About Judy Malmon, J.D.

Judy Malmon, J.D. Articles written 145

Judy Malmon has blended law and writing throughout her career. She got her J.D. from University of California, Davis and practiced elder and disability law in California and Minnesota. She honed her writing by drafting appellate decisions in a nationwide class action, writing blogs for law firms, and writing for Westlaw. She loves digging into everyday legal questions, deciphering the complexities of law, and telling personal stories.

Articles written by Judy Malmon, J.D.

Hey Barter Barter: The Law Swings for Contractors

The national yoga studio chain CorePower Yoga had a long-standing practice of providing membership to individuals who cleaned their studios under their Yoga for Trade program. This arrangement appealed to those who weren’t in a position to cover the standard membership fee, which can run upwards of $150 per month. In 2013, the original program was phased out and replaced by one allocating an hourly wage to participants, then deducting the cost of a discounted membership to calculate a monthly …

Do I Have To Report Bartering Income on My Taxes?

In the ordinary course of things, people who work are paid money in exchange for hours put in on a job. Most of us receive regular paychecks as a source of income and don’t give a lot of thought to Social Security, income tax withholding, unemployment insurance, and other benefit payments taken out. But there is more than one way to be compensated for work performed, whether as a trade (“I’ll do your bookkeeping if you mow my lawn”) or as a deferred form of return within the sharing …

The Immigration Squeeze on Military Recruits

Immigrants living in the U.S. are experiencing a new level of uncertainty as policy changes ripple through the programs. In a number of cases, people residing legally in this country are facing a complete reversal on assurances they were given previous, leaving their status in a state of limbo. For legal advice on your situation, consult with an immigration lawyer. Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI) One such program is the Military Accessions Vital to the National …

How a Tax Litigator Can Help Resolve Tax Evasion Issues

Not paying your federal taxes is like playing a high-stakes game of chance. When found out, it can bring civil and/or criminal penalties, some of which are severe. When the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) comes knocking, tax litigators like Robert Fedor are the kind of person to call. “People call me when they’re being audited,” he says. “This is what we see every day. There’s all sorts of fraud out there. I think it’s a win when my clients don’t have to go to jail.” Taxpayers …

Privacy and Terms of Use Policies Need Regular Updating

A website’s privacy policy is a legally required statement detailing how you will capture, use, and sell identifiable data you’ve gathered from site visitors. Data can be anything from someone’s name or email address to a social security number or phone number. Privacy policies are overseen by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) as well as some states — significantly, California, whose California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) is a leading data privacy law in the United States. In addition, …

How Attorneys Help Clients Navigate Cryptocurrency Legal Issues

Most of us have at least heard about Bitcoin networks in the news, even if we still don’t really get it. Maybe you’ve even heard about digital blockchain networks. In either case, chances are you don’t think it applies to you. Perhaps you’re right, but these advancing technologies represent a digital frontier that some believe will become the new normal. If that’s the case, you should be aware of how it works and the risks involved with cryptocurrency exchange. And for legal guidance …

Delays in the Green Card Process, and How an Attorney Can Help

Starting in January 2017, immigration policy went through a series of changes that made its way into the lives of many people working in the U.S — particularly the skilled foreign residents working under H-1B immigrant visas. H-1B workers are typically highly trained, and fill a niche that an employer can’t easily find in the U.S. Often, they’re recruited in specialized tech fields. In fact, an inordinate number of H-1B visas are awarded to just a few Fortune 500 companies, including …

Suing Dicamba for Causing Crop Damage

The summer of 2017 brought epic hurricanes and wildfires, as well as a lesser-known crisis that struck the nation’s farm belt. Use of the herbicide dicamba resulted in unprecedented soybean crop damage to an estimated 3.6 million acres throughout 25 states. This data reflects just the reported cases, though — an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) official estimates actual impact could be as much as five times higher. Damage from Dicamba St. Louis attorney Paul Lesko, represented farmers …

The Path to Employment and Citizenship for Foreign Students

Finding great employees for highly skilled niche jobs, particularly in technology and medical fields, can be a challenge. Foreign students who are attending academic programs in the United States can be a rich source of talent for savvy small and mid-size employers who leverage the H-1B visa program, netting a win-win for both firms and graduates looking to stay in the U.S. and gain full-time work experience. For personalized legal advice, speak with an experienced immigration lawyer. Leveling …

Tips for Navigating the Legal Risks of Becoming a Short-Term Rental Host

A lot of people have thought about becoming an Airbnb host and renting out an empty room or underutilized vacation home. It seems like a fantastic way to bring in some extra income. And to be sure, many property owners have capitalized on the opportunity and had positive relationships with renters. But the arrangement is not without risk. Before offering your property as a short-term or vacation rental through Airbnb, VRBO, or a social media ad, there are several steps you can take by way of …

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