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Legal Insights & Commentary

Practical perspectives on complex business litigation, California law, and dispute resolution from the attorneys at Tajima LLP.

Recent Posts
Hybrid Contingency Fee Arrangements Business Litigation
Business Litigation · Firm Strategy · Commercial Disputes
Hybrid Contingency Fee Arrangements in Business Litigation: Aligning Incentives Between Attorney and Client

Pure hourly billing and pure contingency fees each have limitations in complex commercial disputes. A hybrid fee structure — reduced hourly rates combined with a success-based component — can better align attorney and client incentives while preserving aggressive, trial-ready representation.

Chase Tajima  ·  May 6, 2026
Monsanto v. Durnell Supreme Court FIFRA Preemption
Supreme Court · Products Liability · Federal Preemption
Monsanto Company v. Durnell: Preemption, Labeling, and the Limits of Federal Uniformity

The Supreme Court’s April 2026 argument asks whether FIFRA preempts state failure-to-warn claims where the EPA has not required the warning — a decision that will define the boundary between federal regulatory approval and state tort law.

Jackie Levien  ·  May 5, 2026
California Business Remedies Settlement Invoice Default
Business Litigation & Collections
California Business Remedies After an Invoice or Settlement Default

When a customer stops paying invoices or a counterparty defaults on a settlement agreement, California businesses need to act fast. A practical guide to CCP § 664.6 enforcement, pre-judgment attachment, goods vs. services distinctions, and payment under protest.

Chase Tajima  ·  April 24, 2026
Section 17200 Unfair Competition CUTSA Preemption California
Trade Secret & Unfair Competition
When Does a Section 17200 Unfair Competition Claim Survive CUTSA Preemption in California?

California's Unfair Competition Law offers powerful equitable remedies alongside trade secret claims — but defendants can move to dismiss them as preempted by CUTSA. Strategic guidance for plaintiffs and defendants from Tajima LLP.

Chase Tajima  ·  April 23, 2026
Asia-Pacific Cross-Border Business Litigation California
Cross-Border Litigation
California Counsel for Asia-Pacific Disputes: Why a Los Angeles Boutique Matters

When Asia-Pacific business interests collide with California law, having the right California counsel is the difference between a swift resolution and a prolonged fight across continents. Tajima LLP explains how a Los Angeles boutique delivers results.

Chase Tajima  ·  April 22, 2026
CUTSA Preemption Trade Secret Litigation California
Trade Secret Litigation
Understanding CUTSA Preemption in California Trade Secret Litigation

A review of public California demurrer rulings addressing CUTSA preemption, overlapping business tort claims, and computer-access allegations in trade secret litigation. Tajima LLP secured multiple demurrer victories in Los Angeles Superior Court.

Chase Tajima  ·  April 21, 2026
Federal Courthouse Los Angeles — CD Cal Local Rules
Federal Litigation
United States District Court, Central District of California (C.D. Cal.) Local Rules That Trip Up Out-of-State Lawyers

The Central District of California's local rules and judge-specific standing orders contain requirements that routinely catch experienced out-of-state litigators off guard. A practical guide to avoiding procedural pitfalls.

Jackie Levien  ·  April 21, 2026
International Legal Documents — Hague Convention
International Litigation
How to Serve Defendants Internationally Under the Hague Convention

Serving a defendant abroad is one of the few areas of litigation where a procedural misstep can invalidate an otherwise strong case. A practical guide to navigating international service.

Jackie Levien  ·  April 16, 2026
California Code of Civil Procedure
Litigation Strategy
California’s Initial Disclosure Statute Is Underutilized—And That’s a Mistake

California CCP Section 2016.090 allows parties to demand early initial disclosures. Despite its potential to reshape litigation, it remains significantly underutilized.

Jackie Levien  ·  April 18, 2026
Jackie Levien, Partner, Tajima LLP
Firm News
Tajima LLP Elevates Jackie Levien to Partner

Jackie Levien has been elevated to Partner at Tajima LLP, effective April 1, 2026. Jackie has been an integral part of the firm since its inception, bringing experience from Latham & Watkins LLP.

Tajima LLP  ·  April 1, 2026
Tajima LLP Stacked Logo
Firm Announcement
Trepanier Tajima LLP Is Now Tajima LLP

Tajima LLP, formerly known as Trepanier Tajima LLP, continues to operate under its new name as a boutique complex business litigation firm based in Los Angeles. Same mission, same commitment, same results.

Tajima LLP  ·  April 1, 2026
Chase Tajima
Firm News
International Data Center Arbitration Recognized by Global Law Firm as Bellwether Dispute

White & Case highlighted the RTI / Matulich arbitration — in which Chase Tajima served as lead counsel — in its global analysis of data center and digital infrastructure disputes.

Tajima LLP  ·  February 9, 2026
RTI Cable Inc Logo
Firm News
Trans-Pacific International Deal Closed: RTI Cable Transfers JGA North, JGA South, and SEA-US Submarine Cable Systems to Lightstorm

Tajima LLP represented RTI Cable in the successful transfer of three major trans-Pacific submarine cable systems — JGA North, JGA South, and SEA-US — to Lightstorm in a landmark international telecommunications deal.

Tajima LLP  ·  September 2025
Contractor Licensing California
Contractor Litigation
Navigating the Licensing Minefield: Common Issues for California Contractors

Operating without proper licensing in California can lead to severe penalties, fines, and even criminal charges. Learn about the most common contractor licensing pitfalls and how to protect your business.

Tajima LLP  ·  March 11, 2026
Commercial Defamation Lawsuit
Litigation
How to Prove Damages in a Commercial Defamation Lawsuit

A professional reputation takes years to build and only seconds to dismantle with a well-placed lie. To win a commercial defamation case in California, a business must bridge the gap between a defamatory remark and a specific, quantifiable financial loss.

Tajima LLP  ·  February 20, 2026
California Contract Litigation
Litigation
Strategic Considerations in California Contract Litigation

In California's commercial environment, mid-sized enterprises often face disputes that can threaten their operational stability. Litigation demands a precise approach rather than a reactive one — here is how to think strategically from day one.

Tajima LLP  ·  January 26, 2026
AI Legal Technology
Firm News
We Invest in Westlaw Artificial Intelligence for Smarter Litigation

Tajima LLP now incorporates Westlaw Precision with Generative AI — one of the most advanced legal research tools available — to deliver faster, sharper, and more comprehensive legal analysis for our clients.

Tajima LLP  ·  June 8, 2025
Litigation Strategy
Litigation Strategy
Why a Litigation Generalist Is the Most Strategic Choice in Complex Disputes

When facing a legal dispute, many clients instinctively search for a narrow specialist. But what truly drives success in complex litigation is strategic thinking, adaptability, and the ability to see the full battlefield — not just one corner of it.

Tajima LLP  ·  April 30, 2025
California Civil Lawsuit Defense
Litigation
Understanding a Defendant's Strategic Options in Responding to a Civil Lawsuit in California Superior Court

When a defendant is served with a civil lawsuit in California Superior Court, they must respond within a prescribed timeframe. The defendant has several procedural mechanisms at their disposal — each tailored to specific circumstances and strategic goals.

Tajima LLP  ·  March 3, 2025
Defendants Facing Litigation
Litigation
Three Critical Steps for Defendants Facing Litigation in California

Businesses, corporate executives, property owners, and high-net-worth individuals are all susceptible to civil litigation. When served, the first steps you take can define the outcome of your entire case.

Tajima LLP  ·  February 26, 2025