Los Angeles / San Francisco Daily Journal

12/31/2025

A former Marshalls Loss Specialist brought a representative PAGA action after termination. Marshalls sought to compel arbitration based on a 2014 agreement, citing Viking River. But the court said the agreement didn’t clearly reflect an intent to divide PAGA claims into individual and non-individual components—a concept that wasn’t defined until years later. Motion denied, and affirmed on appeal.

Read more [subscription required]: https://ow.ly/ANUo50XQvRS

12/31/2025

A gas pipeline explosion during agricultural deep-ripping led to injuries—and a key ruling on the scope of the retained control exception in California tort law. The Court of Appeal affirmed a jury instruction that held Ag-Wise Enterprises liable, even though the work was done by an independent contractor. Because the injured were innocent bystanders, no affirmative contribution was required under McCarty.

Read the court's opinion [subscribers only]: https://ow.ly/uK2f50XQvLU

12/30/2025

The Court of Appeal found no rational basis to deny indigent criminal defendants the same waiver opportunities available to civil litigants for court operations and facilities assessments. Trial courts must now consider a defendant’s ability to pay before imposing the $120 and $90 fees.

Read more [subscribers only]: https://ow.ly/1jHJ50XQcv3

12/29/2025

The New Laws special issue arrives Jan. 2 — your definitive guide to all California laws passed in 2025, the codes they modified, and expert legal analysis. Available in print and online.

Subscribe to the Daily Journal today for access to this essential resource and stay ahead of the changes.

Click here: https://www.dailyjournal.com/dj_subscriptions/new

12/19/2025

Michael Purpura, a partner at Hueston Hennigan LLP in Los Angeles, has been named to the Daily Journal’s Top White-Collar Lawyers of 2025, recognizing California’s most influential and effective practitioners in white-collar defense.

Purpura has built a career handling complex investigations and sensitive legal matters across government service and private practice, including serving twice in the White House Counsel’s Office and representing clients in high-profile regulatory and congressional investigations.

In his attorney spotlight video, Purpura discusses what drew him to white-collar defense. The Top White-Collar Lawyers of 2025 special issue is now out.

Get your copy today - subscribe now at https://www.dailyjournal.com/dj_subscriptions/new

12/19/2025

Veteran Los Angeles defense attorney Alan J. Jackson has been retained to represent Nick Reiner, who was charged Tuesday with murdering his parents, director Rob Reiner and photographer Michele Singer Reiner.

Jackson, a partner with Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, is a former prosecutor who successfully convicted record producer Phil Spector. Since entering private practice, he has represented Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Spacey and other high-profile clients.

In June, he persuaded a Massachusetts jury to acquit Karen Read of murder and manslaughter charges in the death of Boston police officer John O'Keefe.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced Tuesday that Nick Reiner, 32, would be charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the stabbing deaths of his parents at their Brentwood home.

Read more:

The Daily Journal has more journalists covering the California legal profession than any other publication.

12/19/2025

The California Supreme Court affirms San Jose's authority to issue pension obligation bonds without voter approval. The bonds refinance a legally compelled pension liability—not a voluntary debt—so the constitutional local debt limit doesn't apply.

Read more [subscribers only]: https://ow.ly/sJbI50XLNrM

12/19/2025

Her courtroom is just a corner of the world—but every day, Judge Esther Ro asks what kind of impact she can make in it. From billion-dollar class actions to packed arraignment calendars, she’s followed her gut, not the expected path.

Discover the judge who turned down prestige for purpose [subscribers only]: https://ow.ly/xs8u50XLBPa

12/18/2025

California’s insurance commissioner is moving to dismantle a key part of Proposition 103—public participation in insurance rate regulation. This analysis explores how the changes could weaken transparency and shift power further toward insurers.

🔗 Read the full article for a breakdown of what’s happening and why it matters.
https://ow.ly/qJN350XLNbn

The Daily Journal has more journalists covering the California legal profession than any other publication.

12/18/2025

Vicki Chou of Hueston Hennigan LLP has been named to the Daily Journal’s Top White-Collar Lawyers of 2025, recognizing California’s most influential and effective white-collar defense attorneys.

Chou has built a practice focused on trials and white-collar investigations, frequently handling matters involving novel legal questions and regulatory enforcement. Over nearly two decades, she has tried more than 11 cases as lead counsel and brings deep experience in high-stakes matters.

In her attorney spotlight video, Chou shares how Hueston Hennigan’s trial-focused culture has influenced her approach to advocacy.

The Top White-Collar Lawyers of 2025 special issue is now out.

Get your copy today - subscribe now at https://www.dailyjournal.com/dj_subscriptions/new

12/17/2025

Was a firefighter retaliated against for reporting unsafe practices? The Court of Appeal says he didn’t need to exhaust county procedures before suing. Learn why the administrative remedies weren’t enough under California law.

Read more [subscription required]: https://ow.ly/Pqiu50XKF96

12/16/2025

Was it retaliation under the whistleblower statute if the employee's legal belief was mistaken? Yes, ruled the Court of Appeal. An employee fired after raising Equal Pay Act concerns had a reasonable belief of a violation, even if incorrect. The jury sided with him—and the appellate court reversed the trial court’s JNOV.

Read the court's analysis [subscribers only]: https://www.dailyjournal.com/dar/284945-contreras-v-green-thumb-produce-inc