Beyond the Shortcut: How to Make Reverse Mergers Work Under Nasdaq’s Modern Rules

There’s a mistaken belief that a private company can merge with a dormant public shell and list immediately. That shortcut is gone, notes Ruba Qashu. Reverse mergers remain a viable path to the public markets, but only for companies that understand how Nasdaq and the SEC now evaluate them. Learn the best path to success in this new article.

Those Involved in Private Construction Agreements in California Must Prepare for New Claim Resolution Requirements

Anyone involved in negotiating or administering private construction agreements in California must prepare for a new law going into effect January 1 that will reshape how change orders and claims arising from them are handled on private construction projects, notes Laurence Phillips. SB 440 changes the landscape with new deadlines and obligations. Learn steps owners, developers, and contractors can take now to prepare for these changes. 

AI in the California Legal Profession: Dangers and Guidelines

The use of AI introduces complications in every industry, including the practice of law, notes Adrian Martinez. There's a lack of adequate regulation for its use by attorneys, including in California. Various incidents have arisen from the intentional or inadvertent use of AI by legal professionals, some with serious consequences. Learn how various institutions have adopted recommend guidelines for responsible AI use as well as possible regulatory developments.

Dennis Doucette and Bill Eigner Again Named to 2025 Most Influential People in San Diego List

A huge congrats to Procopio Managing Partner Dennis Doucette and Partner Bill Eigner for again being named among the Most Influential People in San Diego! They're on this year's SD 500 list published by the San Diego Business Journal. This is the fourth recognition for Dennis and the tenth for Bill.

Along with serving as the firm's Managing Partner, Dennis has an active corporate law practice, helping companies get formed, funded and sold. Bill counsels clients in venture capital, angel financing, seed capital and financing, governing, operating, buying, selling and merging (M&A) of growing technology and other businesses.

IP Team Leader Miku Mehta Named for Fourth Straight Year to IAM Strategy 300 list

Kudos to Miku Mehta on recognition as an IAM Strategy 300 Global Leader for the 4th straight year! IAM names select IP leaders in North America, Europe and Asia each year to its exclusive list.

Earlier this year, IAM again recognized Miku on its Patent 1000 list, saying he “draws on a background in engineering and is highly recommended as a broadly technical attorney who easily grasps intricate details and understands clients’ unique approaches.” Miku was also named this year a Top 250 patent attorney by Patexia. 

Mandatory Ethics Training for Charter School Board Members – Last Chance, Includes New Brown Act Rules! | webinar | 3:00 – 5:00 pm PT

For charter school board members who still need to complete the required AB 1234 ethics training, Greta Proctor and Kevin Davis offer one more chance to do so in a group webinar before the January 1, 2026, deadline. This webinar will also include training on the new Brown Act requirements enacted by Senate Bill 707 and going into effect in 2026, and is approved for 2 hours of general California MCLE credit.

What an afternoon and evening at this year's Procopio Labor & Employment Seminar! A longtime tradition, this one was again held in La Jolla. Our Employment Law attorneys walked attendees--both in-house attorneys and HR professionals--through the latest developments in California labor and employment law. Speakers included Marie Burke Kenny, Wendy Tucker, Gina Miller, Marina Gruber, Karina Lo, and Eva Adel. Also in attendance were other attorneys in our Labor & Employment practice, including Phillipa Altmann, Troy Strange, Anastasia Sun, and Taylor Tejeda. Many engaging conversations were held between sessions and at the traditional end-of-event cocktail mixer overlooking Torrey Pines, with a spectacular view of an ocean sunset. Be sure to join us next year when our Employment Law attorneys continue the tradition!

ICYMI: While you focus on growing your S corporation, it's wise to think about a future sale. Procopio Partner John Miles suggests that preparing for this possibility can be advantageous. He outlines five key steps you can take now to improve your exit strategy in this article. 

Today we recognize the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and the strength that comes from a workforce shaped by a wide range of abilities. While what some may call a disability can be physical or mental, we mustn't overlook that they often lead people to develop distinct problem-solving habits, communication styles and technical strengths that broaden what a team can accomplish. A workplace that includes people with differing abilities gains sharper insight and more resilient thinking. Colleagues who approach challenges from uncommon angles help teams deliver better outcomes and give clients the benefit of fresh perspective and adaptive skill. Talent does not follow a single path. Celebrating the contributions of professionals with disabilities is an acknowledgment of the value they bring and the way their abilities strengthen the work we do every day.

Let's Work Together.