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Alabama Federal Court Takes Issue with the Corporate Transparency Act
On March 1, 2024, the federal district court in the Northern District of Alabama made a ruling in the case of National Small Business United v. Yellen. This ruling, if it stands, could impact most small business owners as the subject at issue in the case is the constitutionality of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA).…
Read MoreCase of the Month – Riddick et al. v. City of Malibu, et al.
In a legal dispute between property owners and the City of Malibu, the focal point was the addition of an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) to a residence, a project impeded by the City’s denial of a permit application. The crux of the disagreement centered on the interpretation of Malibu’s ordinance governing exemptions from coastal development…
Read MoreNavigating Technology in California’s Real Estate Market
Over the last few years, California’s real estate market experienced unprecedented highs followed by a sudden downturn, leaving many agents scrambling to adapt to changing conditions. With transactions soaring to record numbers in 2021 and 2022, fueled by low mortgage rates and shifting buyer preferences, the industry seemed like a surefire path to success. However,…
Read MoreCalHFA’s Dream For All Program Coming Back
In the spring of 2023, the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) introduced a groundbreaking initiative: no-interest, no-monthly-payment loans aimed at helping lower-income residents overcome financial barriers to purchasing their first home. The response was overwhelming and the entire budget of nearly $300 million was exhausted in a mere 11 days. Bringing back the program for…
Read MoreCase of the Month – De Martini v. The Superior Court of San Mateo County
In the intricate landscape of real estate transactions, disputes can often arise, leading parties down a complex path of legal proceedings. A recent case sheds light on the intricacies of such disputes and the significance of lis pendens in property matters. The saga began in 2020 when an agreement was made to sell a commercial…
Read MoreNavigating the Perilous Waters of Investor Fraud
Investor fraud remains a formidable challenge, exploiting the trust and financial ambitions of individuals aiming for growth. This form of deceit, ranging from misappropriation of funds to disseminating false information, employs a variety of tactics to trap its victims. Among the most notorious is the Ponzi scheme, a strategy named after Charles Ponzi. These schemes…
Read MoreHigh Profile Embezzlements Result in Client Trust Account Protection Program
In the legal profession, the safeguarding of entrusted funds stands as a non-negotiable legal requirement and a fundamental tenet of ethical practice. Attorneys, as custodians of client funds, are duty-bound to maintain a clear demarcation between these funds and their personal and business accounts. This obligation extends to keeping meticulous records and providing timely and…
Read MoreCase of the Month – Paglia & Associates Construction, Inc., et al. v. V.J. Hamilton
In a recent legal development, the Second Appellate District has upheld a trial court order denying a homeowner’s defensive motion arguing that her online posts were protected free speech. The case revolves around a dispute between homeowner and her contractor, shedding light on the line between free speech and libel. The motion unsuccessfully asserted that…
Read MoreWhat You Need to Know About the Corporate Transparency Act
It’s officially 2024, and with the new year comes the implementation phase of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), part of the National Defense Authorization Act passed by Congress back in 2021. Passed as part of their continuing efforts to stem money laundering, the CTA authorizes the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) to collect beneficial ownership…
Read MoreNew ADU Law Sparks Concerns and Opportunities
A new law is poised to reshape the realm of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), affectionately known as “granny flats.” The signing of Assembly Bill 1033 (AB 1033) into law marks a groundbreaking shift, granting property owners in participating cities the ability to construct ADUs on their land and sell them to third parties as condominiums.…
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