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Plain-English guides on contracts, IP, business formation, and litigation, written by attorneys, not marketers.
Understanding Subpoenas in California: What You Need to Know
When you hear the word subpoena, it often brings to mind courtroom dramas and tense witness scenes. But in reality, subpoenas are a common and powerful tool used every day in California’s civil and criminal justice systems. Whether you’re a party to a lawsuit, a witness, or simply someone who has relevant information or documents, understanding what a subpoena is and what your rights and obligations are is essential. What Is a Subpoena? A subpoena is a formal legal order issued by a court,...
Proper Venue In a Breach Of Contract Lawsuit
When a contract dispute arises, one of the first questions is which county’s court should hear the case; this is called finding the proper venue. Venue simply means the county where a lawsuit can be filed and heard under the law. Under Code of Civil Procedure section 395(b), a breach-of-contract action may only be filed in: The county where the contract in fact was entered into. The place of the making of a contract is where the last act necessary to the validity and binding effect thereof is...
Understanding Prop 65: What You Need To Know
Prop 65 (officially the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986) was approved by California voters in 1986. The law serves two main purposes: To protect California’s drinking water sources from contamination by chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive harm. To require businesses to provide a “clear and reasonable warning” before knowingly exposing consumers to any of those listed chemicals unless exposure is below certain “safe harbor” thresholds. The list managed by...
Judgment Enforcement in California: What Judgment Creditors Need to Know
Winning a lawsuit and obtaining a judgment is a major victory, but it does not guarantee that you will be paid. Many California judgment creditors are surprised to learn that judgment enforcement is a separate and often complex process . A court may award you money, but the court does not automatically collect it for you. That responsibility falls on you, unless you hire an experienced California judgment enforcement attorney to handle the process. Why Judgment Enforcement Is Often Necessary...
Think You’ve Been Defrauded? Understanding the RICO Framework
Understanding RICO Claims and Racketeering Remedies - SARI LAW FIRM The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), enacted by Congress in 1970, was originally aimed at dismantling the Mafia and organized criminal networks. Over time, it has evolved into one of the most powerful tools available to victims of systemic fraud, corruption, and organized deception, whether committed by individuals, corporate entities, or professional syndicates. At Sari Law Firm, we regularly assist...
Understanding Specific Performance: When California Courts Order Contract Fulfillment
Specific Performance Orders in California Contract Cases - SARI LAW FIRM Specific performance is an equitable remedy in contract law. Rather than awarding money damages, a court orders the breaching party to do exactly what was promised in the contract. It is an exceptional remedy used only when monetary compensation would not make the non‑breaching party whole. For instance, a buyer who bargains for a particular piece of property or a one‑of‑a‑kind item may want the actual thing promised,...
Recovering Attorney’s Fees in California Breach-of-Contract Cases
Attorney's Fees in California Contract Cases - SARI LAW FIRM If the other side breaches our agreement, can I recover my attorney’s fees? The answer depends on the interplay between the American Rule (each party ordinarily pays its own fees), the terms of the contract, and statutory exceptions made by the Legislature. The American Rule is a rule in the U.S. justice system that says two opposing sides in a legal matter must pay their own attorney fees, regardless of who wins the case. The...
Understanding Depositions in California: A Key Step in Civil Litigation
Deposition Preparation in California - SARI LAW FIRM “A deposition in California is a formal sworn testimony taken before trial under the Civil Discovery Act (CCP §§ 2025.010–2025.620).” When people think of a lawsuit, they often imagine a dramatic courtroom scene, lawyers questioning witnesses, judges ruling on objections, and juries listening carefully.But in California, as in most states, many of the most important steps in a lawsuit happen long before anyone sets foot in a courtroom. One...
Can I Terminate My Contract? A California Attorney Explains
How to Legally Terminate a Contract in California - SARI LAW FIRM “Under California law, you can terminate a contract only if you have legal grounds, such as breach, rescission, or force majeure.” As a business attorney, one of the most common questions I receive is, “Can I get out of this contract?” The answer depends on why you want to end the agreement and on the language of the contract. A contract is a legally binding promise; unilaterally ending it without a valid reason can expose you...
Do You Still Have to Perform When the Other Party Breaches?
Material and Anticipatory Breach in California - SARI LAW FIRM “Under California law, your duty to perform depends on whether the other...
Is an Oral Contract Enforceable in California?
Oral Contracts and Verbal Agreements in California - SARI LAW FIRM “In California, oral contracts are enforceable if they meet legal...
California Law: Why Companies Can’t Represent Themselves in Court
California Law - Company Representation Rules | SARI LAW FIRM “In California, corporations and LLCs cannot represent themselves in court;...
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