes, but also from the standpoint of being either an employer or employee. Recently, this issue has been in California state news, as it appears that large companies are trying to enforce non-compete clauses that are found in employment agreements of low-wage workers. The case at issue involved Benny Almeida, a former employee...

Ponzi schemes endanger investors and securities professionals, but these victims are not without recourse. Investors who fell victim to such schemes may pursue compensation from the brokers and other entities that perpetrated the fraud. They may also bring a clawback suit.  A Clawback suit allows them to seek compensation from the early investors who either knowingly or unknowingly benefited from their early involvement. A common type of clawback suit is brought through federal equity receivers or...

Contract performance is on one of the main sources of contract disputes, i.e., situations where there is late performance of the agreed upon terms, no performance, or performance that does not adequately match the contract terms. Generally, one party’s minor delay that does not significantly impact the overall contract or cause a material breach will constitute “substantial performance” and will not relieve the other party from performance. It is important to note, however, that...

Certain contract terms can limit liability exposure from potential lawsuits and other claims that may arise. These terms are generally found in limited liability clauses. Certain contractual terms can also limit damages, such as a liquidated damages clause. For these terms to protect contracting parties from liability, they have to be properly drafted and in line with California law. Limited Liability Limited liability clauses are permitted by California law, but courts will strictly construe such contract...

Boundaries are the lines defining the location of a parcel of real property. Boundary disputes frequently arise between homeowners, business owners, private individuals, and the government. These disputes sometimes arise because of misunderstandings, but more often they are just disagreements about ownership, land use, and property lines. Other property disputes involve disagreements about the boundaries. These disputes can arise from changes in property ownership, conflicting property descriptions, or even changes in the physical property. Just as...

Specific performance is a type of remedy available in some contract disputes where a plaintiff requests that a court enforce the contract in question and force the defendant to perform the agreed upon terms instead of or in addition to paying the plaintiff money damages. It is most commonly used when there is a dispute over the purchase and sale of real estate. Specific performance is an important remedy because real estate projects often involve...

Previously on our blog, we discussed the importance of understanding the relationship between an agent and a principal.  Knowing the law that applies to principal-agent relationships is particularly important for business owners, so that they can prepare for and mitigate against potential legal liabilities that can arise from an agent’s actions. Agency laws also establish what fiduciary duties can arise from an agent-principal relationship.  It is particularly important to be familiar with fiduciary duties...

On September 28, 2014, California Governor Jerry Brown signed into law Assembly Bill 1897, which created a new Labor Code section. The new law affects businesses that obtain or are provided workers to perform labor from a labor contractor. Once AB 1897 becomes effective, private employers can be held liable for labor contractor’s failure to pay all required wages or to secure valid workers’ compensation coverage for contract workers. Under AB 1897, a business can be...

Under the doctrine of respondeat superior a principle (employer) is liable for the torts of its agents (employees).  A principle-agent relationship exists where the employee has agreed to work on behalf of the employer and to be subject to the employer’s control or right to control the physical conduct of the employee. Respondeat superior is Latin for “let the master answer.”  In the employment context, it might be read more accurately as meaning that “the...

What is the difference between a merger and an acquisition?  The terms “merger” and “acquisition” are common business terms, but they are often inappropriately used interchangeably, when in fact the two transactions are rather different. If you are planning to combine or purchase assets from another company it is imperative that  you understand the benefits and drawbacks of each. Merger In a merger, usually two or more businesses wind down as separate entities, and then a...