Alternative Dispute Resolution

Understanding Arbitration
March 19, 2025
Arbitration is a private dispute resolution method that can be faster and more cost-effective than litigation but comes with limitations like restricted discovery and appeal rights. Understanding when arbitration is required and weighing its pros and cons is crucial. McLellan Law Group, LLP can help you navigate arbitration decisions with expert legal guidance.
What is Mediation and Why You Should Care: Pros and Cons
June 10, 2024
Mediation is a private, cost-effective alternative to litigation where a neutral mediator helps parties negotiate a resolution. It can save time, reduce stress, and avoid court delays—but it does require upfront costs and willingness to compromise. Want to know if mediation is right for you? Read the full article.

APPEALS

6 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Appellate Attorney
March 19, 2025
Choosing the right appellate attorney is crucial for a successful appeal. Key factors include experience, strategy, fees, timeline, communication, and who will handle your case. McLellan Law Group, LLP provides expert appellate representation to help you navigate this complex process.
Reason to hire an appellate attorney
December 16, 2024
Hiring an appellate attorney can significantly improve your chances of success by identifying trial errors, crafting strong legal arguments, and navigating complex appeal procedures. Their expertise ensures a well-prepared case, increasing the likelihood of a favorable outcome. McLellan Law Group, LLP provides skilled appellate representation to protect your legal interests.

BUSINESS LITIGATION

AB 316 Ends the
By Claire Melehani June 15, 2026
California AB 316, effective January 1, 2026, bars companies from claiming AI acted autonomously to avoid liability. If a company built it, deployed it, or used it, the company owns the consequences. Here is what AB 316 means for businesses and individuals.

Conservatorships & Guardianships

Guardianship Battles and Conservatorship Red Flags
January 20, 2026
Concerned about a guardianship or conservatorship in California? Learn key red flags, fiduciary duties, and legal remedies for families.

CONTRACTS

Key Mistakes That Void Agreements in California
January 20, 2026
Learn why some contracts are unenforceable in California, common drafting mistakes, and how to protect yourself before a dispute arises.

EMPLOYMent LAW

Unpaid Commissions in California: How to Recover What You’re Owed
By Claire Melehani June 10, 2026
California law protects your earned commissions as wages. Learn about commission disputes, employer violations, waiting time penalties, PAGA claims, and how to recover unpaid commissions. Free guidance from McLellan Law Group.
golden parachute California
By Claire Melehani June 10, 2026
What California executives and employers need to know about golden parachute agreements, IRC Section 280G excise taxes, change-of-control triggers, and severance disputes. Practical guidance from McLellan Law Group.
Professional woman reviewing California FEHA hostile work environment legal protections with attorne
By Claire Melehani June 8, 2026
Is your workplace legally hostile under California law? The 2024 Bailey ruling changed the standard. Learn what qualifies, how to document it, and when to file a FEHA claim.
SB 617’s New Notice Requirements, the Silicon Valley Workforce Reduction Wave, and What California P
By Claire Melehani June 2, 2026
SB 617’s New Notice Requirements, the Silicon Valley Workforce Reduction Wave, and What California Practitioners Need to Know in 2026.
California worker reviewing pay stub for wage theft violations with calculator and legal documents
By Claire Melehani June 1, 2026
Owed unpaid wages in California? Learn about overtime, meal breaks, and tip violations. $49M+ recovered by BOFE in 2022. See your rights, remedies, and how to file a claim.
Infographic showing California PAGA claim process from notice to resolution under 2024 reforms
By Claire Melehani May 27, 2026
California's PAGA was overhauled in 2024. New penalty caps, cure provisions, and standing rules. Learn what the reforms mean for your wage claim or employer defense. Free initial consultation.
Chart showing California wrongful termination settlement ranges by case type
By Claire Melehani May 18, 2026
What is the average wrongful termination settlement in California? Ranges from $5,000 to $34M+. See real settlement tiers, 8 value factors, and 2026 law updates. Free case evaluation.
California employee reviewing legal documents about workplace harassment retaliation rights
By Claire Melehani May 11, 2026
Fired after reporting workplace harassment in California? Learn about SB 497's 90-day retaliation presumption, FEHA protections, and how to recover damages. Free consultation available.
California’s new discovery rule (CCP § 2016.090) takes effect in 2026 image.
By Claire Melehani May 4, 2026
California’s new discovery rule (CCP § 2016.090) takes effect in 2026. Learn whether it applies retroactively and how it impacts your lawsuit strategy.
Silent Disputes: How Minority Shareholders Can Stop Unfair Business Decisions Before They Escalate
January 20, 2026
Minority shareholder rights in California explained. Learn the warning signs of unfair business practices and legal options to protect your investment.
More Posts

GENERAL CIVIL LITIGATION

Understanding Arbitration
March 19, 2025
Arbitration is a private dispute resolution method that can be faster and more cost-effective than litigation but comes with limitations like restricted discovery and appeal rights. Understanding when arbitration is required and weighing its pros and cons is crucial. McLellan Law Group, LLP can help you navigate arbitration decisions with expert legal guidance.
California's New Discovery Rules
March 19, 2025
California’s new discovery rules require mandatory initial disclosures and impose stricter sanctions for misconduct, aiming to improve transparency and efficiency in litigation. Understanding these changes is crucial to avoiding penalties and streamlining your case. McLellan Law Group, LLP can help you navigate these updates and stay compliant.
Prevailing Party Attorneys’ Fees Through Indemnity Provisions
June 10, 2024
Prevailing party attorneys’ fees are often tied to contract provisions, but indemnity clauses may also allow recovery in certain disputes. The specific language of the indemnification provision determines whether fees apply beyond third-party claims. McLellan Law Group, LLP can help assess your contract and legal options.
Waiving Or Losing A Fraud Claim
June 10, 2024
Fraud claims can be unintentionally waived if a party benefits from a contract amendment or reaffirms the original agreement after discovering fraud. Courts assess whether actions constitute waiver or equitable estoppel. McLellan Law Group, LLP can help protect your rights and navigate these complex legal issues.
Dealing With “I Don’t Recall” In Written Discovery
June 10, 2024
An "I don’t recall" response in written discovery can be evasive and may not prevent new information from emerging at trial. Understanding California’s discovery rules can help lock in responses, challenge incomplete answers, and bolster sanctions claims. McLellan Law Group, LLP can help you navigate discovery disputes effectively.
Depose Your Own Witness to Preserve Their Testimony
May 10, 2021
Depositing your own witness can be crucial if they are at risk of becoming unavailable due to illness or other circumstances. Preserving testimony through deposition ensures key evidence is not lost for trial. McLellan Law Group, LLP can help you strategize and protect your case.

Real Estate DISPUTES

That Gorgeous Listing Photo Might Be AI-Generated — And California Now Requires Disclosure
By Claire Melehani May 5, 2026
California now requires disclosure when listing photos are AI-generated or materially altered. Learn your rights as a buyer and what sellers must disclose in 2026.

Real Estate Litigation

Easements and Encroachments in California Property Disputes: Your Rights Explained
January 20, 2026
Learn the difference between easements and encroachments in California, common disputes, and legal options to protect your property rights.
Understanding Partition Actions in California
March 21, 2025
Learn how partition actions work in California, what steps to take, and which legal protections apply. Discover how the Partition of Real Property Act affects co-owned property disputes.
11 Common Real Estate Litigation Issues in Silicon Valley
November 21, 2024
Silicon Valley's high-stakes real estate market presents unique legal challenges, from fraud claims to contract disputes and zoning issues. Understanding these common litigation risks can help protect your investments. McLellan Law Group, LLP provides expert legal guidance to navigate complex real estate disputes.

Trust & Probate Litigation

trust notice guide
March 19, 2025
Receiving a trust notice means you may have legal rights or inheritance at stake. You have 120 days to act, request a copy of the trust, and challenge unfair changes if needed. McLellan Law Group, LLP can help protect your interests and navigate trust disputes.
What is Trust Litigation and Why Might it be Necessary?
December 31, 2024
Trust litigation resolves disputes over trust management, fiduciary duties, and asset distribution. It may be necessary when trustees mismanage assets, beneficiaries disagree, or legal violations occur. McLellan Law Group, LLP provides expert legal guidance to protect your trust rights and interests.
California No-Contest Clauses: What They Mean for Wills and Trusts
November 11, 2024
No-contest clauses in California wills and trusts deter beneficiaries from challenging estate plans by risking disinheritance. Courts enforce them only under specific conditions, emphasizing probable cause. McLellan Law Group, LLP can help you navigate no-contest clauses and protect your estate plan.
Understanding the Four Elements of Undue Influence in California Trust Disputes
October 18, 2024
Undue influence in California trust disputes occurs when excessive persuasion overcomes a trustor’s free will, resulting in an unfair outcome. Courts assess the victim’s vulnerability, the influencer’s authority, their tactics, and the resulting inequity. McLellan Law Group, LLP can help you challenge undue influence and protect your inheritance.
The Great Divide: California Appellate Courts Split Over Trust Modification Methods
June 10, 2024
The Great Divide: California Appellate Courts Split Over Trust Modification Methods Claire Melehani