In a scathing rebuke of the San Jose Police Department, a JAMS arbitrator dismissed all five sustained misconduct allegations against our client—including “Conduct Unbecoming an Officer”—just days before a scheduled week-long evidentiary hearing. The ruling fully reinstates our client without loss of rank or seniority and orders that he be made whole with full back... continue reading

On April 6, 2015, Gary Messing, Gregg Adam, and Jason Jasmine joined forces to launch Messing Adam & Jasmine LLP—a firm built on deep experience, shared values, and an unwavering commitment to labor clients. Ten years later, our mission remains the same, but our momentum has never been greater. We’re proud to share some exciting... continue reading

In what may be a first in the State of California, MAJ’s James Shore and Alexander Bukac persuaded a Santa Clara Superior Court Judge to suspend criminal proceedings and grant a former military and law enforcement criminal defendant admission to the Military Diversion Program for a felony allegation of Penal Code Section 149. Diversion programs,... continue reading

The Alameda Superior Court has dismissed criminal charges against Alameda Police Officer Eric McKinley arising out of the 2021 in-custody death of Mario Gonzales Arenales. The victory follows months of tenacious litigation by MAJ partners James Shore and Alexander Bukac. The coroner determined the primary cause of Mr. Gonzales’ death to be the toxic effects... continue reading

Lina Balciunas Cockrell has been with MAJ since we opened doors in April 2015 and even longer, having come on board when many of us worked together at our prior firm. Lina brings to the table all of the criteria of a true partner – solid client connections, excellent knowledge and judgment in her field,... continue reading

Messing Adam & Jasmine LLP announces the addition of its newest attorney, Alexander (Alex) Bukac. Alex specializes in representing unions and their members in civil litigation, administrative proceedings, and criminal matters. A significant aspect of Alex’s practice is the representation of peace officers and other first responders. He will be associated with our San Rafael... continue reading

Messing Adam & Jasmine LLP announces the addition of its newest attorney, Tanya Smith. Tanya practices labor and employment law and has experience arbitrating and litigating on behalf of union members and employees in both California and Nevada. She will be working out of the Sacramento office supporting the firm’s union practice and looks forward... continue reading

MAJ is delighted to announce that James (“Jim”) Shore (most recently of Sideman & Bancroft) joined MAJ as a partner as of Monday, August 19. We believe Jim is a perfect complement to both our practice and our culture and are incredibly excited to have him as part of the MAJ family. Jim specializes in... continue reading

In a highly technical decision, yesterday the California Supreme Court established a “bright line” rule for appealing administrative mandate proceedings: the time runs from entry of judgment not entry of the order. In so doing, the Court affirmed that MAJ had correctly and timely elevated to the appellate court the controversy over discipline imposed on... continue reading

In Legislature of the State of California v. Weber, the California Supreme Court in a unanimous decision recently struck down as unconstitutional an anti-tax ballot measure that would have had a devastating impact on the State and local governments’ ability to raise funds. As a result of this ruling, the measure will not be placed... continue reading