Klinedinst PC

Featured in Apartment Age, Imbar Sagi-Lebowitz offers practical legal guidance on discrimination, wage disputes, and workplace compliance in multifamily housing.

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LOS ANGELES, CA – Klinedinst PC  Senior Counsel Imbar Sagi-Lebowitz was featured in the October edition of Digital Apartment Age Magazine. Her article takes a deep dive into one of the most pressing challenges facing California landlords and property management companies today: wage and hour lawsuits involving resident managers.

Under California law, properties with 16 or more units must have a responsible person living on-site, usually in the role of a resident manager. While straightforward on the surface, this requirement has led to significant disputes when landlords fail to implement agreements that meet the state’s strict labor code standards. With penalties available under the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) – as well as exposure to attorneys’ fees – even a single claim can result in judgments reaching millions of dollars.

Drawing on her extensive experience in labor and employment law, Ms. Sagi-Lebowitz provides landlords and management companies with a practical roadmap for minimizing risk. She highlights the importance of carefully drafted agreements that clearly define duties, work hours, wage payments, sick leave, and rental credits. Just as critical are accurate wage statements that reflect hours worked, compensation, reimbursements, and rent allocations, since these details can serve as a strong defense against costly claims.

While no agreement can fully eliminate risk, Ms. Sagi-Lebowitz emphasizes that proactive, compliance-focused policies can significantly reduce exposure to litigation. Her insights offer property owners and managers the tools they need to stay ahead of potential disputes and protect their investments.

 Click here to learn more about Klinedinst PC Senior Counsel, Imbar Sagi-Lebowitz.

To read the full article from Klinedinst PC Senior Counsel, Imbar Sagi-Lebowitz, on page 48 of October’s release Digital Apartment Age Magazine, click here.

About Klinedinst

Klinedinst PC is the go-to firm for clients looking for litigation and trial experience, sophisticated transactional advice, and other solution-oriented legal counsel. Providing legal services across the West, our attorneys are dedicated to fostering trusted relationships with each and every client, to help them achieve their individual goals and objectives. Klinedinst lawyers strive to serve as true business partners, always at the ready to address the legal challenges that businesses are confronted with every day. Whether in court, at the board meeting, or otherwise, KPC is the trusted legal advisor to have by your side.

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Klinedinst PC Expands Into Artificial Intelligence Law With New AI Practice Group Co-Chaired by James D. Snyder and Joshua B. Heiman.

SAN DIEGO, CA – Klinedinst PC has launched a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) Practice Group, appointing James D. Snyder and Joshua B. Heiman as its co-chairs. This initiative highlights the firm’s commitment to helping clients navigate the legal challenges and opportunities brought by the rapid adoption of AI technologies.

“The formation of our AI Practice Group reflects our proactive approach to an evolving legal landscape,” said John D. Klinedinst, CEO and Shareholder of Klinedinst PC. “With James and Joshua leading the group, we are confident in delivering comprehensive, risk-based counsel that meets the interdisciplinary demands of AI. With AI technology fully infiltrating not only the legal community, but all industries on a global scale, it is imperative that we have a dedicated team in place to address our clients’ needs in this space.”

About The Co-Chairs

James D. Snyder, a Shareholder at Klinedinst PC and Chair of the Transactional Practice Group, brings deep experience in business transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and data privacy. He has guided startups and established enterprises through licensing, finance, corporate structuring, and intellectual property issues. Mr. Snyder is recognized for steering clients through complex regulations, including AI regulation, GDPR and CCPA compliance, and for managing international acquisition integrations.

Joshua B. Heiman, Counsel in the San Diego office, is a Certified Information Privacy Professional with extensive knowledge of AI regulation, data privacy, and technology law. He has advised Fortune 500 companies on GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA, and other regulatory frameworks, with expertise spanning software licensing, privacy compliance, intellectual property, and litigation.

Practice Group Focus

The AI Practice Group will help clients by:

• Conducting AI risk assessments and compliance audits
• Drafting and negotiating AI-related contracts
• Developing governance policies and ethical guidelines
• Advising on IP, data privacy, and consumer protection
• Representing clients in AI-related disputes and investigations

By combining legal expertise with forward-looking strategies, Klinedinst PC’s AI Practice Group is positioned to help clients embrace innovation while minimizing risk.

The firm looks forward to guiding organizations as they integrate AI into their business operations with confidence and compliance.

Learn more about Klinedinst PC’s AI Practice Group here.

About Klinedinst

Klinedinst is the go-to firm for clients looking for litigation, trial experience, transactional representation, and legal counsel. The firm’s offices in Irvine, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Sacramento, San Diego, and Seattle service clients across the West, handling matters in California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona. What sets Klinedinst apart is the relationship our attorneys foster with each and every client. Klinedinst lawyers are indispensable strategic partners to business leaders, helping to achieve business objectives and create proactive solutions to resolve the many legal challenges that businesses are confronted with every day. Whether vigorously advocating for business clients in court, or guiding business transactions and negotiations, Klinedinst is the trusted legal advisor to have by your side.

Klinedinst PC expands in 2025 by welcoming 21 new attorneys so far this year, further enhancing its litigation, transactional, and trial capabilities across the West. Read about the firm’s latest growth.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – At Klinedinst PC, we’re growing stronger than ever. Since the start of 2025, we have added more than 21 talented attorneys across our offices in Irvine, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Sacramento, San Diego, and Seattle. This expansion strengthens our reach throughout California, Washington, Arizona, and Nevada, reflecting the trust our clients place in us and the momentum we continue to build together, and where our clients benefit from a team dedicated to excellence at every level. 

Growth Driven by Client Success 

Our growth is directly tied to the success of our clients. By navigating complex challenges in state, federal, and appellate courts with precision, we reinforce our commitment to excellence. That commitment propels our expansion and motivates us to deliver even greater results. 

Attorneys Joining Klinedinst PC 

 Irvine: 

· Matthew Van Fleet – Senior Counsel 

· George Beckett – Associate 

· Tiffany Nolet – Associate 

 
Las Vegas: 

· Darren Brenner – Shareholder 

· Joseph Coronel – Associate 

Los Angeles: 

· Morgan Acevedo – Associate 
 

Phoenix: 

· Grace Sluga – Associate 

Sacramento: 

· Thomas Agawa – Senior Counsel 

· Emily Allyn – Associate 

San Diego: 

· Austin Evans – Sr. Counsel 

· Joshua Heiman – Counsel 

· Dorota Poplawska – Counsel 

· Suzanne Schmidt – Counsel 

· Anthony Bareno – Associate 

· Clark Cressman – Associate 

· Amy Mullen – Associate 

· Robert Shawhan – Associate 

 

Seattle: 

· Mary DePaolo Haddad – Shareholder 

· Jack Bishop – Associate 

· Rafael Bultz – Associate 

· Abby Jiang – Associate 

A Culture of Excellence 

Beyond case results, Klinedinst has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Best Law Firms to Work For in both 2024 and 2025. The firm’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion creates a collaborative culture where attorneys thrive and clients benefit from a team dedicated to excellence at every level. 

Learn More 

We are proud to welcome these accomplished attorneys to the Klinedinst. To learn more about their backgrounds, expertise, and practice focus, we invite you to explore each attorney’s bio on our website.

About Klinedinst

Klinedinst is the go-to firm for clients looking for litigation, trial experience, transactional representation, and legal counsel. The firm’s offices in Irvine, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Sacramento, San Diego, and Seattle service clients across the West, handling matters in California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona. What sets Klinedinst apart is the relationship our attorneys foster with each and every client. Klinedinst lawyers are indispensable strategic partners to business leaders, helping to achieve business objectives and create proactive solutions to resolve the many legal challenges that businesses are confronted with every day. Whether vigorously advocating for business clients in court, or guiding business transactions and negotiations, Klinedinst is the trusted legal advisor to have by your side.

Klinedinst PC’s Teresa Beck joins top legal minds across the U.S. as an Executive Council member of the National Conference of Bar Presidents.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA –– Klinedinst PC is proud to announce that Shareholder Teresa Beck has been elected as an At-Large Member of the Executive Council for the National Conference of Bar Presidents (NCBP). This national honor reflects her long-standing commitment to advancing the legal profession and supporting leadership across the legal community.

The National Conference of Bar Presidents brings together past, present, and future leaders of bar associations throughout the United States. Affiliated with the American Bar Association, the organization serves as a collaborative forum focused on strengthening the rule of law, improving access to justice, and identifying innovative solutions to challenges facing the legal industry.

As an At-Large Member of the Executive Council, Teresa will play a key role in shaping the NCBP’s strategic direction and helping guide policy decisions that support bar leadership nationwide. Members of the Executive Council are selected based on their professional experience, leadership contributions, and commitment to elevating the legal profession.

Teresa currently serves as Co-Managing Shareholder of Klinedinst PC and is based in the firm’s San Diego and Irvine offices. She focuses her practice on employment law, professional liability, and business litigation, and is also widely known for her mentorship, DEIB advocacy, and dedication to attorney development.

Klinedinst is proud to support Teresa in this national leadership position and congratulates her on this significant accomplishment. Her election reflects the firm’s broader mission to support innovation, service, and leadership throughout the legal profession.

Click here to learn more about Teresa Beck and her work at Klinedinst PC.

About Klinedinst

Klinedinst PC is the go-to firm for clients looking for litigation and trial experience, sophisticated transactional advice, and other solution-oriented legal counsel. Providing legal services across the West, our attorneys are dedicated to fostering trusted relationships with each and every client, to help them achieve their individual goals and objectives. Klinedinst lawyers strive to serve as true business partners, always at the ready to address the legal challenges that businesses are confronted with every day. Whether in court, at the board meeting, or otherwise, KPC is the trusted legal advisor to have by your side.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – Klinedinst PC is proud to announce the relocation of its Seattle office to Puget Sound Plaza, a 21-story architectural landmark located at 1325 Fourth Avenue, Suite 1335, in the heart of downtown.

Situated just steps from the U.S. District Court and King County Superior Court, the new location offers immediate proximity to the region’s primary courthouses, and being within 10 miles of Bellevue, Kirkland, and SEA-TAC Airport, the office places Klinedinst at the center of legal, business, and governmental activity. This proximity helps ensure clients receive timely support in litigation, regulatory matters, and strategic advisory services.

Designed with input from world-renowned architect Minoru Yamasaki, Puget Sound Plaza blends architectural legacy with forward-thinking function.

With dedicated areas for client meetings, flexible collaboration zones, and secure digital infrastructure, the space supports our efforts to provide the highest standards of service whether in person or across a secure virtual environment. The layout enables seamless coordination among teams and provides a welcoming, professional setting for clients navigating complex legal matters.

With this relocation, Klinedinst Seattle is not only embracing an architecturally significant space – we are our physical presence with the firm’s commitment to innovation, excellence, and unwavering client service.

To learn more about the Klinedinst Seattle team and explore the new downtown location, visit: klinedinstlaw.com/seattle

About Klinedinst

Klinedinst PC is the go-to firm for clients looking for litigation and trial experience, sophisticated transactional advice, and other solution-oriented legal counsel. Providing legal services across the West, our attorneys are dedicated to fostering trusted relationships with each and every client, to help them achieve their individual goals and objectives. Klinedinst lawyers strive to serve as true business partners, always at the ready to address the legal challenges that businesses are confronted with every day. Whether in court, at the board meeting, or otherwise, KPC is the trusted legal advisor to have by your side.

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Klinedinst PC is preparing future legal leaders through our immersive 2025 Summer Law Clerk Program focused on litigation, research, trial preparation, and more.

SAN DIEGO, CA – Klinedinst PC is proud to welcome seven outstanding law students to its 2025 Summer Law Clerk Program, a key initiative in the firm’s commitment to shaping the next generation of legal professionals.

Designed to provide meaningful, hands-on experience, the Summer Law Clerk Program allows law students to work alongside seasoned attorneys and mentors across a range of key practice areas, including litigation, business law, and professional liability.

A Summer of Real-World Legal Experience

Throughout the program, clerks will take part in active client matters, conducting legal research, drafting motions, assisting in trial preparation, and participating in client interactions. The experience is designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and legal practice, giving students the opportunity to contribute to ongoing cases and gain valuable insight into the legal profession.

Please Join Us in Welcoming Our 2025 Summer Law Clerks:

• Landi Eskandar
• Miranda Glisson
• Sukhi Johal
• Madelyne Kobzeff
• Jade Kouretchian
• Alexis Padilla
• Isabelle Smith

These talented individuals were selected for their academic excellence, drive, and potential to become future leaders in the legal community. Klinedinst is proud to be part of their professional journey.

Investing in the Future of Law

The Summer Law Clerk Program is more than just a summer job. It’s an opportunity to gain real-world exposure and build meaningful connections with practicing attorneys. It reflects Klinedinst’s ongoing dedication to mentorship, professional development, and excellence in legal education.

The firm looks forward to an exciting and productive summer filled with learning, collaboration, and growth.

About Klinedinst

Klinedinst is the go-to firm for clients looking for litigation, trial experience, transactional representation, and legal counsel. The firm’s offices in Irvine, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Sacramento, San Diego, and Seattle service clients across the West, handling matters in California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona. What sets Klinedinst apart is the relationship our attorneys foster with each and every client. Klinedinst lawyers are indispensable strategic partners to business leaders, helping to achieve business objectives and create proactive solutions to resolve the many legal challenges that businesses are confronted with every day. Whether vigorously advocating for business clients in court, or guiding business transactions and negotiations, Klinedinst is the trusted legal advisor to have by your side.

Klinedinst PC’s Bonnie Lutz awarded for her legal advocacy and dedication to the veterinary and animal welfare community.

IRVINE, CALIFORNIA – When over 500 veterinarians across California have trusted you with their careers, people take notice. That’s exactly why Bonnie Lutz, Shareholder at Klinedinst PC, was honored with the prestigious Ginny Grant Award by the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association (SCVMA), recognizing her as one of the most influential legal voices in veterinary medicine today. This award recognizes her outstanding contributions to the advancement of veterinary medicine and her long-standing commitment to educating the public on responsible pet ownership.

With more than two decades of legal experience, Ms. Lutz has become a leading authority in veterinary and animal welfare law. Based in the firm’s Irvine office, her practice focuses on defending veterinarians in civil litigation and administrative actions. She also provides general counsel to numerous humane societies across California. Her deep expertise in the California Veterinary Medicine Practice Act and related regulations has made her a trusted resource throughout the veterinary community.

Prior to her legal career, Ms. Lutz worked as a public health microbiologist for the Orange County Health Department and owned a medical device manufacturing company. This unique professional background has shaped her ability to bridge the legal, medical, and public health worlds—making her an exceptional advocate for veterinarians and animal welfare organizations alike.

Throughout her career, Ms. Lutz has defended over 500 veterinarians before the Veterinary Medical Board. She is also a sought-after lecturer and educator, regularly speaking at events hosted by SCVMA, CVMA, VetPartners, and law schools. Her written work has appeared in publications such as The Pulse, California Veterinarian, and Veterinary Economics, and she has been featured in Sheltering Magazine for her expertise in humane society law. She also serves on the advisory committee for the National Canine Research Council.

The Ginny Grant Award is a reflection of Ms. Lutz’s tireless efforts to support the veterinary profession through legal advocacy, public education, and professional development. Her work has strengthened the legal protections for veterinary professionals and improved outcomes for animals and pet owners across the state.

About Klinedinst

Klinedinst is the go-to firm for clients looking for litigation, trial experience, transactional representation, and legal counsel. The firm’s offices in Irvine, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, and Seattle service clients across the West, handling matters in California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona. What sets Klinedinst apart is the relationship our attorneys foster with each and every client. Klinedinst lawyers are indispensable strategic partners to business leaders, helping to achieve business objectives and create proactive solutions to resolve the many legal challenges that businesses are confronted with every day.  Whether vigorously advocating for business clients in court, or guiding business transactions and negotiations, Klinedinst is the trusted legal advisor to have by your side.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – This year marks a remarkable milestone for Klinedinst PC: 42 years of delivering exceptional legal service to clients across the Western United States.

From the beginning, our mission has been simple: provide results-driven legal representation with a focus on integrity, responsiveness, and excellence. Over the past four decades, that mission has guided every practice group, every office, and every attorney within the firm. Today, Klinedinst is proud to be a multi-state law firm with deep experience in litigation, trial advocacy, transactional law, appellate matters, and general counsel services.

This 42-year journey has been shaped not only by our legal skill but by our core values: collaboration, diversity, equity, inclusion, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. These values have helped foster a culture where attorneys thrive, clients feel heard, and solutions are both delivered, and anticipated.

As we reflect on the past four decades, we are proud of the results we’ve achieved, but even more excited for what lies ahead. Legal needs continue to evolve, and so do we. Klinedinst remains committed to staying ahead of legal trends, investing in our people, and ensuring that each client receives the highest level of service, no matter the size or industry.

We thank our clients, colleagues, and community partners for their trust and support over the years. Your success is our success.

Here’s to 42 years of leadership, service, and results – and to the future we’ll build together.

About Klinedinst

Klinedinst PC is the go-to firm for clients looking for litigation and trial experience, sophisticated transactional advice, and other solution-oriented legal counsel. Providing legal services across the West, our attorneys are dedicated to fostering trusted relationships with each and every client, to help them achieve their individual goals and objectives. Klinedinst lawyers strive to serve as true business partners, always at the ready to address the legal challenges that businesses are confronted with every day. Whether in court, at the board meeting, or otherwise, KPC is the trusted legal advisor to have by your side.

By Matthew Batista

New FinCEN rule eases CTA reporting for U.S. firms. Foreign companies must act by April 21. Here are new key compliance insights.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – In our last client alert on March 11, 2025, we noted that the Department of Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) was considering yet another policy change concerning the Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”) and the requirements of reporting companies to report on their beneficial ownership.

As of March 21, 2025, FINCEN indeed promulgated a new interim final rule (“Interim Rule”), which now largely exempts all domestic entities from their CTA reporting requirements. Entities formed outside of the U.S., though doing business in the U.S., and thus generally required to register to do business in the U.S. jurisdictions where such entities are in fact doing business, must still file CTA Beneficial Ownership Information Reports (“BOIRs”). If such foreign entities were formed prior to March 21, 2025, such entities must file their BOIRs within thirty (30) days, thus no later than April 21, 2025.

Foreign entities formed after March 21, 2025 must file within thirty (30) days of formation. However, in either case for such foreign reporting entities, BOIRs concerning U.S. beneficial owners are not required to be reported on, only such entities’ foreign beneficial owners.

Klinedinst PC will continue to monitor the CTA and news from FinCEN, along with CTA related litigation that may affect the compliance requirements for our clients. If you have any questions or comments regarding the CTA and BOIRs, you are encouraged to reach out and consult with counsel.

To learn more about the CTA, or to contact a member of the transaction team, please visit:

klinedinstlaw.com/practice/corporate-transparency-act

Note

This update on the CTA is provided as-is and does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied upon as such. You are encouraged to consult with your attorney with any questions.

About Klinedinst

Klinedinst is the go-to firm for clients looking for litigation, trial experience, transactional representation, and legal counsel. The firm’s offices in Irvine, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, and Seattle service clients across the West, handling matters in California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona. What sets Klinedinst apart is the relationship our attorneys foster with each and every client. Klinedinst lawyers are indispensable strategic partners to business leaders, helping to achieve business objectives and create proactive solutions to resolve the many legal challenges that businesses are confronted with every day.  Whether vigorously advocating for business clients in court, or guiding business transactions and negotiations, Klinedinst is the trusted legal advisor to have by your side.

By Matthew Batista

FinCEN to Revise CTA Rules by March 21, 2025 – Beneficial ownership reporting requirements could change again, potentially easing compliance for U.S. entities. Here are the latest updates.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) has been a hot topic in the legal industry since its enactment in 2021. However, ongoing legal challenges and shifting regulations have made compliance a moving target for law firms and businesses alike.

The Corporate Transparency Act – The Corporate Transparency Act (the “CTA”) was originally enacted in 2021 to combat and prevent various financial crimes and illicit activities in the U.S. by requiring most entities operating in the country to report on both their beneficial ownership and on those who exert significant control over an entity and its operations. Most entities were or are required to file beneficial ownership information reports (“BOIRs”) in either 2024 or 2025, but the CTA has continued to experience legal and regulatory shifts, causing confusion for reporting entities. This client alert serves to update our clients on the present status of the CTA and BOIRs.

Recent Regulatory Changes

January 23, 2025 – Supreme Court Lifts CTA Injunction: As of January 22, 2025, a nationwide injunction had been in place against the CTA and its enforcement. On January 23, 2025, however, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Federal Government may enforce the CTA.

January 24, 2025 – BOIRs are Optional per FinCEN: On January 24, 2025, while considering the Supreme Court’s ruling and in light of a separate nationwide injunction regarding the CTA that remained in effect, the Department of Treasury’s (the “Treasury”) Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) issued guidance that CTA BOIRs were merely optional filings for the time being.

February 18 and 19, 2025 – Lifting of Injunction; Extension of BOIR Timeline: As of February 18, 2025, the remaining nationwide injunction was lifted, clearing the way for enforcement of the CTA, once again requiring BOIRs from reporting companies, and extending the reporting deadline to March 21, 2025 for most entities.

February 27, 2025 & March 2, 2025 – Treasury/FinCEN Enforcement Suspension: However, as of February 27, 2025 (for FinCEN) and March 2, 2025 (for the Treasury), the Treasury and FinCEN announced that such entities would not enforce the CTA or impose any penalties for CTA non-compliance. Further, each entity noted that a revised rule would be introduced by March 21, 2025, which is also currently the extended BOIR reporting deadline, which intends to restrict BOIRs to foreign entities operating in the U.S. only, in order to ease the burden on U.S. small businesses and U.S. citizens.

General Status and Recommendations

Present Status: Presently, there is no nationwide injunction legally preventing enforcement of the CTA. However, given the most recent guidance from the Treasury and FinCEN, the CTA and BOIRs will not be enforced by the March 21, 2025 extended BOIR deadline, and instead, a new, more limited rule will be introduced by such date, which will likely also include a further extended reporting deadline.

Stay Informed, Be Prepared: Given the contradictory rulings and guidance along with other continued legal challenges, the best thing entities can do is to say informed and be prepared to comply with the CTA and to file BOIRs if needed. Our attorneys at Klinedinst PC can help you navigate your unique situation relative to the CTA and BOIRs.

Note

This update on the CTA is provided as-is and does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied upon as such. You are encouraged to consult with your attorney with any questions.

About Klinedinst

Klinedinst is the go-to firm for clients looking for litigation, trial experience, transactional representation, and legal counsel. The firm’s offices in Irvine, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, and Seattle service clients across the West, handling matters in California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona. What sets Klinedinst apart is the relationship our attorneys foster with each and every client. Klinedinst lawyers are indispensable strategic partners to business leaders, helping to achieve business objectives and create proactive solutions to resolve the many legal challenges that businesses are confronted with every day.  Whether vigorously advocating for business clients in court, or guiding business transactions and negotiations, Klinedinst is the trusted legal advisor to have by your side.