Business Law

This case arises from a contractual dispute between a franchisor and its franchisee. Plaintiff and Counter-Defendant Badger Daylighting Corp. (“Badger”) owns and operates a system for providing hydro-excavation and related services using its proprietary Badger trucks. Defendant and Counter-Plaintiff Dig Alert Done Right, LLC (“DADR”) is Badger’s franchisee owned and operated by Everett Jackson (“Jackson”). Read more

In the year 2025, we watched Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) primarily Generative AI become a prominent technology that has taken root across the industrial spectrum. Generative AI is already commonly used as a virtual assistant to help people conduct tasks that can be easily optimized. In 2025, I have witnessed the unfolding of the AI revolution or implementation AI mandate, depending on who you ask. I am personally optimistic about the technology so long as it operates within legal, moral, and ethical constraints and does not supplant trusted and capable human decisionmakers. Cases involving AI have already been filed in our California Courts, who remain highly sophisticated and up to the task to ensure that use of all technology remains lawful under our existing legal scheme. In 2026 and the coming years, we will watch as precedent is created. Read more

The following is a case review written by Joseph Boufadel, a partner at Salvato Boufadel LLP, analyzing a recent decision of interest, Kim v. Kim (In re Kim), 2025 Bankr. LEXIS 3265 (B.A.P. 9th Cir. Dec. 17, 2025). Read more

March 4, 2026 Summary The Ninth Circuit BAP affirmed orders denying a § 362(c)(3) stay extension and then dismissing the Chapter 11 case under § 1112(b), finding the debtor’s bad faith egregious under the Leavitt factors, warranting dismissal and a two-year bar under § 349(a). To view the full decisions, click here and here. Facts “… the [district] court ‘cannot conclude that his litigation history has reached the point of vexatious -- though it’s close.’” Van Damme 25-1052, at *9.… Read more

As the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau scales back the scope of its supervisory and enforcement activities, some state financial regulators have begun to move in the opposite direction. Read more

The following is a case summary written by Gary M. Kaplan, a partner at Farella Braun + Martel LLP in San Francisco, analyzing Griffithe v. Samec (In re Griffithe), 674 B.R. 91 (B.A.P. 9th Cir. Oct. 30, 2025), a recent decision of interest. Read more

Courtesy of CEB, we are bringing you selected legal developments in areas of California business law that are covered by CEB’s publications. This month’s feature is from the forthcoming April 2026 update to Debt Collection Practice in California. Read more

David has been a devoted and hardworking member of the CLA and the BLS, following in the footsteps of Suzanne Weakley and her legacy of service to CLA and to the California business law community.   Read more

For centuries, our profession has consistently stepped up to help low-income, underserved, and vulnerable populations gain access to the justice system.  We do it for the public good.  Read more

The Business Law Section is excited to announce the launch of Mindful Mondays Chats, beginning Monday, February 23, and continuing every Monday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Read more