California

Supreme Court will consider whether criminalizing homelessness violates Eighth Amendment

Few doubt that the court’s decision in City of Grants Pass v. Johnson will be consequential for the nation’s homeless population and for those trying to help. “This case is really about whether the Constitution protects unhoused people against punishment when there is no shelter or housing available to them.”

Apr 18, 2024 1:00 PM CDT

Pulling the Weed: Bankruptcy opinion shows debt restructure path for cannabis workers

While 24 states have legalized recreational marijuana use, it remains a criminal activity under the federal Controlled Substances Act, and bankruptcy courts generally have been a rather hostile forum for debtors employed in the marijuana industry.

Apr 18, 2024 11:35 AM CDT

Budding cannabis law courses are growing—but not fast enough

An increasing number of law schools around the country are offering cannabis law courses, but some professors think that even more are needed. “We’re still playing catch-up.”

Apr 15, 2024 9:30 AM CDT

Chemerinsky: Will SCOTUS consider it cruel and unusual punishment to prosecute homeless people for sleeping in public?

Can a city make it a crime for unhoused people to sleep in public if there are no other places for them to go? On April 22, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on this issue in City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson, a case of enormous interest to the many cities that are struggling with burgeoning populations of unhoused people.

Apr 15, 2024 9:00 AM CDT

Which judges are most likely to issue nationwide injunctions? Party of appointing president makes a difference

Fifty-nine out of the 64 nationwide injunctions blocking Trump administration policies were issued by judges appointed by Democratic presidents, according to a study in the Harvard Law Review.

Apr 12, 2024 9:25 AM CDT

‘Sense of entitlement’ led BigLaw partner to ‘brazenly’ appear at deposition and act ‘obnoxious,’ sanctions bid says

Alex Spiro, a partner with Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, wrongly appeared at a Texas deposition without pro hac vice permission and then proceeded to act in a “ridiculously unprofessional” manner, according to a sanctions motion by a Los Angeles man suing Tesla CEO Elon Musk for alleged defamation.

Apr 10, 2024 10:27 AM CDT

This Los Angeles lawyer found her calling as a death doula

Everyone is going to die, it’s just a matter of where, when and how. For those who happen to know the specifics of their situation, Alua Arthur, a former legal aid lawyer, can help. Arthur is a certified death doula, which means she provides emotional and organizational support for people who are nearing death, allowing them to embrace the end in a way that honors their wishes, customs and beliefs.

Apr 1, 2024 1:10 AM CDT

New California law placing unhoused individuals with addictions in conservatorships faces questions

Anyone deemed to be “gravely disabled” or suffering from a significant substance abuse disorder can be placed into a conservatorship and institutionalized for an initial 72-hour hold. Longer placements can also happen.

Apr 1, 2024 12:40 AM CDT

Kim Kardashian sued for claiming ‘low-grade’ knockoff furniture was made by artist Donald Judd

Reality TV star Kim Kardashian claimed on video that she had purchased “Donald Judd tables” that were in fact “cheap knockoffs,” leading consumers to think that the source of the furniture was the nonprofit foundation dedicated to the artist’s legacy, according to a lawsuit filed this week.

Mar 28, 2024 11:20 AM CDT

Judge recommends conservative lawyer John Eastman be disbarred in California

A California judge recommended that conservative attorney John Eastman be disbarred in the state over his role in developing a legal strategy to help President Donald Trump stay in power after his 2020 election loss.

Mar 28, 2024 9:40 AM CDT

Lewis Brisbois accused of failing to recognize ‘draconian lending terms,’ conspiring to cover up mistakes

A lawsuit accuses Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith of conspiring to deflect blame for its failure to protect 185 Chinese investors who lost $92.5 million that they invested in a hotel and condominium project through an investment group called CMB Export.

Mar 26, 2024 1:08 PM CDT

Citing racist email remarks by supervisors, lawyer sues Lewis Brisbois for alleged racial and disability bias

Updated: A former lawyer at Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith alleges that the law firm essentially forced him to resign after he suffered health complications from surgery by docking part of his pay, diverting most of his cases, converting him to a contract partner, and threatening to end his health benefits.

Mar 20, 2024 1:31 PM CDT

Supreme Court will consider whether criminalizing homelessness violates Eighth Amendment

Pulling the Weed: Bankruptcy opinion shows debt restructure path for cannabis workers

Budding cannabis law courses are growing—but not fast enough

Chemerinsky: Will SCOTUS consider it cruel and unusual punishment to prosecute homeless people for sleeping in public?

Which judges are most likely to issue nationwide injunctions? Party of appointing president makes a difference

‘Sense of entitlement’ led BigLaw partner to ‘brazenly’ appear at deposition and act ‘obnoxious,’ sanctions bid says

This Los Angeles lawyer found her calling as a death doula

New California law placing unhoused individuals with addictions in conservatorships faces questions

Kim Kardashian sued for claiming ‘low-grade’ knockoff furniture was made by artist Donald Judd

Judge recommends conservative lawyer John Eastman be disbarred in California

Lewis Brisbois accused of failing to recognize ‘draconian lending terms,’ conspiring to cover up mistakes

Citing racist email remarks by supervisors, lawyer sues Lewis Brisbois for alleged racial and disability bias

Lawyer accused of filing class action suit at behest of litigation opponent

Some taking California bar exam say Cow Palace venue was so cold it may have affected their test results

9th Circuit revives suit to register racehorse as ‘Malpractice Meuser,’ thought to be lawyer jab

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