Lewitt Hackman

Although common law marriage does not exist in California, there is another option for unmarried couples' financial protection. Family Law Attorney Nancy Martinez details cohabitation agreements and how they can be right for your relationship: https://www.lewitthackman.com/how-cohabitation-agreements-legally-secure-your-california-relationship-without-marriage/

Employment Defense Attorney Tal Burnovski Yeyni and Law Clerk Molly Thorpe explain recent California legislation approved and vetoed by Governor Gavin Newsom in this PIHRA article: https://pihra.org/ca-legislative-update-oct2025/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=rasa_io&utm_campaign=newsletter

What happens when two brands’ products look too similar? This question is at the center of Smucker's recent lawsuit against Trader Joe's regarding Uncrustables. IP Attorney Heidy Nurinda explains the case and trademark infringement: https://www.lewitthackman.com/uncrustables-drama-leaves-trader-joes-in-a-trademark-jam/

Congratulations to our Halloween Costume Contest Winners!

Happy Halloween from the Lewitt Hackman family. We wish you a safe and memorable holiday!

How are franchisors affected by the joint employer standard? What can franchisees do to protect their rights during arbitration? Our Franchise & Distribution Attorneys answer in this month's newsletter: https://www.lewitthackman.com/franchise-101-waltzing-around-joint-employer-issues-and-going-on-vacatur/

Join Employment Attorneys Sue Bendavid and Tal Burnovski Yeyni for a free webinar on November 20, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. They will cover key legal updates for California employers. Continuing education credits are available.

🔗Register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2185157765137595223

When parents divorce, how can grandparents remain part of their grandchildren’s lives? Family Law Attorney Nancy Martinez explains California grandparents' rights, and how grandparents can legally preserve their bond with their grandchildren through family disputes: https://www.lewitthackman.com/grandparent-rights-in-california-can-you-file-for-visitation/

Vanessa Soto Nellis spent a day at Operation Gratitude, writing personalized messages to military members serving overseas. For more than 20 years, the nonprofit has worked to thank servicemembers for their dedication and sacrifice.

We’re proud to congratulate MEND Poverty and our very own Alex Hemmelgarn, MEND’s Board Chair, on the success of the 2025 Dignity Awards Gala!

Every year, this special event recognizes the incredible people and partners who help MEND meet the immediate needs of individuals and families across Los Angeles.

Congratulations to MEND on yet another successful year and gala! 👏

How would California law handle Bad Bunny’s legal dispute over unjust enrichment? Business Litigation Attorney Heidy Nurinda, explains what unjust enrichment is and how it differs from a breach of contract claim: https://www.lewitthackman.com/new-bad-bunny-lawsuit-highlights-unjust-enrichment-and-contract-law/

What happens when harassment happens off the clock? Attorneys Sue Bendavid and Tal Burnovski Yeyni, with contribution from law clerk Molly Thorpe, discuss a recent California appellate court decision showing how an employer’s response to an employee’s complaint about off-duty misconduct can still create liability.
🔗Read here: https://www.lewitthackman.com/off-the-clock-what-employers-should-do-when-an-employee-complains-about-after-hours-misconduct/