Judicial Profile
From fly-fishing streams to high-stakes trials, Judge Jeffrey Galvin channels curiosity, calm, and precision
ADR Profile
Neutral Jeffrey Bases blends perspective and empathy to resolve real estate, probate, and personal injury disputes
From The Archive
MCLE
New law aims to combat pervasive spoliation of evidence in elder abuse cases
After years of attempts, California has amended the Elder...
By Zachary N. ZaharoffHow plaintiffs use Section 998 offers to compromise in employment discrimination cases
While FEHA already provides for fee recovery, an offer to...
By Sean M. NovakDepartment of Labor misinterprets VEVRAA, weakening veteran hiring requirements
Federal contractors are supposed to give hiring preferenc...
By Eileen C. Moore
The Morning Docket
Five articles to get your day started.
Snap exits first teen trial while key rulings steer social media litigation
Public defenders may decline Racial Justice Act habeas appointments, court rules
Payne v. Merced County and the vanishing federal remedy
How California courts are clearing the air on fire claims
Former Optrics counsel settles malpractice claims, denies wrongdoing
Today's News
LA Fires
SCE files cross-complaint seeking to shift Eaton Fire liability
By Skyler Romero
Southern California Edison and Edison International filed a sweeping cross-complaint claiming that public agencies, emergency responders, and water providers...
California Supreme Court
California Supreme Court steps in on AI-hallucinated prosecutor brief
By John Roemer
In the first case of its kind to reach the Supreme Court, justices directed the 3rd District Court of Appeal to reconsider sanctions over a brief containing ...
Civil Litigation
Former Optrics counsel settles malpractice claims, denies wrongdoing
By James Twomey
Former Optrics lead counsel Herbert Terreri settled malpractice claims for at least $1.75 million, denying wrongdoing, as pending good-faith settlements leav...
Ethics/Professional Responsibility
SF public defender hires outside counsel amid contempt fight
By James Twomey
San Francisco Public Defender Manohar Raju hired outside counsel as contempt proceedings continue over his office's refusal to accept new cases, prompting Ju...
Civil Litigation
San Francisco real estate fee dispute escalates into dueling lawsuits
By James Twomey
A San Francisco developer and its former law firm are locked in a complex legal battle involving lawsuits in two counties, sanctions motions, and claims of m...
Civil Litigation
Jury hears damages claims against Southern California Edison over Thomas Fire
By Devon Belcher
A Los Angeles County jury began a damages-only trial Thursday as cannabis businesses allege the 2017 Thomas Fire and subsequent debris flows destroyed their ...
Columns
Litigation & Arbitration
California's rise as global hub for international arbitration: What it means for counsel, businesses
By Giorgio Sassine
California's emergence as a seat for international arbitration reflects its growing role in cross-border commerce--and carries...
How California courts are clearing the air on fire claims
By Kirk A. Pasich
In 2025, California courts and the Department of Insurance clarified that "direct physical loss or damage" from fires and smo...
Do less lethal weapons count as arms?
By C.D. Michel
A San Diego lawsuit challenges California's ban on pepper projectile launchers, arguing they are bearable, less lethal arms pr...
Verdicts & Settlements
| Unfair Competition | The People of the State of ... | $83,000 |
| Securities Exchange Act | In re Zoom Securities Litig... | $150,000,000 |
| Wage and Hour | Tricia Yeomans, Ismail Chra... | $65,000,000 |
| Lucky Chances Inc.; V C Car... | $43,300,000 | |
| Auto v. Auto | Briana Booth v. Samantha De... | $32,500,000 |
| False Claims Act | U.S., et al. ex rel. Zimnis... | $18,282,280 |
| Consumers Legal Remedies Act | In re VNGR Beverage LLC Lit... | $8,900,000 |
| Wrongful Death | Angela McGaff, individually... | $8,500,000 |
| Retaliation | Tamara Evans v. California ... | $7,651,373 |
| Unfair Competition | The People of the State of ... | $5,100,000 |
On the Move
Gupta Wessler LLP
Hannah Kieschnick joined Gupta Wessler LLP as a counsel in San Francisco. The move was Jan. 5, 2026.
Details
Gupta Wessler LLP has 14 attorneys in 2 offices including San Francisco. Among the law firm’s key practice areas are Appellate. The firm’s website is https://www.guptawessler.com
Featured Content
Where process, technology and human impact meet
Insights from experienced mediators on preparation, breaking impasses and guiding clients through multifaceted disputes
Complex mediation tactics from veteran mediators
Community News
Community News
Daniel Hodes receives OCABOTA Joseph D. McNeil civility award
By Douglas Saunders Sr.
The managing partner at Hodes Milman represents clients in medical malpractice matters.
Podcasts
Davis Wright Tremaine's Vid Prabhakaran joins In the Counsel's Chair to break down three of the biggest challenges facing the ...
Daily Appellate Report
Attorneys
N.D. v. Superior Court (E.F.)
Attorney's unreasonable violations of the Rules of Court and filing of a frivolous writ petition warranted the imposition of $25,000 in sanctions.
Dependency, Native American Affairs
In re Bella L.
Given the breadth of inquiry with other family members regarding possible Native American ancestry, agency's failure to question paternal grandfather did not render inquiry inadequate und...
Business Law
Barrios v. Chraghchian
Statute requiring plaintiffs in derivative suits to post a bond early in litigation did not block a prevailing defendant in derivative action from recovering costs under other rules and s...
Family Law
R.R. v. C.R.
Trial court abused its discretion in denying ex-husband a domestic violence restraining order based on an erroneous understanding of what constitutes "abuse" under the Domestic Violence P...
Criminal Law and Procedure
Harmon v. Superior Court (People)
Public defender representation for postconviction habeas proceedings is discretionary under Government Code section 27706(g).