News & Media Archives - Adishian Law

EL SEGUNDO, CA (November 15, 2018)— Adishian Law Group is pleased to announce that Adishian Law Group, P.C. and Adishian Capital were profiled in the current issue of Southbay Magazine.

As the magazine states, “Adishian Law Group practices business, employment and real estate law. Their work includes leading mission-critical transactions and litigation, and high-stakes employment cases involving highly compensated professionals. Adishian Capital is a licensed real estate brokerage that provides property management services and select brokerage services. Together the companies deliver “family office” real estate capabilities giving clients relationship continuity across all their real estate activities. Owner Chris Adishian earned his B.A. in mathematical economics from Berkeley, with a minor in business administration from the Haas School of Business, and his law degree from Loyola Law School.”

What is the best legal advice you have ever received?

“I read in a business book—probably long before I went to law school—that the most important term in the contract isn’t in the contract. It’s dealing with people who are honest.”

Share your thoughts about the value of the human connection in your industry.

“It’s everything. You have to know yourself, be yourself and connect with your fellow humans in a genuine manner, even in times of tough business negotiations or outright litigation. If you cannot genuinely connect with other humans, everything will be challenging.”

Tell us some recent client success stories.

“We served as counsel to our seller/developer client in the construction and sale of two office buildings that are now the corporate headquarters for Australian toy company Moose Toys. In another matter, a Japanese company retained our firm to form its U.S. subsidiary for #JapanHouse Los Angeles—a global project to promote Japanese culture, art, food, technology and fashion ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.”

L to R: Emily Zinn, Trevor Zeiler, Cynthia Sun, Chris Adishian, Tamara Cook, Julia Toscano, Laura Mayer

What can our readers learn from your most successful clients?

“They are committed to improving their decision-making process in business and life. They understand that the two great equalizers are: (1) time and (2) decisions. Over time, the compounded result of good decisions (and avoiding the compounded result of bad decisions) dwarfs any legal fees. Sometimes the best decisions are to not do something.”

What is the most valuable skill you offer?

“My individual core skill set is along the lines of an ‘expert generalist.’ When we look at a challenge or opportunity, we start with the legal expertise. That’s foundational. Along with our legal advice, we bring deep knowledge and multidisciplinary experience, which come together to inform the client’s business or litigation strategy and execution.”

Click this link to read the full-color original.

EL SEGUNDO, CA (September 30, 2017)—Adishian Law Group Advises Welcome Group on New Real Estate Construction and Sale to Moose Toys

Adishian Law Group in El Segundo, CA announces the Closing of a 22,607 gross square real estate construction and sale transaction between our client and Moose Toys. Our client (“Seller”) built and delivered 2 free-standing shell office buildings with each building comprised of 2 condominium units. In addition, Seller built and delivered a companion parking structure totaling approximately 345 parking spaces, some of which are licensed to Moose Toys. This project is located within Campus El Segundo development. El Segundo remains a very attractive real estate destination for companies or investors around the world.

On behalf of our client, our firm led the legal work on the transaction from PSA through Closing. Our work included negotiating, drafting or reviewing the following documents: Purchase and Sale Agreement; Temporary Access Agreement; Contracts for Construction; Assignment of Purchase Agreement; Short Form Deed of Trust; Escrow Instructions and Amendments; Parking License Agreement; Reciprocal Access Agreement; Notice of Completion; Owner’s Affidavit; Grant Deeds; HOA deeds and 1031 Exchange related documents.

About Adishian Law Group, P.C.

Adishian Law Group is a California law firm with a statewide practice in the areas of Corporate law, Employment law and Real Estate law. Adishianlaw.com is one of the oldest continually operating law firm websites on the Internet. The firm serves its clientele via three offices located in the major business hubs of El Segundo, Palo Alto and San Francisco.

For more information about this transaction, contact Chris Adishian:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

62 Year Old, African-American Former Branch Manager Files Racial Discrimination Lawsuit Against Terminix, a Subsidiary of ServiceMaster: Suit Highlights Wrongful Termination, Age Discrimination, Race Discrimination, Failure to Prevent Discrimination, Retaliation, Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress, Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress and Statutory Unfair Competition

EL SEGUNDO, CA (September 9, 2017) — Ernest “E.J.” Walker, a 62 year old African American, filed suit this month in San Francisco Superior Court against Terminex International Company L.P. (Terminex) and ServiceMaster Global Holdings, Inc. (“ServiceMaster”), ticker symbol “SERV”, a publicly traded Fortune 1000 company that provides residential and commercial services. The suit accuses Terminex and ServiceMaster of wrongful termination, age discrimination, race discrimination, failure to prevent discrimination, retaliation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligent infliction of emotional distress and statutory unfair competition.

According to the suit, Ernest was a loyal employee of Terminex for over twelve years. Prior to his alleged wrongful termination, he had performed exceptionally well, leading the company’s “largest branch in the western division” (Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara) to “record revenue and profits”. When his supervisor left, E.J indicated his interest in the job. Instead of being considered for the promotion, Terminix told him that he would not be considered “based on his performance”, and Terminix hired a white male. Shortly thereafter the new white supervisor inexplicably gave him a “written warning” and thereafter his new white supervisor put him on a “a performance improvement plan claiming E.J. was not meeting expectations”.

Ernest “refused to sign the performance improvement plan” and ultimately “filed an ethics complaint” against his new supervisor. Yet, “[t]he same people who gave E.J. his performance review, were tasked with investigating the review”. Terminix placed him on a second performance improvement plan, and followed that with a termination for alleged “performance deficiencies”.

The lawsuit, filed in San Francisco County Superior Court, seeks damages for lost wages, special damages including loss of income and benefits and medical expenses, interest, punitive damages, and attorneys’ fees and costs. Terminix has since removed the case to the United States Federal District Court, Northern District of California. Click here for a copy of the Complaint.

“We’re eager to commence discovery to determine why Terminix failed to consider an apparently exemplary employee for promotion. We’re interested to discover whether our the Company’s stated reasons for termination are legitimate and non-discriminatory, or merely a pretext for unlawful age-based, race-based discrimination and retaliation. We are also curious to learn what actions, if any, that the company took, once it was on notice of E.J. complaints.” says Chris Adishian.

About Adishian Law Group, P.C.

About Adishian Law Group, P.C. Adishian Law Group (https://adishianlaw.com) is a California law firm with a statewide practice in the areas of Corporate law, Employment law, Real Estate law and Mediation Services. As of December 2016, the firm has represented corporate and individual clients located across 22 California counties, 13 States outside of California and 10 foreign countries in over 520 legal matters. Adishianlaw.com is one of the oldest continually operating law firm websites on the Internet. The firm serves its clientele via three offices located in the major business hubs of El Segundo, Palo Alto and San Francisco.

For more information about this case, contact Chris Adishian:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Female Former Director of Client Solutions Sues Digilant: Suit Highlights Disability Discrimination, Failure to Provide Accommodation, Failure to Engage in an Interactive Process, Failure to Prevent Discrimination, Retaliation, Wrongful Discharge in Violation of Public Policy and Unfair Competition.

EL SEGUNDO, CA (August 20, 2017) — Samira Judeh filed suit this month in San Francisco Superior Court against Digilant, Inc. (Digilant), a marketing technology company that assists in programmatic media buying. The suit accuses Digilant and its employees of disability discrimination, failure to provide accommodation, failure to engage in an interactive process, failure to prevent discrimination, retaliation, wrongful discharge in violation of public policy and unfair competition.

According to the Complaint, soon after learning that Samira would have to be out of the office for doctor’s appointments on a recurring basis, “Chris Cooper, Digilant’s Vice President of Sales at Digilant began harassing Samira. He was demanding, belligerent and made sarcastic comments to Samira.” Samira informed the Chief Operating Officer that Cooper was “harassing her.”. Nothing was done. Soon thereafter, Samira heard Cooper tell Digilant’s Director of Sales Accounts, “I don’t give a shit what she has going on medically. She’ s a bitch!”

In early May, Samira informed Digilant’s Chief Operating Officer him that she had “been diagnosed with a medical condition and that she would need to go to more doctor’s appointments.” Approximately three weeks later, Digilant terminated her, allegedly for the reason that there was a reduction in work force.

The lawsuit seeks damages for lost wages (front and back pay), benefits and career opportunities, special damages, punitive damages, interest and attorneys’ fees and costs. Digilant has since removed the case to the United States Federal District Court, Northern District of California. Click here for a copy of the Complaint.

“We’re eager to commence discovery to determine what actions, if any, Digilant took once it was on notice of Samira’s medical condition to engage in a good faith interactive process with her or to provide an accommodation. We also interested to learn what steps the Company took to prevent discrimination against Samira and whether or not the Company retaliated against Samira.” says Chris Adishian.

About Adishian Law Group, P.C.

Law Group (https://adishianlaw.com) is a California law firm with a statewide practice in the areas of Corporate law, Employment law, Real Estate law and Mediation Services. As of December 2016, the firm has represented corporate and individual clients located across 22 California counties, 13 States outside of California and 10 foreign countries in over 520 legal matters. Adishianlaw.com is one of the oldest continually operating law firm websites on the Internet. The firm serves its clientele via three offices located in the major business hubs of El Segundo, Palo Alto and San Francisco.

For more information about this case, contact Chris Adishian:

EL SEGUNDO, CA (November 9, 2016)— Adishian Law Group is pleased to announce that Adishian Law Group, P.C. and Adishian Capital were profiled in the current issue of Southbay Magazine.

Southbay Magazine (November 2016)[/caption]

As the magazine states, “Adishian Law Group practices business, employment and real estate law, and Adishian Capital is a licensed real estate brokerage that
provides property management services and select brokerage services. Owner Chris Adishian started the law firm in 2003 and Adishian Capital in 2007.

FAST FACT:

From their South Bay headquarters, Adishian Law Group has represented clients in 22 California counties, 12 states outside California and 9 foreign countries.

What would you like potential clients to know about you?

“Our work at Adishian Law Group includes leading mission-critical transactions and litigation, and high-stakes employment cases involving highly compensated professionals. Together with Adishian Capital, we deliver ‘family office’ real estate capabilities—giving clients relationship continuity across all their real estate activities.”

What’s next for your firm?

“Adishian Law Group completely upgraded its technology in the past 12 months so we can continue to provide the highest quality legal services with cutting-edge hardware and software. Adishian Capital has grown to more than $50 million in assets. Prudent growth is the plan.”

What’s most rewarding about your work?

“Our clients inspire us—they’re proven leaders in their industries and professions, and we have a lot of fun working on their behalf.”

alg-acap-16 — L to R: David Simmons, Gladys Mydland, Chris Adishian, Heather DeFalco, Erik Bleitz, Patricia Parker, Tamara Cook, Andrew Messori

Tell us about your team

“I’m really proud of the team. We have a well-educated mix of Boomers, Xers and Millennials. Many have advanced degrees or even multiple advanced degrees. They work hard to deliver for our clients. A majority of them call the South Bay home.”

What are the current trends affecting your industry?

“New technology continues to disrupt the legal field. It is a dynamic industry and intensely competitive. Like our entrepreneurial clients, we’re constantly reviewing and adopting technology tools to improve professional service delivery.”

To what do you attribute your success in this industry?

“We’ve earned a reputation for being friendly, fair-minded and respectful. This extends to our clients, coworkers, vendors, clerks, judges, opposing parties and their attorneys or advisors. As a result we’re able to close deals, resolve litigated disputes and still build relationships. In fact, a number of our clients were formerly ‘across the table from us,’ either in a negotiation or litigation. Our former opposing counsel are among our best referral sources.

Click these to read the profile on oursouthbay.com and to view the full-color original.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Puerto Rican American sues TIAA-CREF: Suit Highlights Wrongful Termination, Race Discrimination, National Origin Discrimination, Harassment, Failure to Prevent Harassment, Retaliation, Retaliatory Discharge, Statutory Unfair Competition, Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress and Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress at one of largest financial services firms in United States

EL SEGUNDO, CA (June 17, 2016) — Rafael Rivera Luciano, a Puerto Rican American, filed suit this month in San Francisco Superior Court against Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIAA-CREF), one of the largest financial institutions in America, which traces its roots to Andrew Carnegie. The suit accuses TIAA-CREF of wrongful termination, race discrimination, national origin discrimination, harassment, failure to prevent harassment, retaliation, retaliatory discharge, statutory unfair competition, intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligent infliction of emotional distress.

According to the suit, the discrimination commenced shortly after Rafael began his employment with TIAA-CREF. Rafael was employed on the California’s 529 college savings plan (“ScholarShare”). In this position, the Complaint alleges that his former supervisor subjected him to pervasive and ongoing harassment, abusive conduct and racist slurs. According to the Complaint, his supervisor “referred to Rafael as “McFly”, a demeaning term meant to insult one’s intelligence if the connection is made to the movie “Back to the Future”. This same supervisor “threatened to “send [Rafael] back to Mexico” if Rafael did not open more accounts in his San Diego territory.” When Rafael properly complained he was told that “Ralph can be a bit rough on the edges”.

Per the Complaint Rafael’s supervisor was finally terminated. Almost simultaneously, Rafael received a written warning, stating that he was being disciplined for “failing to conduct [himself] in a manner that is consistent with TIAA’s values.” Rafael responded by requesting specific instances of when his “values” fell short. He never got a response. He was terminated about 15 months later.

“Rafael’s proper complaints to management were ignored, and he was terminated. We look forward to commencing discovery to determine whether the stated reasons for Rafael’s termination were simply a pretext for unlawful and wrongful conduct. We’re interested to learn if one the State of California prime vendors is violating California statute, case law and public policy while profiting from its citizens.” stated Chris Adishian, attorney at Adishian Law Group, P.C. and one of the lawyers representing Rafael. “We look forward to shedding light on the facts of this case.”

The lawsuit, filed in San Francisco County Superior Court, seeks damages for lost wages, benefits and career opportunities, emotional distress, special damages, punitive damages, and attorneys’ fees and costs. Click here for a copy of the Complaint.

About Adishian Law Group, P.C.

Adishian Law Group (https://adishianlaw.com) is a California law firm with a statewide practice in the areas of Corporate law, Employment law, Real Estate law and Mediation Services. As of November 2015, the firm has represented corporate and individual clients located across 22 California counties, 13 States outside of California and 9 foreign countries in over 480 legal matters. Adishianlaw.com is one of the oldest continually operating law firm websites on the Internet. The firm serves its clientele via three offices located in the major business hubs of El Segundo, Palo Alto and San Francisco.

For more information about this case, contact Chris Adishian:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

69 year old, Decorated U.S. Army Colonel (Ret.) Sues Cubic Corporation and Related Entities: Suit Highlights Retaliatory Discharge; FEHA Retaliation, Age Discrimination, Harassment, Failure to Prevent Discrimination and Wrongful Termination.

EL SEGUNDO, CA (February 22, 2016)— William V. Wenger, a 69 year old male, and Colonel, U.S. Army (Ret.) recently filed suit in Los Angeles Superior Court against Cubic Corporation and Related Entities. The suit accuses defendants of whistleblower retaliation, FEHA retaliation, age discrimination, harassment, failure to prevent discrimination and wrongful termination.

According to the Complaint, during his distinguished 45 plus year career in the military Col. William V. Wenger (Ret.) received multiple decorations including 3 Bronze Stars, and was a nationally recognized military expert having graduated and taught at the prestigious Army War College.

Cubic hired Bill to join the staff at the Georgian Armed Forces Command. The Complaint goes on to allege that “no employee….had more Joint Service experience in uniform…., more higher-level command time or year in command nor more military and civilian education than Bill.” It goes on to allege that he received “2-1/2 years of exemplary teaching reviews” before being told by a younger male supervisor that a “perception had…developed…that Bill suddenly….was not sufficiently knowledgeable in the subject matter.” The Complaint goes on to Bill properly lodged a “formal written complaint with Bill Craven (“Craven”), CUBIC’s Program Manager….on CUBIC’s ‘Employee Complaint Notice’ form”, yet no action was taken. The Complaint alleges that Bill subsequently “additionally lodged specific complaints about CUBIC’s C&GSC program…which directly violated specific requirements of the Statement of Work as enumerated in CUBIC’s C&GSC contract W91 CRB-14-C-0020-CGSC with the U.S. government.” As alleged in the Complaint, a few short weeks later he was terminated.

“In many ways, Col. William V. Wenger (Ret.) embodies those Americans who have served their country honorably, with distinction and most humbly. We’re eager to commence discovery to determine whether Col. Wenger (Ret.) truly was not “sufficiently knowledgeable” or if Defendants’ stated rationale was merely a pre-text to cover up a wrongful termination based upon his age and/or in retaliation for his proper complaints her lodged regarding Cubic’s conduct, including but not limited to its alleged non-compliance with U.S. government contracts” says Chris Adishian.

The lawsuit seeks damages for lost wages, benefits and career opportunities, special damages, punitive damages, interest, and attorneys’ fees and costs. Click here to read a copy of the Complaint.

About Adishian Law Group, P.C.

For more information about this case, contact Chris Adishian:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Former North American Sales Director Sues Epicor Software Corporation: Suit Highlights Age Discrimination, Failure to Prevent Discrimination, Wrongful Termination, Unfair Competition and Failure to Pay Wages.

EL SEGUNDO, CA (September 18, 2015)— Franklin Tedford (“Ted”) Kelley, Jr., a 57 year old male, recently filed suit in Los Angeles Superior Court against Epicor Software Corporation. The suit accuses the defendant of age discrimination, failure to prevent discrimination, wrongful termination, unfair competition and failure to pay wages.

According to the Complaint, Ted’s performance placed him in “the company’s elite “Circle of Excellence.” The Complaint goes on to allege that under the guise of a “company reorganization”, the company had “campaign to isolate Ted from the same accounts he had brilliantly managed….in an attempt to for Ted – an older, highly paid, long-term employee – to resign.” When Ted refused to resign, the Complaint alleges that the Company “cancel[ed] his recurring commissions….and raised Ted’s 2015 quota to…more than three times his 2014 quota…and, thereafter, again raised Ted’s 2015 quota”. According to the Complaint, following these and other actions alleged in the Complaint, the Company terminated Ted as “North American sales director” due to alleged “position elimination”.

“The notion that a hugely successful software company has suddenly decided that it will no longer need a ‘North American sales director’ is certainly interesting. Taking them at their word, it seems that the Company will no longer be selling its software in North America. We’re eager to commence discovery to discover, among other things, whether facts support that as being true or it is just a pretext.” says Chris Adishian

The lawsuit seeks damages for lost wages, benefits and career opportunities, special damages, punitive damages, and attorneys’ fees and costs. Epicor has removed the case to the United States District Court, Central District of California in Los Angeles. Click here for a copy of the Complaint.

About Adishian Law Group, P.C.

For more information about this case, contact Chris Adishian:

EL SEGUNDO, CA (November 9, 2015)— Adishian Law Group is pleased to announce that attorney Chris Adishian was profiled in the current issue of Southbay Magazine.

2015_SB_Cover — Southbay Magazine (November 2015)

As the magazine states, “Behind every successful individual and company, you’ll likely find a trusted advisor-or a team of them. Professional experts inform you about your options, help you explore new ideas and discover solutions, and work with you to navigate the road ahead. It’s essential to select a proficient team of trusted advisors when making decisions that impact you, your business, your home and your family….”

Adishian Law Group practices corporate, real estate and employment law. Their work includes leading mission-critical transactions and litigation, and high-stakes employment cases involving highly compensated professionals. Their affiliated property management firm, Adishian Capital, provides ‘family office’ real estate capabilities, giving clients relationship continuity across all their real estate activities. Owner Chris Adishian, raised in Palos Verdes, started the firm in 2003.

Chris Adishian, Founder
Adishian Law Group, PC
Adishian Capital

Tell us a client success story.

“It was a typical Friday afternoon when we got the call: our soon-to-be client had filed an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) complaint alleging wrongful termination, was scheduled for Mediation in just five days and had no attorney! The employer was a huge, privately held software company represented by one of the world’s largest law firms. Our staff worked all weekend building the case using our software tools and drafting the mediation brief. At mediation, all parties began relying on our work product and timeline of events to evaluate the case. The mediation concluded with our client receiving a very favorable settlement (after having been terminated with zero compensation). More stories are available on our blog.”

What question or concern do you frequently hear from clients?

“From business owners: ‘Can you review/negotiate this contract for me?’ or ‘I’ve been sued by a former employee.’ or ‘An employee went out on leave. What do I do?’ or ‘How do I prevent myself from being sued?’ or ‘I’m ready to sell my business.’ From executives and professionals: ‘I’ve been wrongfully terminated/ discriminated against.’ or ‘I’m owed a lot of money.’ From real estate clients: ‘My tenant (commercial) has sued me.’ or ‘We want to buy this building.’ or ‘How do we (re)negotiate our lease?’ or ‘Can you manage our properties so we can focus on our business?’”

FAST FACT

Prior to starting his law firm, Chris worked at Arthur Andersen and Montgomery Securities in San Francisco.

Tell us something unique about your business.

“For clients active in real estate – owning, buying, selling, leasing or exchanging –our combination of a real estate law firm with an affiliated property management firm is unique.”

How do you advise your clients to achieve and maintain success?

“Our clients are already successful – they are proven leaders in their industries and professions. They are proactive, smart, kind, risk-takers and survivors. We’re privileged to be selected as their law firm.”

Click these links to read the profile on oursouthbay.com and to view the full-color original.

EL SEGUNDO, CA (October 2015)— Adishian Law Group is pleased to announce that attorney Chris Adishian was profiled in the current issue of Chadwick School’s COMPASS Magazine.

Read the full text of the article below, or here for the full-color original.

CHRISTOPHER ADISHIAN ’87

Like many Chadwick alumni, Chris Adishian ’87 vividly recalls outdoor education. He went rock climbing at Joshua Tree National Park, made two weeklong camping trips along the Colorado River, camped and hiked on Catalina Island, and participated in a “home and away” exchange with a private school in Connecticut.

“These are just tremendous learning experiences for young students that stay with them for a lifetime,” Adishian says. “I still remember mine over 30 years later.”

But more than just for the fun of being outdoors, Adishian appreciates Chadwick’s outdoor education program for what it brings to each student’s sense of being.

“Chadwick’s commitment to educating the whole child is rare,” he says. “I believe it helps each child discover and develop his or her confidence, perspective, abilities, interests and potential.”

As a student, says Adishian, he “seemed to be always playing sports either during or after school.” He rowed during his freshman year at the University of California at Berkeley, and still takes yoga and martial arts classes every week. His other exercise, he says, comes from wrestling with his two children, Mark (4) and Talar (2). Adishian resides in Hawthorne with his wife Lena, and their children.

“My hope is that I can contribute my skills to help Chadwick achieve its short- and long-term goals…”

For Adishian, time out for fun and family can be hard to find. He balances his workdays between his legal practice, where he focuses on business, real estate and employment law (he earned his J.D. from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles), and his real-estate firm, where he manages approximately $33 million in residential and commercial property and makes good use of his B.A. in Mathematical Economics from UC Berkeley.

As busy as he is, Adishian suddenly felt like a man with time on his hands when Chadwick approached him about a trusteeship.

“Chadwick was such a positive, growing experience for me in so many ways,” he says. “When I was asked to join the board, it seemed like the natural thing to do.”

As an experienced world traveler, he admires the school’s global perspective, especially the opening of the campus in Songdo, Korea. “When I first heard about Chadwick International,” he says, “my first thought was, ‘That is simply brilliant!’ What a visionary idea.”

Now it’s his turn to help form the vision for Chadwick’s future. “My hope,” he says, “is that I can contribute my skills to help Chadwick achieve its short- and long-term goals so the school can continue to fulfill its mission for the students at Chadwick School and Chadwick International.”