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Berliner Cohen Announces the 2025 Small Business Grant Winner!

March 26, 2026 |

We are pleased to announce our 2025 Small Business Grant winner! Congratulations to Alma Zuniga, owner of A to Z Learning Korner, on being the 2025 recipient of our small business grant for local, minority-owned businesses. A to Z Learning Korner offers a safe, nurturing environment where children… Read More

Privacy Compliance for Growing Companies: What Founders and Employers Need to Know in 2026

March 11, 2026 |

For growth-stage companies, personal data is embedded across multiple operational functions. Payroll platforms, applicant tracking systems, customer analytics tools, marketing automation software, and cloud infrastructure all depend on the collection and processing of personal information. What was… Read More

Property Searches in Land Use Law Under the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution

March 5, 2026 |

In land use law, questions arise from time to time from property owners regarding the government’s right to inspect their private property without a warrant. The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution provides: “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses,… Read More

New Requirements for Mass Lay Offs Under the Warn Act in 2026 and Severance Agreements

February 11, 2026 |

The news has been filled with recent layoffs, and the State of California has new rules as it relates to notice when an employer is engaging in a mass layoff. This article touches on the highlights of what is required to lay off employees in California. A lay-off decision is specific to each company… Read More

California Employer Alert: February 1st Deadline for “Know Your Rights” Notice

January 28, 2026 |

California employers have until February 1st to distribute to all current and new employees the “California Workplace – Know Your Rights” notice. Employers can provide this notice via their standard forms of communicating other information to employees.  California’s… Read More

Introducing Yao Vang to our Merced Office

January 21, 2026 |

Berliner Cohen is pleased to welcome Yao Vang to the Estate Planning department in our Merced office. Yao is an estate planning attorney, practicing in all related estate planning areas of the law. Her prior practice includes probate, trust administration, conservatorship, guardianship, business… Read More

Employers Should Review Their Bay Area Commuter Benefit Program for New IRS Limits for 2026

January 14, 2026 |

The Bay Area Commuter Benefits Program's jurisdiction covers the nine counties of the San Francisco Bay Area: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma (primarily southern/western parts), requiring employers with 50+ full-time employees in… Read More

Berliner Cohen Elects Three New Partners

January 13, 2026 |

Berliner Cohen, LLP is pleased to announce that David Bellumori, Eric Capron, and Blaine Cox have been elected to partner effective January 1, 2026. Mr. Bellumori is based out of our San Jose office, and Mr. Capron and Mr. Cox are based out of our Modesto office. “We are honored to announce… Read More

Independent Contractor vs Employee - Using the IRS Independent Contractor Test and the EDD Contractor Test

December 12, 2025 |

Successful businesses—whether they be corporations, limited liability companies (“LLCs”), sole proprietorships, or others—must retain talented workers who can help drive that success.  An important consideration is whether the business treats those workers as independent… Read More

Application Window Now Open for Berliner Cohen’s Annual Small Business Grant

November 12, 2025 |

As a part of our commitment to serving San Jose’s small business community, we are pleased to offer this grant opportunity of legal services and financial support to minority-owned businesses in the San Jose area. Eligibility Requirements Applicants must be a minority-owned business located in… Read More

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Latest Events

Webinar: SB 68 Explained: Understanding Food Allergen Disclosure Requirements for Restaurants

March 6, 2026

Berliner Cohen Partner Christine Long, in partnership with California Restaurant Association, invites you to an educational webinar on March 11th where we will go over California Senate Bill 68. California took a significant step toward consumer transparency with the enactment of SB 68, the… Read More

Webinar for Merced County Businesses: 2026 Employment Law & HR Updates

February 18, 2026

Stay informed on the latest employment law changes for 2026! Join Berliner Cohen Partner Susan Bishop for a webinar designed specifically for businesses in Merced County that have staff or plan to hire. This session will cover key HR and legal updates, helping you manage employees, stay compliant,… Read More

Webinar: Are Your Record Keeping Practices Putting Your Business at Risk?

February 11, 2026

Berliner Cohen Partner Christine Long, in partnership with California Restaurant Association, invites you to a webinar on February 25th to discuss proper record preservation and compliance for restaurant operators. From employee files and payroll records to digital communications, knowing… Read More

Webinar: 10 Key Strategies for California Employers: Minimizing Liability and Creating a Better Workplace

January 20, 2026

As a California employer, navigating the complex web of regulations and laws can be overwhelming. Join Berliner Cohen Partner Susan Bishop, in partnership with the Santa Clara County EAC, for an informative and actionable webinar that will cover 10 essential strategies to minimize your legal… Read More

Seminar: Asset Protection, Immigration and Financing, Estate Planning (Presented in Spanish)

January 15, 2026

Berliner Cohen Partner Sandra Sepulveda, with her fellow speakers, will present a seminar on Asset Protection, Immigration and Financing, and Estate Planning on January 22nd from 7:00pm - 9:00pm. This seminar is complimentary and available for those interested in learning how to protect their… Read More

Webinar: Are You a Joint Employer? Find Out Before It’s Too Late

November 12, 2025

Berliner Cohen Associate Kevin Landis, in partnership with California Restaurant Association, invites you to a webinar on November 18th to learn about joint employer laws and how those laws may impact your business. In this session, you will learn: How to determine if your business could… Read More

2026 Employment Law and Benefits Update

November 5, 2025

Join Berliner Cohen, LLP presenters, partners Christine Long, Susan Bishop, and Eileen Kennedy, with EPIC Broker’s Director of Compliance, Liz Mann, as they review 2025 and changes to come in 2026 based on employment-related legislation and court decisions during webinars on… Read More

Webinar: Are You Liable? Allergen Safety Laws Every Employer Must Follow

October 15, 2025

Berliner Cohen Partner Christine Long, in partnership with California Restaurant Association, invites you to a webinar on October 28th to discuss allergen safety in the workplace. There are numerous signs and labeling required for food safety and customers. However, what do you do with employees… Read More

Seminar: Protecting Your Home, Family, & Future: Insights on Property, Taxes & Trust

October 8, 2025

For property owners in Santa Clara County, it is important to understand the implications of property transfers. Join Attorney Maria Palomares and her fellow speakers on Tuesday, October 21st at 5:30pm for a discussion about the impacts of home transfers, hearing perspectives from the county… Read More

Seminar: Navigating Immigration Law & Enforcement for Restaurants: A Legal Forum for Restaurant Operators

October 6, 2025

Berliner Cohen Partner Christine Long, in partnership with the California Restaurant Association, invites you to a seminar on October 15th that will discuss the current changes taking place with immigration laws. Get practical guidance on what to do before and if ICE… Read More

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