Does Sexual Harassment Need to Be Repeated to Be Illegal in California?
Many Los Angeles employees assume sexual harassment must happen multiple times before crossing a legal line. That assumption is wrong. Under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), a single incident can support a legal claim if sufficiently severe. California courts apply a "severe or pervasive" standard, notice the word "or." Harassment need not be […]
Is Nepotism Illegal in a California Private Workplace?
If you work in Los Angeles and suspect your boss promotes relatives over more qualified employees, you’re not alone. Nepotism is a frustrating workplace reality that raises an important legal question: is it actually illegal? The short answer is that nepotism itself is not prohibited by law in the private sector. However, when favoritism crosses […]
Can a 1099 Label Override Employee Status in California?
No. A 1099 label does not override employee status in California. Under California law, how you actually perform your work matters far more than what your employer writes on a tax form. If your employer controls your schedule, dictates how you do your job, and integrates you into their core business operations, you may legally […]
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni Settle Out of Court: Camron Dowlatshahi Weighs In on Entertainment Tonight and More
The recent settlement between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni marks the end of a nearly two-year legal battle that captivated the entertainment world. As the case reached its final stages, MSD Lawyers’ partner Camron Dowlatshahi was invited to provide expert legal commentary on Entertainment Tonight, offering his professional insights into the complexities of high-profile employment […]
MSD Lawyers Los Angeles Employment & Personal Injury Firm Hires Mark Russ as Trial Counsel
MSD Lawyers, a Los Angeles-based employment and personal injury firm, has expanded its trial bench with the addition of veteran attorney Mark Russ as Trial Counsel. Bringing more than three decades of courtroom experience—including extensive work in criminal defense and public service—Russ strengthens the firm’s ability to handle high-stakes litigation on behalf of workers and […]
Camron Dowlatshahi speaking to USA Today about Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension
The suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! has sparked debate over the boundaries of political speech and broadcast regulation. Entertainment and media attorney, Camron Dowlatshahi notes that the FCC’s reported involvement, focused not on profanity or explicit content but on perceived political messaging, marks an unusual moment for media oversight. The situation highlights growing tensions between entertainment, politics, and […]
MSD Lawyers Secure $4.37 Million Judgment Against ‘Icelandic Richard Branson’
For Immediate Release Icelandic Tycoon Jon Olafsson Gets Late-Night Summons and $4.37 Million Judgment New York Lender Triumphant In Battle With The “Icelandic Richard Branson” NEW YORK, April 15, 2025 — Entrepreneur Jon Olafsson, dubbed the “Icelandic Richard Branson,” has been ordered to pay $4.37 million to a commercial lender for an unpaid loan he […]
Attorney Camron Dowlatshahi Breaks Down Smokey Robinson Sexual Abuse Allegations on KTLA
In a recent KTLA segment, employment and entertainment attorney Camron Dowlatshahi of MSD Lawyers offered expert legal commentary on the serious sexual abuse allegations facing legendary singer Smokey Robinson. The claims, brought by four former housekeepers and a former personal assistant, allege a pattern of misconduct. Dowlatshahi emphasized that when multiple individuals independently come forward […]
Attorney Camron Dowlatshahi Analyzes LADWP’s Legal Defense Strategy
In this video, personal injury attorney Camron Dowlatshahi of MSD Lawyers breaks down the LADWP’s legal defense strategy. He unpacks the utility’s surprising reliance on a 114-year-old court ruling—and explains why he believes that argument may not hold up in court today.
