JDSA's Law Talk

Coffee, milk, honey, tea. They’re all natural, right? Are you certain? What about your morning cereal? The jam you spread on your toast? You read the label, so you’re confident you know what you’re eating. Should you be? Sometimes the label on your food may not be the food on your plate. And if that’s possible, who ensures the label accurately reflects what’s in the package – the producer, the manufacturer, or the distributor? In this podcast episode, JDSA attorney Sally White clarifies: The Dangers of Mislabeling Food Products.

Imagine a complete stranger suddenly owning title to your property—while you’re still living on it! It’s known as Adverse Possession. And it can happen. In certain circumstances a trespasser can enter your property, occupy it, and then gain legal claim to it. So what exactly is Adverse Possession? How does it end up in court? And what is the test for a trespasser to qualify for ownership? Before you start building walls around your home, JDSA Attorney Matthew Hitchcock informs us about something most of us didn’t know was a thing, in this podcast titled Adverse Possession – When Trespassers Become Property Owners.

Who is in favor of the cannabis industry? Who’s against it? Who is looking around the room unable to make a decision? Relighting the ongoing discussion about the Washington cannabis industry, brings us to Part 2 of a deep dive into what’s happening in our state. In this podcast episode, we explore what’s approved and what’s in a holding pattern in specific counties. Who has voted in favor of letting cannabis-related businesses operate, and who is saying “no way”. In this second of two parts podcast, JDSA attorney Lindsey Weidenbach keeps us tuned in with Washington’s Cannabis Industry – the Woes and What’s Next - Part 2.

Cannabis is a hot topic—and big business—in Washington State. What we knew a month ago, is now old information. The Washington cannabis industry is ever-changing and ever-evolving—as are the laws that govern it. So what’s new? What’s changed? What must everyone digest? And more…what’s up with oversupply, tracking, diversion and the Sessions effect? In this first of two parts podcast, JDSA attorney Lindsey Weidenbach zones in on Washington’s Cannabis Industry – The Woes and What’s Next - Part 1.

With the rise of “gluten-free marketing” and the growing, multi-billion dollar “gluten-free” industry, current estimates show that nearly 30% of the population is actively avoiding gluten for health or personal reasons.  Yet, gluten-free food labeling can be confusing, and the governing regulations are complex.  To make sense of it all, JDSA attorney Sally White discusses Product Labeling – What Does “Gluten-Free” Really Mean?

You may think its just shared space - the neighborly “grey” area between one piece of property and another. But a property easement can be so much more than just intersecting driveways. If not clearly defined, it could mean you forfeit some of your land. What’s worse, in some cases, you could even lose title to some of your land. Wait. What? Yes, it’s true – property easements are very complex, and it’s very important you understand them. Learn more and be in the know. Listen in to this podcast episode as JDSA attorney Matthew Hitchcock discusses Property Easements – and What You Should Know About Them.

Agriculture is big business in many rural areas of the country. And when you hire farm laborers, you may actually be a farm labor contractor. So what does this mean? How does this affect you as an employer and business owner? There are important rules about how farm laborers are to be treated, big fines if you don’t comply with applicable laws, and—of course—paperwork to properly file along the way. Ready to learn more? Listen to this podcast episode as JDSA attorney Lindsey Weidenbach presents: Are You a Farm Labor Contractor? The Answer May Surprise You.

Indian Law…is different. And yes, Indian is the correct term under treaties in the United States. So, if the laws are different on Indian land, what do you need to know to do business in Indian Country? Special insurance? A “right-to-sue” provision? Clarity on who owns the land you’re doing business on? A lot of good business happens on Indian land. But as a business owner, you need to have solid contracts. In this podcast episode, JDSA Attorney Kristin Ferrera discusses Indian Law - The Basics and Beyond.

You know your favorite sports athlete has gone through this, but it’s just as likely you will one day. It’s Arbitration - and it’s not just for high-profile sports heroes. It is often the method of resolution for most legal agreements. In fact, you probably agree to it every time you click “accept” when installing a new app on your smartphone. You know, the “terms of use” few to no one ever reads. Arbitration is a mainstay of legal dispute resolution. But is arbitration a good idea for you? Is this your best way to solve a legal dispute? And what exactly is binding arbitration? In this podcast episode, JDSA Attorney Clay Gatens - explains Arbitration Clauses – Advantages and Disadvantages.

You’re expecting. You’re excited. But is your employer as excited as you about the baby-on-the-way? Pregnancy in the workplace is finally, as of 2017, protected. So, what are your legal rights? And what must employers do to accommodate pregnant employees? Work reassignment? Time off? More flexibility? Exactly what is a “reasonable accommodation”? And how are you both impacted by Washington State’s new law? In this podcast, JDSA Attorney Kristin Ferrera discusses the key points that employees and employers should know about Pregnancy Discrimination and Accommodations at Work.