California

California Pioneers Compassion: Legislation Aims to Extend Medical-Aid-in-Dying Law Beyond 2031

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California is considering a significant change to its medical-aid-in-dying law, which is currently set to expire in 2031. State Senator Catherine Blakespear has introduced a bill that could extend the law indefinitely, ensuring it remains available to terminally ill patients seeking an option for a peaceful death. The legislation, known as SB 403, has successfully passed through the state Senate and is awaiting approval from Governor Gavin Newsom. If signed into law, it would eliminate the sunset provision that would otherwise limit the act’s effectiveness after 2031. Since its enactment in 2016, California’s End of … Read more

Legal Powerhouses: Mayer Brown Welcomes Top Trial Attorneys Davina Pujari and Chris Rheinheimer to Boost California Litigation Team

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SAN FRANCISCO – Mayer Brown has bolstered its Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice in San Francisco with the addition of partners Davina Pujari and Chris Rheinheimer, both of whom previously practiced at WilmerHale. Their expertise, particularly in areas such as environmental law, product liability, and mass torts, is expected to significantly enhance the firm’s offerings. Michael Olsen, who leads the firm’s practice group, expressed enthusiasm about the new arrivals. He noted that their extensive trial backgrounds and specialized knowledge in environmental and mass tort law will strengthen the firm’s ability to tackle high-stakes disputes for … Read more

California Attorney General Takes Action: Lawsuit Filed Against L.A. County Over ‘Inhumane’ Jail Conditions and Alarming Death Rate

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Los Angeles, California – Attorney General Rob Bonta has announced a lawsuit against Los Angeles County, citing severe conditions and high mortality rates within its jail system. Bonta expressed urgency for immediate reforms, emphasizing, “We can’t wait any longer. We need comprehensive reform and we need it now.” The lawsuit, filed on Monday, aims to compel reforms from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the Correctional Health Services. Key reforms sought include improvements in health care, jail conditions, and grievance procedures. “Our lawsuit will be the driving impetus to make those changes reality,” Bonta … Read more

Mid-Year ADA Title III Lawsuit Filings Show Steady Increase, California Leads with Highest Numbers

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San Francisco, California — A notable upturn is evident in the filing of lawsuits under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title III in federal courts, reflecting a resurgence since the significant dip in cases in 2023. The mid-year statistics reveal a gradual upward trend, with figures increasing from a five-year low in 2023. Since 2017, the count of ADA Title III lawsuits has fluctuated significantly during the first half of each year, peaking in 2021 when 6,304 cases were recorded. However, filings fell to just 4,081 in 2023. This year marks a shift, with … Read more