In Tri-State, Inc. v. Long Beach Community College District, the California Court of Appeals held that Civil Code section 3186 does not authorize an attorneys fees award in favor of a public entity against a stop notice claimant.  

A new California labor code provision subjects California employers and those who provide advise to the employer to Labor Code penalties if employees are misclassified as independent contractors.  

Guest post by Danielle Rodabaugh, a writer at suretybonds.com

Even though contractors know they need to file surety bonds before they can begin work on many projects, they might still be confused about the potential legal implications that can be involved with the process.

The 90-day period for foreclosing on a mechanics lien under Civil Code § 3144 is tolled during the pendency of bankruptcy proceedings, pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 108(c). 

In Pioneer Construction, Inc. v. Global Investment, Inc. et al. (December 21, 2011) Ca. 2nd. Dist. Ct. App. B225685, a construction company filed for foreclosure of mechanic's liens against defendants' property subsequent to defendants' purchase of the property at a trustee's sale during the prior owner's bankruptcy proceedings.  

There is a legal distinction between the contractual duty to defend and the duty to indemnify in a construction services contract between a developer and a contractor.  

LLCs will finally have the ability to become licensed contractors in the state of California in 2012.  

Prior to 2012, LLCs were not permitted to hold California contractor's licenses.  However, beginning on January 1, 2012, that is about to change.  Beginning earlier this year, the Contractors State License Board (CSLB).  began processing license applications from LLCs for contractor's licenses.  Although the CSLB is not currently issuing LLC contractor licenses, it is expected to do so in 2012, as SB 392 becomes law and LLCs are lawfully permitted to hold California contractor licenses.  

In 2012, critical changes to California's wage laws will affect the way California contractors do business.  

California Construction Law Update: California Court Rejects Bank's Attempt to Abrogate Contractor's Stop Notice Rights 

Zakskorn Construction Company v. East West Bank (2011), Superior Court of Alameda County, California, Case No. RG 09-440355