CEB Blog

The CEB Blog, published by Continuing Education of the Bar (CEB), focuses on practical legal guidance and updates primarily for California attorneys. It covers a broad range of topics including trust and estate administration, probate litigation, contract law, legal writing, and family law. The blog provides checklists, case analyses, procedural advice, and tips for effective legal practice. It also offers insights into recent appellate decisions affecting trust contests and no contest clauses, as well as strategies for proving damages in breach of contract cases. The content is designed to support attorneys with current awareness articles, law alerts, and resources for managing legal matters efficiently within California law.

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CEB Blog

Is the Government Liable When Earthquake Warnings Go Wrong?

By Julie Brook Esq.

July 10, 2019

The recent earthquakes in California brought attention to the ShakeAlert system, which is intended to detect significant earthquakes quickly enough to send alerts to people before the shaking arrives. This system is in its infancy, but there’s hope it will eventually…

CEB Blog

Do You Need an Expert to Spot Insanity?

By Julie Brook Esq.

July 8, 2019

The general rule is that you need an expert witness to testify when the subject is “sufficiently beyond common experience that the opinion of that expert would assist the trier of fact.” Evid C §801(a). When it comes to a…

CEB Blog

Do’s and Don’ts for Expert Declarations in Support of Summary Judgment

By Julie Brook Esq.

July 3, 2019

The testimony of an expert in support of a motion for summary judgment or for summary adjudication of issues is usually presented through a declaration under penalty of perjury. CCP §2015.5. Here are five do’s and don’ts for these expert…

CEB Blog

Does No Physician Report Mean No Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit?

By CEB

July 1, 2019

The following is a guest blog post by Michael W. Sullivan of Michael Sullivan & Associates LLP, an aggressive workers’ compensation defense firm with offices throughout California. Mr. Sullivan is a bar-certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation Law.
An employee…

CEB Blog

How to Get California Public Records

By Julie Brook Esq.

June 28, 2019

The usual discovery requests don’t always get you what you need. Sometimes you’ll do better seeking a public record under the California Public Records Act (Govt C §§6250–6276.48).
Requests for information from state agencies can be invaluable in some cases.…

CEB Blog

What to Know Before Selling Food Made at Home

By Julie Brook Esq.

June 26, 2019

The cottage food industry—small batch food production from home—is growing, as are the related laws and regulations. Here’s what those who want to get in on the trend need to know.
The Homemade Food Act, effective in 2013, is intended…

CEB Blog

Does Child Support Change When Life Changes?

By Julie Brook Esq.

June 24, 2019

When a parent who pays child support loses a job or lands a much higher paying job can you get the child support order modified?
Short answer: Maybe.
When evaluating a request for modification of an existing support order, the…

CEB Blog

The Danger of Refreshing Recollection

By Julie Brook Esq.

June 21, 2019

Sometimes a witness needs documents to refresh his or her recollection. This can lead to a tough choice for attorneys.
There’s a big downside to letting your witness review a document while testifying: The opposing attorney may be entitled to…

CEB Blog

Are There Consequences to Taking the Fifth in a Workers’ Comp Case?

By CEB

June 19, 2019

CEB Blog

4 Tips for Writing Better Briefs

By Julie Brook Esq.

June 17, 2019

Regardless of the subject matter and whether it’s a criminal or civil issue, these four tips will help you draft the strongest brief possible.
1. Shorter is better. Judges must read many legal papers every day, so they like short…