Since its founding in 1982, Hart Kienle Pentecost has earned the reputation as one of Southern Calif We are in the business of protecting your business!
We represent publicly held corporations, mid-sized businesses and entrepreneurs in all state and federal courts within California. The firm offers a wide range of civil litigation and transactional services in the areas of business, real estate, manufactured housing, trust and estate disputes, construction and mechanic’s liens, and employment.
If you own a small business, either alone or with partners, consider forming a limited liability company. With an LLC, your personal assets are protected from business creditors and from business-related lawsuits. At the same time, you maintain flexible management and are taxed only on your share of the profits. Consult a business formation attorney about the LLC option.
Debating whether to buy or lease a commercial property? It's important to know the facts before making an important financial decision. Read on for valuable insight from our expert attorneys at HKP.
As a business owner, you may find yourself at a crossroads when deciding whether to buy or lease commercial property. It is a decision that requires careful thought and consideration as it can significantly impact your business's financial stability, flexibility and success. Unfortunately, there is....
A business legal structure, also known as a business entity, is a government classification that regulates certain aspects of your business. Choosing the right business structure from the start is among the most crucial decisions you can make.
When starting a business, you need to set up the proper legal structure. Learn about your options and how to choose a structure.
At Hart Kienle Pentecost, we help employers who are looking to protect their businesses from harmful lawsuits. From wrongful termination claims to labor code violations to employee contracts, we can assist with it all. Contact our expert employment defense attorneys at 714-432-8700 today for a consultation.
Due diligence is the process of gathering as much information and intel as you can before buying a business, and it is a critical step in your journey to becoming a business owner. During this period, you should work with an accountant and lawyer to make sure you have all the information you need to move forward.
Interested in buying a business? There are plenty of advantages to buying an existing business — and some drawbacks, too. Here's what to consider.
3 examples of valid activities and 2 serious problems.
Maybe not as much as the trustee thinks.
A partnership agreement can help you set your company up for success by addressing key issues, like what should happen to the funds in your business bank account and who will be responsible for which tasks.
Every partnership agreement should include a description of how duties will be distributed as well as a death and disability clause. Read on to learn why.
Manufactured housing settlements, a construction law victory, and a new associate attorney, oh my! Read on for more good news from HKP. https://conta.cc/3Kq3N6S
Hear the Latest from HKP Legal Briefing Newsletter July | 2023 See Photos Here HKP Wins Award Again! Hart Kienle Pentecost was recently named one of the 2023 Best Places to Work in Orange County for t
As an employer, you could be found liable in a lawsuit if discrimination happened to an employee at work. Having policies in place to prevent discrimination is a way to protect all parties.
Follow these workplace anti-discrimination laws to keep your organization safe and compliant.
At HKP, we understand the importance of follow-through and completing a plan. While nobody anticipates litigation, you must be prepared to protect your business in all civil and administrative matters.
With over 40 years of experience representing contractors, subcontractors, and design professionals, we can help with your unique and specific legal needs. Call today at 714-432-8700 or visit our website for more information about our construction department.
Becoming the fiduciary of a trust is no easy task. There are many things to be cautious of when controlling assets in an estate. Read more about a fiduciary's legal obligations here:
There are many contexts in life where individuals and businesses don't have direct control over their money or other property. Instead, we trust another party to handle it for us. This party is often a professional, such as a financial advisor or stockbroker, who is supposed to protect your assets a...
Proprietary information is one of the most vital assets of a business, and an effective way to protect it is to have key employees sign non-disclosure agreements. A well-drafted NDA can cover your intellectual property, customer contacts, licenses, contracts and other confidential data. An experienced business attorney can ensure that your NDA is compliant with state law and enforceable.
HKP employees and their families attended a fun-filled day at Knott's Berry Farm this past weekend. It was hot, but the smiles were endless!
We are thrilled to announce that our firm was voted to be one of the Best Places to Work in Orange County by the Orange County Business Journal for the second year in a row! 🎉🏆
While inexpensive to set up, a general partnership potentially saddles the partners with big personal liability. As your business grows, consider a business structure that limits liability for owners, such as a limited partnership, limited liability company or corporation.
A general partnership is an unincorporated business with two or more owners. Each partner is liable for business debts and reports the profits on their taxes.
Did you know there are both minor and material breaches of contract? Read more here:
As a business owner, contracts are essential since they operate as the framework for agreements and uphold mutual trust and responsibility. However, there are times when one side does not carry out the requirements outlined in the agreement. This is referred to as a contract violation in legal jargo...
In observance of the upcoming holiday, HKP will be closed on Monday, July 3, and Tuesday, July 4th. We look forward to serving you when we resume regular business hours on Wednesday, July 5th.
Have a safe and Happy Fourth of July!
Operating agreements and articles of incorporation work hand in hand to outline your business structure and define how your company will legally operate.
Learn the differences and similarities between articles of incorporation and operating agreements to determine which is necessary for your startup.
Staying compliant with ADA is an absolute must for all landlords and owners. If you are a manufactured home community owner or manager and have ADA-related questions, do not hesitate to reach out to our expert attorneys at Hart Kienle Pentecost.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and requires businesses and public spaces to be accessible to all. As a mobile home park owner, it's essential to ensure your park is ADA-compliant to create an inclusive en...
What if the trustee is making questionable decisions?
What can I do?
Charging personal expenses on your business credit card isn’t against the law, but it’s likely against the terms of your credit card agreement. Plus, mixing personal and business finances could end up making you personally liable for any business debt if your business has legal trouble. As a general rule, it’s best to keep personal and business expenses separate.
Technically, no. But mixing business and personal expenses can have some serious consequences for your business credit card account.
Another one in the books for HKP! ⚖️
Hart Kienle Pentecost represented a homeowner who hired the defendant to remodel his home. When problems arose during the construction, the homeowner discovered the defendant was not a licensed contractor. The homeowner then sued to recover all sums paid. The defendant claimed at trial that she was not a contractor (and thus did not need to be licensed), but rather a “project manager” who hired licensed contractors to perform the work.
The Court found that the defendant’s scope of work fell squarely within the definition of “contractor” pursuant to the California Business and Professions Code and entered judgment against the defendant for all sums paid.
Wishing all of the fathers a very happy Father's Day from HKP!
With all of these documents, it pays to be meticulous. Missing a detail can result in rejected paperwork, sending you back to start over and delaying your approval. Getting sound legal and financial advice as you form your business is a wise investment.
By forming a limited liability company, you can protect your personal assets from business debts. The Ascent covers the documents you'll need to form an LLC.
Another victory for Hart Kienle Pentecost’s Trust Litigation Team! 🎉
In this case, our client was sued by her nephews as the former trustee of her parents’ trust for damages (surcharge) she allegedly caused to the trust. After a 3-day bench trial, the court ruled in favor of our client and denied the request for surcharge in its entirety.
Labor law compliance keeps your business out of legal trouble and provides a safe work environment for your employees.
It is important to know what labor laws apply to your business and to ensure you comply with them. Here are seven mandates you may be overlooking.
Has your company been sued?
Here are some things to do first: https://www.hkplawfirm.com/blog/2023/04/5-things-you-should-do-if-your-company-gets-sued/
Next, call HKP. Our expert attorneys are ready to help.
☎️ 714-432-8700
Lawsuits are among the most daunting challenges any business can face. They can be costly, time-consuming and emotionally draining. However, it's crucial to remember that every company, regardless of size or industry, is vulnerable to legal action. If your company is hit with a lawsuit, here are som...
When it comes to litigation, having an expert attorney by your side can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. At Hart Kienle Pentecost, we specialize in litigation and are here to explain why our expertise is vital and why we should be your first choice. Here are the top reasons:
1. Extensive Legal Knowledge
2. Strategic Case Assessment
3. Effective Negotiation Skills
4. Strong Courtroom Advocacy
5. Comprehensive Legal Support
Contact us today for a confidential consultation and let our expert litigation attorneys guide you toward the best possible resolution.
📞 714-432-8700 📧 [email protected] 💻 www.hkplawfirm.com
While you can run a business as a sole proprietorship, there may come a time when you want to create a more formal legal structure for your company. Two options that you can choose from are LLCs and corporations. Each has pros and cons that you need to consider before deciding on how to organize your business.
LLCs are simple and flexible but corporations offer stronger protections.
In honor of Memorial Day, our firm will be closed on Monday, May 29. We’ll reopen during regular business hours on Tuesday, May 30. Have a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend.
Trusted Litigators for Trust and Estate Litigation.
Call us at 714-432-8700 to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced litigation attorneys or visit our website at www.hkplawfirm.com to learn more about how we can help you with your legal issue.
Corporations are powerful and complex business structures. Before you decide to incorporate, you may want to discuss your situation with a business attorney, as incorporating has advantages and disadvantages.
Forming a corporation gives your company stability, legal status, and access to investment capital. This guide covers how to start a corporation step by step.
In the case that you are uncertain about compliance updates and how they will impact your business, seeking professional advice from lawyers can provide peace of mind and reduce overhead costs.
Navigating legal and regulatory changes can be challenging, but it's fundamental for entrepreneurs to ensure that their businesses are compliant.
Another firm victory for HKP!
We, along with another defense firm, settled a major manufactured housing park failure to maintain case on the eve of trial following an earlier inclusive mediation. This case involved 95 mobilehome park residents suing the park owner and management on a variety of legal theories of nuisance, negligence, breach of statutes, and breach of the warranty of habitability. Moreover, the park was located within Los Angeles rent controlled jurisdiction of the City’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance which, with COVID, state and county moratoriums presented challenges. Under the terms of the settlement, the case against the Park was dismissed with prejudice.
With a sound legal agreement between members, your LLC has the best chance of starting strong and staying that way through the inevitable seasons of life.
An operating agreement outlines how the business will be governed, financed, and managed. Learn why you need one and how to create one for your small business.
When entering into a partnership, there are several important things to be aware of. Here are 4 must-haves in a business partnership:
A common question people have is, what makes a business successful? The answer for this for many people is often a business partnership. By forming a business partnership, you can share any difficulties and rewards with someone who not only compliments your work ethic but supports your business. A b...
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed when your business is facing a lawsuit. But if you want to keep your business and its reputation intact during this time, it’s vital to follow the legal process carefully. One of your first steps should be contacting an experienced business attorney.
What should you do if someone sues your small business? Here's advice from legal experts on how to handle a business lawsuit.
Wishing a very Happy Administrative Professionals' Day to all the hardworking and dedicated admin professionals out there! We appreciate all the efforts you put in to keep businesses running smoothly. Thank you for all that you do!
Today, our attorneys, Mai Nguyen and Ron Thommarson, served delicious ice cream sundaes to the support staff as part of our Royal Administrative Professionals' Week. It's the little gestures like this that make a big difference in the workplace.
We are grateful for a team that works hard and knows how to have fun and show appreciation.
A business loan agreement is a legally binding document that outlines the details of a loan between a lender and borrower. It’s important to understand terms of a loan agreement before you sign.
Business loan agreements govern relationships between borrowers and lenders by detailing key information like repayment terms and collateral. The loan agreement protects all parties on the contract by ensuring everyone understands their rights and responsibilities. For that reason, it’s important ...
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