Law.com Subscribers SAVE 30%
Call 855-808-4530 or email [email protected] to receive your discount on a new subscription.
Court Watch
Pennsylvania Choice of Law Clause Works in California
In Portnoy v. Dollar Financial Corp., Bus. Franchise Guide (CCH), 14, 252 (C.D. Cal. Aug. 11, 2009), a We The People franchisee sued the franchisor and parent companies in California. The franchise agreement had a Pennsylvania choice-of-law provision because the franchisor and parent were Pennsylvania companies. It also had an arbitration agreement requiring arbitration in Pennsylvania. Under the arbitration clause, the arbitrator's authority was limited to the extent he or she could not extend, modify, or suspend the terms of the agreement or stay, rescind, or postpone any termination. Further, damages were limited to actual damages; no others, including punitive damages or lost profits, could be awarded. The franchisor moved to compel arbitration, and the franchisee argued that the arbitration agreement was unconscionable because it required arbitration in Pennsylvania, contrary to the California Franchise Relations Act, and because of the two other provisions discussed above. The court granted the motion and upheld the arbitration provision based on Pennsylvania law.
New York's Latest Cybersecurity Commitment
On Aug. 9, 2023, Gov. Kathy Hochul introduced New York's inaugural comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. In sum, the plan aims to update government networks, bolster county-level digital defenses, and regulate critical infrastructure.
Law Firms are Reducing Redundant Real Estate by Bringing Support Services Back to the Office
A trend analysis of the benefits and challenges of bringing back administrative, word processing and billing services to law offices.
Bit Parts
Summary Judgment Denied Defendant in Declaratory Action by Producer of To Kill a Mockingbird Broadway Play Seeking Amateur Theatrical Rights
How AI Has Affected PR
When we consider how the use of AI affects legal PR and communications, we have to look at it as an industrywide global phenomenon. A recent online conference provided an overview of the latest AI trends in public relations, and specifically, the impact of AI on communications. Here are some of the key points and takeaways from several of the speakers, who provided current best practices, tips, concerns and case studies.