Articles/News
I-9 Remote Verification Extended – But Only For Some
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Homeland Security temporarily relaxed the requirement that employers physically inspect documents. Employers were allowed to accept copies transmitted by e-mail or other electronic means, and directed to annotate Form I-9. These were temporary measures designed to address workplace shutdowns caused by the pandemic. They were not intended to […]
Congratulations to Associates Anna Bernstein and Hayley Lenahan on Your Appointments as Members of the ACBA’s Barristers Executive Committee
The ACBA Barristers Executive Committee shapes the educational and social programming for the section. Anna was voted in as a member of the Executive Committee and Hayley was voted in as an alternate. Anna Bernstein is an associate with a focus on real estate, construction, and employment. As a member of the Real Estate and […]
Donahue Fitzgerald Attorneys Named 2023 Super Lawyers
Northern California Super Lawyers Mario Choi: Business Litigation Daniel B. Newbold: Estate Planning & Probate Kristin A. Pace: Estate Planning & Probate Lawrence K. Rockwell: Estate & Trust Litigation Mary M. Rudser: Estate Planning & Probate David A. Stein: Construction Litigation Jonathan McNeil Wong: Immigration Business Elizabeth M. Engh: Estate Planning & Probate Jessica M. […]
Senior Counsel Emily L. Yip Joins Donahue Fitzgerald
Emily joins Donahue Fitzgerald’s Trusts and Estates practice group with practices focusing on Trusts and Estates and Family Law. She serves as a trusted advisor to individuals and families navigating complex legal matters related to estate planning, estate litigation, wealth transfer, tax planning, trust and estate litigation and administration, and family law. Certified by the […]
Understanding the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA): A Brief Overview with Regards to Employees
What is the CPRA? The CPRA is an amendment to the CCPA, designed to strengthen privacy rights and protections for California residents. It introduces new requirements and expands upon the existing provisions of the CCPA. New Requirements Under the CPRA Companies that were compliant with the CCPA are not automatically compliant with the CPRA. Importantly, […]
In Memoriam Philip M. Jelley
It is with heavy heart that we announce the passing of our colleague, mentor, and friend, Philip M. Jelley, on April 5, 2023 at the age of 91. After graduating from Stanford Law School in 1956, Phil joined legacy firm, Fitzgerald Abbott & Beardsley. He became partner in 1961 and focused his practice on general […]
In Memoriam Gerald C. Smith
It is with our deepest sorrow that we announce our colleague and friend, Gerald “Jerry” Smith, passed away on March 30, 2023 at the age of 82. After graduating from the University of California, Berkeley, Boalt Hall School of Law, Jerry joined legacy firm, Fitzgerald, Abbott and Beardsley, where he became partner and focused his […]
Partner Daniel Schacht Named to Billboard’s 2023 “Top Music Lawyers” List
Billboard recognized Daniel’s major clients and achievements from the past year, and mentioned that, “in his eight years as a partner, Schacht has expanded Donahue Fitzgerald’s clientele to include newer artists such as singer-songwriter mxmtoon, adding to its powerhouse roster of legacy artists including Santana, the Grateful Dead’s Mickey Hart and songwriting duo Cynthia Weil & Barry […]
Partner Maureen M. Duffy Joins Donahue Fitzgerald
Maureen Duffy is a partner with over 20 years of significant, sophisticated and, most importantly, “hands-on” experience providing both U.S. domestic and international employment advice and counsel to all levels of management. She brings a practical, problem-solving orientation to her work in counseling, negotiations, arbitrations, litigation, and mediation. Maureen regularly represents clients in hi-tech, health […]
Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Strikes Down California’s Ban on Mandatory Arbitration Agreements
According to the panel majority, “Because FAA’s purpose is to further Congress’s policy of encouraging arbitration, and AB 51 stands as an obstacle to that purpose, AB 51 is therefore preempted.” The three-judge panel had partially upheld AB 51 in a 2021 ruling but a year later it decided to withdraw its prior ruling and […]