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 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.

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.

Klinedinst PC is proud to sponsor the Disability Rights Legal Center 41st Annual FDR Dinner on November 17, 2016. DRLC’s annual award event honors businesses and individuals that have gone above and beyond in furthering disability rights and inclusion.
Klinedinst PC was proud to sponsor the Disability Rights Legal Center’s 41st Annual FDR Dinner on November 17, 2016. DRLC’s annual award event honors businesses and individuals that have gone above and beyond in furthering disability rights and inclusion.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – Klinedinst PC was a proud sponsor of the Disability Rights Legal Center 41st Annual FDR Dinner on November 17, 2016. The event took place at the Omni Hotel California Plaza, and honored the efforts of leaders in the sports, entertainment, civil liberties, and business communities in championing disability rights.

The Disability Rights Legal Center (DRLC) is a nonprofit organization that supports the rights of people with disabilities through education, advocacy and litigation. The DRLC strives to set the standard for the enforcement of disability rights and in educating the public that “access is equality.” The organization advocates for people with physical disabilities, emotional and mental health disabilities, terminal illness, and children and students with disabilities.

“For forty-one years, DRLC has stood for the inclusion and fair treatment of those with disabilities, and we are deeply grateful to those organizations who have chosen to stand with us,” said Maronel Barajas, Managing Attorney of DRLC. “We view our annual Franklin D. Roosevelt Dinner as an opportunity to show our appreciation for the community of advocates whose excellent work helps create a better society for all of us. Through their support of this event… the team at Klinedinst has upheld our mission to, in FDR’s words, ‘make a country in which no one is left out.'”

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 employment attorney Thomas Daugherty addressed the San Diego Regional Chamber on November 16, 2016. Mr. Daugherty gave a year-end review on employment laws in a presentation to the Chamber’s Education & Workforce Development Committee. 

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA– Klinedinst employment attorney Thomas E. Daugherty presented an employment law update to San Diego Regional Chamber’s Education & Workforce Development Committee on November 16, 2016.

Photo of Thomas E. Daugherty
Thomas E. Daugherty

The Department of Labor’s new rules become effective December 1, 2016. It is imperative for employers to familiarize themselves with the overtime exemption rule, the California Fair Pay Act, the Equal Pay Act, and many more new laws. In the employment law update, Mr. Daugherty reviewed the new rules and offered guidance for implementing them successfully.

Mr. Daugherty litigates and counsels clients in employment law, professional liability, and commercial litigation. He regularly counsels employers on best practices, policies and multifaceted human resources issues and keeps clients up-to-date on new developments in California and federal employment law.

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.

Klinedinst has been on the forefront of advancing diversity through their continued efforts and commitment to the legal community. The Earl B. Gilliam Foundation recognizes Klinedinst  for its dedication with the Corporate Commitment to Diversity award.
The Earl B. Gilliam Bar Foundation is dedicated to the advancement of underrepresented individuals in the legal profession. Their Corporate Commitment to Diversity Award honors Klinedinst for its continued efforts to promote diversity in the legal and business community.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – The Earl B. Gilliam Bar Foundation has honored Klinedinst PC with its 2016 Corporate Commitment to Diversity Award.

The Corporate Commitment to Diversity Award annually honors law firms for their continuing efforts to advance diversity in the legal community. Earl B. Gilliam Bar Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to representing the interests of the African American legal community in San Diego County for over forty years. The Foundation provides scholarships and support for law students and African American legal professionals, and has done much to assist San Diego County attorneys in the advancement of their legal careers.

“In these times where so much negative rhetoric has been used to divide and exclude, it is vitally important that we come together to promote inclusion and support persons and groups that have been traditionally excluded and underrepresented,” said Joy Utomi, President of the Foundation. “The Earl B. Gilliam Bar Foundation’s Corporate Diversity award honors firms and companies that show a commitment to supporting the advancement of minorities and women in the legal profession. Klinedinst has shown that commitment and we are proud to recognize them at our upcoming annual dinner.”

Klinedinst and its Diversity Committee have launched several initiatives and have actively participated in programming to help increase diversity in both the legal and business communities. The firm annually sponsors a diversity scholarship for a 1L law student through the California Bar Foundation (CBF).

On a local level, the firm is also an active supporter of the San Diego County Bar Association (SDCBA) Diversity Fellowship Program and the Sacramento County Bar (SCBA) Diversity Fellowship Program. The firm annually welcomes a 1L student from an underrepresented community in each jurisdiction to clerk at the firm during the summer.

Klinedinst is a supporter of the SDCBA’s Dialogue On Diversity, a program where industry leaders educate attendees on the importance of diversity in the legal community. Additionally, the firm was an original signatory to the Los Angeles County Bar Association’s 2005 Statement of Diversity Goals and Principles and the SDCBA’s 2007 Diversity Pledge. The firm promotes the rights of the disabled through its active participation with the Los Angeles-based Disability Rights Legal Center. Klinedinst proudly supports Women of Color in the Law, which provides opportunities and mentorship to law students in San Diego.

“We need both the lawyers and the judges in the state of California to be reflective of our communities, in order to effectively serve them,” said Nadia Bermudez, former President of La Raza Lawyers and Lawyers Club of San Diego, as well as Senior Counsel at Klinedinst PC. “We are very thankful to the Earl B. Gilliam Bar Foundation for their advancement of underrepresented groups in the legal profession, and are so honored to receive this award.”

Klinedinst was presented the award at the Foundation’s 40th Annual Awards and Scholarship Dinner on November 12, 2016. To learn more about the Earl B. Gilliam Bar Association, please visit:

http://earlbgilliambar.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 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.

Douglas W. Lytle has joined the Klinedinst San Diego office as Senior Counsel. As an experienced litigator and accomplished trial attorney, Mr. Lytle brings his significant legal experience to the firm’s professional liability team.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – Klinedinst is pleased to announce the addition of attorney Douglas W. Lytle to the San Diego office.

Doug Lytle
Douglas W. Lytle

In his new role, Mr. Lytle will focus on defending lawyers and accountants in cases alleging professional malpractice. Mr. Lytle is an experienced litigation and trial attorney with over 20 years of experience enforcing and defending the rights of businesses and individuals in state and federal courts. He also has significant experience with defending intellectual property, has authored numerous articles appearing in national local publications, and founded the legal blog “Takes on Law.”

Mr. Lytle has achieved the highest AV-Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, and has been recognized as a Top Lawyer in Business & Intellectual Property Litigation in San Diego Magazine. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of California San Diego, and his Juris Doctor from Willamette University College of Law in Oregon.

Klinedinst PC is pleased to welcome Mr. Lytle to the firm. To learn more about Mr. Lytle, please visit:

https://klinedinstlaw.com/profiles/attorney/doug-lytle

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.

public market evening
Klinedinst Seattle is officially one year-old. The firm celebrated the Seattle office’s first anniversary by welcoming two new additions and expanding to a larger office in support of its steady growth in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – Klinedinst’s expansion into the Pacific Northwest has celebrated its first anniversary.

In addition, Klinedinst Seattle officially moved to a new, larger office on the 11th floor of the Norton Building in downtown Seattle. The expansion has welcomed its continued growth with additional support, as well.

“Last year’s launch of our Seattle office has brought new opportunities, and we are thrilled to expand our team,” explains Gregor A. Hensrude, Managing Shareholder of Klinedinst’s Seattle office. “We are very bullish on Seattle. The new additions reflect our positive economic forecast for the Northwest, while reinforcing our commitment to serving Seattle’s business community.”

The new office location is 801 2nd Avenue, Suite 1110
Seattle, WA 98104. To learn more about the Seattle location, please visit:

https://klinedinstlaw.com/seattle

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.

Klinedinst and CBIZ have partnered to deliver informative information for not-for-profits regarding the new overtime regulations, effective December 1, 2016. Organizations face consequences if the rules are not implemented properly. 
Klinedinst and CBIZ  partnered to deliver informative information for not-for-profits regarding the new overtime regulations, effective December 1, 2016. Organizations face consequences if the rules are not implemented properly.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – Klinedinst partners with CBIZ, a business and financial consulting firm addressed key not-for-profit compensation topics at the 2016 Compensation Update on Thursday, September 29, 2016.

Nadia B. Bermudez, Esq.
Nadia B. Bermudez

The new overtime regulations will have a major impact on many not-for-profit organizations. Klinedinst employment attorney Nadia Bermudez along with CBIZ’s Ed Rataj, Managing Director of Compensation Consulting, provided an overview of the new regulations, specific considerations for not-for-profits in California, the real consequences to organizations and a step-by-step approach to successfully implementing the new regulations.

In addition, the IRS and Boards of Directors are placing more scrutiny on executive compensation in not-for-profits. Ms. Bermudez and Mr. Rataj discussed the applicable regulatory considerations, as well as the steps that are necessary to protect your organization’s best interests.

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.

cbiz-and-klinedinst-2016-mhm-forum-compensation-update-san-diego-small-1
Klinedinst PC and CBIZ partnered again to address the new overtime regulations, effective December 1, 2016, and how they will impact employers at the 2016 Compensation Update. CEOs, CFOs, and HR executives were encouraged to attend to learn steps they can take to assist in implementing the new changes.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – Klinedinst partnered with business and financial consulting firm CBIZ to address key compensation topics at the 2016 Compensation Update on Thursday, September 29, 2016.

Nadia B. Bermudez, Esq.
Nadia B. Bermudez

Klinedinst employment attorney Nadia Bermudez co-presented to executives on the new overtime regulations. The nearing effective date will have a major impact on many employers and their respective companies. Ms. Bermudez co-presented with CBIZ’s Ed Rataj, Managing Director of Compensation Consulting, to provide an overview of the new regulations and specific considerations for companies in California.

The seminar highlighted the real consequences companies face and a step-by-step approach to successfully implement the new regulations. Also, with the recent scrutiny the IRS is placing on executive compensation, the presenters discussed the applicable regulatory considerations and the three steps that are necessary to protect your company.

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.