Debrief: Tax Issues for Employment Lawyers

On June 20, 2017, PAABA’s Employment Law Section and Tax Section presented “Tax Issues in Employment Law” at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati.  Speaker Mindy Mayo is a Director and Human Capital Taxation practice leader at the San Jose location of Ryan, a national corporate tax services provider.  Ms. Mayo’s expertise is in payroll auditing, Read more about Debrief: Tax Issues for Employment Lawyers[…]

Event Debrief: Trademark Litigation 101: Fighting Disputes over A Company’s Brand Name

Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati hosted “Trademark Litigation 101: Fighting Disputes over A Company’s Brand Name” on February 23, 2017 featuring Mark Punzalan, Esq., of Punzalan Law, P.C. Mr. Punzalan reviewed the basics of Trademark Law then discussed the types of disputes which arise and related litigation issues. The presentation analyzed the foundational issue of Read more about Event Debrief: Trademark Litigation 101: Fighting Disputes over A Company’s Brand Name[…]

Event Debrief: Copyright Traps: How to Identify and Stay Clear

On February 16, 2017, PAABA’s Patent Law section and Singularity LLP hosted “Copyright Traps: How to Identify and Stay Clear,” featuring Frank L. Bernstein, Singularity LLP founding partner.  Mr. Bernstein provided an overview of copyright law, specifically identifying issues relating to the use of copyrightable content from the Internet or from hiring independent contractors who Read more about Event Debrief: Copyright Traps: How to Identify and Stay Clear[…]

Event Debrief: Intellectual Property and Employment Law

On January 12, 2017, Royse Law Firm hosted “Intellectual Property and Employment Law” featuring attorneys Gretchen Birkheimer (Pierce & Shearer) and Steve Colby (Royse Law). The panel was moderated by Soyeun Choi. The speakers discussed important aspects of practice issues at the intersection of IP and Employment Law. Participating attorneys also shared practical tips on Read more about Event Debrief: Intellectual Property and Employment Law[…]

Event Debrief: The Neuroscience of Daily Stress

On February 3, Dr. Joe Neary returned to PAABA to present on the topic of combating daily stress.  The presentation was hosted by Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati.  Attendees learned about the neural pathways underlying stress responses, how to “rewire” those pathways through meditation and mindfulness, and discussed the benefits that come from the practice of Read more about Event Debrief: The Neuroscience of Daily Stress[…]

Event Debrief: Representing Human Trafficking Survivors

  On February 2, 2017, PAABA members attended Representing Human Trafficking Survivors, hosted by Fenwick & West, API Legal Outreach and Tahirih Justice Center. The presentation provided an overview of human trafficking and some of the key issues involved in assisting survivors.  Among other things, the panelists walked through the process of securing T Visas, including (a) Read more about Event Debrief: Representing Human Trafficking Survivors[…]

DOL Finalizes Disability Benefit Plan Claims Regulations

By TIFFANY N. SANTOS On December 19, 2016, the Department of Labor finalized the regulations governing disability benefit claims (see https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2016-12-19/pdf/2016-30070.pdf). Intended “to promote fairness and accuracy in the claims review process and protect participants and beneficiaries in ERISA-covered disability plans,” the regulations for the most part adopt the rules proposed in November 2015 that Read more about DOL Finalizes Disability Benefit Plan Claims Regulations[…]

When Estates Collide: A Discussion of the Intersecting and Conflicting Interests of a Debtor’s Bankruptcy Estate When She is Also a Spendthrift Trust’s Beneficiary

By Selwyn D. Whitehead, Esq. A. Introduction There has been a head-on collision in California courts concerning the equitable interpretation of Sections 15300 -15309 of the California Probate Code when juxtaposed against the Bankruptcy Code and the case law bankruptcy courts must analyze to determine the maximum interest, if any, a debtor’s bankruptcy estate can Read more about When Estates Collide: A Discussion of the Intersecting and Conflicting Interests of a Debtor’s Bankruptcy Estate When She is Also a Spendthrift Trust’s Beneficiary[…]

Book Review: Bringin’ In The Rain: A Woman Lawyer’s Guide to Business Development

by Aileen Chou, Esq. Ten Rainmaking Steps from Bringin’ in the Rain Bringin’ in the Rain by Sara Holtz is an easy read that can be used as a daily exercise book to help its reader turn each chapter’s probing questions into a comprehensive strategic marketing plan. Ms. Holtz was an in-house lawyer and was Read more about Book Review: Bringin’ In The Rain: A Woman Lawyer’s Guide to Business Development[…]

UC Berkeley Mock Trial Is Seeking Judges

Cal Mock Trial is UC Berkeley’s Official Mock Trial Team. Since its founding in 1999, Cal Mock Trial has been a nationally ranked program and has consistently competed at the top levels of collegiate mock trial.  Mock Trial is a team-based speech competition that combines elements of law, speech, debate, and theatre. As a simulation of Read more about UC Berkeley Mock Trial Is Seeking Judges[…]