Articles/News
US Federal Trade Commission Bans “Non-Compete” Agreements Across The US
This new federal rule invalidates existing non-compete agreements, except those covering “senior executives,” defined as individuals earning over $151,164 annually who are in a “policy-making position.” This federal rule requires employers to give written notice to current and former workers/employees that their non-compete agreements are no longer in effect. The rule defines “noncompete clause” as […]
Senior Counsel Sophia Y. Cizmarik Joins Donahue Fitzgerald
Sophia joins Donahue Fitzgerald’s Trusts and Estates practice group and she provides customized plans that ensure each client’s estate planning goals are met. She gives strategic guidance on incapacity planning, probate avoidance, the role of the Trustee, tax minimization, and asset preservation for future generations. In addition to estate planning, Sophia has experience helping clients […]
Donahue Fitzgerald Advises Fidelity Roofing Company in HCI Equity Partner-Backed Highland Commercial Roofing’s Acquisition
Fidelity Roofing Company was represented by Donahue Fitzgerald’s Business and Corporate Group: Arun Bose, Associate Greg Cristobal, Paralegal Nathan Desai, Associate Kathrin Dimas, Partner Michael Sebree, Partner Read the full press release, HCI Equity Partners-Backed Highland Commercial Roofing Acquires Fidelity Roof Company.
Dawn Newton Recognized as 2024 Franchise Times Legal Eagle
The Legal Eagles distinction is reserved for top franchise lawyers who “live and breathe franchising and truly understand the nuances of the unique business model.” To determine its list of Legal Eagles, Franchise Times considers nominations and recommendations from clients, peers and other legal professionals. Read more about this recognition here. About Donahue Fitzgerald Donahue Fitzgerald […]
Partner Daniel Schacht Named to Billboard’s 2024 “Top Music Lawyers” List
Billboard recognized Daniel’s major clients and achievements from the past year. Donahue’s music clients include Carlos Santana, Missy Elliott, Barry Mann, Mary Bono and the estate of Malik Taylor (aka Phife Dawg of A Tribe Called Quest). Most recently, the Music and Entertainment group handled Santana’s legal work for the documentary Carlos, released through Sony Classics, which […]
Senior Counsel Diea Schum Named to Women We Admire’s Top Women Leaders in Law for 2024 List
Women We Admire acknowledge the accomplishments of women leaders in law and provide them with the accolades they deserve. Diea has been recognized by Women We Admire for the second year. Diea focuses her practice on construction matters, real estate litigation, and complex commercial litigation. She’s the co-chair of the firm’s Construction Practice Group and handles […]
Donahue Fitzgerald Recognized in the World Trademark Review’s 2024 WTR 1000 Ranking
Donahue Fitzgerald was ranked for trademark enforcement and litigation as well as prosecution and strategy. In addition to the firm’s ranking, four of our partners – Andrew MacKay, Daniel Schacht, Jonathan Osder, and Dawn Newton – have been individually acknowledged as top practitioners. The WTR 1000 is the only definitive guide exclusively dedicated to identifying […]
Senior Counsel Amer M. Lakhani Joins Donahue Fitzgerald
Amer joins Donahue Fitzgerald’s Real Estate practice group and his practice focuses on commercial real estate, including leases, purchase and sale agreements, and related due diligence matters. He also handles all phases of commercial real estate transactions, from the initial negotiations, to due diligence, to closing. Amer has experience representing a wide variety of parties […]
Required Notice of Void Noncompete Agreements
New Laws As you may be aware, California law (Business and Professions Code section 16600) has long held that any contract that restrains anyone from engaging in a lawful trade or business is void and unenforceable (with certain narrow exceptions for the sale of a business or agreements involving the dissolution of, or disposition of […]
Tips on Complying With California’s Updated Paid Sick Leave Law (SB 616)
What Is SB 616? SB 616 went into effect on January 1, 2024 and amends the state’s Labor Code to raise the minimum paid sick leave in California to 40 hours or 5 days, whichever is more. As a reminder, California requires that employers provide paid time off to employees for treatment, diagnosis, and preventive […]