General Archives - Adishian Law

During the covid-19 pandemic, our firm faced all the same challenges as our clients, while we worked to assist them in navigating the changes and challenges brought on by the pandemic. We’re proud that we were able to continue delivering a high level of service to our clients throughout 2020.

Firm Updates

During the past year, we also made significant changes at our firm.

We Now Have Client Portals and Are 100% Cloud

“Re-Platfoming” happened here too. In the fall of 2020, we migrated to a new practice management software platform after many years. The new program is entirely cloud based, with user-friendly client features such as full Client Portals and integrated electronic document signing.

Towards the end of last year, we migrated entirely off our own servers to a 100% Microsoft cloud environment. While these migrations are always a project, it went fairly smoothly without interruption for our firm or clients. It provides a highly-secure and flexible environment for us and our clients going forward.

We Launched A Refreshed AdishianLaw.com

We are excited to announce that in late 2020, after nearly six months of work, the new www.AdishianLaw.com website went live! Our goals were to (1) modernize the navigation and flow to make it easier to find content and (2) update the look and feel. We invite you to browse around, let us know how we did and connect with us if you have any suggestions.

Practice Update

Our practice is now heavily focused on advising clients and leading transactions in the areas of business, real estate and employment. Over the past year, our firm has been very active in sell-side M&A assignments and financing transactions. We expect the M&A activity to continue at a high rate as baby boomers retire or look to exit over the next decade, private equity funds sit on record amounts of cash and interest rates on cash remain close to zero. Keep an eye out for highlighted transactions in upcoming newsletters.

If you happen to have a legal matter outside our practice areas, we can often assist through our referral network of trusted attorneys.

Observations From The Pandemic

“It is not about avoiding all crises, because you cannot”

There is a quote that I’m fond of that is attributed to a former Nestle CEO: “We have crises and all that. My job is not to manage the crisis. My job is to make sure we have the capabilities of mastering them.”

From its inception, the pandemic created a lot of uncertainty and chaos (and nobody knows what the delta or other variants may bring). Our clients who navigated the pandemic most successfully embraced the truth of the above quote and acted upon it. They focused on marshalling the necessary resources — legal, financial, operational — and rapidly adapting their business processes to weather the storm and be prepared when the pandemic abated.

“The pandemic highlighted enterprise financial fragility”

The pandemic put a renewed emphasis on healthy, liquid balance sheets. From late March 2020 through July 2020 a broad range of businesses were partially or completely shut down, some industry shutdowns lasted much, much longer. The health crises became a financial crisis for many firms across the country, leading to business failures or severely weakened businesses. Companies and organizations with a culture of healthy cash balances, conservative leverage and low cost operations were better able to survive the pandemic.

The time to instill and maintain this culture is before the (next) crisis.

“For investors and entrepreneurs the rate of change appears to be accelerating, and what seemed reliable became risky”

A few examples…. For many years, residential real estate was seen as one of the safest, most reliable ways to build wealth. During the pandemic, vacancies spiked and many tenants couldn’t or didn’t pay rent. Prior to the pandemic, commercial real estate was one of the best performing asset classes. During the pandemic, it was very painful to be a shopping center or commercial real estate owner. Separate from the pandemic, minor league baseball was always viewed as a safe haven for nearly a century due to its alignment with Major League Baseball. In 2020, MLB dropped forty teams from affiliation. Some of these changes appear relatively short term while some appear permanent.

Entrepreneuring has always been risky and the old saying, “the only constant is change” is even more true today. The right team of advisors can help you de-risk your operations, prepare for the next change and take advantage of it when it comes.

We hope that you have been able to stay healthy and safe during the pandemic and continue to do so during the reopening.

We look forward to brighter days ahead which we are confident will bring their own challenges. We’ll be here for you.

Areas of Law: This newsletter touches on several intertwined areas of business and employment law that are impacted by California’s new laws: (1) Employee v. Independent Contractor plus Wage and Hour; (2) Arbitration; (3) Discrimination and (4) Other areas.

Why it Matters?: In our opinion, any business — whether it has 5, 50, 500 or 5,000 employees — should pay close attention to all of these changes as any one can be the trigger for significant financial liability. If your business needs help addressing these issues, please contact our firm.

1. Independent Contractor v. Employee (Dynamex and Borello)
AB5 codified the Dynamex ruling from the California Supreme Court, which applied the ABC test (see our August 2, 2018 update, “The ABCs of Independent Contractors“) to determine whether a worker is an independent contractor. In summary, to be an independent contractor the worker must (a) be “free from control and direction”; (b) “perform work outside the usual course of the hiring entity business” and (c) “customarily engaged in an independently established trade.” Under this ABC test, we believe it is very difficult for a business to establish that a worker is an independent contractor. There is some minor flexibility for businesses hiring licensed professionals or receiving professional services as these relationships are analyzed under another test (Borello).

Our business has always used a lot of Independent Contractors, what could go wrong?
Well, everything. Lawyers often use the phrase a “parade of horribles”, and that would be appropriate here. A single alleged independent contractor could (a) file a complaint for workers compensation, (b) file an unemployment insurance claim; (c) file a labor claim for overtime, or (d) hire an attorney to file a “wage and hour” claim (including pay stub compliance, meal break violations, rest break violations and failure to pay overtime). If a wage and hour claim is filed, the damages escalate quickly including statutory penalties and attorney’s fees…and there is no insurance.

Wage and hour claims are frequently filed as class actions.Likewise, there could be an EDD audit. In a “misclassification” based action, the Company’s only defense will be that the worker is an independent contractor, which was always hard to establish, and just became much more difficult. Bottom line, in most situations, the Company will lose the independent contractor battle in our opinion. If you are a business owner with a history of hiring a lot of independent contractors, we recommend that you consult with law firm to see what can be done to lessen your exposure. There may be lawful steps you can take before a lawsuit is filed. If you would like us to confidentially review your situation, please contact our firm.

2. Changes to Arbitration: Immediately challenged
AB51 banned mandatory arbitration agreements and prohibits employers from requiring applicants or existing employees to waive any right, forum or procedure for any employer violations of FEHA, the Labor Code or other statutes governing employment as a condition of employment, continued employment or the receipt of employment related benefits. The bill also prohibits an employer from threatening, retaliating or discriminating against, or terminating any applicant for employment or any employee because of the refusal to consent to the waiver of any right, forum, or procedure for a violation of specific statutes governing employment. SB707 also requires that in an employment or consumer arbitration where the drafting party is required to pay for arbitration and fails to do so within 30 days after the due day, the drafting party will waive arbitration and face drastic monetary and non-monetary sanctions.

AB51 has been challenged in federal court, and the court issued a 10 day temporary restraining order (TRO). Stay tuned.

3. Changes to Discrimination law: Lactation Rooms, Hair Styles, Training and Time.
There are a number of important changes. SB142 requires a lactation room or location that includes prescribed features with close proximity to a refrigerator and sink. SB188 adds “hairstyles: to the list of potential basis for race discrimination. AB9 extends the time to file a discrimination complaint with FEHA from 1 to 3 years. SB788 extends the time to comply with sexual harassment training for employers with 5 or more employees. For help here, contact our firm.

4. Other updates.
California also passed the following employment related laws, which we will just list in summary form here:

AB749 prohibits No Rehire clauses in settlement agreements
AB673 and SB 688 provide additional remedies for failure to pay wages
SB83 increases the maximum wages replacement under California paid family leave
AB35 strengthens law protecting employees from toxic materials
AB203 requires Valley Fever awareness training is expected to be working near substantial dust disturbance
AB1223 requires private employers with 15 or more employees to provide leave of absence with pay for organ donation
AB1554 requires new notice requirements for Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
AB1804-1805 address the law regarding occupational injuries
IRS New W4

If you have a concern that touches on one of these other areas, please contact our firm.

Key Takeaways: What Should a California Business Owner Do?
If you own a business in California with a substantial pool of employees, you might be feeling overwhelmed with all these changes, the associated risks and the potential financial exposure. What should you do? Our recommendations:

1. Get an attorney involved on your side. If you don’t have a general counsel or employment attorney, or your attorney is not experienced with these issues, contact our firm.

2. Review your independent contractor / wage and hour exposure. We have helped several clients address these issues. Work with an attorney immediately (i.e. don’t wait until the lawsuit is filed), and if you receive an EDD audit have your CPA work with your attorney.

3. Improve your payroll systems and processes. You may need to redesign your compensation plans, and processes to get into compliance and minimize future risks.

4. Revise your handbooks. If you don’t have a handbook, get one. We offer a flat rate for our California 2020 handbook, and a reduced rate for annual updates, with reduced rates for multi-company engagements. Contact us for information.

Left to Right: Cynthia Sun, Esq., Chris Adishian, Esq., Trevor Zeiler, Esq. (Not Pictured: Laura Mayer)

EL SEGUNDO, CA (November 15, 2019)— Adishian Law Group is pleased to announce that Adishian Law Group, P.C. and Adishian Capital were profiled in the Southbay Magazine 2019 Trusted Advisors Issue.

As the magazine states, “Adishian Law Group practices business, employment and real estate law. The firms work includes leading mission-critical transactions and litigation, and high-stakes employment cases involving highly compensated professionals. Adishian Capital is a licensed real estate brokerage that provides property management services and select brokerage services. Together the companies assist clients with all their real estate activities. Owner Chris Adishian earned his math economics degree Berkeley, with a business minor from Haas School of Business and was a Dean’s Scholarship recipient at Loyola Law School. He is rated an AV-Preeminent attorney by his peers”

What can our readers learn from your most successful clients?

“They are committed to improving their decision-making process in business and life. They understand that the two great equalizers are: time and decisions. Over time, the compounded results from a good decision process (and avoiding the compounded results of a bad decision process) dwarf any legal fees. Sometimes the best decision is deciding to not do something.”

What business lessons have you learned running your own companies?

“There are so many. Here are some of the most important in our view: setting the culture of the firm, recruiting/retaining the right people, working for clients we enjoy and of course, delivering the highest level professional service and advice.”

Why did you choose to work in this profession?

“When I graduated from law school, practicing law was the last thing on my mind. I was fortunate to meet a number of outstanding individuals — some significantly more experienced that I was — who were kind, strong, wise, fair-minded, lived balanced lives, contributed significantly to their community and were financially comfortable. They had one other thing in common: all were lawyers running smaller practices. Eventually that made a lot of sense to me. This fall is our 16th anniversary.”

What is the best legal advice you ever received?

“I read this in a business book, probably long before I went to law school. The more important term in the contract isn’t in the contract; it’s dealing with people who are honest.”

What are your favorite podcasts?

“During my commute, I enjoy listening to “The Knowledge Project,” “On Being” and “How I Built This.”

Click this link to read the full-color original.

To arrange a call with Adishian Law Group or for more information about this article appearing in Southbay Magazine 2019, please Contact Us.

The story of Adishian Law Group began 15 years ago, when we first opened our doors in San Francisco’s landmark Mills Building.

Back then….we only had 1 attorney, 1 laptop computer and no clients! Thanks to the support of people like you, some hard work and some good results, we are fulfilling the dream of building a law firm that is a hub for clients seeking trusted California counsel to assist them with their legal needs. In 2018, we added 49 new client matters, and we also welcomed some talented new team members.

We are grateful for the trust and confidence in our firm shown by you, our clients and our professional peers. As we turn to 2019 with optimism we are very pleased to have this opportunity to share with you a small sample of some of our more visible client successes from the past year.

General Counsel, M&A

Exclusive sell-side Counsel to Pioneer Magnetics in the sale of its 60 year-old global power supply business (design, manufacturing and repair) to U.S. Technologies.
Advised Welcome Group, Inc., a Japanese corporation, on the formation of a U.S. subsidiary to operate JAPAN HOUSE LA. To learn more about the global JAPAN HOUSE project promoting the Tokyo 2020 Games, please visit www.japanhouse.jp.
Defended holding company owner of high profile, venture-backed company (raised ~$46M) against breach of contract and fraud complaint.
Exclusive buy-side Counsel in acquisition of over the counter supplement manufacturer and distributor.

Real Estate

Exclusive buy-side Counsel to Malaga Bank (OTC: MLGF), a billion dollar asset community bank, in its acquisition of its corporate headquarters building, located in the iconic Malaga Cove Plaza in Palos Verdes Estates, California.
Represented Northern California homeowner in dispute with Pacific Gas & Electric regarding alleged encroachments on PG&E gas line easement. Case settled.

Employment

Represented a senior level, female employee bringing claims against her former employer including sexual discrimination, sexual harassment, failure to prevent discrimination and harassment and other claims. Case settled, pre-litigation.
Defended a number of Companies against misclassification and wage and hour allegations brought by former employees.

For 2019, we are looking for the following client referrals:

Residential/commercial real estate owners who can benefit from our unique pairing of a law firm (Adishian Law Group) with a property management firm (Adishian Capital Cal. BRE #01795301, www.AdishianCap.com);
Growing businesses ($10M to $200M) in need of sophisticated general counsel to guide growth, acquisitions and exits and
Families who have inherited significant wealth ($15 to $100M) seeking trusted, high-quality family general counsel

Click here to “Meet the Team“.

We wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2019, and look forward to seeing you in the New Year!

EL SEGUNDO, CA (November 15, 2018)— Adishian Law Group is pleased to announce that Adishian Law Group, P.C. and Adishian Capital were profiled in the current issue of Southbay Magazine.

As the magazine states, “Adishian Law Group practices business, employment and real estate law. Their work includes leading mission-critical transactions and litigation, and high-stakes employment cases involving highly compensated professionals. Adishian Capital is a licensed real estate brokerage that provides property management services and select brokerage services. Together the companies deliver “family office” real estate capabilities giving clients relationship continuity across all their real estate activities. Owner Chris Adishian earned his B.A. in mathematical economics from Berkeley, with a minor in business administration from the Haas School of Business, and his law degree from Loyola Law School.”

What is the best legal advice you have ever received?

“I read in a business book—probably long before I went to law school—that the most important term in the contract isn’t in the contract. It’s dealing with people who are honest.”

Share your thoughts about the value of the human connection in your industry.

“It’s everything. You have to know yourself, be yourself and connect with your fellow humans in a genuine manner, even in times of tough business negotiations or outright litigation. If you cannot genuinely connect with other humans, everything will be challenging.”

Tell us some recent client success stories.

“We served as counsel to our seller/developer client in the construction and sale of two office buildings that are now the corporate headquarters for Australian toy company Moose Toys. In another matter, a Japanese company retained our firm to form its U.S. subsidiary for #JapanHouse Los Angeles—a global project to promote Japanese culture, art, food, technology and fashion ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.”

L to R: Emily Zinn, Trevor Zeiler, Cynthia Sun, Chris Adishian, Tamara Cook, Julia Toscano, Laura Mayer

What can our readers learn from your most successful clients?

“They are committed to improving their decision-making process in business and life. They understand that the two great equalizers are: (1) time and (2) decisions. Over time, the compounded result of good decisions (and avoiding the compounded result of bad decisions) dwarfs any legal fees. Sometimes the best decisions are to not do something.”

What is the most valuable skill you offer?

“My individual core skill set is along the lines of an ‘expert generalist.’ When we look at a challenge or opportunity, we start with the legal expertise. That’s foundational. Along with our legal advice, we bring deep knowledge and multidisciplinary experience, which come together to inform the client’s business or litigation strategy and execution.”

Click this link to read the full-color original.

To arrange a call with Adishian Law Group or for more information about this article appearing in Southbay Magazine 2018, please Contact Us.

EL SEGUNDO, CA (November 14, 2017)— Adishian Law Group is pleased to announce that Adishian Law Group, P.C. and Adishian Capital were profiled in the current issue of Southbay Magazine.

As the magazine states, “Adishian Law Group practices business, employment and real estate law. The firm leads mission-critical transactions and litigation, with a focus on high-stakes employment cases involving highly compensated professionals. Adishian Capital is a licensed real estate brokerage that provides property management services and select brokerage services. Owner Chris Adishian earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematical economics at Berkeley and law degree from Loyola Law School.”

What’s most rewarding about your work?

“Our clients inspire us—they’re proven leaders in their industries and professions, and we’re privileged to work on their behalf.”

What can our readers learn from your most successful clients?

“They are committed to improving their decision-making process in business and life. They understand that the two great equalizers are: (1) time and (2) decisions. Over time, the compounded result of good decisions (and avoiding the compounded result of bad decisions) dwarfs any legal fees. Quite often the best decision is to ‘not do’ something. Making that decision is just as important as the decision to ‘do’ something.”

What is the most valuable skill you offer clients?

“My individual core skill set is along the lines of an ‘expert generalist’. When we look at a challenge or opportunity, we bring the legal expertise. That’s foundational. Along with our legal advice, we bring deep knowledge and multidisciplinary experience, which come together to inform the client’s business or litigation strategy and execution.”

Southbay — Chris Adishian, Founder
Adishian Law Group, PC
Adishian Capital

What would you want potential clients to know about you?

“The law is ultimately a ‘helping’ profession, and that’s why we are here—to help our clients. We also have a tremendous amount of free informative content on our website and on our YouTube channel, to help anyone seeking to learn more about California law in the areas that we practice.”

What is unique about how your two firms work together?

“For clients active in real estate—owning, buying, selling, leasing or exchanging—our combination of a real estate law firm with an affiliated property management firm is unique. We can deliver tremendous value and provide relationship continuity.”

What are the last three books that you’ve read?

“Other than children’s books for my kids (laughing), ‘The Undoing Project’, ‘Hillbilly Elegy’ and ‘Business Adventures’. I frequently reference Warren Buffett’s ‘Owner’s Manual.’”

Click this link to read the full-color original.

To arrange a call with Adishian Law Group or for more information about this article appearing in Southbay Magazine 2017, please Contact Us.

Over the last few years, we are finding that more and more litigated cases are resolving at mediation through a “Mediator’s Proposal.” This trend can be seen as a failure of mediation as a dispute resolution process because the parties are not actually resolving the dispute during the mediation. If the Mediator’s Proposal ends the case though, then that does make a successful mediation, even if not as originally envisioned.

What is a Mediator’s Proposal?

A “Mediator’s Proposal” is exactly what is sounds like. It is a proposal to settle the case that comes from the Mediator. How does that happen? Typically a “Mediator’s Proposal” arises after a full-day of mediation and the parties have been are unable to reach a settlement. As a last ditch effort prior to resuming litigation, the parties empower the Mediator to make a settlement proposal which each side then has time to consider — i.e. the “Mediator’s Proposal”.

“But I thought Mediator’s Could Not Decide Cases”

They typically cannot, even with a Mediator’s Proposal. It is just a proposal. Either side may accept or reject the Mediator’s Proposal. If the both sides accept, then the case is settled. If EITHER side rejects the Mediator’s Proposal, the case proceeds to trial without either side knowing if the other side accepted.

Keys to a Successful Mediator’s Proposal

By the end of the day an effective mediator (1) will have established trust and respect with each parties and (2) will understand either (a) what a case is worth, or (b) more practically, the number where the parties will likely agree to settle. If the parties don’t trust the mediator (for whatever reason) or the mediator misunderstands the parties’ settlement ranges, the Mediator’s Proposal will likely fail. However, if the Mediator has established trust and respect, then his or her opinion of the case will carry weight with the Parties and their counsel, and in some cases will provide adequate “cover” for the attending party with the “powers that be” on the respective parties’ sides.

About Adishian Law Group, P.C. Adishian Law Group (https://adishianlaw.com) is a California law firm with a statewide practice in the areas of Corporate law, Employment law, Real Estate law and Mediation Services. As of September 2016, the firm has represented corporate and individual clients located across 22 California counties, 13 States outside of California and 9 foreign countries in over 480 legal matters. Adishianlaw.com is one of the oldest continually operating law firm websites on the Internet. The firm serves its clientele via three offices located in the major business hubs of El Segundo, Palo Alto and San Francisco.

For more information about this case, contact Chris Adishian:

Insurance broker fraud unfortunately happens. Insurance broker fraud can occur when a broker sells you a product different that what you were promised. Insurance broker fraud also occurs when the individual or brokerage is not licensed to sell the particular type of insurance. Similar to our post on Contractors, this post suggest some steps to protect yourself from insurance broker fraud.

“With friends like these”. We recently handled an insurance broker fraud case where the clients had “friends” who represented themselves as legitimate insurance brokers for a large, national company. Persuaded by these “friends,” the clients cashed out existing investments and bought the new policies – relying on representations that these would be suitable and our clients would pay a one-time premium. Yet, a year after paying the initial premium (a six-figure sum), our clients received invoices from the insurance carrier demanding additional, costly annual payments that had never been disclosed. These brokers got the commissions, and our clients were stuck in unsuitable policies that they could not afford. If our clients did not continue to pay, they would lose all their money previously paid. When they asked their “friends” for help, the “friends” said that our clients could cancel the policies, again resulting in a total capital loss. That’s when we got the call.

Always Check Credentials and Licenses. During our investigation we discovered, of the broker and sales reps involved, two were not even licensed to sell life insurance from the carrier during the time period when the policies were marketed and sold, while the third was not licensed at all! Similar to real estate brokers and licensees, the State of California provides a website where you can check an insurance broker’s or salesperson’s license status here.

About Adishian Law Group, P.C.

Adishian Law Group (https://adishianlaw.com) is a California law firm with a statewide practice in the areas of Corporate law, Employment law, Real Estate law and Mediation Services. As of November 2015, the firm has represented corporate and individual clients located across 22 California counties, 13 States outside of California and 9 foreign countries in over 480 legal matters. Adishianlaw.com is one of the oldest continually operating law firm websites on the Internet. The firm serves its clientele via three offices located in the major business hubs of El Segundo, Palo Alto and San Francisco.

For more information about this article, contact Chris Adishian:

EL SEGUNDO, CA (November 9, 2016)— Adishian Law Group is pleased to announce that Adishian Law Group, P.C. and Adishian Capital were profiled in the current issue of Southbay Magazine.

Southbay Magazine (November 2016)[/caption]

As the magazine states, “Adishian Law Group practices business, employment and real estate law, and Adishian Capital is a licensed real estate brokerage that
provides property management services and select brokerage services. Owner Chris Adishian started the law firm in 2003 and Adishian Capital in 2007.

FAST FACT:

From their South Bay headquarters, Adishian Law Group has represented clients in 22 California counties, 12 states outside California and 9 foreign countries.

What would you like potential clients to know about you?

“Our work at Adishian Law Group includes leading mission-critical transactions and litigation, and high-stakes employment cases involving highly compensated professionals. Together with Adishian Capital, we deliver ‘family office’ real estate capabilities—giving clients relationship continuity across all their real estate activities.”

What’s next for your firm?

“Adishian Law Group completely upgraded its technology in the past 12 months so we can continue to provide the highest quality legal services with cutting-edge hardware and software. Adishian Capital has grown to more than $50 million in assets. Prudent growth is the plan.”

What’s most rewarding about your work?

“Our clients inspire us—they’re proven leaders in their industries and professions, and we have a lot of fun working on their behalf.”

alg-acap-16 — L to R: David Simmons, Gladys Mydland, Chris Adishian, Heather DeFalco, Erik Bleitz, Patricia Parker, Tamara Cook, Andrew Messori

Tell us about your team

“I’m really proud of the team. We have a well-educated mix of Boomers, Xers and Millennials. Many have advanced degrees or even multiple advanced degrees. They work hard to deliver for our clients. A majority of them call the South Bay home.”

What are the current trends affecting your industry?

“New technology continues to disrupt the legal field. It is a dynamic industry and intensely competitive. Like our entrepreneurial clients, we’re constantly reviewing and adopting technology tools to improve professional service delivery.”

To what do you attribute your success in this industry?

“We’ve earned a reputation for being friendly, fair-minded and respectful. This extends to our clients, coworkers, vendors, clerks, judges, opposing parties and their attorneys or advisors. As a result we’re able to close deals, resolve litigated disputes and still build relationships. In fact, a number of our clients were formerly ‘across the table from us,’ either in a negotiation or litigation. Our former opposing counsel are among our best referral sources.

Click these to read the profile on oursouthbay.com and to view the full-color original.

To arrange a call with Adishian Law Group or for more information about this article appearing in Southbay Magazine 2016, please Contact Us.

EL SEGUNDO, CA (November 9, 2015)— Adishian Law Group is pleased to announce that attorney Chris Adishian was profiled in the Southbay Magazine 2015 Trusted Advisors Issue.

2015_SB_Cover — Southbay Magazine (November 2015)

As the magazine states, “Behind every successful individual and company, you’ll likely find a trusted advisor-or a team of them. Professional experts inform you about your options, help you explore new ideas and discover solutions, and work with you to navigate the road ahead. It’s essential to select a proficient team of trusted advisors when making decisions that impact you, your business, your home and your family….”

Adishian Law Group practices corporate, real estate and employment law. Their work includes leading mission-critical transactions and litigation, and high-stakes employment cases involving highly compensated professionals. Their affiliated property management firm, Adishian Capital, provides ‘family office’ real estate capabilities, giving clients relationship continuity across all their real estate activities. Owner Chris Adishian, raised in Palos Verdes, started the firm in 2003.

Chris Adishian, Founder
Adishian Law Group, PC
Adishian Capital

Tell us a client success story.

“It was a typical Friday afternoon when we got the call: our soon-to-be client had filed an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) complaint alleging wrongful termination, was scheduled for Mediation in just five days and had no attorney! The employer was a huge, privately held software company represented by one of the world’s largest law firms. Our staff worked all weekend building the case using our software tools and drafting the mediation brief. At mediation, all parties began relying on our work product and timeline of events to evaluate the case. The mediation concluded with our client receiving a very favorable settlement (after having been terminated with zero compensation). More stories are available on our blog.”

What question or concern do you frequently hear from clients?

“From business owners: ‘Can you review/negotiate this contract for me?’ or ‘I’ve been sued by a former employee.’ or ‘An employee went out on leave. What do I do?’ or ‘How do I prevent myself from being sued?’ or ‘I’m ready to sell my business.’ From executives and professionals: ‘I’ve been wrongfully terminated/ discriminated against.’ or ‘I’m owed a lot of money.’ From real estate clients: ‘My tenant (commercial) has sued me.’ or ‘We want to buy this building.’ or ‘How do we (re)negotiate our lease?’ or ‘Can you manage our properties so we can focus on our business?’”

FAST FACT

Prior to starting his law firm, Chris worked at Arthur Andersen and Montgomery Securities in San Francisco.

Tell us something unique about your business.

“For clients active in real estate – owning, buying, selling, leasing or exchanging –our combination of a real estate law firm with an affiliated property management firm is unique.”

How do you advise your clients to achieve and maintain success?

“Our clients are already successful – they are proven leaders in their industries and professions. They are proactive, smart, kind, risk-takers and survivors. We’re privileged to be selected as their law firm.”

Click these links to read the profile on oursouthbay.com and to view the full-color original.

To arrange a call with Adishian Law Group or for more information about this article appearing in Southbay Magazine 2016, please Contact Us.