JDSA's Law Talk

We’ve all heard someone say, “We plan to appeal the decision.” That’s where the Appellate Lawyers come in. Appellate Law is another stage in the litigation process. After a trial has reached a resolution or ruling, the appellate courts can be a “second look” to determine whether a decision was supported by facts, or legally correct. So, how do you know what decisions can be appealed – and what considerations should be made before considering an appeal? Is an appeal worth the money? Described as “the litigation after the litigation”, in this episode, Lee Lewis discusses When to Hire an Appellate Lawyer.

Everything inside your fence is your property…right? Are you sure? Or what about the garage you neighbor is starting to build? Is it entirely on his land, or just slightly on your land? Are you certain your survey is correct? Did you even get a survey before you bought your property? And what if you have a dispute with your neighbor? Property boundaries can be clear cut, or highly complex. Either way, you should not leave things to chance. After all, you’ve invested a lot to own that property! In this podcast episode, Caitlyn Evans discusses Property Boundaries and the Importance of Surveying.

A trademark is a word or series of words, sometimes with a logo, utilized to distinguish a product or service. A trademark has to be distinctively different. Not only to make you notice it, but also to ensure you do not get the mark confused with another brand, and unintentionally purchase the other brand’s product. So, how do you create a prominent trademark? And, how do you protect it? In this episode, Laraine Burrell discusses Trademarks: Standing Out in A Crowd.

A well-drafted construction contract clearly contains the scope of work to be completed, the price to be paid, and the payment terms. It is the governing document that will control the relationship between the parties. However, what else should the contract include? And, what can be done to avoid potential problems? In this podcast episode, Lee Lewis discusses What to Consider Before Signing a Construction Contract.

We don’t think about it every day, but is access to water a basic right? Do

we have a legal right to use water? What about during a drought? Who

actually owns surface and ground waters? Do our rights protect our access

to it? There are many questions, and in this radio feature from October 3,

JDSA attorney Caitlyn Evans discusses Common Questions About Water Rights.

Season 1, Episode 27 —Copyright is a commonly misunderstood legal matter. It is, literally, the right to copy. Copyrights are federally defined as original works of authorship. However, copyright is a complex area of law, and most people are unclear if all books and artwork is copyrighted; what material is protected; and if something is copyright protected - how do we know? In this radio feature from September 19, JDSA attorney Sally White discusses Common Questions About Copyright.

We plan for worse case scenarios almost everyday, yet put off our estate planning as long as we can. So ask yourself this: If something happened to you, would you want the court to decide who raises your kids, gets your assets, or even if you stay on life-support? These are just a few of the important things estate planning addresses. In this radio feature from September 9, JDSA attorney Bryce Mackay discusses Uncomfortable, But Necessary, Estate Planning Questions.

Protecting your brand name or trade name though a Trademark is a common business practice all over the world. In Part 1 of the series, we explored why trademarks are important, and when is the right time to register yours. In this episode of JDSA Law Talk from August 29, JDSA attorney Sally White continues on the topic, now exploring what is involved in registering your trademark, how long it lasts, and what to do if someone else uses your name. This is Part 2 of What You Should Know About Trademarks.

Season 1, Episode 24 – We’ve all seen the little “TM” at the end of a word

or brand name. It means Trademark. It’s meant to protect a company’s brand.

But why is it so important to a business or brand? Why register a

trademark? In this first part of a two part radio feature from August 22,

JDSA attorney Sally White explores the whys, hows, and whens, while

explaining What You Should Know About Trademarks.

It may be the most important document we ever prepare as adults, parents, and grandparents. And we all seem to put it off as long as possible. But making a Will is extremely important. However, most of us don’t know where to start. So when do we need a Will? Can we do it ourself? Is there a difference between a Will and a Trust? Your questions could be endless. In this radio feature from August 15, JDSA attorney Bryce Mackay answers Common Questions About Wills and Trusts.