Category: Business

Business with a closed sign on the door.
Business, Covid-19, James S. Sifers

California Eviction Relief For Commercial Tenants

In light of the unprecedented national emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, many commercial tenants in California, and the rest of the country, are facing difficulties in paying their rent.  At the federal level, three stimulus packages have been passed which aimed to ease the economic burden caused by the nearly nationwide shutdown. However, the funds made available under those packages have been slow to arrive.  In the meantime, many landlords […]

Professional woman with blonde hair smiling against a dark background.
Business, Covid-19, Susanna F. Wiseman

Gym Membership Dues in the Time of COVID-19

Gyms sell access to their facilities, their equipment, sometimes to workout instruction, and other amenities.  Each of these offerings require that the customer can enter the building – a matter which is suddenly an issue during this global pandemic as California gyms have been ordered to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[1] Each gym has contracts with their customers, sometimes referred to as clients, members, trainees, or other marketing names.  […]

Cares Act form on desk.
Business, CARES Act, Covid-19

Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act

  The programs and initiatives in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was just passed by Congress are intended to assist business owners with whatever needs they have right now. When implemented, there will be many new resources available for small businesses, as well as certain non- profits and other employers. This guide provides information about the major programs and initiatives that will soon be available […]

Man in suit with gray background.
Business, Covid-19, James S. Sifers

Actions To Take During COVID-19 Shutdown

Given these unprecedented events surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, many small businesses are left wondering how they will deal with a number of issues. In all likelihood, the two most pressing issues facing small businesses are their employees and their liquidity. In light of recent federal legislation, there are certain actions you can take now to ease the pain caused by the economic downturn. For employees who are working in a non-essential industry […]

Headshot of Patricia Santamaria, Esq., attorney at Madison Law.
2020, Business, Employment Law, Landlord - Tenant, New Laws

New California Laws In 2020

Dozens of new state laws are going into effect across California. From minimum wage to rent control to domestic violence, below are some of the key points of some of these new laws: Consumer Protection AB 539: Predatory Lending On January 1, 2020, significant amendments were made to the California Financing Law.  Some such amendments came from AB 539, known as the Fair Access to Credit Act.  This law subjects […]

Man in suit smiling, gray background.
Arbitration, Business, James S. Sifers, Used-Car Dealerships

Failure to Pay Arbitration Fees Can Land You in Court

Starting this year, there will be new rules as to how payments must be made in consumer and employment arbitrations.  Effective as of January 1, 2020, Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §§ 1281.97, 1281.98, and 1281.99 proscribe hard deadlines for the payment of arbitration fees in consumer and employment arbitrations and provide remedies for consumers and employees in instances where businesses fail to comply with their payment obligations.  Given these changes, […]