Williams’ kids and wife continue the fight in San Francisco Superior Court In life, the late Robin Williams was incredibly protective over the commercial use of his name, image and likeness. He rarely, if ever, promoted products or appeared in…
I've Been Hacked. Have I Been Damaged?
Pleading computer fraud damages Computer fraud has been a hot topic in the news with seemingly new lawsuits everyday. Nevertheless, plaintiffs seem to have difficulty pleading damages. Although there is some nuance, pleading damages is a fairly straightforward process as…
To 1099 or Not to 1099: Proper Reporting of Client Settlements
With tax season nearly upon us, many lawyers are now asking themselves (and their CPAs) whether they have accurately reported funds received on a client’s behalf. This issue is particularly relevant to attorneys who earn their fees on a contingency…
Mediation as a Mirror: Using the Process to Help Clients Find Clarity
Sometimes, parties will seek mediation in search of clarity. The stated reason for scheduling a session may be very different from the desired result. In these cases, the mediator’s role should be one of gentle probing and guidance to help…
Estate Planning Tip: Don’t Make Bill Graham’s Mistake
In 1991, legendary rock concert promoter Bill Graham perished in a Northern California helicopter crash at the age of 60. Graham’s will named his longtime friend and business partner, Nicholas Clainos, as executor of his $36 million estate. In 1995,…
How Will Baywatch Beauty Spot Her Date of Separation With So Many Marital Reconciliations on the Horizon?
Former “Baywatch” star Pamela Anderson has filed for divorce again – for the third time – from professional poker player Rick Salomon. Anderson and Salomon first married in 2007 and split two months later when Anderson filed her first Petition…
BASF Joins Los Angeles County Bar Association in Amicus Brief Regarding Heller Ehrman Bankruptcy
In late February, BASF, along with the Los Angeles County Bar Association (LACBA), filed an amicus brief in a case before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which received widespread press coverage in the legal industry. Kudos to BASF’s Amicus…
Paralegal Section Kicks Off with Mixer
More than 120 people were in attendance at the kickoff mixer for the newly established Paralegal Section on February 25. The mixer was held at the BASF Conference Center and sponsored by Nelson Staffing and File and ServeXpress and was…
The Ides of April – Tax Q&A with Attorney J.P. Harbour
April 15th is a dreaded date for many. The federal and state tax codes are challenging for the best and brightest, not to mention for clients facing an audit or small business owners juggling new regulations regarding employee health programs…
Blurred Lines – Copyright’s Fight for Freedom-To-Use
The music industry was rocked last week when a Central California District Court jury returned a verdict finding the megahit song “Blurred Lines” infringes on the late Marvin Gaye’s “Got to Give It Up.” The legal dispute over the controversial…
Tax Tips, Not Just For Tax Filing Season
People often ask what it is like to have the IRS or California state tax authorities as our constant adversaries. The answer is simple. Even with highly contentious issues, whether for thousands or millions of dollars, or whether overseeing an…
Legal Ethics Community Will Greatly Miss Paul Vapnek
The Bar Association of San Francisco’s Legal Ethics Committee sends our heartfelt sympathies to the friends and family of Paul Vapnek, a renowned legal ethics and intellectual property lawyer, who passed away on February 28, 2015. After clerking for U.S.…