Judicial Profile
How a journey to Pitcairn Island shaped Commissioner Juan Valles' approach to dependency court
MCLE
Listening as the first principle of civility
Civility, grounded not in mere politeness but in the ethi...
By Scott C. ClarksonFrom Normandy to the bench: Justice Buck Compton's life of service
On Veterans Day, we honor Justice Buck Compton -- a Silve...
By Eileen C. MooreToo sick to practice? Ethics rules still apply to attorneys
As flu season sets in, even the most tireless lawyer must...
By Alanna G. Clair, Shari L. Klevens
Today's News
Close-knit legal and behavioral health networks may be helping rural counties implement California's new mental health court more quickly than major metros.
Bankruptcy
Cities weigh Chapter 9 as liability pressures strain municipal budgets
By John Roemer
Los Angeles, Santa Monica and L.A. County face mounting litigation, pension and budget pressures that raise the prospect of Chapter 9 "debt adjustment," reca...
Labor/Employment
Battle over 'headless' PAGA cases lands before California Supreme Court
By Craig Anderson
Plaintiffs' attorneys are increasingly sidestepping arbitration by filing so-called "headless" PAGA cases that omit individual claims -- a strategy that has ...
Judges and Judiciary
The governor filled vacancies in Kings, Los Angeles, Orange, Santa Clara, Shasta and Sutter counties, elevating four commissioners.
Litigation & Arbitration
UCLA seeks arbitration order to pause Pasadena's Rose Bowl contract suit
By Devon Belcher
UCLA is asking a Los Angeles judge to halt Pasadena's lawsuit over Bruins football at the Rose Bowl, arguing the stadium agreement mandates arbitration and r...
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Judicate West founder pledges $75k for Houston Bar Association student scholarships
By Douglas Saunders Sr.
The bar association dates to 1955, when Black attorneys in the Bay Area banded together to confront discrimination in the courts. It will celebrate that mile...
Columns
The history of justice in America
By Roland M. Koncan
For centuries, Lady Justice's scales have favored wealthy white men, leaving everyone else to wait for true fairness.
Tax
IRS rules give lawyers leeway on qualified settlement fund setup
By Robert W. Wood, Alex Z. Brown
The QSF regulations give claimants and their counsel broad flexibility -- there's no requirement to use a trust, but rather th...
With friends like these: Who has standing in conservatorship law
By Megan A. Moghtaderi
In probate law, only those with a genuine, sustained relationship or legal stake can petition to override another's autonomy, ...
Verdicts & Settlements
| Consumer Protection | Manmohan Dhillon dba Rancho... | $2,500,000 |
| Wage and Hour | Veronica Lucatero Torres, a... | $592,500 |
| Wage and Hour | Aurora Garcia Jimenez, Edwa... | $500,000 |
| Wage and Hour | David Caravantes, on behalf... | $470,000 |
| Automobile Warranty | Maria Gonzalez Flores v. Ge... | $130,581 |
| Wage and Hour | Carlos Andrade, on behalf o... | $100,000 |
| Premises Liability | Wendy Ventura, Valerie Silg... | Plaintiff |
| Premises Liability | Zahra Gharraee v. Trader Jo... | $23,509,165 |
| Negligence | J.G. and J.M., minors, by a... | $10,500,000 |
| Retaliation | Richard Anton Loftus v. Eis... | $5,600,000 |
On the Move
Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy, LLP
Matthew C. Donahue joined Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy, LLP as an associate in Burlingame. The move was Nov. 12, 2025.
Details
Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy, LLP has 45 attorneys in 3 offices including Burlingame, Santa Monica. Among the law firm’s key practice areas are AAntitrust, Securities, Personal Injury/Wrongful Death, Mass Torts, Complex Civil Litigation. The firm’s website is www.cpmlegal.com
Featured Content
Where process, technology and human impact meet
No matter how small your business, here's a quick blueprint for strengthening your defense against common cyber threats.
Insights from experienced mediators on preparation, breaking impasses and guiding clients through multifaceted disputes
Community News
JAMS' Vice President of Operations Karen Beutler and Brian Parmelee, Senior Vice President of Corporate Development and Panel Relations
JAMS’ Vice President of Operations Karen Beutler, Nicholas P. Connon of Connon Wood LLP and JAMS’ mediator and arbitrator Steven J. Kaplan
JAMS’ mediator and arbitrator Philip E. Cook and Justin H. Sanders of Sanders Roberts LLP
JAMS’ Director of Operations Jo-El Hume and Joanne Saint Louis, Director of Inclusive Engagement & Practice Development
JAMS’ dispute and resolution consultant Josh Kroll and Cassandra S. Franklin, mediator and arbitrator
JAMS’ CEO and President Kimberly Taylor and Executive Vice President Nate Brooks
JAMS’ Senior Vice Presidents Tracy Curry (Chief Human Resources Officer,) Gina Miller and Karen Beutler (Operations); Trust Law Partners LLP’s founding partner Mark L. Russakow and chief marketing officer Donna Shin
JAMS’ mediators and arbitrators Deborah C. Saxe and Richard H. Chernick
JAMS’ associate business manager Ashley D.I. Rodriguez and mediator and arbitrator Elliot K. Gordon
JAMS’ (Ret.) Judge Lee R. Bogdanoff; Melissa Milburn, Director of Learning & Instructional Design; business manager Rosa Mitchell, and JAMS Vice President William Zauner
JAMS’ mediators and arbitrators Daniel A. Platt and (Ret.) Judge Gail A. Andler
JAMS’ associate business manager Anthony Messina and (Ret.) Judge Jackson Lucky
Cameron W. Fox of Paul Hastings LLP and (Ret.) Judge Terry B. Friedman of JAMS
JAMS' mediator and arbitrator Edith R. Matthai, associate business manager Anthony Messina and (Ret.) Judge Christine W.S. Byrd
JAMS opened the doors to its new Los Angeles Resolution Center on Thursday evening, unveiling a redesigned space built for the next generation of mediation and arbitration.
Podcasts
In the fourth episode of In the Counsel's Chair, Hanson Bridgett Managing Partner Kristina Lawson discusses her time as an ele...
Daily Appellate Report
Family Law
County of Los Angeles v. Lugo
Trial court err by denying plaintiff's request to set aside a Voluntary Declaration of Paternity for fraud as untimely, where the declaration was executed before statutory amendment short...
Civil Procedure
Roe v. Smith
Defamation plaintiffs suing for events that occurred when they were minors could not proceed pseudonymously where no overriding interest overcame the public's right of access to court rec...
Criminal Law and Procedure
People v. Murphy
Trial court erred by relying on defendant's nonpayment of restitution fine when denying her request for expungement and reduction.
Employment Law, Constitutional Law
Lorenzo v. San Francisco Zen Center
Despite being a Zen Buddhist minister, former employee's wage-and-hour claims were not barred by First Amendment's Religious Clauses' ministerial exception.
Torts, Civil Procedure
Sproul v. Vallee
Trial court abused its discretion in denying plaintiffs leave to amend the complaint to more clearly allege their negligent misrepresentation claim.