Central Valley Legal Blog

In a legal case, the more information that can be obtained, the better off the lawyer and client are before going into the courtroom. One tool at every attorneys’ disposal is the deposition. A deposition involves asking a person questions about what they know about a case. This can range from a bystander who witnessed…

Alternative Dispute Resolution (commonly known as ADR) can settle a case before it goes to trial. Around 90% of civil cases settle prior to trial. ADR can be court-ordered or voluntarily. ADR generally means two things: either mediation or Arbitration. Mediation is the informal discussion of a case with a mediator. A mediator is a…

If you’ve been sued and are unfamiliar with the legal system, it is a good practice to immediately consult with an attorney. This is because once a lawsuit begins there are many important dates and deadlines that will impact your rights. When Do You Need to Respond? A lawsuit is initiated when a Plaintiff files…

Why do so many commercials avoid saying the words “Super Bowl?” It is simple – the National Football League has trademarked the term “Super Bowl.” Trademark infringement is “the unauthorized use of a trademark or service mark on or in connection with goods and/or services in a manner that is likely to cause confusion, deception,…

Raymond Carlson was recently interviewed by the Los Angeles Times for an article about the most recent setback to the California bullet train project. Read the article here

A common misconception is that a non-profit corporation is the same thing as a “501(c)(3)” tax-exempt entity.  They are two separate, but related ideas. Only a 501(c)(3) organization can accept tax deductible contributions and is tax exempt.  Being tax-exempt means the organization does not pay federal income tax, and contributions made by donors can be…

  Pay stubs are not only required to be given to employees but must also contain certain information.  If the information is not present, you could be subject to penalties up to $4,000 per employee:   1) Gross wages earned; 2) Total hours worked; 3) Piece-rate units if applicable; 4) All deductions (with a limited…

Mario Zamora has been selected as a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America! The LCA is a trial lawyer honorary society composed of less than one-half of one percent of American lawyers. Fellowship in the LCA is highly selective and by invitation only. Fellows are selected based upon excellence and accomplishment in litigation, both…