Legal Articles and Summaries of Key Areas of the Law

Table of Contents

1. American Litigation
   
   
1. Basic Procedures
2. Discovery Issues
3. Cost Benefit Issues
4. Alternative Dispute Resolution
5. Enforcement of Judgments
   
   
2. Business Law
1. Business Operations
2. Business Formation
3. Business Law / Litigation
4. Employee Relations
5. Tax Issues
   
   
3. Corporate / LLC / Partnership Law
1. Structural Issues
2. Tax Issues
3. Control Issues
4. Employee Issues
5. Sale of Interests
6. Fiduciary Duties
7. Terminating the Entity
   
   
4. Unfair Competition Law
1. Threats From Competitors
2. Threats From Within
   
   
5. Contractual Law
1. Basic Law of Contracts
2. Breach of Contract
3. Contracts and Torts
   
   
6. Employment Law and Issues
1. Basic Law of Employment
2. Problems in the Workplace
3. Laws Imposing Special Requirements
   
   
7. Criminal Law in the United States
1. Criminal Law
2. Criminal Process
   
   
8. Wills and Trust Documents Law
1. Basic Law on Wills and Trusts
2. Living Wills and Powers of Attorney
3. Disputes Concerning Estates and Wills
4. Trusts
5. Community Property
6. Family Care
   
   
9. Trust and Estate Administration
1. Probate of Estates
2. Duties and Law Regarding Trustees and Executors
   
   
10. Construction Law / Litigation
1. Contract Issues
2. Liens and Stop Notes
3. Construction Law Issues
   
   
11. Torts
1. General Torts
2. Business Torts
   
   
12. Intellectual Property
1. General Law on Intellectual Property
2. Technology and Intellectual Property
   
   
13. Real Property Transactions
1. Buying and Selling Real Estate
2. Leases
3. Notes and Deeds of Trust
4. Legal Actions Regarding Real Estate
5. Rights Not Based on Contract
   
   
14. Real Property Litigation
1. Property Rights Disputes
2. Landlord-Tenant Issues
   
   
15. Consumer Rights and Remedies
1. Business, Purchase and Credit Problems
2. Personal Problems
   
   
16. International Law
1. Contractual Issues
2. Regulatory Issues
   
   
17. Bankruptcy and Insolvency Law
1. Bankruptcy Issues
2. Insolvency Issues
   
   
18. Immigration Law and Practice
1. Business and Immigration
2. Personal Issues
   
   
19. Family Law
    
1. Dissolution of Marriage
2. Community Property
3. Prenuptial Agreements
4. Child Custody and Visitation
   
   
20. Lessons from the Combat Zone - Lawyer's Stories with a Moral

 

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1. American Litigation
   
1. Basic Procedures
1. The American System of Litigation
2. The Attorney Client Privilege
3. Death of a Party in Litigation - What Happens to the Action
4. 998 Offers in California Litigation - The Basics
5. Constructive Fraud and Other Legal "Constructs"
6. Default Hearings: Not Always a Slam Dunk
7. Suspension of a California Corporation Bars It From Using California Courts
8. Peremptory Challenges to a Judge in California
9. The Basics of Small Claims Actions in California
10. Getting to Trial With Preference if a Party is Elderly
11. Service by Publication - The Legal Requirements
12. Abuse of Process - The Basics and the Practicalities
13. Secret Recording of Conversations in California - A Crime
14. Subrogation - The Basics
2. Discovery Issues
1. Computer Discovery - Your Hard Drive is Fair Game in any Litigation
2. Hard Drive Discovery in Litigation
3. Cost Benefit Issues
1. What's the Case Going to Cost?
2. Cost Benefit Criteria in American Litigation
3. The Grudge Fight - The Legal Equivalent to a Temper Tantrum in a Court of Law
4. The Basics of Small Claims Actions in California
4. Alternative Dispute Resolution
1. Arbitration and Mediation - The Difference and the Tactics
2. Arbitration of Business Disputes
3. The Use of Alternative Resolution in the Bankruptcy Arena
4. Confession of Judgment - The Basics
5. Enforcement of Judgments
1. Debt Collection - The Tools Available for Enforcement of a Judgment
2. Transfers to Defraud Creditors - The Law and the Practicalities
3. Non-Dischargeability in Bankruptcy of Certain Claims Based on Intentional Wrongdoing
4. Community Property Debts: When is the Spouse Liable for the Debt Incurred by the Other Spouse?
5. Debt Collection in Hard Times
6. Measurement of Damages in Breach of Contract Actions
7. Recovering Fees and Court Costs: The "Memorandum of Costs"
8. Confession of Judgment - The Basics
9. How to Domesticate A California Judgment in A Sister State - The Maryland Example
10. Accord and Satisfaction - The Basics
11. Service by Publication - The Legal Requirements
12. Trustees'/Executors' Duty to Pay Creditors - The Priorities Involved and Abatement
13. Death of the Joint Tenant and the Extinguishing of Creditors' Claims

 

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2. Business Law
1. Business Operations
   1. The Basic Start Up Business Package: What You Need to Properly Start Operations
   2. Security and Confidentiality in the World of Email and the Internet
   3. Board of Directors Meeting - Who Can Attend?
   4. Disaster Recovery Plans for your Business and Computers
   5. LIBOR (London Inter-Bank Offer Rate) - What is it and How does it Work?
   6. When Should a Business Destroy Old Records?
   7. Criteria for Credit Scores in the Post Recession World
   8. The Fiduciary Duty: What Is It and What Does It Impose Upon You?
   9. Consumer Protection in California for Data Use and Data Theft (Senate Bill 1386)
   10. Debt Collection Restrictions Under Federal Law - The "Mini-Miranda Warning"
   11. Federal Deposit Insurance Company and its Protections of Accounts
   12. Laws Pertaining to Commerce on the Internet
   13. Good Will in the Real World: What Does it Mean in the Business Context?
   14. Business Startups While Protecting Your Assets
   15. Web "Trading Partner" Agreements: The Basic Why and How
   16. License Agreements: The Basics
   17. Assignments: The Basic Law
   18. Basic Summary of Characteristics of Various Types of Business Entities
   19. Accountants - Definitions and Licensing
   20. Fictitious Business Names - The Basics
   21. The Basics of Warranties
   22. A Primer on the Basic Law of E-Commerce
   23. Limited Liability Companies - The Basics
   24. The Law and Liability of Hotels
   25. Limited Partnerships - The Basics
   26. Product Liability - The Basics
   27. The Uniform Commercial Code - The Basic Structure
   28. Governmental and Private Licensing
2. Business Formation
   1. The Basic Start Up Business Package: What You Need to Properly Start Operations
   2. The Non Profit Corporation - The Basics
   3. Corporation Formation Checklist
   4. Private Equity in Funding your Business
   5. Professional Corporations in California: Definitions and Practicalities
   6. Minimum Franchise Tax in California Waived for the First Year: the Basics and the Limitations
   7. Business Startups While Protecting Your Assets
   8. The Basic Rights and Benefits of Ownership of Stock In A Non Public Corporation
   9. Directors and Officer's Fiduciary Duties - California Versus Delaware
   10. Joint Ventures Compared to Partnerships: The Single Purpose Partnership
   11. Basic Summary of Characteristics of Various Types of Business Entities
   12. Buy and Sell Agreements - The Purpose and the Basics
   13. Accountants - Definitions and Licensing
   14. Fictitious Business Names - The Basics
   15. Partnerships: Their Pluses and Minuses
   16. Limited Liability Companies - The Basics
   17. Family Limited Partnerships - Purpose and Basics
   18. Assocations and Clubs
3. Business Law / Litigation
   1. Arbitration of Business Disputes
   2. Usury Law in California
   3. Commercial Bribery in the U.S. and California - The Penalties
   4. Arbitration and Mediation - The Difference and the Tactics
   5. The Use of Alternative Resolution in the Bankruptcy Arena
   6. Verbal Contracts - Enforceable?
   7. Debt Collection in Hard Times
   8. The Federal Corrupt Practices Act - The Basics
   9. False Advertising or Labeling - The Remedies and Risks
   10. Deceptive Trade Practices: Definitions and Remedies in California
   11. Suspension of a California Corporation Bars It From Using California Courts
   12. Assignments for the Benefit of Creditors - "ABC's" - The Basics in California
   13. Bulk Sales Law for Sale of Assets in California
   14. Protection of On Line Business Reputation: The Law and Practical Remedies
   15. Confession of Judgment - The Basics
   16. How to Domesticate A California Judgment in A Sister State - The Maryland Example
   17. Video Surveillance Tapes: Access to Them and Privacy Issues Under California Law
   18. Basic Banking Law
   19. The New Rules for Credit Cards From the Federal Reserve
   20. Consumer Protection Laws - Practical Use
   21. The Law of Auctions
   22. Subrogation - The Basics
   23. The Uniform Commercial Code - The Basic Structure
   24. Conversion - The Basic Tort
   25. Extortion - Essential Elements and the Broader Reach of RICO
4. Employee Relations
   1. Employee Theft - Guidelines for Spotting and Preventing It
   2. Video Surveillance Tapes: Access to Them and Privacy Issues Under California Law
   3. Secret Recording of Conversations in California - A Crime
   4. The Warn Act: Warning of Layoffs to Employees - The Federal and California Law
5. Tax Issues
   1. Cancelling Debt: Practicalities and Tax Results
   2. Sub S Tax Status for Corporations and some Basic Structural Restrictions
   3. Minimum Franchise Tax in California Waived for the First Year: the Basics
      and the Limitations

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3. Corporate / LLC / Partnership Law
   
1. Structural Issues
1. The Basic Start Up Business Package: What You Need to Properly Start Operations
2. The American System of Business - Limited Liability Entities
3. Corporation Formation Checklist
4. Why Use The Corporate Structure
5. Information Checklist for LLC Formation
6. The Non Profit Corporation - The Basics
7. Professional Corporations in California: Definitions and Practicalities
8. Business Startups While Protecting Your Assets
9. The Basic Rights and Benefits of Ownership of Stock In A Non Public Corporation
10. Joint Ventures Compared to Partnerships: The Single Purpose Partnership
11. Basic Summary of Characteristics of Various Types of Business Entities
12. Buy and Sell Agreements - The Purpose and the Basics
13. Fictitious Business Names - The Basics
14. Partnerships: Their Pluses and Minuses
15. Limited Liability Companies - The Basics
16. Limited Partnerships - The Basics
17. Family Limited Partnerships - Purpose and Basics
18. Associations and Clubs
2. Tax Issues
1. Sub S Tax Status for Corporations and some Basic Structural Restrictions
2. Minimum Franchise Tax in California Waived for the First Year: the Basics
   and the Limitations
3. Accountants - Definitions and Licensing
3. Control Issues
1. The Business Judgment Rule for Corporate Director Fiduciaries
2. Basic Duties of a Director in a California Non-Public Corporation
3. Board of Directors Meeting - Who Can Attend?
4. The Basic Rights and Benefits of Ownership of Stock In A Non Public Corporation
4. Employee Issues
1. Embezzlement in Your Business
2. Corporate Opportunity Doctrine
3. Assignments: The Basic Law
4. Non Compete Clauses in California: Limitations
5. Video Surveillance Tapes: Access to Them and Privacy Issues Under California Law
5. Sale of Interests
1. Good Will in the Real World: What Does it Mean in the Business Context?
2. Selling the Business - Basic Issues to Confront
3. Bulk Sales Law for Sale of Assets in California
4. Buy and Sell Agreements - The Purpose and the Basics
5. Non Compete Clauses in California: Limitations
6. Fiduciary Duties
1. The Fiduciary Duty: What Is It and What Does It Impose Upon You?
2. Corporate Opportunity Doctrine
3. The Business Judgment Rule for Corporate Director Fiduciaries
4. Basic Duties of a Director in a California Non-Public Corporation
5. Non Compete Clauses in California: Limitations
7. Terminating the Entity
1. Voluntary Dissolution and the Corporation's Power to Purchase Shares of Stock Via Corporations Code Section 2000
2. Selling the Business - Basic Issues to Confront
3. The Warn Act: Warning of Layoffs to Employees - The Federal and California Law

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4. Unfair Competition Law
   
1. Threats From Competitors
1. Intentional Interference With Prospective Business Advantage: Elements of The Cause of Action
2. Trade Libel - Elements of The Cause of Action And Defenses Available
3. Soliciting Employees Away From a Business - Unfair Competition?
4. Deceptive Trade Practices: Definitions and Remedies in California
5. Protection of On Line Business Reputation: The Law and Practical Remedies
6. Non Compete Clauses in California: Limitations
7. Fictitious Business Names - The Basics
8. The Basics of Warranties
9. Conversion - The Basic Tort
10. Governmental and Private Licensing
2. Threats From Within
1. Soliciting Employees Away From a Business - Unfair Competition?
2. Non Compete Clauses in California: Limitations

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5. Contractual Law
   
1. Basic Law of Contracts
1. Binding Contracts and Legal Actions Predicated on Breach of Contract
2. Commercial Transactions in the United States
3. Promissory Notes - The Basics
4. Getting the Deal that Hurts You - The Conflict Between the Lawyer and
   the Sales Department in Commercial Contracts
5. Verbal Contracts - Enforceable?
6. The Usual Suspects in Contractual Disputes
7. Attorney Fee Provisions in Consumer Contract Arbitration Clauses
8. Guaranties in California Transactions
9. The Fiduciary Duty: What Is It and What Does It Impose Upon You?
10. Good Will in the Real World: What Does it Mean in the Business Context?
11. Web "Trading Partner" Agreements: The Basic Why and How
12. License Agreements: The Basics
13. Assignments: The Basic Law
14. Statute of Frauds in California Contracts
15. The Basics of Warranties
16. Outsourcing Contracts: Unique Problems with Outsource Contracts
17. Home Improvement Contracts in California - Legal Requirements to Protect the Consumer
18. A Primer on the Basic Law of E-Commerce
19. Accord and Satisfaction - The Basics
20. The Law of Auctions
21. Subrogation - The Basics
22. The Uniform Commercial Code - The Basic Structure
23. Governmental and Private Licensing
24. Boat Liens and Mortgages
2. Breach of Contract
1. Binding Contracts and Legal Actions Predicated on Breach of Contract
2. Rescinding a Contract in California - What is it and What Effect does it have?
3. The Usual Suspects in Contractual Disputes
4. Buying Justice
5. Measurement of Damages in Breach of Contract Actions
3. Contracts and Torts
1. Passing Bad Checks - Remedies And Relief For Victims
2. Fraud and Deceit: What Are They and How Do You Prove It
3. The Fiduciary Duty: What Is It and What Does It Impose Upon You?
4. Measurement of Damages in Breach of Contract Actions
5. Consumer Protection Laws - Practical Use
6. Product Liability - The Basics

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6. Employment Law and Issues
   
1. Basic Law of Employment
1. Employee Discipline and Termination
2. Slander and Libel When Asked - The Qualified Privilege
3. Employee versus Independent Contractor: The Basics Under Federal Law and the Inherent Dangers Employers Face
4. Employee Drug Testing: Federal and California Law
5. Non Compete Clauses in California: Limitations
2. Problems in the Workplace
1. Sexual Harassment In The Workplace – Navigating The Minefield For Employers
2. Employee Theft - Guidelines for Spotting and Preventing It
3. Commercial Bribery in the US and California - The Penalties
4. The Role of Corporate Counsel During Investigation and Litigation When An Employee is Accused of Wrongdoing
5. Video Surveillance Tapes: Access to Them and Privacy Issues Under California Law
6. The Legal Right to Privacy
3. Laws Imposing Special Requirements
1. Sexual Harassment In The Workplace – Navigating The Minefield For Employers
2. Federal Law on Age Discrimination in the Work Place - The Basics
3. Americans with Disability Act (ADA) Requirements - The Basics
4. Employee Drug Testing: Federal and California Law
5. Federal Law on Child Labor
6. The Warn Act: Warning of Layoffs to Employees - The Federal and California Law
7. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act

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7. Criminal Law in the United States
   
1. Criminal Law
1. The American System of Criminal Justice
2. Elder Abuse in California - The Basic Law
3. Embezzlement in Your Business
4. Commercial Bribery in the US and California -The Penalties
5. Child Pornography Laws - Possession is a Crime
6. Stalking: The Basic Law and Remedies
7. Expungement of Criminal Records in California
8. Federal Child Protection Law - The Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act
9. Hate Crimes: The Federal and State Protections
10. Safe Haven Laws - A Safe Place to Leave a Newborn
11. Conversion - The Basic Tort
12. Assault and Battery
13. Extortion - Essential Elements and the Broader Reach of RICO
14. Minors - Rights and Obligations
15. Firearms - The Law in California
16. False Imprisonment - The Legal Action
2. Criminal Process
1. Expungement of Criminal Records in California
2. California Drivers Hardship License Law

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8. Wills and Trusts
   
1. Basic Law on Wills and Trusts
1. Wills and Trusts
2. Questionnaire For Estate Planning
3. Intestate Succession in California or What Happens if You Die Without a
   Will or Trust
4. Contracts to Make Wills in California
5. The Effect of HIPAA Privacy Rules on your Estate Plan
6. Holographic Wills - The Basics
7. Uniform Gifts to Minor Act - The Basics
8. Disclaiming An Inheritance - How To Do It
9. Powers of Appointment in Estate Planning: An Invaluable Tool
10. The Will in the Drawer and Other Disasters - Taking Three Years to Sign A Will - The Triumph of the Unconscious
11. Family Limited Partnerships - Purpose and Basics
12. "Omitted Spouse" and Estate Planning - A Trap for the Unwary
13. Does Money Gut Gumption In the Grandkids?
14. Cohabitation and the Rights Conferred Under the Law
2. Living Wills and Powers of Attorney
1. Living Wills: Directive to Physicians
2. Access to Your Medical Records - Federal and California Law
3. Powers of Appointment in Estate Planning: An Invaluable Tool
4. HIPPA - The Basic Privacy Law (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996)
5. Involuntary Commitment, Conservatorships and Guardianships
3. Disputes Concerning Estates and Wills
1. No Contest Clauses In Wills - Effects On Will Contests
2. Contracts to Make Wills in California
3. Will Contests - The Basics
4. Proof of Testamentary Incapacity - What Does it Take to Show Someone is
   Incapable of Creating a Will
5. Undue Influence - What is it and How does it Effect Wills?
6. "Omitted Spouse" and Estate Planning - A Trap for the Unwary
4. Trusts
1. Wills and Trusts
2. Living Trusts for Non-Citizens - Qualified Domestic Trusts (QDT)
3. Special Needs Trusts for California Residents
4. Trusts for Pets
5. Life Insurance Trusts - The Basics
6. Section 529 College Savings Plans: Estate Tax Benefits
7. QTIP Trust Versus Outright Gift - The Basic Rationale
8. Revocable Living Trusts - Why Use Them?
9. Uniform Gifts to Minor Act - The Basics
10. Six Estate Tax Techniques That Allow Tax Savings for Large Estates in a
    Low Interest Environment
11. Qualified Personal Residence Trusts: Tax and Asset Protection Tools
12. The Trustee's Right to Hire Professionals
13. Does Money Gut Gumption in the Grandkids?
5. Community Property
1. California Domestic Partners - How to Become One and What is The Legal Effect?
2. Prenuptial Agreements
3. Community Property Debts: When is the Spouse Liable for the Debt Incurred by the Other Spouse?
4. Buy and Sell Agreements - The Purpose and the Basics
5. "Omitted Spouse" and Estate Planning - A Trap for the Unwary
6. Death of the Joint Tenant and the Extinguishing of Creditors' Claims
7. Cohabitation and the Rights Conferred Under the Law
6. Family Care
1. Elder Abuse in California - The Basic Law
2. Reverse Mortgages - Benefits and Dangers
3. Euthanasia - The Legalities
4. Emancipation of Minors in California: Basic Law
5. The Basic Law on Guardianship
6. Disputes Between Wards and Guardians
7. Basic Social Security Benefits and Retirement Planning
8. Elderly Care - Living and Dying Preparations
9. Access to Your Medical Records - Federal and California Law
10. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Educational Accomodation
11. Planning the Glorious Death
12. The Will in the Drawer and Other Disasters - Taking Three Years to Sign A Will - The Triumph of the Unconscious
13. Nursing Homes and the Law
14. The Basic Laws Pertaining to Cemeteries
15. Adopted Child's Right to Information as to Biological Parents
16. Basic Law of In Vitro Fertilization
17. Safe Haven Laws - A Safe Place to Leave a Newborn
18. Elder Abuse and Nursing Home Neglect
19. Grandparents' Visitation and Custody Rights
20. Rights and Obligations As To Human Remains and Burial
21. HIPPA - The Basic Privacy Law (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996)
22. Involuntary Commitment, Conservatorships and Guardianships

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9. Trust and Estate Administration
   

1. Probate of Estates
1. Probate in California -The Basics
2. Spousal Set Aside Procedure - Short Cutting Probate
3. Disclaiming an Inheritance - How to do it
4. Will Contests - The Basics
5. Mexican trusts for Mexican Assets: Uses and Issues
6. Basic Social Security Benefits and Retirement Planning
7. Sale of Real Property Estate Assets in Probate
8. Remedies Available for Executor or Administrator to Locate and Retrieve Assets
9. Trustees'/Executors' Duty to Pay Creditors - The Priorities Involved and Abatement
2. Duties and Law Regarding Trustees and Executors
1. Duties of an Executor in California - You've Been Nominated...Now What?
2. What are the Duties of a Trustee?
3. Access to Safe Deposit Boxes After Death - The Law
4. Required Notification by Trustee to Beneficiaries - First Steps
5. Trustee Fees - How are they Set?
6. Facts of Investment Life to Ponder from a Non-professional
7. Duties of Trustee in Administration of a Typical Trust
8. The Trustee's Duty to Deal Impartially with Beneficiaries of all Kinds
9. Euthanasia - The Legalities
10. Court Documents Required for Typical Appointment of a Conservator
11. The Basic Law on Guardianship
12. Disputes Between Wards and Guardians
13. Preliminary Distributions from an Estate or Trust - The Basics
14. Accountants - Definitions and Licensing
15. Remedies Available for Executor or Administrator to Locate and Retrieve Assets
16. Nursing Homes and the Law
17. The Trustee's Right to Hire Professionals
18. The Basic Laws Pertaining to Cemeteries
19. Trustees'/Executors' Duty to Pay Creditors - The Priorities Involved and Abatement

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10. Construction Law/Litigation

1. Contract Issues
1. Change Orders - Methods to Avoid Turmoil
2. Impact and Acceleration - The Hidden Change Order Cost
3. Contract Documents that Consistently Produce Change Orders
4. Penalties for Failure to Pay Subcontractors
5. Home Improvement Contracts in California - Legal Requirements to Protect the Consumer
2. Liens and Stop Notes
1. Mechanics’ Liens, Stop Notices, Payment Bonds, and Construction Claims Based On Labor and Materials Installed in a Project
2. Mechanic's Liens and the Danger of Paying for the Same Thing Twice
3. Mechanic's Liens - Stop Notice and Bond Timeline
3. Construction Roles and Duties
1. Project Managers - The Role and the Law in California
2. Penalties for Failure to Pay Subcontractor
3. Boat Liens and Mortgages

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11. Torts
    
1. General Torts
1. Torts: Negligent and Intentional
2. Fraud and Deceit: What Are They and How Do You Prove It
3. Libel and Slander - The Basic Law in California
4. Hate Crimes: The Federal and State Protections
5. Product Liability - The Basics
6. Abuse of Process - The Basics and the Practicalities
7. The Basic Law of Attractive Nuisance and Premises Liability
8. Elder Abuse and Nursing Home Neglect
9. Boating Accidents - The Basic Law
10. Conversion - The Basic Tort
11. The Legal Right to Privacy
12. Assault and Battery
13. Extortion - Essential Elements and the Broader Reach of RICO
14. False Imprisonment - The Legal Action
2. Business Torts
1. Fraud and Deceit: What Are They and How Do You Prove It
2. Intentional Interference With Prospective Business Advantage: Elements of The Cause of Action
3. Trade Libel -Elements of The Cause of Action And Defenses Available
4. Slander and Libel When Asked - The Qualified Privilege
5. Protection of On Line Business Reputation: The Law and Practical Remedies
6. Product Liability - The Basics
7. Abuse of Process - The Basics and the Practicalities
8. Subrogation - The Basics
9. Extortion - Essential Elements and the Broader Reach of RICO

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12. Intellectual Property
    
1. General Law on Intellectual Property
1. Intellectual Property: What Is It and How To Protect It
2. The Basics of What is a Copyright / Trademark / Patent and How to Protect Them
3. Statutory Damages in Copyright Infringement
4. License Agreements: The Basics
5. Moral Rights for Creative Works: The Canadian Example
6. Conversion - The Basic Tort
7. Governmental and Private Licensing
2. Technology and Intellectual Property
1. Intellectual Property: What Is It and How To Protect It
2. Laws Pertaining to Commerce on the Internet
3. Web "Trading Partner" Agreements: The Basic Why and How
4. A Primer on the Basic Law of E-Commerce

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13. Real Property Transactions
    
1. Buying and Selling Real Estate
1. Real Estate Ownership and Transactions in the United States
2. Tenancy in Common Ownership in San Francisco and Bay Area Communities
3. TICs and Fractional Loans - Easier and Easier to Own TICs
4. Homeowner’s Tax Primer - The Tax Advantages of Owning Your Own Home in The United States
5. Common California Real Estate Terms
6. "As Is" in a Real Estate Contract: What Does it Really Mean?
7. Ratification of Agent's Unauthorized Actions in a Real Estate Transaction: If the Agent Agrees Without Your Authorization, Can you Still be Bound?
8. The Fiduciary Duty the Real Estate Agent Owes a Client
9. Sale of Real Property Estate Assets in Probate
10. Accountants - Definitions and Licensing
11. Condominiums and Cooperatives - The Basics
12. The Rules of Auctions
13. The Basics of Real Estate Title Deeds
14. 1031 Exchanges - The Basics
15. Dual Agency and Real Estate Brokers - The Needs for Full Disclosure
2. Leases
1. Real Property II: Leases and Subleases (Commercial)
2. Fixtures In Commercial Leases - What You Have To Leave Behind At The End of The Lease
3. Security Deposit Refunds in Residential Leases in California - The Basic Law
4. Ellis Act: State Law Restricting Change in Use of Rental Property
5. Landlord Obligations for Habitable Premises - The Basic California Law
6. Retaliatory Eviction - The Basics
3. Notes and Deeds of Trust
1. TICs and Fractional Loans - Easier and Easier to Own TICs
2. Reverse Mortgages - Benefits and Dangers
3. Balloon Payments Notice Requirements for Notes in California
4. Home Owner Protection: the Anti Deficiency Statute
5. The Basics of Foreclosure on a Deed of Trust in California
4. Legal Actions Regarding Real Estate
1. Home Owner Protection: the Anti Deficiency Statute
2. "As Is" in a Real Estate Contract: What Does it Really Mean?
3. Ratification of Agent's Unauthorized Actions in a Real Estate Transaction: If the Agent Agrees Without Your Authorization, Can you Still be Bound?
4. The Fiduciary Duty the Real Estate Agent Owes a Client
5. Eminent Domain - The Basic Law
6. Death of the Joint Tenant and the Extinguishing of Creditors' Claims
7. Dual Agency and Real Estate Brokers - The Needs for Full Disclosure
8. Lateral and Subjacent Support - Protecting the Foundations
5. Rights Not Based on Contract
1. California Domestic Partners - How to Become One and What is The Legal Effect?
2. Adverse Possession - How To Acquire Land Without Buying It
3. Prescriptive Easements - Obtaining Rights In Land By Use
4. Joint Tenancy Co Ownership Of Property - Advantages and Disadvantages
5. How to Counter an Existing Prescriptive Easement
6. The Basic Law of Attractive Nuisance and Premises Liability
6. Family Ownership
1. Family Property Co-Ownership - Recipe for Disasters, Prescription for Cures

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14. Real Property Litigation
    
1. Property Rights Disputes
1. Private Nuisance On The Land - The Law and The Remedies
2. Partition of Jointly Held Property - The Basics
3. Encroaching Trees: Who Has The Right To Do What?
4. Adjoining Landowners Rights and Obligations: The Basics
5. California Law Prohibits Attorneys Receiving Advance Fees for Residential Loan Modifications: The Basic Law
6. A Nuisance Legal Action Cannot Be Based on Blocked View in California
7. Accord and Satisfaction - The Basics
8. The Basic Laws Pertaining to Cemeteries
9. The Basic Law of Attractive Nuisance and Premises Liability
10. Eminent Domain - The Basic Law
11. Death of the Joint Tenant and the Extinguishing of Creditors' Claims
12. The Basics of Real Estate Title Deeds
13. Lateral and Subjacent Support - Protecting the Foundations
2. Landlord-Tenant Issues
1. Unlawful Discrimination in Leasing - The Basics
2. Landlord Tenant Links for San Franciscans
3. Security Deposit Refunds in Residential Leases in California - The Basic Law
4. Ellis Act: State Law Restricting Change in Use of Rental Property
5. Landlord Obligations for Habitable Premises - The Basic California Law
6. Retaliatory Eviction - The Basics
7. California Landlord-Tenant Disclosures for Residential Leases

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15. Consumer Rights And Remedies
    
1. Business, Purchase and Credit Problems
1. Automobile Lemon Laws In The United States - What Can You Do If The Car You Just Bought Is A Real “Lemon”?
2. Credit Report Problems - What Are Your Rights Under Federal Law
3. Identity Theft - Practical Protection Tips: Chapter One
4. Identity Theft - Practical Protection Tips: Chapter Two
5. Usury Law in California
6. Attorney Fee Provisions in Consumer Contract Arbitration Clauses
7. Guaranties in California Transactions
8. Criteria for Credit Scores in the Post Recession World
9. False Advertising or Labeling - The Rights and Remedies
10. Deceptive Trade Practices: Definitions and Remedies in California
11. Self Storage Facilities: When and How You Lose Your Property
12. The Garageman's Lien: How to Seize and Sell the Car
13. The Basics of Small Claims Actions in California
14. The Basics of Warranties
15. Basic Banking Law
16. The New Rules for Credit Cards From the Federal Reserve
17. Home Improvement Contracts in California - Legal Requirements to Protect the Consumer
18. Consumer Protection Laws - Practical Use
19. Accord and Satisfaction - The Basics
20. The Law and Liability of Hotels
21. The Basic Laws Pertaining to Cemeteries
22. Product Liability - The Basics
23. Associations and Clubs
24. Boat Liens and Mortgages
2. Personal Problems
1. Identity Theft - Practical Protection Tips: Chapter One
2. Identity Theft - Practical Protection Tips: Chapter Two
3. Guaranties in California Transactions
4. Criteria for Credit Scores in the Post Recession World
5. Consumer Protection in California for Data Use and Data Theft (Senate Bill 1386)
6. Self Storage Facilities: When and How You Lose Your Property
7. The Garageman's Lien: How to Seize and Sell the Car
8. Debt Collection Restrictions Under Federal Law - The "Mini-Miranda Warning"
9. Emancipation of Minors in California: Basic Law
10. Federal Deposit Insurance Company and its Protections of Accounts
11. Stalking: The Basic Law and Remedies
12. Expungement of Criminal Records in California
13. Prenuptial Agreements
14. Basic Social Security Benefits and Retirement Planning
15. Community Property Debts: When is the Spouse Liable for the Debt Incurred by the Other Spouse?
16. The Basics of Small Claims Actions in California
17. Access to Your Medical Records - Federal and California Law
18. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Educational Accomodation
19. Nursing Homes and the Law
20. Hate Crimes: The Federal and State Protections
21. The Law and Liability of Hotels
22. Adopted Child's Right to Information as to Biological Parents
23. Basic Law of In Vitro Fertilization
24. Secret Recording of Conversations in California - A Crime
25. Paternity Actions in California
26. Elder Abuse and Nursing Home Neglect
27. Safe Haven Laws - A Safe Place to Leave a Newborn
28. Grandparents' Visitation and Custody Rights
29. Cohabitation and the Rights Conferred Under the Law
30. The Legal Right to Privacy
31. Rights and Obligations As To Human Remains and Burial
32. Minors - Rights and Obligations
33. Firearms - The Law in California
34. HIPPA - The Basic Privacy Law (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996)
35. Involuntary Commitment, Conservatorships and Guardianships

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16. International Law
    
1. Contractual Issues
1. International Business Transactions for the United States Business
2. Mexican trusts for Mexican Assets: Uses and Issues
3. The Role of Your U.S. Counsel in International Litigation
4. International Joint Ventures - The Basic Criteria for Success
5. Moral Rights for Creative Works: The Canadian Example
6. Outsourcing Contracts: Unique Problems with Outsource Contracts
7. The Uniform Commercial Code - The Basic Structure
2. Regulatory Issues
1. The Federal Corrupt Practices Act - The Basics
2. Laws Pertaining to Commerce on the Internet

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17. Bankruptcy and Insolvency Law
    
1. Bankruptcy Issues
1. Bankruptcy: The Constitutional Right to Start Over
2. New Value Defense to Preferential Payment Claims in Bankruptcy
3. Ordinary Course of Business Defense to Preferential Payment Claims in Bankruptcy
4. Non-Dischargeability in Bankruptcy of Certain Claims Based on Intentional Wrongdoing
5. Mere Conduit Defense to Preferential Payment Return Demand in Bankruptcy
2. Insolvency Issues
1. Assignments for the Benefit of Creditors - "ABC's" - The Basics in California
2. Home Owner Protection: the Anti Deficiency Statute
3. Debt Collection in Hard Times
4. Federal Deposit Insurance Company and its Protection of Accounts
5. Cancelling Debt: Practicalities and Tax Results
6. Community Property Debts: When is the Spouse Liable for the Debt Incurred by the Other Spouse?
7. Subrogation - The Basics

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18. Immigration Law and Practice
    
1. Business and Immigration
1. Green Cards and Eventual Citizenship – The Basics
2. Coming to America: Non-Immigrant and Immigrant Business Visa Applications
3. The Business Purpose Visa
4. The H-1B (Specialty Occupation) Petition for Visa in The United States
5. The L-1 Visa: Intra-Company Transfers Which Allow Living and Working in the United States
2. Personal Issues
1. Green Cards and Eventual Citizenship – The Basics
2. Coming to America: Non-Immigrant and Immigrant Business Visa Applications
3. The Student Visa For Entry Into The United States

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19.  Family Law
1. Dissolution of Marriage
   1. Marital Dissolution in California - The Basics
   2. Buying Peace as the Marriage Dissolves
   3. Taxation of Alimony and Child Support
2. Community Property
   1. Community Property - The Basics
   2. Community Property Debts: When is the Spouse Liable for the Debt Incurred by the Other Spouse?
   3. Cohabitation and the Rights Conferred Under the Law
3. Prenuptial Agreements
   1. Prenuptial Agreements
   2. Items to Consider Before Marriage
   3. "Omitted Spouse" and Estate Planning - A Trap for the Unwary
   4. Cohabitation and the Rights Conferred Under the Law
4. Child Custody and Visitation
   1. Child Custody and Visitation Under California Law
   2. Spousal Support and Child Support Under California Law
   3. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Educational Accomodation
   4. Adopted Child's Right to Information as to Biological Parents
   5. Taxation of Alimony and Child Support
   6. Paternity Actions in California
   7. Safe Haven Laws - A Safe Place to Leave a Newborn
   8. Grandparents' Visitation and Custody Rights
   9. Minors - Rights and Obligations

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20. Lessons from the Combat Zone - Lawyer's Stories with a Moral

• Story # 1 - Embezzlers are Nice People
• Story # 2 - The Acid Test Clause
• Story # 3 - Lying to Your Lawyer is Lying to Yourself
• Story # 4 - Preprinted Forms Don't Go to Trial
• Story # 5 - You Ain't in Kansas Anymore
• Story # 6 - How the Handwritten Will Had My Father Singing in Court
• Story # 7 - Getting the Land for Free Was Not Free
• Story # 8 - Buying Justice
• Story # 9 - The Compatibility of Law and Justice
• Story # 10 - Buying Peace as the Marriage Dissolves
• Story # 11 - How Not to Sell Your Business
• Story # 12 - Prenuptial Angst - To Be or Not To Be Protected By Contract
• Story # 13 - Adverse Possession and Glory
• Story # 14 - Buy and Sell Agreements - Pay Now or Pay Later
• Story # 15 - Planning the Glorious Death
• Story # 16 - Does Money Gut Gumption in the Grandkids?

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