Since 1978, the Law Office of Steven R. Lovett has focused on real estate and construction industries and has provided clients with the tools needed to avoid different types of legal pitfalls. The Law Office of Steven R. Lovett believes that your lawyer should be your partner in helping you build a better business. As part of that philosophy, we strive to be proactive and practice preventive law. When you have a question or legal problem, we encourage you to talk to us as soon as possible. Early legal involvement means that it is often possible for us to resolve matters more efficiently; thus minimizing your overall costs. Contact us today for a free consultation!
Mr. Lovett is a member in good standing of the State Bar of California, most California state and federal courts, and the United States Court of Claims in Washington, D.C. Mr. Lovett is a sole practitioner and is the author of "California Partnership Handbook 2d," "Search and Seizure Courtroom Book," and co-author of "Arbitration Handbook 2d." In addition, he has edited over a dozen legal publications in areas including construction law, commercial law, consumer law, business law, family law, criminal law, and real estate law. Mr. Lovett has been listed in "Who's Who Among Outstanding Americans 1994-1995."
Murder
In California, sellers are required to disclose any known issues that happened on the property. That is not limited to building issues; it also includes catastrophic events on the property like a natural death or murder. In California, Sellers also need to complete a Real Estate Transfer Disclosure Statement (TDS) before completing the housing sale. The seller is required to use a prescribed list to disclose the condition of any property that will remain in the home after the close of sale and transfer.
Starting a new business is an exciting time for any owner, but there are many legal complexities that can come with building a new company. Whether you are a brand-new entrepreneur or an experienced business owner, having an attorney walk you through the business formation process can be the best way to ensure your company is set up for success.
Business Disputes
Any type of business dispute can impact your business' success. At the Law Office of Steven R. Lovett, our Los Angeles business dispute lawyer has over 40 years of experience providing aggressive and knowledgeable representation to clients involved in a wide range of business disputes. We will discuss all of the options available for resolving your dispute with you so that you can make an informed decision about how your case moves forward.
Business Transactions
When a buyer prepares to purchase a home, they enter into a real estate contract that is a legally binding document governing the entire transaction. Real estate contracts are used in the rental, sale, or purchase of a piece of real property. Real estate contracts are used in residential and commercial transactions. When a property is under contract, all parties are required to act in accordance with the contract, or the other party to the agreement could be awarded damages in court.
Limited Liability Companies
We first advised many of our clients in 2002 about a new law that required owners to provide a payment bond or other collateral on large projects to all firms with which the owner contracts as a prime contractor, whether a contractor or design professional. There was not a ground swell of interest at the time, but in this troubled economy where most projects are owned by limited liability companies, design firms should take a second look at this statute. Retain a Los Angeles construction lawyer if you would like to discuss your unique situation.
Construction Contracts
Drafting a construction contract can be complex and quite confusing, which is why it is recommended to have an attorney by your side to protect your rights. The Los Angeles construction attorneys at our firm have helped clients when it comes to drafting, reviewing and negotiating construction contracts. You can even come to our firm if you are in the middle of a contract dispute and need representation.
Trade Secrets
An individual cannot go beyond announcement of his competing position in sending out an announcement to customers whose identity is a trade secret. Bank of America, N.A. v. Lee 2008 U.S. Dist LEXIS 11040 (C.D.CA 2008). A clause should state that the customer list provides a competitive advantage from not being known outside the company and should be labeled under a clause for trade secret protection rather than nonsolicitation.
Intellectual Property
Unfair Competition
At the Law Office of Steven R. Lovett, we have over 40 years of experience protecting businesses from unfair competition and other unlawful business practices. We are dedicated to protecting your business and your livelihood. Contact us to speak with an experienced Southern California unfair competition lawyer in a free telephonic consultation. California's Unfair Competition Law (UCL) is contained within the Unfair Practices Act (Business and Professions Code Section 17000
In Dowell v. Biosense Webster Inc. (2009) 179 Cal. App.4th 564, an employer's threatened enforcement of a non-solicitation provision clause violated California's unfair competition law. Similarly, D' Sa v. Playhut Inc. (2000) 85 Cal. App.4th 927 held that an employee may state a wrongful termination claim if he or she is fired for refusal to sign a non-compete clause.
Non-compete Agreement
A non-compete agreement is a legal contract that employers and employees have between each other that restrict employees from working for or starting a competing business. Employers draft non-compete agreements in order to protect their trade secrets, confidential information, investments, customer relations and more.
California real estate law requires sellers to disclose to buyers of their real property "any material facts known to the seller affecting the value or desirability of the real estate." To legally sell a home in California, it's important to adhere to disclosure laws. These real estate disclosures were put in place to protect buyers and hold sellers legally liable for failure to maintain open and honest information sharing about the condition of a property.
Construction Litigation
Arbitration is a form of alternative dispute resolution. It is typically faster and can be a less expensive way to resolve a construction contract dispute. At the Law Office of Steven R. Lovett, our Los Angeles construction attorney has both the training and the experience needed to represent architects, engineers, contractors, subcontractors, or property owners when arbitration is required in contract terms or is preferable to construction litigation.
Real Estate Transactions
Whether you are on the purchasing or selling side of a real estate transaction, it’s important to be sure that your interests are taken into account. Any real estate transaction is a two-way negotiation where the interests of both parties compete until they reach an agreement. If you are looking to buy or sell property, a real estate attorney can help you protect what’s important to you during this process.
Easement
Land Use and Zoning
Landlord-Tenant Disputes
Commercial leases contain various provisions that outline the obligations that the landlord and tenant are responsible to perform. As such, there are a few important parts and provisions included in any commercial lease.
Property Damage
The California Supreme Court held in Ehrlich v. Menezes that where a contractor's negligence causes a homeowner only economic injury and property damage (not physical injury), only contract damages lie and a claim for emotional distress is precluded. The available damages for defective construction are thus limited to the cost of repairing the home, including lost use or relocation expenses, or the diminution in value. This is called the economic loss rule.
Construction defect cases require legal assistance from a knowledgeable professional who knows what to look for. It is critical to find a lawyer who can handle a multi-faceted, legally complex case. Sometimes these cases also included personal injury claims that are connected to the construction defects. At the Law Office of Steven R. Lovett, we provide Los Angeles construction defect legal representation.
Los Angeles real estate attorney, Steven R. Lovett has over 40 years of experience in real estate law, and he has been involved in complex real estate litigation trials and arbitrations representing property owners. He is selected for inclusion in Southern California's
Contractors, subcontractors, design professionals and suppliers can put a mechanic's lien on a property when a bill remains unpaid. Until the lien is satisfied, it can affect the owner of the property in many adverse ways, preventing the owner from selling the property and even resulting in foreclosure.
Debt Collection
It is critical to note that if the transaction involves a consumer debt, the creditor must also comply with the federal Fair Debt Collection Act (FDCPA), and provide the written warnings established by that law.