Klinedinst Shareholder Bonnie L. Lutz is the recipient of the 2017 President’s Award by Southern California Veterinary Medical Association (SCVMA). The recipient of the prestigious award is chosen by the organization’s president for their dedication to SCVMA, the nation’s largest regional veterinary medical association. 

SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA – Klinedinst Shareholder Bonnie L. Lutz has been awarded the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association’s (SCVMA) 2017 President’s Award. For this prestigious honor, the SCVMA President selects an individual who has gone above and beyond in their dedication to the organization, its chapters, PAC, and other SCVMA specific programs.

Southern California Veterinary Medical Association Badge

SCVMA is a non-profit professional association and the nation’s largest regional veterinary medical association. Made up of more than 1,300 veterinarians across Southern California, it is dedicated to the advancement of animal health and the betterment of the veterinary profession.

“Bonnie is a warrior for the veterinary profession and for its professionals,” said SCVMA President Misty Hirschbein, DVM, MS, CVA. “She is in the trenches with us every day. She is a staunch supporter of our profession, a respected ally, and a savior when we are dealing with complaints filed with the veterinary medical board. She is more than deserving of this award.”

Photo of Bonnie Lutz
Bonnie L. Lutz

At the 2017 SCVMA Annual Celebration on January 28, 2017, Ms. Lutz was recognized for her unwavering contribution to the education of veterinarians and veterinary team members through her efforts in speaking and authoring articles for the veterinary profession. As an invaluable resource to the practice, she continually addresses issues impacting the veterinary profession.

Ms. Lutz has been defending veterinarians in litigation and administrative actions in addition to providing general counsel services for humane societies throughout California for nearly two decades. She has defended over 200 veterinarians in veterinary medical board actions. Ms. Lutz is an accomplished lecturer and writer and frequently speaks at conferences and seminars.

“Bonnie is a very deserving recipient of this honor,” said Peter Weinstein, DVM, MBA, Executive Director of SCVMA. ” Not only does she set aside the time to educate and advise our members, but her assistance is always accompanied by passion, a smile and a welcoming anecdote to help veterinarians and the SCVMA. On behalf of SCVMA, Bonnie Lutz is highly admired.”

Klinedinst congratulates Ms. Lutz on this very special honor. To learn more about Ms. Lutz, please visit her online biography at: https://klinedinstlaw.com/profiles/attorney/bonnie-lutz

About Klinedinst

Klinedinst has become the go-to firm for clients across California, across the West, and across the globe. Our litigators, trial attorneys, and transactional lawyers guide clients through every problem, finding solutions at every turn. The firm serves clients from offices in Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, Santa Ana, and Seattle. Whether representing businesses in court, helping negotiate transactions, or handling matters in state, federal, or appellate courts, Klinedinst attorneys help to get the job done.

Klinedinst PC has promoted Thomas Daugherty to Shareholder.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – Klinedinst PC is pleased to announce the elevation of Thomas Daugherty who has been named Shareholder in the firm for his contribution and commitment in providing the highest quality legal services.

Photo of Thomas E. Daugherty
Thomas E. Daugherty

Thomas Daugherty has extensive experience as an employment attorney and plays an important role in the firm’s Employment and Labor Group. Mr. Daugherty is dedicated to quality client service and business development and has created numerous opportunities for both professional and personal growth. Mr. Daugherty brings integrity, vigorous advocacy, and a tenacious work ethic to provide unique solutions to each and every client. He is exceedingly active in the San Diego legal and professional communities where he frequently presents on employment matters and best practices and is a also a regular contributor of the firm’s employment group newsletter. Mr. Daugherty has been honored by San Diego Super Lawyers® as a Rising Star since 2015.

Klinedinst congratulates Mr. Daugherty on his promotion. To learn more about our attorneys, please visit:

www.klinedinstlaw.com/profiles/

About Klinedinst

Klinedinst has become the go-to firm for clients across California, across the West, and across the globe. Our litigators, trial attorneys, and transactional lawyers guide clients through every problem, finding solutions at every turn. The firm serves clients from offices in Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, Santa Ana, and Seattle. Whether representing businesses in court, helping negotiate transactions, or handling matters in state, federal, or appellate courts, Klinedinst attorneys help to get the job done.

Image of Training for Employment Law
The Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) has approved Klinedinst as a Recertification Provider.  SHRM is the world’s largest HR professional society and is the leading provider of resources to HR professionals.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – Klinedinst has been named an authorized Recertification Provider by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). With this new certification, participants in educational trainings and other HR-related programs hosted by Klinedinst employment law attorneys may be eligible to receive Professional Development Credits (PDCs).

SHRM Recertification Provider BadgeSHRM is the world’s largest HR professional society, representing 285,000 members in more than 165 countries. It is the leading provider of resources, serving the needs of HR professionals and advancing the practice of human resource management. The organization provides education, thought leadership, certification, community, and advocacy to communities they serve.

“The HR profession is constantly evolving and it is critical for certified professionals to continue their education,” said Gregor Hensrude, Managing Shareholder of Klinedinst Seattle and board member of Skagit-Island Human Resource Management Association (SIHRMA). “As a SHRM provider, Klinedinst will continue to offer educational trainings to HR professionals and now award PDCs. We are absolutely committed to providing eligible recertification activities in order to support and advance the HR profession.”

As a SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP credential-holder, the firm participates in professional development activities that relate to the SHRM Body of Competency & Knowledge™ (SHRM BoCK).

For more information on SHRM, click here:

https://www.shrm.org/

And to receive Employment Law Updates from Klinedinst, please visit:

https://klinedinstlaw.com/news/employment-law/registration

About Klinedinst

Klinedinst has become the go-to firm for clients across California, across the West, and across the globe. Our litigators, trial attorneys, and transactional lawyers guide clients through every problem, finding solutions at every turn. The firm serves clients from offices in Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, Santa Ana, and Seattle. Whether representing businesses in court, helping negotiate transactions, or handling matters in state, federal, or appellate courts, Klinedinst attorneys help get the job done.

Southern California Super Lawyers® has honored Klinedinst shareholders Gregory Garbacz and Kevin Gramling in their 2017 annual list of top attorneys. The magazine highlights the “best of the best,” featuring the top 5% of practicing attorneys across Southern California.

Super Lawyers®

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – Super Lawyers® has recognized Klinedinst shareholders Gregory Garbacz and Kevin Gramling in their 2017 Southern California edition.

Photo of Greg Garbacz
Greg Garbacz, Esq.

Mr. Garbacz has been recognized for Employment and Labor in this year’s Southern California edition. Mr. Garbacz is an experienced litigator and trial attorney and is the Chief Strategy Officer of Klinedinst. He dedicates his practice to employment matters, business/class actions, professional liability/securities, and real estate/housing discrimination litigation.  Mr. Garbacz has significant experience in the courtroom, having successfully handled jury trials, court trials, contractual arbitration, and mediations to achieve success for his clients inside and outside the courtroom.

Photo of Kevin Gramling
Kevin Gramling, Esq.

Mr. Gramling, has been honored this year for Personal Injury-General: Defense. Mr. Gramling is the Managing Shareholder at the firm’s Santa Ana office and is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA).  He recently tried a high-profile case to verdict, which was featured as a Top 10 Defense Verdicts of 2016 by Courtroom View Network (CVN). Mr. Gramling has extensive experience defending transportation, product liability, premises liability, mold and indoor air quality, environmental, and construction defect claims.

“Greg and Kevin’s outstanding legal counsel and dedication to their clients have earned them this special recognition,” said John Klinedinst, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Klinedinst PC. “They are both tenacious trial attorneys and litigators who have gained the respect of their peers.”

Super Lawyers, an affiliate of Thomson Reuters, recognizes outstanding lawyers who have attained the highest degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. According to the publication, fewer than 5% of attorneys in California are named Super Lawyers.

Lawyers in good standing are asked to nominate fellow attorneys who demonstrate excellence in the legal profession. The rigorous evaluation and research phase is a patented multi-phase selection process, which includes independent research, peer nominations, and peer evaluations.

Klinedinst congratulates both attorneys on this special honor. To learn more about each, please visit:

www.klinedinstlaw.com/profiles/

And for more information on the 2017 Southern California edition of Super Lawyers, please visit:

http://attorneys.superlawyers.com/california-southern/santa-ana/

About Klinedinst

Klinedinst has become the go-to firm for clients across California, across the West, and across the globe. Our litigators, trial attorneys, and transactional lawyers guide clients through every problem, finding solutions at every turn. The firm serves clients from offices in Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, Santa Ana, and Seattle. Whether representing businesses in court, helping negotiate transactions, or handling matters in state, federal, or appellate courts, Klinedinst attorneys help get the job done.

Leader with Team
The landscape of employment legislation continues to evolve at an increasing rate. Klinedinst employment lawyer Nadia P. Bermudez hosted a webinar which offered practical guidance for employers to tackle the new laws head-on.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – Nadia P. Bermudez from Klinedinst’s Employment Group presented a special webinar on recent legislative changes impacting California employers. Klinedinst’s 2017 Employment Law Update intended to keep HR professionals and business executives up to date by offering practical guidance for addressing common issues faced by employers.

The webinar took place on February 22, 2017 at 10:00 am PST.

Nadia P. Bermudez, Esq.
Nadia P. Bermudez

Designed to keep employers informed and ahead of the curve, the presentation covered a range of critical issues. Topics included: local ordinances on minimum wage, sick leave and scheduling, updates on federal overtime exemptions, piece-rate pay, and agricultural worker overtime. The webinar also covered what employers need to know about the legalization of recreational marijuana in California.

This webinar offered 1 hour credit toward California GPHR, HRBP, HRMP, PHR and SPHR recertification through the HR Certification Institute. The webinar also provided 1 hour MCLE credit.

To receive employment news updates and information on upcoming webinars, click below:

About Klinedinst

Klinedinst has become the go-to firm for clients across California, across the West, and across the globe. Our litigators, trial attorneys, and transactional lawyers guide clients through every problem, finding solutions at every turn. The firm serves clients from offices in Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, Santa Ana, and Seattle. Whether representing businesses in court, helping negotiate transactions, or handling matters in state, federal, or appellate courts, Klinedinst attorneys help to get the job done.

San Diego Super Lawyers® has honored eleven Klinedinst attorneys in their 2017 issue. Updated annually, the magazine features Super Lawyers and up-and-coming Rising Stars that actively practice in San Diego County.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – The 2017 San Diego edition of Super Lawyers® has just been released, and a total of eleven Klinedinst attorneys have been recognized in the publication.

Each year, Super Lawyers® recognizes outstanding attorneys in major markets who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. These are attorneys who can be hired and retained by the public, such as private practice lawyers and those who provide legal aid.

Licensed lawyers in good standing are asked to nominate fellow attorneys who they believe demonstrate excellence in the legal profession. Attorneys nominated then go through a multiphase selection process, where they are thoroughly evaluated and vetted by an attorney-led review committee.

A total of four Klinedinst attorneys were featured in the 2017 San Diego Super Lawyers list. Those attorneys include (in alphabetical order):

“Being featured in the publication is tremendous,” said John Klinedinst, Founder and CEO, and one of the honorees for 2017. “Because the publication is reviewed and evaluated by our peers, it carries added weight and importance.” In fact, according to Super Lawyers, fewer than 5% of attorneys in California are ever featured in the magazine.

Super Lawyers also publishes San Diego Rising Stars, designed to feature exceptional younger attorneys in San Diego County. Four Klinedinst attorneys were featured in the 2017 San Diego Rising Stars list, including:

This is the third year in a row that San Diego Rising Stars has featured Mr. Agle and Mr. Daugherty.

Klinedinst congratulates these eleven attorneys on this special recognition. To learn more about each, please visit:
www.klinedinstlaw.com/profiles/

And for more information on the 2017 San Diego edition of Super Lawyers, please visit:
attorneys.superlawyers.com/california/san-diego/

About Klinedinst

Klinedinst has become the go-to firm for clients across California, across the West, and across the globe. Our litigators, trial attorneys, and transactional lawyers guide clients through every problem, finding solutions at every turn. The firm serves clients from offices in Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, Santa Ana, and Seattle. Whether representing businesses in court, helping negotiate transactions, or handling matters in state, federal, or appellate courts, Klinedinst attorneys help get the job done.

Aoki jumping into raft during 2012 concert
In this image presented during trial, DJ Steve Aoki jumped onto a raft during a concert in 2012 at the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – A successful trial result by Kevin Gramling and Ernest Weiss in a high-profile case involving celebrity DJ Steve Aoki was recently featured as a Top 10 Defense Verdicts of 2016 by Courtroom View Network (CVN).

Top 10
Klinedinst Attorneys Featured in Top 10 Defense Verdicts for 2016

In Hickman v. Hard Rock Hotel San Diego, the Hard Rock Hotel was sued by a concertgoer who claimed injuries when Aoki launched himself off a stage at a 2012 concert. Security footage reviewed at trial showed Aoki launching an inflatable boat into the crowd, climbing up a truss around the stage, and jumping from about 20 feet into the raft. The plaintiff argued the stunt caused a traumatic brain injury, a broken neck, and other injuries, and that the hotel should have known that Aoki may perform such a stunt based on past concerts. Plaintiff’s counsel asked the jury to award her $10.7 million.

The trial attracted significant media exposure, given the involvement of Aoki, a popular American “electro house” musician, record producer, and music executive. As recently as 2012, Pollstar named Aoki the highest grossing dance artist in North America from touring. Aoki’s concerts attract thousands of fans at every venue.

Even with the celebrity’s involvement, Klinedinst shareholders Kevin Gramling and Ernest Weiss zeroed in on their main argument: that the hotel was not liable for the actions of others, and that it had no prior warning or notice that Aoki would perform the stunt. In the end, the California jury deliberated for about 35 minutes before returning a defense verdict in favor of the Hard Rock Hotel.  Hard Rock Hotel was able to recover over $100,000 in costs from the plaintiff.

As CVN described the case, “Hard Rock’s attorneys faced off against a well-established California personal injury firm that devoted substantial resources to the trial, but their defense win earns the case the number 6 slot on our list for 2016.”  Plaintiff was represented by lead counsel John Gomez, with assistance from Jeremiah Lowe and Jessica Sizemore of Gomez Trial Attorneys.

“What they achieved was nothing short of a terrific result,” noted John Klinedinst, CEO and Founder of Klinedinst PC. “To be able to work under this type of celebrity microscope, while successfully arguing on behalf of their hospitality client, is a true testament to their skill as trial lawyers. They absolutely deserve the accolade, and we are very proud of their result.”

Klinedinst congratulates Mr. Gramling and Mr. Weiss for making the Top 10 of Defense Verdicts of 2016 in this high-profile case.  For more information on Mr. Gramling, please visit:

KevinGramling.com

And for more information on Mr. Weiss, click on:

ErnestWeiss.com

About Klinedinst

Klinedinst has become the go-to firm for clients across California, across the West, and across the globe. Our litigators, trial attorneys, and transactional lawyers guide clients through every problem, finding solutions at every turn. The firm serves clients from offices in Los AngelesSacramentoSan DiegoSanta Ana, and Seattle. Whether representing businesses in court, helping negotiate transactions, or handling matters in state, federal, or appellate courts, Klinedinst attorneys help get the job done.

Klinedinst Founder and CEO John D. Klinedinst was honored in San Diego Business Journal's List of 500 Influential Business Leaders for his legal skills and leadership. The list features business leaders in San Diego who make things happen.
Klinedinst Founder and CEO John D. Klinedinst has been featured in the San Diego Business Journal’s San Diego 500, a list of influential business leaders in the region positively contributing to the local economy by making things happen.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – Klinedinst is pleased to announce Founder and Chief Executive Officer John D. Klinedinst has been recognized and honored in San Diego Business Journal‘s (SDBJ) San Diego 500: The Book of Influential Business Leaders.

John Klinedinst
John D. Klinedinst

Honorees featured in the San Diego 500 encompass a wide range of industries, including defense, manufacturing, service providers, financial and technology firms, life sciences, and real estate companies.

“The San Diego 500 is an essential tool for doing business in San Diego,” said Nels Jensen, Editor-in-Chief of San Diego Business Journal. “The 500 includes people who have built and are leading successful companies, creating jobs and driving our economy. John Klinedinst is recognized as a leader in the legal and business communities. He’s someone worth knowing if you are doing business in San Diego.”

Mr. Klinedinst founded the firm in 1983, and focuses his practice on resolving  professional liability, business litigation, and intellectual property disputes. In addition to naming him Best of the Bar (2014) for his litigation and trial work, the San Diego Business Journal has named Mr. Klinedinst a Finalist or Winner of its Most Admired CEO award five times since 2008.

“To be featured alongside such respected entrepreneurs and thought leaders is a real honor,” said Klinedinst. “I am proud of our robust team that has contributed to the success of the firm, and thank our team members for all of their efforts in being a positive force for change in our community.”

San Diego Business Journal delivers the market’s most complete package of business news and information on San Diego County’s companies, industries and business people. The publication’s Lists provide comprehensive data and statistics on top-ranked San Diego companies and individuals across all industries.

Klinedinst PC congratulates Mr. Klinedinst on his being named to the San Diego 500. To learn more about Mr. Klinedinst, please visit:

https://klinedinstlaw.com/profiles/attorney/john-klinedinst

About Klinedinst

Klinedinst has become the go-to firm for clients across California, across the West, and across the globe. Our litigators, trial attorneys, and transactional lawyers guide clients through every problem, finding solutions at every turn. The firm serves clients from offices in Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, Santa Ana, and Seattle. Whether representing businesses in court, helping negotiate transactions, or handling matters in state, federal, or appellate courts, Klinedinst attorneys help to get the job done.

Photo of Klinedinst Holiday
Klinedinst PC has announced its commitment as National Corporate Donor with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots Program for 2016. Last year, Toys for Tots collected and distributed 18 million toys across all 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – Klinedinst PC has announced its support as a National Corporate Donor for Toys for Tots for the 2016 holiday season.

Toys for Tots
Klinedinst re-enlists as National Corporate Donor for 2016 Toys for Tots program.

Toys for Tots, a national program managed by the United States Marine Corps Reserve, delivers new, unopened presents to disadvantaged children.

Last year, Toys for Tots distributed over 18 million toys to 7 million children. Toys for Tots was active in 782 communities, bringing holiday cheer to kids across all fifty states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

“2016 will mark our firm’s seventh consecutive year with Toys for Tots” said Arthur S. Moreau, COO and Shareholder of Klinedinst PC. “Klinedinst supports the foundation on behalf of our clients, our employees, and our stakeholders. We truly are proud to be working with a program that brings holiday cheer to millions of children every year.”

Toys for Tots was first established in 1947, when it distributed 5,000 toys to children in need that winter. In the decades since its founding, Toys for Tots has grown into a respected charity that delivers millions of presents to children every year. In 2015, Toys for Tots provided over $250 million in toys and other gifts.

According to Charity Navigator, 96.4% of all donations go directly toward Toys for Tots’ goal of providing gifts, books, and toys to the estimated 15 million children living in poverty This low overhead is why the Chronicles of Philanthropy continues to list Toys for Tots as a top charity. The BBB Wise Giving Alliance has also recognized the efforts of Toys for Tots.

To learn more about Toys for Tots, or to discover how you can participate in spreading some holiday cheer, please visit:

www.ToysforTots.org

 

About Klinedinst

Klinedinst has become the go-to firm for clients across California, across the West, and across the globe. Our litigators, trial attorneys, and transactional lawyers guide clients through every problem, finding solutions at every turn. The firm serves clients from offices in Los AngelesSacramentoSan DiegoSanta Ana, and Seattle. Whether representing businesses in court, helping negotiate transactions, or handling matters in state, federal, or appellate courts, Klinedinst attorneys help to get the job done.

On November 22, 2016, a federal judge in Texas effectively blocked the U.S. Department of Labor from implementing its long-awaited overtime rules. Employers across the country who had been planning for the new rules to go into effect December 1st now find themselves maintaining the status quo, unsure of when the rules will (if ever) be enacted.  

Just days before Thanksgiving, a federal judge in Texas entered a nationwide injunction blocking the U.S. Department of Labor (“DOL”) from implementing its long-awaited overtime exemption rules. The rules, originally scheduled to go into effect December 1, 2016, set new salary minimums for exemption from overtime requirements that are nearly double the current limits as required by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

These new rules were published months ago, and had been on the radar for many public and private employers. However, with the Texas injunction impacting employers across the country, and a new administration set to take office in January, employers are now left wondering what will happen to the rules they had spent months preparing for.

The DOL’s new overtime rules have been a source of contention from the very beginning. In addition to private employers, state and local governments have been vocal in expressing how the new rules would dramatically increase employment costs. Twenty-one states had filed an emergency motion in October of 2016, asking that the rule be halted claiming that the DOL had exceeded its authority.

Judge Amos Mazzant from the U.S. District Court of Texas agreed with the merits of the argument, writing of his desire to preserve “the status quo while the court determines the [DOL’s] authority to make the final rule as well as the rule’s validity.”

Employers now enter a holding pattern while the preliminary injunction remains in effect. The new rules could still be implemented later down the road, and employers will likely want to leave any payroll decisions that they have made to comply with the new rules in place. However, given the fact that the Executive and Legislative branches will be under new management in January, 2017, only time will tell if these new federal rules will ever go into effect.

For its part, the DOL is reviewing all its options. “We strongly disagree with the decision by the court, which has the effect of delaying a fair day’s pay for a long day’s work for millions of hardworking Americans,” the agency said in a statement.

As usual, California will chart its own course on the exemption issue in the following year.  Effective January 1, 2017, California’s minimum wage will increase to $10.50 an hour for employers with 26 or more employees.  California’s salary basis test for exempt employees is tied directly to the state’s minimum wage and exempt employees must earn at least twice the state’s minimum wage for full-time employment.  This means that for some employees of larger employers, exempt employees must earn an annual salary of $43,680 ($10.50 per hour x 2 x 40 hours per week x 52 weeks per year).  This change would have been rendered moot by the new federal overtime rules, which set a higher salary.  California employers, however, now need to follow the state salary test for the exemptions.

Klinedinst will keep you posted on future developments. Be sure to register for Employment Law Updates to ensure you stay ahead as this story unfolds.

About Klinedinst

Klinedinst has become the go-to firm for clients across California, across the West, and across the globe. Our litigators, trial attorneys, and transactional lawyers guide clients through every problem, finding solutions at every turn. The firm serves clients from offices in Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, Santa Ana, and Seattle. Whether representing businesses in court, helping negotiate transactions, or handling matters in state, federal, or appellate courts, Klinedinst attorneys help to get the job done.