2025 Is Pivotal for Estate Tax Legislation: Preparing for TCJA’s Expiration A set of 2017 reforms that significantly altered the way individuals and corporations navigate estate and gift tax is nearing its expiration, and what happens next has implications for all California attorneys advising on wealth transfer and tax planning. The Tax Cuts and Jobs … Continued
Effective Contract Management: Tips for In-House Counsel Contract management is a cornerstone of in-house counsel’s responsibilities, covering everything from drafting and negotiating to monitoring and enforcing contractual obligations. Effective contract management ensures that agreements are legally sound, risks are minimized, and the company’s strategic interests are protected. For in-house counsel, developing a structured approach to … Continued
Compliance Programs: Building and Maintaining Effective Policies An effective compliance program is crucial for organizations across industries, as it helps prevent legal violations, ensures regulatory adherence, and fosters a culture of ethical behavior. For in-house counsel, establishing and maintaining robust compliance policies is essential for protecting the organization from financial, legal, and reputational risks. A … Continued
Environmental Case Law: Landmark Decisions and Their Ongoing Impact Environmental case law has played a crucial role in shaping policies, corporate practices, and individual rights related to environmental protection. Landmark court decisions not only set legal precedents but also drive significant changes in how governments, corporations, and communities address environmental concerns. These landmark cases serve … Continued
Comparative Case Law: International Perspectives and Local Application Comparative case law, the practice of examining legal decisions across jurisdictions, plays a crucial role in legal development by promoting harmonization, identifying divergent trends, and providing valuable insights across various fields. By aligning domestic legal principles with international standards, courts help create a more predictable and uniform … Continued
Managing Intellectual Property: Best Practices for In-House Counsel Intellectual Property (IP) management is critical for in-house counsel across industries, particularly in a global marketplace where innovation, brand recognition, and market positioning heavily rely on effective IP strategies. In-house counsel play a vital role in safeguarding these assets, ensuring that IP practices are aligned with both … Continued
Strategies for Efficiently Reviewing Case Law in Large Volumes In the age of information overload, efficiently reviewing case law is not just a skill but a necessity. Legal professionals must be able to manage the volume of information, identify the most relevant and persuasive cases, and do so in a time-sensitive manner. As such, adopting … Continued
The Role of Case Law in Shaping Corporate Legal Strategies In the corporate world, case law plays a critical role in shaping legal strategies and guiding decision-making. As businesses navigate complex regulatory landscapes, judicial interpretations provide essential clarity on laws and offer insight into potential risks and opportunities. For in-house counsel and corporate leaders alike, … Continued
The Role of In-House Counsel in Mergers and Acquisitions Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are complex transactions with significant implications for companies, impacting everything from market positioning to employee integration. In these high-stakes scenarios, in-house counsel plays a crucial role, ensuring legal compliance, managing risks, facilitating due diligence, and coordinating with external advisors. Given the variety … Continued
CEQA Updates: New Housing Legislation to Have on Your Radar In another eventful year for California housing legislation, we’ve seen 40 bills introduced and 14 signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom. Many contain provisions affecting the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which requires public agencies to assess and disclose the environmental impact of their actions, informing … Continued
