About John Devendorf, Esq.
John Devendorf is a graduate of UCLA and holds a J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law, where he was a Distinguished Scholar, recipient of the ALI-ABA Scholarship and Leadership Award, and a participant in the Immigrant Workers’ Rights Clinic and special delegation to Haiti.
A licensed attorney for more than a decade, John transitioned to a career as a legal content writer and editor after an externship with the IRS, a judicial clerkship, and practicing at a civil litigation firm in Princeton, New Jersey. John now lives in Portland, Oregon, where he enjoys writing, international travel, and escape rooms.
Articles written by John Devendorf, Esq.
Overview of Toxic Mold Law
Mold in your home or apartment can cause health problems and property damage. If you're renting property, your landlord has a duty to ensure the property is safe and habitable. Landlords also must disclose known safety issues to tenants. If there is water intrusion causing toxic mold growth, your landlord may be in breach of the warranty of habitability. If toxic mold causes serious health problems, you can file a personal injury lawsuit. A toxic mold expert can provide testimony showing …
Overview of Surety Law
A surety is a legal agreement that guarantees the debts or obligations of another party. Surety bonds are three-party agreements between the: Principal: Party that needs the surety bond Obligee: Party that requires the surety bond Surety: Party that provides the surety bond The principal has a contractual agreement with the obligee to perform certain actions — for example, construct a house. The surety provides a bond to the obligee guaranteeing the principal's performance. The surety …
Overview of Securities Litigation
Securities include stocks, bonds, and other financial tools that companies use to raise capital from investors. When there are disputes between publicly traded companies, the government, or shareholders, parties can take their cases to court. Securities litigation includes securities fraud, class action lawsuits, and shareholder derivative actions. The Securities Act of 1933 and Securities Exchange Act of 1934 regulate the buying, selling, and trading of securities. The Securities and Exchange …
Overview of Railroad Accident Law
Railroad accidents can involve train derailment, toxic chemical exposure, or railroad crossing accidents. Train accident victims can recover compensation for injuries, while injured railroad employees can sue their employer under the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA). For legal advice about your rights after a train injury, contact a train accident attorney. Understanding Laws Governing Railroad Accidents Railroad accident regulations involve both state and federal laws. The federal …
Overview of Mediation and Collaborative Law
Mediation and collaborative law are types of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). A neutral third-party mediator or specially trained attorney helps the parties resolve their disputes without the cost and adversity of the court process. Out-of-court settlements focus on cooperation and facilitate negotiation. Mediation also ensures confidentiality. Any type of legal dispute can go through mediation and collaboration but it is most common in family law cases. To understand your ADR options in a …
Overview of Intellectual Property Litigation
Intellectual property litigation involves disputes over the ownership and control of creations and inventions. Intellectual property (IP) includes patents, trademarks, and copyrights, which give you control over the use, licensing, or sale of your creation. If someone uses your intellectual property without permission, you can file a lawsuit to stop them from using it and get monetary compensation. Most IP law falls under federal jurisdiction. In IP litigation, legal remedies include monetary …
Overview of Gaming Law
Gaming law involves the licensing and regulating of gambling activities, including casinos, lotteries, online gaming, and sports betting. Gaming law attorneys help gaming operations maintain legal compliance, including taxation and reporting requirements. Most gaming law falls under the jurisdiction of state gaming commissions. Under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), Native American tribal governments regulate gaming on tribal lands. Federal law regulates interstate wire activity …
Overview of Franchise and Dealership Law
A franchise is a licensing agreement between a franchisor and franchisee. Franchisees pay fees and royalties to the franchisor for training, support, and use of the trademark license. The franchise agreement spells out the rights and obligations of each party, including termination and renewal restrictions. Federal and state laws regulate franchise registration, disclosure requirements, and dispute resolution. Under the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Franchise Rule, franchisors must provide a …
Overview of Environmental Litigation
Environmental litigation involves lawsuits related to federal or state environmental laws and regulations. For example, government environmental agencies can take enforcement action against corporations to clean up contamination and pollution. Private citizens or groups may also take environmental legal action if they meet legal standing requirements. Federal environmental laws allow the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to take cost recovery actions against polluters for cleanup costs and …
Overview of Assault and Battery Law
Assault and battery involve unlawfully threatening or touching another person. While assault is the threat of contact, battery involves actual contact. Assault and battery are intentional torts, and the victim can file a civil lawsuit against the wrongdoer for damages. Civil tort laws vary by state, so you should contact a local assault and battery lawyer to understand your legal options. Understanding Civil Assault and Battery Civil assault and battery are known as intentional torts. A …
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