All Articles

IRS Offer in Compromise (OIC): Everything You Need to Know – What Is An OIC, Eligibility, and How to Apply

October 22, 2025 |

What is an IRS Offer in Compromise (OIC)? Failure to timely pay one’s IRS tax liabilities can result in IRS penalties, asset seizure, wage garnishment, revocation or denial of passport privileges, and in extreme cases criminal prosecution.  Indeed, Al Capone, Wesley Snipes, Willie Nelson,… Read More

Congratulations to Veena Bansal, Recipient of the Queen’s Bench 2025 Rookie Award

October 17, 2025 |

Congratulations to Attorney Veena Bansal on receiving the 2025 Rookie Award at the Queen's Bench Gala! This award recognizes those with demonstrated talent, leadership, and dedication to the Queen's Bench Bar Association's mission and goals in the early years of their membership.… Read More

Introducing Judd Baguioro to Our San Jose Office

October 15, 2025 |

Berliner Cohen is pleased to welcome Judd Oliver Baguioro to the Litigation Department at our San Jose office. Judd attended Cal Poly Pomona and obtained his law degree with a concentration in Taxation from the University of California, College of the Law San Francisco. Judd has experience working… Read More

Introducing Sadiya S. Ahmed to Our San Jose Office

September 24, 2025 |

Berliner Cohen is pleased to welcome Sadiya S. Ahmed to the Litigation Department at our San Jose office. A Chicago native, Sadiya obtained her law degree at the University of Illinois College of Law. She was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 2012, and the California Bar in 2015. Sadiya is a… Read More

Introducing Giuliana R. Ferrante to Our San Jose Office

September 10, 2025 |

Berliner Cohen is pleased to welcome Giuliana R. Ferrante to the Litigation Department at our San Jose office. Giuliana is an accomplished litigator who represents her clients through all stages of litigation, from case evaluation through appeals. Her experience covers several practice areas and… Read More

Eight Berliner Cohen Attorneys Recognized as 2026 “Best Lawyers in America”

August 21, 2025 |

Congratulations to the eight Berliner Cohen attorneys who were recognized as 2026 Best Lawyers in America! Andrew L. Faber - Litigation (Land Use and Real Estate) Steven L. Hallgrimson - Real Estate Wendy C. Krog – Litigation (Trusts and Estates); Trusts and Estates Thomas P. Murphy –… Read More

Berliner Cohen Secures Win for Clients in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals

July 30, 2025 | , ,

Berliner Cohen obtained a complete dismissal of claims asserted against our clients in federal District Court and then successfully defended the appeal in the Ninth Circuit. When one of our clients tried to enforce a divorce judgment against her ex-husband, the ex-husband filed a new civil case… Read More

Commercial Property Owners: Get Ready for SB 79

July 9, 2025 |

Owners of commercial property located near public transit may soon find it easier, faster, and more profitable to build tall apartment buildings on their land. On July 3, 2025, Senate Bill 79 passed a crucial Assembly committee. If passed during this legislative session, SB 79 would go into effect… Read More

20 Berliner Cohen Attorneys Recognized as 2025 Northern California Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

July 1, 2025 |

We are thrilled to announce the Berliner Cohen attorneys who have been recognized this year by the Northern California Super Lawyers and Rising Stars programs. This honor is a testament to their outstanding legal talent and impact in the legal community. Super Lawyers recognizes the… Read More

Introducing Craig Tanabe to Our San Jose Office

June 26, 2025 |

Berliner Cohen is pleased to welcome Craig Tanabe to the Real Estate Department in our San Jose office! Craig maintains a real estate transactional practice serving a wide range of clients (including developers, investors, homebuilders, institutional owners, landlord, tenants, lenders, and… Read More

2025 Employers Guide to Minimum Wage in California

June 25, 2025 |

California continues to lead the nation in changes to its minimum wage. Earlier this year, we reported on the minimum wage increase from $16.00 to $16.50 across California, regardless of the employer’s size. Since this increase went into effect on January 1, 2025, the minimum wage across… Read More

The Basics of Estate Planning

April 30, 2025 |

Estate planning is a fundamental aspect of legal and financial management, ensuring that your assets are distributed in accordance with your wishes. This process comprises various legal strategies, with Trusts being one of the most significant elements. This article explores the basics of estate… Read More

Maximizing Estate Tax Benefits Through Gifting: Act Now to Protect Your Wealth

April 23, 2025 |

As estate and gift tax laws continue to evolve, the importance of proactive estate planning cannot be overstated. For some individuals, failing to establish a comprehensive estate plan can lead to a significant portion of their wealth being lost to taxes—up to 40% of an estate could be lost to… Read More

Berliner Cohen Announces the Small Business Grant Winner!

March 12, 2025 |

We’re excited to announce our 2024 Small Business Grant winner! Congratulations to Eric Martinez, owner of Cristel Clear Services, LLC, on being the 2024 recipient of our small business grant for local, minority-owned businesses. Cristel Clear Services is a family operated house cleaning… Read More

Insurance Companies Denying Coverage for Homes Owned By a Trust Following Disasters

March 3, 2025 |

Rumors are swirling about insurance companies giving homeowners grief about the ownership of their homes following disasters.  Recent events in California have made it apparent that insurance companies may deny covering damage to your home or delay providing assistance if title to your home is… Read More