Judge Renuka George officiated 50 weddings in one weekend during the “Winter of Love.” Now, she’s known for empathy in mental health court and firm control in civil trials. Her journey offers key insights for litigators. Full profile: https://ow.ly/sTI350Yfga0

Appellate court overturns Riverside County murder conviction—Perkins operation statements inadmissible after defendant asked for counsel. Miranda protections triggered. Full opinion: https://ow.ly/h9Yb50YcXqQ?utm_source=hootsuite&utm_medium=bsky&utm_content=dar&utm_campaign=p_zapata #LegalNews

CA Court of Appeal affirmed summary judgment for Chapman University in a COVID tuition refund case, finding no specific contractual promise of in-person instruction under Berlanga v. USF (2024). Read more [subscribers only]: https://ow.ly/xe6b50YcB2x

Judge Roger T. Ito is known for discipline and fairness in Norwalk’s felony courts. On civil jury duty, attorneys say his preparation and respect for the process stand out. See how his approach shapes every case. Subscribers only: https://ow.ly/otGr50Ycri9 #JudicialProfile #LegalNews #LosAngeles

Writ relief granted where a trial court relied on an LPS Act grave-disability finding to bar witness testimony. The court held that grave disability does not establish incompetence under Evidence Code section 701 and required a case-specific inquiry. [Subscribers only]: https://ow.ly/uIEU50Yavr1

Judge Cindy Pánuco’s courtroom style is shaped by preparation and lived experience. Her journey from impact litigation to the civil bench reveals what she values when lawyers appear before her. Full profile [subscribers only]: https://ow.ly/GhoZ50YaC3M #JudicialProfile #CivilRights #LosAngeles #Law

Petition granted. Court rejected a categorical rule that traffic delays can’t be “exceptional circumstances” for rescinding an in-absentia removal order. Totality of the circumstances governs. Read opinion [subscribers only]: https://ow.ly/jo9G50Y9F4i #ImmigrationLaw #LegalNews #NinthCircuit

Judge Safaan K. Ahmed brings calm, fairness, and compassion to dependency court—drawing on lessons from his parents and years as a prosecutor. Attorneys say every voice is heard. Full profile for subscribers]: https://ow.ly/Muoa50Y9tGl #JudicialProfile #LegalNews #FamilyLaw

California Court of Appeal reversed a defense verdict in a Song-Beverly Act case, holding that false discovery responses and withheld NHTSA documents constituted an unremedied irregularity under Code Civ. Proc. §657(1). [subscribers only]: https://ow.ly/Lhy650Y95EH #SongBeverlyAct #LegalNews

Judge Miadich’s path to the bench reflects a commitment to neutrality, preparation, and professional respect—qualities that build trust in the legal process. [Subscribers only]: https://ow.ly/h9ZO50Y8T9O?utm_source=hootsuite&utm_medium=bsky&utm_content=judicial_profile&utm_campaign=richard_miadich

Affirmed. The First District Court of Appeal held that the automatic bankruptcy stay under 11 U.S.C. § 362 applies only to actions against a debtor and did not bar resolution of an appeal initiated by the debtor. Read more [subscribers only]: https://ow.ly/FgaW50Y8yoc #LegalNews #CaliforniaLaw

Stay updated on California’s legal scene! Get the latest news, tips, and stories. Join our community and never miss a beat—subscribe: dailyjournal.com/subscribe #LegalCommunity #StayInformed #CaliforniaLaw #LegalNews #JusticeMatters #LawUpdates #California

An illegible arbitration agreement required as a condition of employment led to a dispute over unconscionability. The California Supreme Court clarified how procedural and substantive unconscionability interact under the sliding-scale test. Full opinion [subscribers only]: https://ow.ly/suZK50Y7WRe

Divorce litigation can carry high financial and personal costs. Private mediation offers a flexible, confidential alternative that gives parties more control over outcomes. Read the full article. https://ow.ly/hqUP50Y7Qox #FamilyLaw #Mediation #ADR

A civil rights suit alleging Portland officials conspired to suppress right-wing speech was dismissed for "shotgun pleading." Ninth Circuit agreed the complaint failed Rule 8 but said plaintiffs should get a chance to amend. Read more [subscribers only]: https://ow.ly/uqjj50Y6rSu #LegalNews

She interpreted for her dad in court at age 8. Now Judge Sally Espinoza leads a dependency courtroom where clarity isn’t just helpful—it’s everything. Attorneys say her mix of empathy, legal rigor, and respect reshapes outcomes. Read ore [subscribers only]: https://ow.ly/BFtj50Y6rur #DependencyCourt

Coming Feb. 4: Top Professional Responsibility, our annual recognition of California’s top attorneys in legal malpractice and ethics. This issue is a must-read for legal professionals. Subscribe today for access: https://www.dailyjournal.com/dj_subscriptions/new #CaliforniaLaw #LegalProfessionals

Every trial is a teachable moment for Judge Julia Alloggiamento—and the lessons are resonating. From juror faith restored to future lawyers inspired, she’s making the case for courts with every word and ruling. Read more [subscribers only]: https://ow.ly/GXgp50Y5zX2 #JudicialProfile #LegalNews

A §998 offer conditioned on insurer approval in a personal injury case was valid, per CA appellate ruling. Such consent is implied where a defendant is insured. Reversed in part and remanded to assess reasonableness. Read more [subscribers only]: https://ow.ly/rw5r50Y5awn #LegalNews #CaliforniaLaw

Daniel P. Ben-Zvi shares advice for attorneys facing their first mediation, reflecting a career built on doing “whatever works” to reach resolution. Read his Daily Journal profile to learn more: https://ow.ly/CFl250Y58Er #Mediation #ADR

CA court: Grand jury proceedings aren’t “hearings” under #PC11726. Dixon's resentencing denial was based on inadmissible hearsay. Case vacated, remanded for new hearing. Read the court's opinion [subscribers only]: https://ow.ly/kokh50Y4zZ9#PC11726 #CaliforniaLaw #CriminalLaw #Resentencing

Treadmill in chambers. Toys for kids in court. Clear-eyed compassion on the bench. Judge Stockdale Coleman’s story is a reminder that the path to the judiciary isn’t always straight—but it can be powerful. Full profile [subscribers only]: https://ow.ly/neo050Y4wzo #WomenInLaw #LegalProfession

Judge Curtis Kin blends appellate discipline with trial court demands. His clarity in high-stakes writs work—and a key ruling on LA homelessness policy—makes this profile a must-read. Click here [subscribers only]: https://ow.ly/eo2T50Y4553 #TrialCourt #LegalCommunity #JudicialProfile

Court rejected mental health diversion despite psychologist’s report. Appellate court: Expert’s opinion controls—trial court used wrong legal standard. Read more [subscribers only]: https://ow.ly/PXtB50Y44OW #CaliforniaLaw #LegalNews #JusticeSystem #CriminalLaw

9th Circuit affirms denial of Beeler’s habeas petition asserting incompetency and ineffective counsel. Court finds no causal link between mental health evidence and inability to understand trial, and counsel’s performance was reasonable. Read more [subscribers only]: https://ow.ly/gaw450Y226M

CA appellate court: No actual harm needed to claim $10K under ICRAA. Tenants can sue for violations alone. Read more [subscribers only]: https://ow.ly/XUXc50Y1ul1 #CaliforniaLaw #AppellateCourt #ConsumerLaw #TenantRights

$25K sanction imposed on attorney for a writ petition lacking support and violating #CRC8492. Read the court's opinion [subscribers only]: https://ow.ly/XHiF50Y0WgA#CRC8492 #CaliforniaLaw #LegalNews #CourtSanctions #LegalEthics

A judge who once stopped a $30M scam mid-operation and now runs jury trials with the calm focus of a lap swimmer. Judge Galvin’s journey from federal fraud cases to California courtrooms is all about precision, presence, and public trust. Read more [subscribers only]: https://ow.ly/LNZE50Y0LCz

The Supreme Court affirmed refusal to vacate a default judgment where the defendant waited five years after notice to move under Rule 60. The decision stresses the “reasonable time” requirement applies even to voidness claims. Read more: https://ow.ly/7k6h50Y0qxY #Bankruptcy #SCOTUS #LegalUpdate

Family court wasn’t his plan. But Judge James Horan now says: “You literally, day one... start improving everybody’s life.” A guitar in chambers, calm in court, and zero tolerance for wasted time. Read more [subscribers only]: https://ow.ly/PUWy50Y0f9e #FamilyLaw #LegalProfession #CaliforniaLaw

CA court affirms denial of resentencing under #PC11726. Hearsay from prelim hearing used to show Rodriguez was actual killer. No facts offered in rebuttal. Read more [subscription required]: https://ow.ly/iz3x50XYfOZ#PC11726 #CaliforniaLaw #LegalNews #Resentencing

CA Supreme Court: Agencies can’t dodge CPRA scrutiny by producing records late. Declaratory relief may still apply. Read more [subscribers only]: https://ow.ly/kS4k50XXGRF #CaliforniaSupremeCourt #GovernmentAccountability #PublicRecords

SCOTUS upholds warrantless home entry where officers believed a man was in crisis. Under Brigham City v. Stuart, emergency aid justified entry based on objective, totality-based assessment. Ruling affirms limits on such intrusions. Read more: https://ow.ly/EXRj50XWZeM #LegalNews #SupremeCourt

Federal prosecutors announced an aggressive push against health care fraud in California. Watch the video for highlights from the briefing, and read the article for a closer look at how Minnesota cases are being used as a roadmap for enforcement. Full story: https://ow.ly/eEjI50XWRk9 #MedicareFraud

188-month sentence affirmed. Ninth Circuit holds that PC §245(a)(1) isn’t a categorical crime of violence—but error wasn’t “plain” under Rule 52(b) since prior precedent treated it as one. Read more [subscribers only]: https://ow.ly/YtHg50XWu4v #NinthCircuit #LegalProfessionals

Policy or impulse? For Iranians, U.S. statements carry real risk — especially when they’re walked back without warning. This essay breaks down how unpredictability from Washington reverberates far beyond its borders. Click to read: https://ow.ly/KIxo50XWuJ2 #Iran #ForeignPolicy #HumanRights

SF Public Defender Manohar Raju faces contempt hearing after refusing to assign counsel to felony defendant, despite a court order ending his office’s practice of declaring itself “unavailable.” Read more: https://ow.ly/NUKM50XWuJG

The CA Court of Appeal reversed judgment in a wage case against The Salvation Army over unpaid "work therapy." Court announces 2-part test to assess employee status under Dynamex. Read more [subscribers only]: https://ow.ly/I8Mc50XVTBe #CaliforniaLaw #LegalNews #EmploymentLaw

Trial prep isn’t theater in Judge Richardson’s court. It’s structure, clarity, and respect for everyone’s time—especially jurors’. Read the court's analysis [subscribers only]: https://ow.ly/gKnI50XVIZH #TrialPrep #LegalCommunity #LosAngelesLaw

Ninth Circuit: WA can’t enforce WLAD against Christian nonprofit—for now. Court says church autonomy doctrine likely shields faith-based hiring choices, even outside ministerial roles. Read more [subscribers only]: https://ow.ly/hwHI50XUpBW #ChurchAutonomy #FirstAmendment #9thCircuit

Nominate today: The 2026 Clay Awards will honor California’s top lawyers and most influential legal work of the past year. Deadline: January 22. Click to submit: https://www.dailyjournal.com/nominations #ClayAwards #CaliforniaLaw #LegalProfession #DailyJournal

Judge Danielle Colón O'Sullivan brings public defense instincts to the bench: clarity, consistency, and presence. She runs a tight calendar—but leaves room for what matters. Find out what attorneys are saying. Subscription required: https://ow.ly/KcsS50XTMo9 #LegalCommunity #CriminalCourt

AliveCor’s antitrust claim against Apple fails at the Ninth Circuit. HRPO data not “essential”—Apple’s IRN feature used shared tachogram data instead. Summary judgment affirmed. Read more [subscribers only]: https://ow.ly/2pnB50XTM5b #Antitrust #ShermanAct #NinthCircuit

CA appellate court rules that #PC100136 mental health diversion can apply to defendants charged under #HS11395, despite Prop 36’s "[n]otwithstanding" clause. The laws can coexist. Read more [subscribers only]: https://ow.ly/7Gcx50XRf9n#PC100136#HS11395 #CaliforniaLaw #MentalHealthDiversion

Nominations are open through Jan. 15 for Leading Commercial Litigators, our annual supplement honoring top attorneys in commercial and bet-the-company litigation. Subscribe to read the full issue: https://www.dailyjournal.com/dj_subscriptions/new #TopLitigators #CommercialLitigation

CA court: Marshalls can't compel arbitration in PAGA case. 2014 agreement didn’t reflect intent to split claims as in Viking River. Denial affirmed. Read more [subscription required]: https://ow.ly/sCwf50XQvRJ #CaliforniaLaw #PAGA #EmploymentLaw #Arbitration #LawNews

Ag-Wise held liable after a gas pipeline blast injured bystanders. Court affirms retained control + causation sufficed—affirmative contribution not needed under McCarty. Read the court's opinion [subscribers only]: https://ow.ly/kHZ750XQvLE #CaliforniaLaw #LegalNews #TortLaw #CourtOpinion

CA Court of Appeal: Criminal defendants must be given the same chance as civil litigants to avoid court fee assessments based on inability to pay. Read more [subscribers only]: https://ow.ly/pzge50XQcuW #CaliforniaLaw #CriminalJustice #LegalNews #AccessToJustice

The New Laws special issue is out Jan. 2: all California laws passed in 2025, the code changes, and expert analysis designed for legal professionals. Subscribe to the Daily Journal today for access. Available in print and online: www.dailyjournal.com/dj_subscript... #CaliforniaLaw #LegalNews

Veteran LA defense attorney Alan J. Jackson has been retained to represent Nick Reiner, charged Tuesday with murdering his parents, director Rob Reiner and photographer Michele Singer Reiner. Read more: https://dailyjournal.com/articles/389039