Tyler Emory

A recent Bloomberg Law article highlights a notable trend: Major law firms are scaling back their California hiring efforts as profitability pressures rise. While the Golden State has long been a key legal market, firms are now taking a more selective approach, focusing on roles that align with strategic growth and high-value practice areas. At OpusLex Partners, we’re keeping a close eye on these market shifts to ensure our clients and candidates stay informed and positioned for success. Whether you’re a firm refining your hiring strategy or a legal professional navigating new opportunities, understanding these trends is crucial. Read more to see how this evolving landscape could impact your next move. https://lnkd.in/eTVpnhx2

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As we previously reported, the California AG’s office recently provided clarification through FAQs on the California ​“hidden fee” law that amended the Consumer Legal Remedies Act, SB 478. Those FAQs articulated the position that restaurants must include all mandatory fees, including service charges and mandatory gratuity, as part of the displayed price for a product, while distinguishing delivery fees on the grounds that those fees are for a separate service. Simone Roach presents the key points from Donnelly McDowell and Beth Chun's article in our latest podcast episode: https://lnkd.in/eGnCCGuD #ConsumerProtection #HiddenFees #CaliforniaLaw #LegalUpdate #KelleyDrye

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Thompson Hine’s Steven Stransky, partner and co-chair of the privacy and cybersecurity practice group, and Kim Sandell, senior counsel recently met with California State Senator Catherine Blakespear to address the surge in data privacy lawsuits affecting small businesses. They discussed the unintended consequences of the California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA) on website tracking technologies. Key Points: 🔹 Impact on Small Businesses: CIPA-related lawsuits are financially straining small businesses. 🔹 Legislative Intent: CIPA was meant for telephone surveillance, not internet privacy, which is covered by the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). 🔹 Call for Action: Legislative updates are needed to align CIPA with current privacy laws and protect small businesses. Read full press release here: https://lnkd.in/geDCA2zQ #DataPrivacy #CIPA #SmallBusiness #LegalReform #ThompsonHine

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𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁 𝘀𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗣𝗣𝗔 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀   The Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento, scheduled a 21 June hearing for arguments regarding the California Privacy Protection Agency's rulemaking authority. The California Chamber of Commerce is challenging whether the agency has authority to promulgate future regulations without allowing a grace period to establish compliance measures.   Read more on https://lnkd.in/dVTnH5Qm   #Privacy #PrivacyCompliance #DataProtection #USA #PrivacyRights #CCPA #CPRA #APRA #California

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CDF Partner Mark S. Spring recently authored an article for Law360 that delves into the recent California Supreme Court decision that upholds Prop 22, allowing app-based drivers to remain as independent contractors. This ruling holds significant implications for companies such as Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and others operating in California and hiring app-based drivers. See the attached article to read more about the potential implications of this decision. #prop22 #caemplaws #gigeconomy

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Pryor Cashman Partner Robert deBrauwere and Associate Scott Resnick co-authored a client alert detailing the recent amendments to the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom on September 28, 2024. These amendments introduce significant changes, including the inclusion of neural data as a category of sensitive personal information and the expansion of the definition of personal information to include AI systems. Businesses will need to carefully review their data practices to comply with these updates, set to become operative on January 1, 2025. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/evkWy2xt #PryorCashman #CCPA #CaliforniaConsumerPrivacyAct #CyberSecurity #DataPrivacy

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Lara Shortz shared with Law360 her take on the recent Supreme Court of California decision regarding Proposition 22, which permits app-based companies to classify their drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. Lara noted that while Proposition 22 specifically targets app-based drivers, its framework might inspire similar legal carveouts for other industries and open doors for broader applications, potentially influencing independent contractor classifications in other sectors. Read Lara's insights here: https://lnkd.in/gaintuFH required) #LegalInsights #LaborLaw #Prop22 #MichelmanAndRobinson

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In this article, authors Christine Chong and Christine Lyon (Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer) focus on the prospect of rigorous action from the Federal Trade Commission, state Attorneys General, and the new California Privacy Protection Agency, which are poised for strengthened action on biometric privacy... #techREG #technology #privacy #dataprotection #biometrics #biometry #privacyrights

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Covington & Burling LLP is among the counsel for groups petitioning the California Supreme Court to address the state's court reporter shortage by mandating the use of electronic recording when court reporters are unavailable. https://lnkd.in/e6sMfmgX

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Covington & Burling LLP is among the counsel for groups petitioning the California Supreme Court to address the state's court reporter shortage by mandating the use of electronic recording when court reporters are unavailable. https://lnkd.in/e6sMfmgX

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🔍 Debunking the Myth About Legal Fees in California 🏛️ Many believe that in a lawsuit, the losing party must cover the winner’s legal expenses. This misconception can lead to misguided legal strategies and unexpected financial burdens. In reality, California follows the "American Rule," where each side generally pays their own attorney fees unless specific exceptions apply. Our latest blog post, "Attorney Fees in California Legal Disputes: A Guide for Law Makers," explores this topic in depth. Discover how understanding the true implications of legal fees can shape more effective litigation strategies and fairer contract negotiations. #LegalFees #CaliforniaLaw #ConstructionLaw #LegalStrategy #AttorneyFees #MeritLawFirm https://lnkd.in/g7yS-SGi

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Many California lawyers and law firms invest in their clients, particularly those representing emerging companies. This can be a good business decision and also demonstrates a firm's confidence in a client’s success. But, as RJO shareholder Merri A. Baldwin notes in an article for the summer 2024 issue of Business Law News from the California Lawyers Association, there are potential ethical risks. “The most significant ethical concern when a lawyer invests in a client is that of conflict of interest: a lawyer who invests in a client may be at risk of a claim of self-dealing,” writes Baldwin. “Related issues include ensuring fairness to the client (in accordance with the business transactions with clients rule), adequate disclosure, and whether a client may give informed consent.” Merri examines those risks closely and offers practical advice to lawyers and law firms on mitigating liability when investing in clients. Read Merri’s article on our website: https://lnkd.in/gBt52JdQ  #LegalEthics #LegalMalpractice

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Lighthouse Legal Search Bay Area & California Quarterly Report - July 2024 Based on our data, in this latest quarter, of all lateral partner moves to major law firms in the Bay Area, 25% were in Litigation, 20% in Corporate, 15% in Intellectual Property, 10% in Labor & Employment, and 5% in Health Care. The top firms adding the most partners this quarter were Gordon & Rees LLP, Sideman & Bancroft, LLP, and WilmerHale. Litigation remains the largest growth practice area, reflecting ongoing high demand, while Corporate and Intellectual Property practices continue to expand due to increased activity in mergers and acquisitions, venture capital, and technology transactions. By Contrast: California as a Whole In California as a whole, the breakdown of lateral partner moves is as follows: 23% in Litigation, 12% in Labor & Employment, 9% in Corporate, 8% in Intellectual Property, and 3% in Banking. This broader state-wide trend shows a higher concentration in Litigation and Labor & Employment compared to the Bay Area, while Corporate and Intellectual Property moves are slightly less prominent. This indicates a robust demand for litigation expertise across the state and a significant focus on employment-related legal services. Firms experiencing the most growth in partner additions statewide this quarter are Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP, Ogletree Deakins, and Greenberg Traurig LLP. #LegalIndustry #LateralMoves #LawFirmGrowth #BayAreaLaw #CaliforniaLaw #Litigation #CorporateLaw #IntellectualProperty #LaborAndEmployment #HealthCareLaw #PartnerAdditions #LegalRecruitment #LawFirmTrends #LighthouseLegalSearch

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Do amendments to the Private Attorneys General Act pose a trap for California employers? While initial announcements celebrate the PAGA amendments as beneficial, attorney Michael Kun reveals why the reality may differ significantly—drawing a comparison to the notorious New Coke launch. In this post, Mike explores the potential pitfalls these amendments create and how they are likely to lead to an increase in PAGA actions faced by employers. #WageAndHour #EmploymentLaw #HumanResources

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On July 1, 2024, the California Legislature passed two bills that significantly reform and amend the Private Attorneys General Act of 2004 (“PAGA”)—collectively, “PAGA Reform.” Many of the amendments take effect immediately, though a few revisions take effect on October 1, 2024. These changes apply to PAGA actions filed on or after June 19, 2024, as well as PAGA notices submitted to the Labor Workforce Development Agency (“LWDA”) on or after that date. Katherine Forster and David Moreshead discussed some of the key amendments from PAGA Reform in a new client alert. #MTO #PAGAReform #PAGA #clientalert #employmentlaw

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