Printing, Packaging, Mailing, Fulfillment and Graphic Arts

AALRR is dedicated to the advice, counsel and representation of businesses in the printing industry.  In addition to traditional “ink-on-paper” offset lithography, this includes other printing methods, packaging, mailing, fulfillment, and all of the graphic arts, as well as suppliers.  

Over the years, AALRR attorneys have worked with hundreds of printers.  Firm attorneys have also long represented the Printing Industries Association, which now covers the western US (including much of California), and its related entities. 

The printing industry faces many of the same business challenges as other industries, whether they are related to labor and employment, contracts and corporate issues, litigation, real estate, and more.  AALRR has specialized practice groups to address all of the legal needs a printing company may face.  The firm's experience with the industry enables AALRR to tailor its strategy to the specific situation and to address any special issues.   

The Internet and other changes in technology have impacted both the printing industry and the applicable legal issues, as have the seemingly constant changes in employment and workplace law. At the same time, the role of printing companies has evolved.  For example, traditional printed material is now sometimes used to drive traffic to web sites.  Some products, such as newspapers and music, are now delivered electronically, but other products, such as food, cosmetics, drugs, and medical devices, still require packaging.  Fulfillment is now used for both individual purchases and subscription services.

Issues commonly encountered by businesses in the printing industry include the following:

Employment Advice & Counsel (Management Only):  Without question, the number one issue for printers is labor and employment law.  AALRR is well-known for its labor and employment expertise and represents thousands of employers throughout the state.

AALRR believes in providing preventative advice and counsel in order to handle issues as early and cost efficiently as possible.  The firm offers dozens of paid and free trainings, regularly issues alerts, and shares our industry and legal knowledge at conferences throughout the state.  It also prepares and customizes employee handbooks, which should be updated annually to reflect changes in the law. 

In the event of a negotiated separation, AALRR can prepare the necessary separation agreement, including all necessary releases and required waiting periods. 

Employment Litigation - Single Plaintiff Cases (Management Only):  Should litigation be filed, AALRR is prepared to aggressively and efficiently defend it. This includes lawsuits brought by single plaintiffs alleging harassment, discrimination (including under the Americans with Disabilities Act), wrongful termination, and other adverse employment actions. 

AALRR defends actions in court, in binding arbitration, before the California Labor Commission, and before other state and federal regulatory agencies.  The firm regularly utilizes mediation and other forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to settle cases.  If necessary, AALRR is fully prepared to go to trial and aggressively litigate on behalf of its clients.

In workers’ comp cases, AALRR defends uninsured claims under Labor Code §132a alleging discrimination and under Labor Code §4553 alleging serious and willful misconduct. 

Employment Litigation - Wage-and-Hour Class Action/PAGA Cases (Management Only):  AALRR has considerable experience defending lawsuits brought as class actions and/or under California's Private Attorney General Act (PAGA) alleging non-compliance with wage-and-hour laws.  At any given time, the firm is defending over 100 such lawsuits.  This enables AALRR to manage the considerable distractions from business that these cases can create and to apply the recent compromise legislation which will benefit employers. 

Contracts:  AALRR negotiates and documents commercial contracts of all types, including contracts with commissioned salespersons and staffing companies.

Employee Mobility, Trade Secrets, Non-Disclosure, and Non-Solicitation: AALRR is expert in the laws governing employee departures or hiring of employees from competitors.  This includes assistance with company policies and agreements in these areas, including trade secret protection and non-disclosure agreements.  The firm also advises on the restrictions which can accompany the sale of equity in a business and reasonable geographic and time limitations. 

Commercial Litigation:  In the event of trade litigation, AALRR represents clients aggressively and efficiently.  This includes routine disputes with suppliers, customers, and competitors for breach of contract, as well as more specialized controversies involving fraud, intellectual property, and shareholder/partner rights.   

Entity Formation & Maintenance:  AALRR's Business & Taxation Team can advise on the best legal entity to accomplish clients’ current business and future goals; this includes corporations of various types, limited liability companies, partnerships, and other strategic alliances.  They can assist with forming and registering the business, and complying with state laws to maintain it going forward.     

Mergers and Acquisitions, Stock Purchase & Sale:   The firm's Business & Taxation Team is expert in purchase and sale transactions, mergers, acquisitions, debt financing and security agreements.

Intellectual Property:  AALRR can assist with registration of trademarks and copyrights, licensing agreements, and any intellectual property policies and litigation. 

Tax:   AALRR's tax attorneys provide advice on all types of state and federal taxes and representation in all types of tax controversies, including audits and litigation.  All of AALRR's tax attorneys hold advanced degrees in tax law, making them exceptionally well-qualified to address the complexities and subtleties of tax laws and regulations.       

OSHA (Management Only):  AALRR advises employers concerning workplace health and safety, including matters involving the federal and state Occupational Safety & Health Administration (“OSHA”).  This includes both preventative advice and defense of alleged violations.    

Additional Areas:  The matters described above are commonly encountered by the firm's printing industry clients, but its expertise and experience are much greater.   As a large full-service law firm, AALRR likely has attorneys who can assist in almost any business litigation or transaction you may have. AALRR invites you to contact us for assistance with your business and legal needs.