Top 5 Law Blogs You Should Follow

Let's fact it, the law has a tremendous impact on how you run your business and while you can count on us to stay informed, it is important that you also have your own eye on the ever-changing legal climate.  There are many law blogs out there and very little time to read them, so we took it upon ourselves to curate a top 5 list of blogs worthy of your attention.

1) Wall Street Journal Law Blog 

The Wall Street Journal is known for its heavy hitting headlines and ability to break trending news so it is natural that it's law blog would make our list.  The WSJ Law Blog compiles case law, updates and trends into an easily digestible format that will leave you feeling up to date on the current legal climate. 

2)  SCOTUS Blog

"SCOTUS" is an acronym for Supreme Court of the United States so it stands to reason that the SCOTUS Blog would address all you need to know about the U.S. Supreme Court's docket. This blog highlights key decisions and analyzes the reverberations those decisions have on future cases and the way our country interacts as a whole. 

3)    Election Law Blog 

Author, Rick Hasen is a Professor of Law and Political Science at U.C. Irvine School who has taken his knowledge and passion for election law to the web.  He examines legislation, voting rights, the Supreme Court nomination process and everything else you need to know to stay informed this election season.  

4) Above The Law    

Above The Law is a cult favorite of first-year law students and seasoned legal professionals alike.  The blog takes on law firm culture and industry updates to give readers an insider look into the inner workings of the legal field.

5) Lawyerist

This blog is similar to Above The Law in that it is written from a legal insider's perspective. Lawyerist gets down to the details of running a practice, offers advice and profiles successful business models.  This blog is worth a read if you want to know what the legal industry is buzzing about. 

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Top 8 Tips for Landlords with Medical Marijuana Dispensary Tenants

I have recently encountered multiple cases within the past few months involving issues specifically arising out of the leasing of Medical Marijuana Dispensary ("MMD") tenants.  As of 2014, Colorado residents over the age of 21 are legally allowed to posses and purchase an ounce of marijuana at a time. The law also allows the cultivation of limited amounts of marijuana in an enclosed, locked space.  However, California law is not so lenient and in fact The Los Angeles City Attorney Office is extremely meticulous when it comes to regulating MMD operations and tenancies.  It is for this reason that landlords should consider the following 8 tips when taking on an MMD tenant.

1.      Prop D Compliance or Bust

City of Los Angeles Proposition D was passed in May 2013 to regulate MMDs operating in the city.  Proposition D limits the number of MMDs permitted to legally operate in the city and imposes strict requirements on how the businesses are run.  It is imperative to ensure that your prospective or current tenant is in compliance with Proposition D to avoid legal liability that can arise out of maintaining an illegal business on your property.  Be sure to stay on top of tenants once compliance is confirmed with periodic check-ins to ensure they are still in compliance. 

2.     Play it Safe

Many MMDs operate on a cash only basis leaving them susceptible to increased crime.  It is important to require them to have a security guard present on-site during business hours to protect both them and neighboring tenants.  Security guards can also prevent on-site usage which is strictly prohibited.

3.     Candid Camera

Install surveillance cameras to keep the MMD and its members accountable.

4.   Odor Control

Require your the MMD to install an industrial grade filtration system to keep odors in check.  Heavy, unpleasant smells are cause for nuisance complaints that can bring landlords negative attention from the City Attorney.

5.     Light It Up

Require your MMD tenant to upgrade lighting in the parking lot so it is secure from crime and on-site usage. 

6.     Spread the Word

Ask the MMD to post specific signage restricting use on the premises and in the surrounding neighborhood.  If restrictions are violated, the MMD should take measures to suspend or revoke the offending member's membership rights.  Parking lot signage is also key to ensure high-volume MMDs do not monopolize available parking.

7.     Selling vs. Cultivating

Educate yourself as to the restrictions Proposition D places on cultivating marijuana and selling marijuana at the same address.

8.  Compromise

Business relationships with MMDs can be difficult but when run properly, can also be very lucrative to both parties.  It is important to understand your respective bargaining positions and find a common ground to ensure the best possible outcome.  This is most often achieved by employing a third party, such as an attorney, to bring perspective to negotiations.  

Compromise is also key when dealing with the City Attorney's office whose focus is to find solutions before resorting to litigation. 

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The Rad Firm, APC is equipped to help you should you be interested in bringing on an MMD tenant.  We can walk you through the process, draft a strong lease and advise you so that the relationship is a sustainable one.

A New Take On Uber

Forbes

There is no way around it; entrepreneurs have to be creative. One entrepreneur created opportunity for himself when he turned his Uber gig into a way to get the word out about his real passion. Gavin Escolar came to the United States to start his jewelry business and ended up as an Uber driver to make an income. Gavin soon learned that his Uber car provided the perfect showroom for his jewelry. 

Gavin, based in San Francisco, found his passengers often asked him questions about himself during the drive. When Gavin mentioned his jewelry business, his passengers would ask for a business card to learn more. Gavin took it one step further and began to wear some of the jewelery in his line such as bracelets, so his passengers could see the jewelry in person. Gavin currently has brochures in the car for his passengers to peruse during the drive. Gavin went from using Uber to pay the bills to using the service to meet and connect with potential customers for his company. Last year, between Uber and his jewelry sales, Gavin made $252,000. 

The best part, Uber is completely on board, stating it helps to fuel their mission to support local economies. 

To learn more about Gavin's story, click here. 

What do you think about Gavin's ingenuity?