Legal questions posed by friends and family are expected by most lawyers. What is unexpected is one recurrent question. “Should he blow?” Other lawyers who double as parents of high school- and college-age drivers will surely relate.
Cold beer and the U.S. Constitution. Linking together these revered but distinct foundations of America seems a bit off.
Serving as a director on corporate boards is often quite an honor, carries prestige and can prove rewarding. Yet, as a San Francisco federal court just demonstrated, it can also come with significant risk.
Prominent among judicial doctrines ripe for reversal — right up there with contributory negligence and baseball’s antitrust exemption — is the rule immunizing the government from negligence claims by military personnel for injuries suffered on the job.
When Independent Sales Representatives get together to network in either a public or private forum, the discussion often turns to, “What happens to my agency in the event of my death, disability, or retirement? What is the best way to retire without hurting my employees, principals, customers, and other important industry relationships?”
Actor and director Michael Keaton, who occupied the title role in “Birdman,” “Batman” and “Beetlejuice,” among other “B” movies, was also signed to direct and star in “The Merry Gentleman,” a 2009 release that met with a less than merry fate at the box office. In the aftermath of the film’s failure, the recriminations began, and the producer quickly zeroed in on Keaton.
Few bills arriving in the mail are welcome, but certain billers are more daunting than others. Should the tuckpointer send a bill higher than agreed, a friendly discussion about his “extras” likely lies ahead.
While not quite reaching the death and taxes level of certainty, some issues brought to the appellate court still produce highly predictable outcomes. Challenges to foundations laid by expert witnesses are usually addressed adequately through cross-examination.
Some appellate cases present novel issues or test established doctrines. Others reach the appellate court on thornyprocedural or technical questions. And then there’s Marshel Copple, whose peculiar case helps explain why appellate courts often issue unpublished decisions.
During spring training last year, this column detailed a class-action suit filed by three ex-minor leaguers alleging Major League Baseball paid them less than fast-food workers. Unrepresented by a labor union, minor leaguers toil 50 to 70 hours per week through a five-month season for subminimum wage with no overtime and no compensation during spring training, instructional leagues or winter leagues.