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The CalSavers Registration Deadline is Approaching
by Lewitt Hackman’s Employment Practice Group What is CalSavers? CalSavers is a state-run retirement savings program designed for California employees over the age of 18 whose employers do not offer private retirement plans. Under California
Multi-Unit Franchising: Navigating the Risk and Reward
While the saying “the more the merrier” is not usually associated with franchising, the rise of purchases of multi-unit franchises in the United States makes it more relevant than ever. What is a multi-unit franchise?
Franchise 101: Total Vacancy; and Double Parked
Franchisor 101: Total Vacancy The federal district court in New Jersey denied franchisor Days Inn Worldwide, LLC’s motion for summary judgment for breach of contract, where the terms of the franchise agreement did not make
How Cohabitation Agreements Legally Secure Your California Relationship Without Marriage
Although a common misconception, common law marriages in California do not exist. In fact, the state stopped recognizing this type of marriage in 1895. However, an option exists for California couples seeking legal protections in
Uncrustables Drama Leaves Trader Joe’s in a Trademark Jam
Trademarks serve as a vital way for businesses to protect their brand’s identity. Whether it is McDonald’s prominent golden arches or the Nike Swoosh, a trademark is generally a word, logo, phrase, or design that
Franchise 101: Waltzing Around Joint Employer Issues; and Going on Vacatur
Franchisor 101: Waltzing Around Joint Employer Issues A district court in Maryland granted a franchisor’s motion to dismiss against an employee in a discrimination and wrongful termination case. The court concluded the employee failed to
Grandparent Rights in California: Can You File for Visitation?
Grandparents are often a source of stability and love for their grandchildren. When divorce, custody battles, or family disputes threaten that bond, California’s grandparents’ rights laws can help protect and preserve the relationship. California law
New Bad Bunny Lawsuit Highlights Unjust Enrichment and Contract Law
Contracts form the foundation of nearly every business transaction in California and across the United States. Parties use them to hire employees, license a service, or, as in musician Bad Bunny’s case, feature a private
Off-the-Clock: What Employers Should Do When an Employee Complains about After Hours Misconduct
[Law Clerk Molly Thorpe contributed.] Generally, a coworker’s misconduct outside of work does not constitute harassment under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). However, management or Human Resources receiving complaints should not ignore such
Uniting Behind the American Franchise Act: A Bipartisan Effort to Clarify the Joint Employer Standard
Over the last 10 years, the United States franchise industry has faced see-sawing uncertainty around the joint employer standard. Courts and federal agencies applied either a narrow “direct and immediate control” standard that favored the