Michael B. King is our Latest Featured Speaker!

Posted on by Faith Pincus
michael
25 Jul

Our latest featured speaker is Michael B. King from Carney Badley Spellman, P.S.!

Michael will be speaking for us at our upcoming 3rd Annual Advanced Appellate Conference in Seattle on September 28th! Michael has previously spoken for us at our 2nd Annual Advanced Appellate Conference, Advanced Appellate Conference, and our Advanced Appellate Roundtable. Attendees have said his presentations were excellent, thought-provoking, and informative. Welcome back, Michael!

Michael B. King, a principal, came to the firm in 2008 with Greg Miller to join Jim Lobsenz and Jason Anderson in forming the firm’s uniquely experienced appellate group. Mr. King has focused exclusively on appellate litigation for over twenty years, and his practice is national in scope. He has represented clients before the Alaska, California, Illinois, Mississippi, Tennessee and Washington Supreme Courts, the Second, Ninth and Eleventh Circuits, and the United States Supreme Court, as well as all divisions of the Washington Court of Appeals and has presented over 140 arguments to full merits panels. He is a former partner in the firm of Lane Powell, where for ten years he co-chaired the firm’s appellate practice group.

Mr. King is a fellow of the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers. He has been named by Washington Super Lawyers magazine as one of the top attorneys in the state in the area of appellate law for every year since 2001. He has been selected by Best Lawyers in America as one of the best appellate lawyers in Washington State every year since the inaugural listing in 2007. He has held an “AV” Preeminent rating by Martindale-Hubbell since 1998. This rating is given to attorneys who demonstrate the highest ethical standards and professional ability.

Jay-Allen Eisen is our Latest Featured Speaker!

Posted on by Faith Pincus
jay-allen
23 Jul

Our latest featured speaker is Jay-Allen Eisen from Downey Brand LLP!

Jay will be speaking for us at our upcoming webinar on Preserving Trial Errors for Appeal – he taught this course a few years ago and the attendees raved about it when he spoke with us. Welcome back, Jay!

Jay-Allen Eisen is regarded as one of California’s top appellate attorneys. He has been counsel in more than 300 appeals and appellate writs, over 120 of which have resulted in published, precedent decisions.

Jay-Allen was one of the first Appellate Law Specialists certified by the State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization. He has prosecuted and defended civil appeals, writs, and motions in a wide range of civic appeals including business litigation, professional licensing, probate, environmental law, constitutional law, administrative law, real property, and family law.

Jay-Allen Eisen is a Fellow of the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers and a Past President of the California Academy of Appellate Attorneys. He has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America©, U.S. News Best Lawyers® and Northern California Super Lawyers every year since each publication began listing appellate attorneys. He has the highest rating, AV® Preeminent™, from Martindale-Hubbell. In 2010 he was awarded the Jim Pfeiffer Award for outstanding service to the legal profession from the Conference of California Bar Associations.

Kathy Kwak is our Latest Featured Speaker!

Posted on by Faith Pincus
kathy
19 Jul

Our latest featured speaker is Kathy Kwak from Proper Title!

We are pleased to have Kathy speak for us for the first time at our Introduction to Commercial Real Estate Transactions: The Big Four seminar in Chicago on September 14, 2018! We are excited to have her speak, and we know our attendees will benefit from the knowledge she’ll share!

Ms. Kwak began her legal career as an associate in private practice handling all residential real estate transactions, and was an attorney agent with several title companies throughout Chicago.  Prior to entering the title industry, she served as Associate General Counsel and Senior Real Estate Advisor for the Chicago Board of Education where she negotiated contracts with various vendors, consultants, organizations and companies on behalf of the Board, and managed all of the rentals for over 600 properties and helped generate approximately million in additional income for CPS.

Ms. Kwak then entered the title industry at one of the largest nationally recognized title companies as an Associate National Underwriting Counsel. She has contributed to the closing of numerous multisite portfolios, including an billion industrial transaction, and has independently underwritten small and large commercial single-site transactions ranging from six-figure farmland dispositions to complex multi-million dollar sale, purchase and refinance portfolios.

Ms. Kwak then continued her legal career to the agency side, and focused on the management of the underwriting and closing of all complex commercial real estate transactions handled by the National Commercial Services division. She worked with top law firms, corporations, REITs, lenders and developers throughout the United States in closing the transactions from start to finish.

Ms. Kwak currently manages and oversees the title department, including the tracking, monitoring and the development of production to evaluate current and future business needs.  She provides training for her team to ensure responsive turnaround times and the highest quality in work product.  She is an underwriting support and counsel to personnel and customers related to searches, commitments, title clearance, pro formas and policies.  She is also part of the business development team for all residential, commercial and new construction transactions.

She is a member of the Chicago Bar Association, the Illinois Land Title Association, and also the Valparaiso University School of Law’s Chicago Regional Alumni Council.

Ms. Kwak received her J.D. from Valparaiso University School of Law and her B.S. in Secondary Education with a concentration in English from Indiana University in Bloomington.

Drafting CA’s Permanent Cannabis Laws

Posted on by Faith Pincus
cannabis
18 Jul

It’s been almost two years since cannabis was legalized for recreational use in California – and the business, economic and legal implications are profound.

Last Friday, California regulators published the first draft of permanent adult-use and medical cannabis laws.

This kicks off the process of hearings and public comment that will conclude at the end of 2018 with a final set of regulations governing the emerging industry.

Proposed laws fill the 315-page document, sent out by the Bureau of Cannabis Control, the Department of Food and Agriculture, and the Department of Public Health.

A few permanent regulations proposed in the document include:

  • Allowing licensed marijuana deliveries in any city or county in CA
  • Expanded restrictions on marijuana advertising which may appeal to children
  • Requiring marijuana event hosts to be more explicit about where:
    • licensed retailers will be set up
    • attendees can smoke or consume cannabis
    • sales will occur

Lori Ajax, chief of the Bureau of Cannabis Control, said, “The regulations we now propose include changes that make it easier for businesses to operate and strengthen public health and safety policies.” State agencies will hold ten public meetings around California through August to collect public comments on the proposed permanent laws. Comments may also be submitted by letter or email.

At our upcoming Recreational and Medical Marijuana Law and Business in California conference on November 1st-2nd, we’ll go in-depth on a variety of issues in this burgeoning industry for attorneys, investors and business operators. For those who serve clients in the cannabis industry and those attorneys who want to move into this space, our program will help you navigate the rules, regulations, and legal ramifications of legalized marijuana in California (and federal issues affecting the state’s cannabis industry as well). For investors and business people in the market (or thinking about entering the market) what do you need to know? What are the difficulties businesses face – from retail to growing and distribution? By the end of our conference you will be well-versed in most of the critical legal, business, and investment-related aspects of this rapidly expanding industry.

Ariel Clark is our Latest Featured Speaker!

Posted on by Faith Pincus
ariel
17 Jul

Our latest featured speaker is Ariel Clark from Clark Neubert LLP!

Ariel will be returning to speak at our upcoming Recreational and Medical Marijuana Law and Business in California conference in Los Angeles on November 1st-2nd. She has previously spoken for us at our Marijuana Law and Practice 101 in Los Angeles, where attendees raved about her informative and knowledgeable presentation. Suffice it to say we are excited to have her back!

Ariel Clark is one of California’s best known and longest-serving cannabis business attorneys. In 2008, when the idea of a cannabis business law was often considered an oxymoron, she dedicated her practice to this emerging industry—foresight that was recognized in 2017 by Rolling Stone which named her one of 18 “Women Shaping The Culture of Tomorrow” and by Cannabis Business Times as one of the top 75 women. Whether protecting her clients’ rights or advising elected leaders, Ariel’s intelligence, charisma, and tenacity have earned her a national reputation as one of cannabis’ fiercest advocates.

Ariel’s extensive work in California demonstrates her talents navigating complex issues and changing laws. Her work helping clients execute complex political strategies, obtain licenses, set up proper business structures, and interface with local and state officials across hundreds of jurisdictions has given Ariel a deep understanding of state and local priorities.

This experience has been particularly visible in Los Angeles. By all accounts both the biggest urban cannabis market in the world, Ariel founded and serves as Chair of the Los Angeles Cannabis Task Force. Against considerable odds, the Task Force was instrumental in the passage of Measure M, authorizing the creation of a legal, regulated industry in LA.

Ariel earned her Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law (Boalt Hall), and was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. She is an active member of the National Cannabis Bar Association, California State Bar, and the Beverly Hills Bar Association. She serves on the board of California NORML, the policy committee of the California Growers Association, and is a member of the National Cannabis Industry Association and the California Cannabis Industry Association. Prior to founding Clark Neubert LLP, Ariel captained her own solo firm, which she started after practicing with California Indian Legal Services in Oakland, Santa Rosa, and Eureka.

Legalizing Recreational Marijuana in New York

Posted on by Faith Pincus
marijuana
16 Jul

Last Friday, the New York State Department of Health recommended the state legalize the use of recreational marijuana.

This would mean a new area of law for attorneys in New York who have not yet practiced in this emerging industry.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo commissioned the report this month that found, “the positive effects of a regulated marijuana market in NYS outweigh the potential negative impacts.” Among the positive effects? Lowered marijuana-related arrests in low-income neighborhoods. In 2017, 86% of those arrested for marijuana possession in New York were people of color, according to the state Division of Criminal Justice Services.

New York state expects the sales tax revenue to range between $248.1 million to $677.7 million each year, creating an opportunity for residents to start their own marijuana businesses. However, it’s not as easy as one might think, at least from a legal standpoint, said Daniel Shortt, a cannabis attorney with Harris Bricken. Attorneys will need to seek some sort of ethics guidance on working with marijuana clients.

Harris Bricken has plenty of experience dealing with the legal marijuana industry. Partner at the Seattle firm is Hilary Bricken, who has earned a reputation as a fearless advocate for local businesses. Hilary will be speaking at our Recreational and Medical Marijuana Law and Business in California conference on November 1 and 2, 2018. Over the course of two days we’ll go in-depth into a variety of issues in this burgeoning industry for attorneys, investors and business operators.

For those who serve clients in the cannabis industry and those attorneys who want to move into this space, our program will help you navigate the rules, regulations, and legal ramifications of legalized marijuana in California (and federal issues affecting the state’s cannabis industry as well). For investors and business people in the market – or thinking about entering the market – what do you need to know? What are the difficulties businesses face – from retail to growing and distribution?

By the end of our conference you will be well-versed in most of the critical legal, business, and investment-related aspects of this rapidly expanding industry.

George Pincus is our Latest Featured Speaker!

Posted on by Faith Pincus
george
12 Jul

Our latest featured speaker is George Pincus from Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson, P.A.!

George will be speaking at our upcoming seminar, An Introduction to Commercial Real Estate Transactions: The Big Four in Fort Lauderdale on September 28th! We are excited to have him join us, and we know our attendees will appreciate the information he’ll provide during the seminar. (George is not related to our CEO, Faith Pincus, in case anyone was wondering!)

George A. Pincus is a Shareholder in the Real Estate Department and serves as a member of the Firm’s Board of Directors. As a transactional real estate lawyer, his practice focuses on office, industrial, retail and build-to-suit leasing representing both landlords and tenants, purchase and sale transactions for both buyers and sellers of office, industrial, retail, multifamily and vacant/developable land projects, real estate finance transactions with an emphasis on representing borrowers and developers in construction loans, term loans and refinancings with banks and life lenders, CMBS loans from securitized lenders, and multifamily loans from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, real estate private equity transactions, real estate development matters, and distressed debt transactions involving the purchase of defaulted mortgage loans from lenders and special servicers.

George has been actively involved in NAIOP, Commercial Real Estate Development Association for many years and has served in a variety of leadership positions in NAIOP’s local, state and national organizations. He has published articles on commercial leasing topics and teaches continuing education classes and webinars sponsored by the Florida Bar, NAIOP, and other real estate professional organizations on commercial leasing, real estate transactions, finance and development.

With depth of experience in representing landlords, tenants, buyers, sellers, developers, borrowers, funds and investors in real estate and real estate related private equity transactions, George is a solution-driven attorney who recognizes the importance of closing deals for his clients.

LA Animal Services Urges Pet Owners Not to Leave Furry Friends in Hot Cars

Posted on by Faith Pincus
cars
11 Jul

A message from the Los Angeles Department of Animal Services:

When the temperature increases outside, the danger of leaving your pet in a vehicle increases. LA Animal Services urges people not to leave their beloved pet behind in the car, informs residents about the law and gives steps that can be taken if you find a pet in danger in a parked vehicle.

What you expect to be a quick stop at the store could mean your pets are suffering or being injured by excessive heat, even if a window is cracked open. An animal in a hot car could suffer brain damage or death.

“Many people just don’t know about this risk,” said Brenda Barnette, LA Animal Services (LAAS) General Manager, “We’re trying to get the word out and prevent needless tragedy so pet guardians do not thoughtlessly or unknowingly leave their companion animal behind in a hot parked car.”

If you are not going to be able to take your furry friend in with you every time you get out of the car, make the safe choice and leave him at home. A quick stop may feel like no time at all to you, but it’s too long to leave your pet in a vehicle unattended on a warm summer day and endangers the life of your pet.

Not only is the well-being and safety of your pet at risk, leaving your four-legged family member in the car can also be a legal issue for you. In fact, someone accused of leaving an animal in a hot car could face heavy fines, be charged for animal cruelty, and face jail time.

In December 2017, the West Valley Animal Services Center received a report from a citizen that there was a dog inside a vehicle in heat distress. An LAAS Animal Control Officer responded and found the temperatures inside the vehicle ranged from 119-123 degrees. The Officer rescued the dog, named Cali, from the vehicle and transported her to the West Valley center. Once there, an LAAS veterinarian diagnosed the dog as hyperthermic and was able to successfully cool her down. The dog owner has been charged with animal cruelty and their case is currently pending prosecution.

What can you do if you see a pet suffering in a parked car? Good Samaritan bystanders are legally allowed to break into cars if they feel there is imminent danger to the animal inside. Anyone in that situation should first call 911 or any of the six LA City animal shelters at 888-452-7381 and ask to speak to the Officer in Charge.

If the animal is in immediate danger, the car is locked, and law enforcement is not arriving quickly enough to save the animal’s life, the law provides immunity from civil and criminal liability to a person causing vehicle damage for the purpose of rescuing the animal.

If you see a pet in a hot car:

  1. Immediately take down the vehicle’s model, make, color, and license plate number. These can be used to report the owner for neglect or irresponsible behavior, and also to identify who the owner is.
  2. Go into the local businesses or buildings nearby and notify a manager or security guard. Insist that they make an announcement over the intercom with the license plate number to inform the owner of the dire situation.
  3. If you can’t find the owner, call the authorities. Call the police or the closest animal shelter in the area to come and assess the situation.
  4. Do not leave the scene. Signs of heatstroke include restlessness, excessive thirst, heavy panting, dark tongue, rapid heartbeat, fever, vomiting, and lack of coordination. Keep a close eye on the pet for these symptoms, as it could mean that the situation needs to be acted upon very quickly.
  5. If the authorities take too long, take action. If you very honestly believe that the pet is in bad condition and showing symptoms of heatstroke, assess the situation and remove the pet from the heat immediately and wait for the authorities to arrive. Check to ensure the car is locked and cannot be opened, break a window if needed but do not use more force than necessary during the rescue.
  6. Take proper steps to care for the animal. When the pet is removed from the hot car, the situation isn’t necessarily over yet. Get the animal into air conditioning as soon as possible and give him cool water to drink. Continue to stay with the pet until law enforcement arrives.

William McGuinn is our Latest Featured Speaker!

Posted on by Faith Pincus
william
10 Jul

Our latest featured speaker is William McGuinn from Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Helsinger LLP!

Bill will be speaking at our upcoming seminar, An Introduction to Commercial Real Estate Transactions: The Big Four in Chicago on September 14th! We are excited to have him join us, and we know our attendees will benefit from the knowledge he’ll share during his presentation.

Bill concentrates his practice in commercial real estate, subsidized residential housing and strategic planning for entrepreneurs. He represents real estate developers, commercial landlords, tenants and various closely-held businesses in complex transactions, locally and throughout the country.

Bill’s real estate practice extends to the acquisition, development, sale, leasing and financing of commercial, office, residential and retail properties.

In his affordable housing practice, Bill has represented owners and developers of thousands of housing units in numerous states with multi-layered financing including taxable and tax exempt bonds, low income housing tax credits, HOPE VI, Community Development Block Grants, Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds, Tax Credit Assistance Program and Tax Credit Exchange Program.

Bill has also represented developers of conventionally financed projects, both residential and commercial.  He also guides buyers and sellers, landlords and tenants through all aspects of their respective transactions.

Aside from real estate matters, Bill has worked with numerous closely held businesses on a variety of matters including representing business in obtaining credit facilities, structuring start-up organizations and the purchase and sale of a number of business entities.

Bill is an avid sailor and participates annually in the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac.  Bill has also competed in the Transpac, racing from Long Beach, California to Honolulu, Hawaii.

Sidney Tribe is our Latest Featured Speaker!

Posted on by Faith Pincus
Sidney
05 Jul

Our latest featured speaker is Sidney Tribe from Talmadge/Fitzpatrick/Tribe! Sidney will be returning to speak at our upcoming 3rd Annual Advanced Appellate conference in Seattle on September 14th. Sidney has previously spoken for us at our 1st Advanced Appellate conference in Seattle as well as our Legal Editing seminar. She received excellent evaluations from attendees at both seminars, and we are thrilled to have her back!

Sidney is currently a partner at Talmadge/Fitzpatrick/Tribe. She grew up in Spokane and Seattle, and graduated magna cum laude from Willamette University in 1994 with a B.A. in English Literature. At Willamette she was a G. Herbert Smith Scholar and two-time recipient of the Dona Adams Rothwell Award. She received her J.D. from the University of Washington in 2002, where she was Executive Articles Editor of the Washington Law Review and President of the Moot Court Honor Board. She is also a member of the Order of the Barristers.

Sidney was fortunate to serve as a law clerk for the Honorable William Baker at the Washington State Court of Appeals Division I from 2005 to 2007. From 2007 to 2014, she was an associate at Talmadge/Fitzpatrick focusing primarily on appellate practice. In January2015, she became a partner. Some notable published opinions include Frisino v. Seattle School Dist. No. 1, — Wn. App. —-, 2011 WL 989416 (2011), Hernandez v. Tanninen, 604 F.3d 1095 (9th Cir. 2010), South Tacoma Way, LLC v. State, 169 Wn.2d 118, 233 P.3d 871 (2010), Little Mountain Estates Tenants Ass’n v. Little Mountain Estates MHC LLC, 169 Wn.2d 265, 236 P.3d 193 (2010), Shafer v. Dep’t of Labor & Indus., 166 Wn.2d 710, 213 P.3d 591 (2009), and Seymour v. Wash. State Dept. of Health, 152 Wn. App. 156, 216 P.3d 1039 (2009).

Sidney is a member of the Washington State Bar Association, the King County Bar Association, the Washington Employment Lawyers Association, and Washington Women Lawyers. She has done pro bono work for the Unemployment Law Project, the King County Bar Association Newcomer’s Project, and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Pro Bono Program. She has also been a Director at Facing the Future, a nonprofit that helps teachers integrate global issues into their core curriculum. Sidney’s incredible husband Mick is a geographer/GIS business analyst, and they have two adorable dogs, Tazzy and Jake.