The Quiet War Between California’s Charter Cities and the State’s Prevailing Wage Law

Behind the scenes a quiet war is raging. A war pitting local sovereignty, on one hand, against a Depression-era law intended to help those working on state…

Contractors: A Lesson on Being Friendly

I know. You’re just trying to be friendly. Don’t. Particularly when you’re a contractor bidding on a public works project. Those dinners at swanky restaurants, tickets to The…

A Rube Goldberg Car-Music Making Thingy

As some of you know I’m a fan of Rube Goldberg Machines – those silly, over-engineered contraptions which make simple tasks overly-complicated. Well, here’s another by…

The Project “Completion” Paradox in California

We’ve written before about why the date of “completion” on a California construction project is important, and why, if I may be blunt, determining that date…

“Thank You for Reading!”

We’ve been trying to keep our cool and not say anything, but we can’t contain ourselves anymore, so here it is: Earlier this month, the posts you…

Construction Payment Remedies: You May be Able to Skate by, But Why?

My grandfather used to say that “anything worth doing, is worth doing well.” It wasn’t until later that I learned the quote wasn’t his, but a quote…

One Very Good Reason to Make Sure Your Contractor is Licensed

I know how the thinking goes . . . Other than providing you with some marginal assurance that the work performed by your contractor (or subcontractor,…

Expert Troubles? Look No Further Than to Sir Isaac Newton

Experts. Love ’em. Hate ’em. But you need ’em. Particularly in complex litigation matters, including, many construction cases. But how do you keep that wily opposing…

A Construction Case for the Rats: Now Ain’t That a Kick in the Head

Usually, I write about cases because I find them “interesting.” And by interesting, I mean that in the most clinically (to most) boring way because they…

California Court of Appeals Says, “We Like Eich(leay)!”

Time is money. And nowhere can than be best observed than on a construction project. Project delays can mean lost profits for owners, liquidated damages for…

Not So Fast: Employers Must Reimburse for Miles and Other Business Expenses Incurred By Employees

From parachuting into a remote location in Azerbaijan to jumping skyscrapers in Abu Dhabi to drone dodging in the streets of Los Angeles, the latest Fast…

Is it the Dawning of the Age of Strict Products Liability for Contractors in California?

It was the Age of Aquarius. And everything was changing. Politically, socially . . . and legally. Through the 19th Century the doctrine of caveat emptor,…