Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Saturday, December 20, 2008
"2008 Super Lawyers" Spanish Version Now Available
Monday, December 8, 2008
The MTA Found Liable For a Total Judgement in Excess of $3,560,000
The MTA (Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority), Otherwise Known As The LACMTA, Operator Of Buses And Trains, Found Liable For Over $1,300,000 In Attorneys Fees In Addition To Compensatory Damages Of $2,247,000 For A Total Judgment In Excess Of $3,560,000
Plays Del Rey, CA. - November 10, 2008 - SOLOMON, SALTSMAN & JAMIESON - In a case where the Plaintiff is represented by Solomon, Saltsman & Jamieson, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority ("MTA") was recently held liable for over $1,300,000 in attorneys fees to be added to the jury verdict rendered by a Los Angeles Superior Court jury for damages in the amount of $2,247,000.
The MTA, therefore, was found liable in this disability discrimination wrongful termination case for a total sum of $3,567,000.
Stephen Allen Jamieson, a partner in the Los Angeles Law Firm of Solomon, Saltsman & Jamieson together with his associate Ryan Kroll, convinced the Court that the competence and skill of these lawyers was sufficiently high, and the result achieved for their Client so successful, that they merited an increase of their presently standard hourly rate by a multiplier of 2.335 for their services on this case. Multiplication factors like these are, by statute and case law, awarded to give excellent lawyers an incentive to represent disabled and other injured people on a contingency fee basis instead of an hourly basis. That is, the lawyers do not get paid unless they prevail for the client.
The jury determined that a 53-year old driver for the MTA was terminated because of minor disabilities (which he contends were caused by many years of driving for the MTA), and that the MTA did not engage in an interactive process to find a reasonable accommodation so that the driver could continue to work.
Lead trial attorney Stephen Allen Jamieson, and his lawyer partners in the Law Firm of Solomon, Saltsman & Jamieson, Stephen Warren Solomon, Ralph B. Saltsman, Bruce Evans, and their lawyer associates Michael Akopyan, Julia Sullivan, and Ryan Kroll are pleased to achieve a great result for their deserving client.
This was an exceptional result for the client. This Attorneys Fees award will help to defray the overall fees and costs of this lawsuit.
With over 100 years of combined experience among the lawyers of the Law Firm of Solomon, Saltsman & Jamieson they have also achieved many other exceptional results in many areas of the law including, but not limited to, obtaining compensation for people suffering with serious personal injuries, brain injuries, spinal injuries, broken bones, emotional distress, and loss of earnings, resulting from different types of motor vehicle accidents, construction accidents, and all types of negligence and intentional actions and omissions, caused by transportation agencies and companies, and others.
Links to Related Documents (PDF):
NOTICE OF ENTRY OF AMENDED JUDGMENT FOLLOWING RULING ON ATTORNEYS' FEES
MOTION OF PLAINTIFF SALDADOR H. MORALES FOR REASONABLE ATTORNEYS FEES AND COSTS
Press Contact:
Stephen Allen Jamieson
SOLOMON, SALTSMAN & JAMIESON
426 Culver Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90293
Phone: 
310/822-9848
Fax: 310/822-3512 or 310/496-3291
Email: sjamieson@ssjlaw.com
Website: www.ssjlaw.com
Monday, November 24, 2008
December 3, 2008 ABC Seminar
SSJ Law Conducts Periodic Seminars on topics of interest to Alcohol Beverage Control Licensees and Discretionary Permit Holders at the State and Local levels. Clients and the general public are always welcome.
San Bernardino, California - December 3, 2008
2008 ABC Seminar Details
Topics: Removing ABC Conditions, New ABC Rules
1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
San Bernardino Hilton Hotel Map
285 East Hospitality Lane; San Bernardino, CA 92408
(909) 889-0133 (hotel information)
(310) 822-9848 (for reservations)
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Legal Help for Investors Exceeding FDIC Limits
Investors who have in excess of $100,000 in a financial institution or several institutions can talk to us for an hour consultation on the subject for $500. Contact us at http://www.ssjlaw.com.
Friday, October 31, 2008
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Thursday, October 23, 2008
Indian Casinos News and Views
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| Solomon, Saltsman & Jamieson continues to represent California’s gaming and non-gaming tribes on diverse issues such as tribal sovereignty, gaming, alcohol licensing land use, and business disputes. Senior Partner Stephen Warren Solomon explains, “Our Indian Law practice has grown over the last year, and it is really gratifying to help a cross-section of tribes meet the unique challenges they face. | |
| We also like to be on the cutting edge and practicing Indian law certainly puts us there.” Solomon says, “gaming, alcohol and entertainment at Indian Casinos also present unique challenges in California. We are getting calls from tribes to help them navigate the ABC process, particularly from tribes looking to expand their ABC licenses as their casinos grow.” Solomon has even decided to do a seminar just for Indian tribes on ABC issues. “We have been conducting ABC seminars throughout the State for years, but because tribes face special challenges for ABC issues, I thought it was time we did a seminar exclusively for tribes and the unique issues they face.” This seminar will be scheduled sometime in March of 2008 and SSJ will send notice to California’s tribes as details are worked out. Tribes with any question should feel free to call Solomon directly. | ||
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Helping People with Traumatically Induced Spinal Injuries and Traumatic Brain Injuries is Our Passion
If this is you or a loved one what do you do? Where do you go for help? What services are available to you and your friends and family who, along with you, have their lives changed forever by trauma induced disabilities? Changes you never thought possible, much less planned for, now require decisions, and now you need guidance in many areas of expertise.
But where do you find these services? How do you know which services will help. How do you know what you need? The cost of rehabilitation, life care for every day needs, identifying those needs, and how to make every day life easier. How to make every day life livable?
| And, who or what will pay for all of these expensive necessities? |
There are government services available, and in some cases health or long term care insurance as well, to help you and/or your family if you are afflicted or close to someone who has sustained such damage. Necessary life care and rehabilitation services to children, seniors, victims of domestic violence, racial or ethnic minorities, women, and others are available. It is necessary to transition people from hospital to home;find trained families, teachers and communities that know how to care for people with TBI or spinal related injuries; what rights protect TBI or spinal cord injury (CSI) victims nationwide.
In addition to the medical and rehabilitation experts that can provide much of this help you and/or your loved ones need financial help to cope with these changes.
Again, who will pay for all of these expensive necessities? What happens where there are not government services for particular needs you have, or there is no insurance or the insurance runs out?
How do you make your new life, and/or your loved one’s new life, as a person with disabilities productive, rewarding, and satisfying? How do you make that new life easier?
The answers to all of these questions can be found in a lawyer who is experienced in the legal aspects of trauma induced brain and spinal cord injury, post concussive syndrome, brain stem injury, head injuries or concussion. Attorney Stephen Jamieson, as well as his partners in the Los Angeles based firm of Solomon, Saltsman & Jamieson, are experienced in these matters.
| THE MOST COMMON CAUSES
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For over 23 years Mr. Jamieson, and his partners, have litigated and taken to trial numerous trauma induced brain and spinal injury matters. They have been fortunate to become trusted advisors to the injured and their families; and to provide guidance and direction to achieve the most legal satisfaction. It takes a depth of knowledge to put together a team of professionals that can ascertain the economic impact these severe injuries cause to the injured person, as well as their families, and then to present that information in a simple and direct manner to a judge and jury. The knowledgeable, yet simple, direct, and efficient manner, has resulted in verdicts, awards, and settlements exceeding $70,000,000. The every day life needs, as well as rehabilitation and medical care, are expensive and it was not your fault. Let the perpetrator of the injury, and his or her insurance carrier and/or employer, compensate you and your family to a level you deserve.
Previous cases examples include a young man who suffered a cerebrovascular accident when he was struck repeatedly during a sporting event, another young man who was working as a pavement contractor when a community bus collided with the machine he was driving, and yet another when a heavy piece of concrete fell on the head of an unsuspecting male requiring 32 metal plates in the skull. Each of these were either settled or tried to verdict. Verdict and settlements for this type of case range from close to $1,000,000 to $35,000,000. Mr. Jamieson, and his partners, can help you fully ascertain and understand your unique needs, calculate the economic cost of those needs, present that to the trier of fact, and obtain for you fair compensation. No more and no less.
Solomon, Saltsman & Jamieson are AV rated by Martindale Hubbell, the highest rating in competency and ethics that this trusted evaluator provides. Mr. Jamieson is also a member of the Million Dollar Advocates, as well as local and national Bar Associations. Mr. Jamieson is active in non-profit and charity work for people with disabilities. He is presently Vice President of EmpowerTech, (formerly Computer Access Center) and on its Board of Directors. EmpowerTech is a non-profit group that provides computer based solutions to people with disabilities of all kinds, including those that arose from brain and spinal injuries. He appears often on television and radio and is quoted in the media.
 | | Mr. Jamieson and his partners are hosts of the highly rated show Legal Help Live in What to do now? First, save the evidence! Second, save the evidence! Many people do nothing to preserve the evidence that will help prove what happened and why it happened. Without that evidence it dramatically reduces your ability to obtain just compensation since it reduces your ability to prove your case. So, third, preserve the evidence! |
Then call Solomon, Saltsman & Jamieson for help and guidance. A free consultation on these important matters is always available.
"Solomon, Saltsman & Jamieson are attorneys practicing in the areas of ABC law, ABC Appeals Board cases, and all related Land Use Matters such as City and County Conditional Use Permits, Variances, Police and Fire permits, Entertainment law, and Gambling Law; as well as Business and Personal Injury litigation. Solomon, Saltsman & Jamieson can be reached at 800 405 4222."
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
ABC News: Pleading Guilty to A Misdeameanor Can be a Basis for Revocation of Your ABC License or Denial of Your License Application
| Pleading guilty or no contest to a crime involving moral turpitude has cost many licensees their ABC licenses and many ABC applicants their opportunity to have their ABC licenses issued. The ABC Act itself requires the Department to revoke a license based on such plea or conviction. | |
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| Crimes of moral turpitude include narcotics, fraud, and even petty theft. Lawyers tell clients every day, “Just plead to the theft, and we can get out with a small fine and probation. No jail.” It sounds good until you hear from the ABC. One plea or conviction against a licensee or even against one major shareholder, officer or member of the board of directors of a corporate licensee could affect all the licenses held. Typically, the ABC’s prosecution of its case will be based on the court records. The Department’s case will last only a few minutes, and then Department will demand revocation. But you haven’t lost yet. Skilled experienced counsel can still save your license. There are myriad defenses and procedural issues that can be pursued, and the propriety of the penalty is always in question. Pleading guilty may certainly draw an accusation for revocation, but it is not the same as just turning in your license. | ||
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
2008 ABC Seminar Announcement
SSJ Law Conducts Periodic Seminars on topics of interest to Alcohol Beverage Control Licensees and Discretionary Permit Holders at the State and Local levels. Clients and the general public are always welcome.
Pasadena, California - October 23, 2008
2008 ABC Seminar Details
Topics: New Sales To Minors Penalties, New ACB Application Rules And Procedures, "New Director, New Chief Counsel, New ABC?”
1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Hilton Pasadena Hotel Map
168 South Los Robles, Pasadena, California 91101
(626) 577-1000 (hotel information)
(310) 822-9848 (for reservations)
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
"Is My Money Safe in Bank" PowerPoint Presentation Available for Download
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Pro Bono Legal Help and Other Assistance in Los Angeles County
Saturday, September 13, 2008
LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY, OPERATOR OF BUSES & TRAINS, FOUND LIABLE BY JURY, TO PAY $2,247,000 TO INJURED BUS DRIVER
The Metrolink Train that crashed on Friday, September 12, 2008 in Chatsworth was part of a network of separate independent rail and bus lines that includes the MTA (Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority) along with other bus and train transportation companies and agencies serving Stephen Allen Jamieson, a partner in the Los Angeles Law Firm of Solomon, Saltsman & Jamieson together with his associate Ryan Kroll convinced a Los Angeles Superior Court jury that character counts, even the character of a large company. As Jamieson argued to the jury, “If the MTA had simply cared enough about its long term bus driver to follow the law this honorable man would never have been fired and this case would never have seen this courtroom.”
For more information, log on http://www.ssjlaw.com
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Sunday, September 7, 2008
PowerPoint Presentation Available for Download
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Introduction to the Law Offices of Solomon, Saltsman & Jamieson
The information you obtain at this is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation. Visit our website at http://www.ssjlaw.com
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Teenager Injured in Football Game Receives Jury Award of $7.57 Million for Missed Diagnosis by Treating Doctors
Stephen Allen Jamieson won a jury trial in the amount of $7.57 million dollars on behalf of a 19-year-old who had received a medical treatment far below the standard of care including a misdiagnosis of a bleed on his brain. This case was tried in Los Angeles County Superior Court, Southwest District (Torrance) before the Honorable Lois Smaltz.
In September 1995, the then 16-year-old plaintiff was practicing with his high school football team when he sustained several hard hits to the head from another player. In the evening his parents took him to the Urgent Care Center. The doctor failed to properly diagnose the problem as a concussion. There were no radiographic films done, no CT scan done. The doctor misdiagnosed the problem as dehydration and failed to place any definite limitation of the plaintiff’s participation in football over the next few days.
Two days later, the teenager collapsed on the playing field within a few minutes of the start of the football game. He was later diagnosed with a massive brain hemorrhage and was comatose for a month. He was left with brain damage resulting in loss of function in one arm and one leg and cognitive deficiencies.
Solomon, Saltsman and Jamieson filed a lawsuit for negligence against the school district as well as the doctor, the Urgent Care Center for which he worked, and the hospital that sponsored the Urgent Care Center.
The defendants in this action vigorously litigated this matter. There were over thirty depositions taken. Expert witnesses were required in many different fields such as athletic training, accident reconstruction, biomechanics, engineering and sports of psychology. The malpractice issue required the hiring of medical experts such as a neuropsychiatrists and psychologists. After more than two years, Mr. Jamieson and Stephen W. Solomon settled with the school district for $1,800,000.
Four months later Stephen Jamieson took the case against the urgent care doctor and his employers to trial before a superior court in Torrance, California. The medical issues were perceived by the defense to be the weaker portion of the case, particularly considering that Torrance is a relatively conservative jurisdiction, and that there are inherent difficulties associated with a medical malpractice action (i.e., MICRA limitations).
Therefore, the defense offered only $50,000 prior to trial. After three weeks in trial, Mr. Jamieson convinced the jury to return a verdict in the amount of $7,570,000.
Visit us at http://www.ssjlaw.com for more information.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
62-year-old Salesperson Fired for having Leukemia is awarded $582,000 by jury
The jury found that the defendant employer acted with malice, oppression and fraud, thus entitling him to punitive damages.
This was an employment discrimination case that also raised issues involving violations of the American Disabilities Act. It was tried by Stephen Allen Jamieson before a jury in Los Angeles Superior Court. The Honorable Ernest Williams presided over this case.
A 62-year-old gentleman was hired by a beverage company to be a route salesperson in the Los Angeles area. Three months after beginning his new job the plaintiff was diagnosed with chronic lymphatic leukemia. At that point in time, he had not yet satisfied his sales quota. He was subsequently fired.
No offer to settle was made prior to the trial. After 1 and ½ days of jury deliberation and after the judge told defendant to settle, the defendants finally made their first offer of $10,000.
The terminated employee rejected the offer. The jury returned with a verdict of $582,000. Based on the unconscionable acts of the employer shown to the jury by Mr. Jamieson throughout the trial, the jury also decided that the employer acted with malice, oppression and fraud, the necessary finding for punitive damages. The case settled the following morning in the courtroom just before the defendant was required to open up its books and records for a determination on the amount of punitive damages. The verdict was paid ten days later.
Visit us at http://www.ssjlaw.com for more information.
Friday, August 15, 2008
2008 ABC Seminar
SSJ Law Conducts Periodic Seminars on topics of interest to Alcohol Beverage Control Licensees and Discretionary Permit Holders at the State and Local levels. Clients and the general public are always welcome. Upcoming and recent seminar is detailed below:
Los Angeles, California - August 21, 2008
2008 ABC Seminar Details
Topics: New Sales To Minors Penalties, New ACB Application Rules And Procedures, "New Director, New Chief Counsel, New ABC?”
1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Hilton Los Angeles Airport Hotel Map
5711 W. Century Blvd., Los Angeles, California 90045
(310) 410-4000 (hotel information)
(310) 822-9848 (for reservations)
Friday, August 8, 2008
Fraud Found by Jury Against a Real Estate Broker
Our client, a 52 year-old single woman, purchased a home in a beautiful rural area on a lake north of Los Angeles. The home was in a gated community of many houses that share a lake. When the client purchased the home, the Real Estate Broker and Sales Agent assured the client that the home was in good condition and did not need any major maintenance or repairs.
Shortly after close of escrow the client moved in and started to improve the property by installing a new deck from which to view sunsets over the lake with her toddler granddaughter.
Within a few weeks the toilet started to back up, the sink and shower would not drain and the client called plumbers to fix the problem. At that point, she discovered that this drainage problem had been an issue at the house for many years and no one had disclosed it.
Specifically, the drainage problem was the house did not have a modern sewage system at all. It did not have a sewer. It did not have a septic tank. There was only a dirt pit into which the raw sewage would dump from the drains in the house. When that pit was full, sewage overflowed into the house.
The client then stopped using the toilet and showers while she attempted to find a way to fix it. She did not have any money left to fix it after purchasing the house. For almost a year she communicated with the Real Estate Sales Agent, who assured her that this problem would be fixed. Then, the Real Estate Sales Agent abruptly stopped taking her calls.
During this entire time the client had to go to great lengths to do routine things anyone should be able to do in their home; she either used her neighbor’s bathroom or drove 2.5 miles to the nearest gas station to use their facilities. She showered at the gym each morning.
When her 3 year-old granddaughter visited, she was forced to either use the lawn outside or depend on the neighbor’s good graces for bathroom privileges.
Finally after about a year, the client was able to connect the property up to the municipal sewage system.
Stephen Allen Jamieson and R. Bruce Evans represented the client when she took her case before the Los Angeles Superior Court. At trial, the Real Estate Broker and Sales Agent argued that she did not know about the sewage pit and potential overflow problems. However, the jury disbelieved the Agent.
They found against the Real Estate Broker company and the Sales Agent for professional negligence and in favor of Jamieson’s and Evan’s client for a substantial amount of money. This sum represented the difference in the value of land as sold versus the value of the land as the Agent had represented, along with compensation for the emotional distress our client suffered. The case was thereafter settled for a confidential dollar amount.
Contact us at http://www.ssjlaw.com
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Dealing With Your Securities Broker When Things Go Wrong - Your Legal Rights and Remedies
AN OUTLINE
Representing Aggrieved Investors Nationwide
If you have any questions or a possible case; do not hesitate in contacting us:
A. FINDING A SECURITIES BROKER
It's your money. Do you have reason to trust him/her and the company he/she works for?
1. What you should learn about a securities broker:
(a) What is his education?
(b) What professional licenses does he have? Is he a licensed "registered representative" whose activities are regulated by the SEC, the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD") and your state's Blue Sky Commissioner?
(c) What is his experience in the business?
(d) How does he get paid? If it is sales commissions, he doesn't get paid if he doesn't make the sale. (Most brokers are paid by commission. This creates a conflict of interest as the broker gets paid on every transaction that he does for you, whether or not the transaction is in your best interest.)
(e) Financial Consultant, Financial Adviser, and the like have no legal meaning. (Almost everyone is a Vice President.)
(f) What is a Financial Planner, Certified Financial, or Chartered Financial Planner? (Certified Financial Planner and Chartered Financial Planner require additional tests of competency over and above the regular securities exams [Series 7 and maybe a Series 63] required to be a stockbroker.)
2. Who does he work for?
(a) Is his company a licensed securities broker regulated by the SEC, the NASD, and your state's Blue Sky Commission? Is the company a member of a securities exchange such as the New York Stock Exchange? Do you care? (Most investors feel more comfortable buying investments from larger firms.)
3. Establish your investment objectives.
(a) Bear in mind there is a risk in every investment. The higher the potential return, the higher the risk. Things that sound too good to be true generally are.
(b) Do you want income, long term growth, liquidity? (Make sure your broker understands.)
(c) Are you willing to speculate? (Make sure your broker understands.)
4. Lean about the specific securities in which you invest. The key is: Do you understand what you are buying? (If you do not understand it - don't buy it.)
(a) Does the security fit your goals? (Short term trading does not meet the goals of the long term investor.)
(b) What is the relationship between the broker and/or the company he works for and the company that issued the security you are investing in? (This may create a conflict of interest - watch out!)
(c) Is the security a bond, debenture, preferred stock, option, mutual fund or limited partnership? Is it a derivative or hybrid? ("Sophisticated" and "speculative" are dangerous words.)
(d) Is the investment registered with the SEC? Is it legally tradeable? How long after the purchase can you sell it? As a practical matter, will there be a real market for it? What market?
5.Look up your broker's complaint history at the NASD site (www.nasdr.com).
B. Your Broker's Responsibility to You
In most states, when a securities broker "hangs out his shingle" he undertakes a fiduciary duty to his customers. In all states, he represents that he will deal fairly and in accordance with the standards of his profession.
1. A broker has an obligation to "know his customer." He must learn your financial circumstances so that he can properly recommend securities.
2. He must account for your money. He does this through periodic statements and confirmation slips of each transaction. Read them. Get an explanation if you don't understand them. If your broker's explanation is unsatisfactory, talk to his manager.
3. No half-truths. He must not make any untrue statement of a material fact, and must not omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made not misleading in light of the circumstances under which they are made.
C. Your Responsibility in the Securities Transaction
1. You must act as a reasonably prudent investor. Don't check your brains at the door. Ask all the questions you want and feel comfortable that you understand what you are doing.
2. Don't misrepresent your financial circumstances and don't allow the broker to fill out anything stating a false financial history. Read and understand what you sign. Don't sign blank forms.
D. Common Scenarios of Stockbroker Misconduct
1. Unsuitable Recommendations. Because stockbrokers serve in a fiduciary capacity, they are obligated to recommend to their customers only those transactions which are "suitable" for the given customer's financial situation and needs. Simply put, the stockbroker must act in the best interests of the customer and not induce them to make trades in a manner that is inconsistent with their investment goals and the risk they want or can afford to take. Be alert for recommendations to make a dramatic change in your investment strategy, such as moving from low risk investments to speculative securities, or concentrating investments exclusively in a single product.
2. Trading to Earn Commissions. The broker must recommend a security on its own merit, not principally on the ground that his employer is the sponsor (makes a market) of the security and he (the broker) will get a higher percentage of the commission by selling you a house-sponsored security.
3. Churning. Churning, a common offense, is when a stockbroker induces his client to enter into excessive or frequent trading so that the stockbroker will receive greater commissions. An excessive number of transactions in your account generates more commissions for your broker, but may provide no better investment opportunities for you. Also, unless there is a legitimate investment purpose for switching your investment in a mutual fund to a different fund with the same or similar investment objectives, a switch recommended by your sales representative may simply be an attempt to generate additional commissions for the broker.
4. Misleading Statements of Material Facts (FRAUD). It is unlawful for a broker to make any untrue statement of a material fact or fail to disclose a material fact which would mislead the client. You should be alert for recommendations from your sales representative that are based on so called "inside" or "confidential information," an "upcoming favorable research report," a "prospective merger or acquisition", or "I have a friend at the company", as well as the announcement of a "dynamic new product". Also beware of representations that your investment will "double" within a short period of time or of any "guarantees" that you will not lose money.
5. Manipulation. This is when the broker uses your money (and the money of others) in transactions intended to influence the price of a security on the public market so that it is not a reflection of the true purchases and sales.
6. Unauthorized and Improperly Executed Transactions. An unauthorized transaction occurs when the stockbroker executes a transaction without obtaining the customer's prior consent. An improperly executed transaction arises when the broker fails to follow the customer's directions. For example, a broker buys when instructed to sell or a trade that was made in the wrong security or at the wrong quantity or price. Sometimes the broker might say that he tried calling you, but this was such a good opportunity, you had to have it in your account. Be suspicious of any excuses from your broker that such problems are simply due to a computer or clerical error.
7. Failure to Supervise. A brokerage house has the obligation to supervise its brokers to make sure they are not violating the rules of professional conduct and make sure that none of the conduct described here has occurred. Failure to closely supervise makes the brokerage house liable to the same extent as the broker.
8. Conversion. Occasionally brokers outright misappropriate funds or securities entrusted to them by their customers (stealing). This is also illegal.
9. Excessive Mark-Ups. When the broker acts as a principal and/or market maker and sells a security to you, he cannot charge you a mark-up which is excessive given a fair market. When he purchases a security from you, he cannot purchase at a discount which is excessive given a fair market
E. Other Things You Should Know
1. Statutes of Limitations. Don't delay. A statute of limitations is the time period in which you must bring a claim, or the claim is forever barred. The statute of limitations depends on the state in which you live as well as your particular circumstances. In short, get help right away to make sure that your claim is not barred.
2. Forum. Most modern account opening agreements with brokerage houses require that customer disputes be arbitrated in arbitration proceedings administered by the NASD or a stock exchange. You still have the right to an attorney. Arbitration awards are enforceable.
3. The Chances of Success. As most disputes are heard in arbitration instead of court proceedings, there are no statistics on success in these types of cases. In arbitration, recent statistics show that most of the customer cases are settled before hearing with smaller cases settled more frequently. If you don't settle, statistics show that about 60% of the cases end up with some type of recovery to the customer. Even though there can never be a guarantee that you will recover anything, statistically, cases in which the customer retains legal counsel produce better results.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Our Attorney Profiles: Julia H. Sullivan
Current Employment Position:
Areas Of Practice:
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Litigation Percentage:
100% of Practice Devoted to Litigation Matters
Bar Admissions:
California, 2005
Education:
Southwestern University School of Law, Los Angeles, California, 2005
Honors:
Staff Member, Southwestern Journal of Law and Trade in the
Americas, 2003 – 2004
Board of Governors, Moot Court Honors Program, 2004 – 2005; Member, 2003 – 2005Beloit College, Beloit, Wisconsin, 1997, B.A.
Major: Anthropology
Professional Associations and Memberships:
Los Angeles County Bar Association
American Bar Association
Member, Women in the Profession Committee
Other Activities
Judge, Southwestern University School of Law, Intramural Moot Court Competition
Contact Information:
426 Culver Blvd.
Playa del Rey, CA 90293
Phone
(310)822-9848
(800)405-4222
Fax:
(310)822-3512
Monday, June 23, 2008
Legal Help: Checklist for Auto Accident
If you were involved in an auto accident, would you know what to do? The following "checklist" is designed to help you take the necessary steps to protect your legal rights in case of an accident
Exchange Documents: Don't discuss the accident with anyone or blame anyone, including yourself. Exchange only your license, registration and motor vehicle identification card.
Driver and Ownership Facts: Take down the name, address, operator's license number, date of birth, sex, state of license, and the phone number of the other driver. Write down the name, address, and the insurance company (and policy number) of the owner of the other car involved. The driver may not be the owner of the car.
Injured Parties: Seek information from police for all injured parties involved including passengers. Take down the names, addresses, dates of birth, sex, and extent of injury.
Witnesses: Be sure to write down the names, addresses, and phone numbers of any people who saw the accident but weren't involved in it. Passengers in accident are not witnesses.
The Scene: Write down the location including the street, intersection, or any landmarks. If possible take photos of the accident scene. Pay particular attention to skid marks and damages to all vehicles involved. (It is a good idea to carry a disposable camera in your car since in many cases the police will not take a report.)
Report the Accident: Be sure to report the accident to your insurance broker or agent immediately. If the accident involves a death or injury, report it without delay to the police department. Obtain a copy of the police report as soon as its available.
After Leaving The Accident Scene
If you were injured in a serious car accident, do not hesitate to call the Law Offices of Solomon, Saltsman and Jamieson at 1 800 405-4222 for a free consultation.
Take photographs of the damage to your vehicle and of any injuries to yourself and others in your vehicle.
See your doctor if there is any chance you may have been injured. Serious injuries do not always cause immediate pain.
The Law Offices of Solomon, Saltsman & Jamieson hope you find this checklist useful and informative.
Keep this checklist in the glove compartment of your car.
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Friday, June 20, 2008
Our Practice Areas
Alcoholic Beverage Control Hearings
State, Community, and City Government
Civil Litigation and Trial
Personal Injury
Business Disputes
Employment Law - Employee and Employer
Government Relations
Land Use Planning
Constitutional Law
Indian Gaming
Appellate Law
Indian Gaming/Sovereignty and ABC Law
The firm has represented numerous tribes in California
Civil Litigation and Trial
Solomon, Saltsman & Jamieson practices in state and federal trial courts. Unlike many other firms, Solomon, Saltsman & Jamieson not only litigates but tries cases it takes on. Among the four partners, there is a vast amount of experience aggregating close to 100 years.
Cases accepted range from serious personal injury matters with bodily injury including paralysis, amputation or brain injury, to corporate and business litigation such as shareholder derivative actions, fraudulent real estate actions, and partnership disputes.
Solomon, Saltsman & Jamieson has been successful in settlement and trial verdicts that range from several hundred thousand dollars to 35 million dollars. STEPHEN JAMIESON and STEPHEN SOLOMON have settled or tried cases for an aggregate amount of over 50 million dollars for their plaintiff clients. Where Solomon, Saltsman & Jamieson defends cases, the results are similarly impressive. Whether on Plaintiff's side or Defendant's side, our hard work, strategic planning and innovative thinking make our clients successful.
Alcoholic Beverage Control Hearings
For nearly thirty years STEPHEN WARREN SOLOMON and RALPH BARAT SALTSMAN have been the recognized standard bearers in Alcoholic Beverage Control defense. The firm is devoted to defending licenses in enforcement procedures brought by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Solomon, Saltsman & Jamieson has litigated Alcoholic Beverage Control cases at all administrative and judicial levels. Our clients include multi-national corporations as well as statewide businesses and individually held stores and restaurants.
State and Local Land Use
The firm represents permit applicants before planning commissions and city councils throughout the state of California. Our emphasis includes representation in all state and local administrative processes in both obtaining and retaining permits, licenses, and discretionary entitlements.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Our Attorney Profiles - Michael Akopyan
Current Employment Position:
Areas Of Practice:
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Litigation Percentage:
100% of Practice Devoted to Litigation Matters
Bar Admissions:
California, 2005
U.S. District Court Central District of California
Education:
Southwestern University School of Law, Los Angeles, California, 2005
J.D.
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, 2001
B. S. Business Administration
Concentration: Corporate Finance
Professional Associations and Memberships:
Los Angeles County Bar Association
Armenian Bar Association
Contact Information:
426 Culver Blvd.
Playa del Rey, CA 90293
Phone
(310)822-9848
(800)405-4222
Fax:
(310)822-3512
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Our Attorney Profiles - Ralph Barat Saltsman
Honors & Awards
Current Employment Position:
Areas Of Practice:
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Litigation Percentage:
100% of Practice Devoted to Litigation Matters
Bar Admissions:
CA, 1974
U.S. District Court, Southern District of CA
U.S. District Court, Central District of CA
U.S. District Court, Northern District of CA
U.S. Supreme Court
U.S. Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit
Education:
Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, CA 1973
Honors: Recognition of Service to Student Body, 1973
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 1970
Honors: Blackstonean Honor Society, 1968
Major: English Literature
Media:
Host and Panelist for Legal Help Live™2000 to present. Legal Help Live currently broadcasts on AM Radio Saturday @10:00 a.m on KRLA AM 870; and broadcasts on television on Wednesdays at 4 p.m. on Channels 16 and 36 in Santa Monica and Los Angeles.
Published Works:
To view a list of articles authored by Ralph B. Saltsman please refer to articles in the firm portion of the website.
Annual updates, ABC Licensee Handbook
Classes/Seminars Taughts:
Seminar Leader/Instructor, ABC Law Seminars
Lecturer, ABC Law and Land Use Planning Seminars, 1993 - 2008
Lecturer, Live Adult Entertainment Seminar, 1995
Professional Associations and Memberships:
American Bar Association, Member
CA Bar Association, Member
CA Trial Lawyers Association, Member
LA County Bar Association, Member
The Loyola Student Rep. to the Community Legal Assistance Center Executive Board
Governing Board of Loyola University-Community Service Program. 1973, Member
Student-Faculty Clinical Education Committee, 1972-1973, Member
Loyola Law School: Judge, Moot Court Competition
Contact Information:
426 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey, CA 90293
Phone
(310)822-9848
(800)405-4222Fax:
(310)822-3512E-mail:
rsaltsman@ssjlaw.com
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Our Attorney Profile - Ryan Kroll
Current Employment Position
Areas of Practice
Bar Admissions
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Litigation Percentage:
100% of Practice Devoted to Litigation Matters
Education
University of Florida Levin College of Law, Gainesville, Florida, 2004, J.D. Magna Cum Laude
Honors: Florida Law Review
Order of the Coif
University of Florida Fischer School of Accounting, Gainesville, Florida, 2004, Master of Accounting
University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 2000, B.S.
Major: Accounting
Licenses
Florida Certified Public Accountant - Inactive Status
Contact Information:
426 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey, CA 90293
Phone
(310)822-9848
(800)405-4222Fax:
(310)822-3512E-mail:
rkroll@ssjlaw.com
Friday, May 30, 2008
62-Year-Old Salesperson Fired for Having Leukemia is Awarded $582,000 by Jury
The jury found that the defendant employer acted with malice, oppression and fraud, thus entitling him to punitive damages.
This was an employment discrimination case that also raised issues involving violations of the American Disabilities Act. It was tried by Stephen Allen Jamieson before a jury in Los Angeles Superior Court. The Honorable Ernest Williams presided over this case.
A 62-year-old gentleman was hired by a beverage company to be a route salesperson in the Los Angeles area. Three months after beginning his new job the plaintiff was diagnosed with chronic lymphatic leukemia. At that point in time, he had not yet satisfied his sales quota. He was subsequently fired.
No offer to settle was made prior to the trial. After 1 and ½ days of jury deliberation and after the judge told defendant to settle, the defendants finally made their first offer of $10,000.
The terminated employee rejected the offer. The jury returned with a verdict of $582,000. Based on the unconscionable acts of the employer shown to the jury by Mr. Jamieson throughout the trial, the jury also decided that the employer acted with malice, oppression and fraud, the necessary finding for punitive damages. The case settled the following morning in the courtroom just before the defendant was required to open up its books and records for a determination on the amount of punitive damages. The verdict was paid ten days later.
Solomon Saltsman & Jamieson are attorneys practicing in the areas of ABC law, ABC Appeals Board cases, and all related Land Use Matters such as City and County Conditional Land Use Permits, Variances, Police and Fire Permits, Entertainment Law, Gaming Law, as well as Personal Injury litigation. Solomon Saltsman & Jamieson can be contacted at 800-405-4222.
Friday, May 23, 2008
2008 ABC Seminar
SSJ Law Conducts Periodic Seminars on topics of interest to Alcohol Beverage Control Licensees and Discretionary Permit Holders at the State and Local levels. Clients and the general public are always welcome. Upcoming seminar is detailed below:
San Bernardino, California - May 29, 2008
2008 ABC Seminar Details
Topics: New Sales To Minors Penalties, New Abc Application Rules And Procedures, "New Director, New Chief Counsel, New Abc?”
1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Hilton Hotel San Bernardino Map
285 E. Hospitality Lane, San Bernardino, California 92408
