A recent study by the California Policy Lab has shown that far fewer people have been moving to California from other states, and more have been leaving. According to the study, exits out of California to other U.S. states are up 12% since the start of the pandemic. While the number of taxpayers… Read More
Berliner Cohen, LLP advises and represents employers on wage compliance within the state of California. California employers should note upcoming changes to state and local minimum wage laws—many of which take effect on January 1, 2022—that will impact both nonexempt and exempt… Read More
One important attribute of a corporation is the limited liability of its shareholders. Normally, creditors of the corporation cannot reach its shareholders to satisfy corporate debts and liabilities. Nevertheless, there are circumstances under which courts will disregard the corporate… Read More
It is rare that State legislation regarding city planning creates such a public furor as the Governor’s recent signing of three related bills, SB 8, 9, and 10, has caused. SB 9 has received the bulk of the attention, with some calling it the death of single-family zoning in California. While… Read More
Berliner Cohen is honored to have been recognized as one of the top 50 corporate philanthropists for our donations to non-profits for 2020, a difficult year for many in our community. Our culture is dependent on giving back to our communities and we're proud to stand alongside so many… Read More
Traditionally employers have had a duty to maintain records relating to interviewing and hiring employees for three years from the date of the interview (if not hired) or from termination. Under SB 807, which goes into effect January of 2022, employers must now preserve personnel records for… Read More
We are proud to announce that Berliner Cohen, LLP has been regionally ranked as a The U.S. News - Best Lawyers® "Best Law Firms" rankings for another year! Best Lawyers recognizes firms based entirely on peer review to accurately reflect the opinion of leading lawyers… Read More
Navigating the waters of litigation is a daunting endeavor. If you find yourself named as a defendant in a civil lawsuit in California, big or small, it is imperative that you treat the event with the urgency and gravity it deserves. Here are 3 tips to ensure that your defense gets off on the right… Read More
If you are contemplating the purchase of an existing business, due to newly enacted California labor codes, potential buyers must be even more circumspect of a business’ previous debts or previous judgments than ever before. Assembly Bill 3075, effective January 1, 2022, or upon certification… Read More
The California Family Rights Act (CFRA) is legislation that authorizes eligible employees to take a total of 12 weeks of paid or unpaid job-protected leave during a 12-month period under qualifying circumstances. In 2021, CFRA underwent major changes, with more changes coming for 2022. … Read More
Berliner Cohen, LLP is pleased to welcome Lea Nemeth to our Labor & Employment Department, based out of our San Jose Office. Lea's practice includes general employment litigation. Lea also brings a diverse past to our Labor & Employment team. Prior to law school,… Read More
You've decided to start a new business, so the next decision is whether to proceed as a "limited liability" entity, such as a corporation or limited liability company (an "LLC"). If limiting liability is less of a concern, and keeping costs low is a critical factor, an individual can proceed as… Read More
As the restaurant industry looks towards easing COVID-19 restrictions and a hopeful return to “business as usual”, the following is a refresher on California rules related to tips and tip pooling. The employee owns the tip. A tip is money a customer leaves for an employee… Read More
Berliner Cohen, LLP would like to welcome Eric D. Capron, Of Counsel to our Modesto office. Eric’s practice focuses on estate planning, business succession, real property matters, business transactional work, and agricultural law tailored to business owners and family farmers. Eric values… Read More
A recent case, Austin v. City of Burbank (2021) ___Cal.App.5th ___, highlights that serial litigants under California’s Public Records Act (PRA) who wish to challenge a trial court decision under the PRA must strictly follow the PRA’s procedural requirements. If they do not, they… Read More