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

Continuing her string of speaking engagements, MAJ Of Counsel Alison Berry Wilkinson presented again this year before an audience of management representatives at the 2023 CalPELRA Conference in Monterey, which is sponsored by the California Public Employers’ Labor Relations Association. This year’s panel discussion “The Skelly Hearing Process: A Management/Union Dialogue” focused on the best... continue reading

The ABA (American Bar Association) honored MAJ Of Counsel Alison Berry Wilkinson with a seat at the table for its webinar Social Media: The Perils of Considering Online Conduct on October 24, 2023. Tapping into her expertise, Alison participated in a frank discussion with two employer-side experts on when and how social media can be... continue reading

MAJ is pleased to announce that the PORAC Institute has invited two of its attorneys—Alison Berry Wilkinson (of counsel) and David L. Kruckenberg—to present a class entitled "Avoiding Decertification for Bias” on August 9, 2023 at its Headquarters in Sacramento. This 4-hour course will discuss California Senate Bill 2 and the type of conduct that... continue reading