Latest News & Updates from Lanak & Hanna

Why Every California Business Owner Needs an Estate Plan

As a business owner, you’ve spent years—maybe even decades—building your company from the ground up. You’ve handled everything from hiring and growth strategies to operations and contracts. But one area that often gets overlooked is what happens to your business…

James MillaneAugust 19, 2025

Business Transaction Law legislation News

Effective January 1st, Private Works Retention is Capped at Five Percent

On July 14, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom signed S.B. 61 into law. S.B. 61 limits the amount that may be withheld for project retention to 5% for new contracts entered into on or after January 1, 2026. S.B. 61 adds…

Natasha BuchananAugust 14, 2025

Business Transaction Law Court Opinions

What the State of California Wants You to Know About the Recent ICE Raids

There has been much media attention focused recently on the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) efforts to crack down on illegal immigration, particularly in Southern California. While immigration enforcement lies within the province of the federal government, ICE’s actions have…

Colin McCarthyJune 27, 2025

Construction Law Court Opinions News

Private Developer Cannot Avoid Paying Prevailing Wages by Partnering With Charter City

A California Appeals Court has ruled that a real estate development company is not entitled to rely on “home rule”—which allows charter cities to exempt themselves from prevailing wage laws and pay workers less than is otherwise required on “municipal…

Colin McCarthyJune 18, 2025

Business Transaction Law News

Who Bears the Responsibility for Fraudulent Wire Transfers?

In today’s world, electronic funds transfer (EFT) and wire transfers are common. But when internet scammers intercept wire transfers, who pays the cost of the theft, the payor, or the payee? Up until, California had no persuasive legal authority on…

Colin McCarthyMay 28, 2025

Commercial Collections Construction Law Litigation

3 Essential Tips for Putting on a Strong Case in Court

Clients ask me, what can I do to put on a good case? So here are three tips to putting on a good case. Number one, show up. I cannot tell you how important it is for you to be…

Mac CabalMay 14, 2025

Construction Law

Why Every Contractor Needs a Well-Written Subcontract Agreement

I wanted to talk a little bit today about subcontract agreements. We found that for a lot of our trade contractors, construction agreements are becoming more and more complex as the years go on. The general purpose of a subcontract…

Charles StecMay 1, 2025

Business Transaction Law News

Requirement to File Business Beneficial Ownership Information

*UPDATE* US Companies No Longer Required to Report Beneficial Ownership Information Under the Corporate Transparency Act After much back and forth regarding the legality and enforceability of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) and its beneficial ownership information (BOI) reporting requirements,…

James MillaneApril 23, 2025

Construction Law

What Is a Mechanics Lien and How Can It Help You Get Paid?

Today we're going to talk a little bit about mechanics liens. What are they and why are they valuable for our contractors, suppliers, equipment lessors to help you get paid. A mechanics lien is a lien that you can record…

Michael MurrayApril 15, 2025

Business Transaction Law

Navigating Accord and Satisfaction in California: Why Businesses Need Legal Guidance

Accord and satisfaction is a valuable legal tool for resolving disputes in California, especially for businesses in the construction and related industries. However, navigating this doctrine requires a clear understanding of both the legal framework and its practical application. While…

Natasha BuchananFebruary 7, 2025

News & Information

Why Every California Business Owner Needs an Estate Plan

Effective January 1st, Private Works Retention is Capped at Five Percent

What the State of California Wants You to Know About the Recent ICE Raids

Private Developer Cannot Avoid Paying Prevailing Wages by Partnering With Charter City

Who Bears the Responsibility for Fraudulent Wire Transfers?

3 Essential Tips for Putting on a Strong Case in Court

Why Every Contractor Needs a Well-Written Subcontract Agreement

Requirement to File Business Beneficial Ownership Information

What Is a Mechanics Lien and How Can It Help You Get Paid?

Navigating Accord and Satisfaction in California: Why Businesses Need Legal Guidance

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