Legal Terms: L

A nonimmigrant visa allowing multinational companies to transfer executives, managers, or specialized knowledge workers from a foreign office to a U.S. office.

A non-immigrant visa for executives or managers transferring from a foreign affiliate to a related U.S. office, with a maximum stay of seven years and a clear path to EB-1C permanent residence.

A non-immigrant visa for employees with specialized knowledge of a multinational company's products, processes, or procedures transferring to a related U.S. office, capped at five years.

A process requiring an employer to demonstrate that there are no qualified U.S. workers available for a position before sponsoring a foreign worker for permanent residence.

An organization of workers formed to protect and advance members' interests through collective bargaining with employers regarding wages, benefits, and working conditions.

An equitable defense asserting that the plaintiff unreasonably delayed in asserting a claim, causing prejudice to the defendant.

The owner of real property who rents or leases it to a tenant in exchange for periodic payment (rent).

The body of law governing the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants in residential and commercial lease agreements.

The principal federal trademark statute governing trademark registration, protection, and unfair competition in the United States.

The failure of a bequest because the beneficiary predeceases the testator, causing the gift to fall into the residuary unless saved by an anti-lapse statute.

The unlawful taking of another person's personal property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. Also known as theft.

A hidden ambiguity not apparent from the contract's face but revealed when its terms are applied to the subject matter, traditionally permitting extrinsic evidence.

The body of international law governing the conduct of armed conflict, including the treatment of prisoners, civilians, and the means and methods of warfare.

A legal action brought by one party against another in a court of law to enforce a right or seek a remedy.

Opinion testimony by a non-expert witness, admissible when rationally based on perception and helpful to a clear understanding of the testimony.

A contract granting the use of property (real or personal) for a specified period in exchange for periodic payments.

A contract granting the use and possession of real property for a specified period in exchange for rent.

Free or low-cost legal services provided to individuals who cannot afford an attorney, often through nonprofit organizations or government programs.

The court-supervised process of officially changing one's legal name. Requires filing a petition with the local court, publishing notice (in most states), attending a hearing, and obtaining a court order. Requirements and fees vary by state. Marriage-related name changes follow a simpler administrative process.

Facts relating to legal reasoning and policy that courts consider when interpreting law, distinct from facts about the parties' dispute.

Consumer protection laws that provide remedies for buyers of vehicles that repeatedly fail to meet quality and performance standards.

The specific good-faith rule from United States v. Leon (1984) shielding evidence obtained by officers who reasonably relied on a facially valid search warrant.

A crime whose elements are entirely contained within those of a greater offense, allowing the jury to convict on the lesser charge instead.

The court-issued document granting an administrator authority to act on behalf of an estate when there is no will or no qualified executor.

A court document authorizing an executor to administer a deceased person's estate according to the will.

The official document issued by the probate court to an executor named in a will, evidencing authority to act on behalf of the estate.

The legal seizure of property to satisfy a debt or judgment. Also, to impose a tax.

Legal responsibility for one's acts or omissions. A finding of liability in a civil case typically results in an obligation to pay damages.

A form of defamation involving false written or published statements that harm a person's reputation.

A legal permission to engage in an activity that would otherwise be unlawful, such as driving, practicing law, or using intellectual property.

A state enforcement tool authorized by federal law that suspends driver's, professional, or recreational licenses of parents who fall significantly behind on child support.

A contract granting permission to use patented technology, copyrighted material, or a trademark under specified terms and conditions.

A legal claim or charge on property as security for the payment of a debt or obligation. Common types include mortgage liens, tax liens, and mechanic's liens.

A legal claim on property as security for the payment of a debt or obligation.

An ownership interest in real property that lasts only for the lifetime of a designated person, after which ownership passes to a remainder holder.

An ownership interest in real property limited to the duration of a person's life, after which title passes automatically to the remainderman.

The standard term of copyright protection for works created by individual authors on or after January 1, 1978, extending 70 years after the author's death.

The holder of a life estate, entitled to use and enjoy the property during life but obligated not to commit waste that impairs the remainder interest.

The total amount a person may transfer during life or at death without owing federal estate or gift tax, set at historically high levels under TCJA and scheduled to sunset.

A creditor's request to the bankruptcy court to remove the automatic stay protection so the creditor can pursue remedies against the debtor's property.

The central test for trademark infringement, asking whether reasonably prudent consumers are likely to be confused as to the source, sponsorship, or affiliation of goods or services.

Statutes establishing the maximum time period within which a legal proceeding must be initiated. Also called statutes of limitations.

A contractual provision specifying damages in advance, enforceable when the actual damages are difficult to ascertain and the amount is a reasonable forecast of harm.

The process of selling a debtor's nonexempt assets and distributing the proceeds to creditors, the central mechanism of Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

The amount preferred stockholders are entitled to receive on a liquidation, sale, or other liquidity event before any distribution to common stockholders, typically 1x the original investment.

Latin for 'pending litigation.' A notice filed with the county recorder indicating that a lawsuit involving real property is pending.

A notice filed with the county recorder indicating that a lawsuit affecting title to real property is pending.

The process of resolving disputes through the court system, including filing lawsuits, discovery, motions, trial, and appeals.

A legal document expressing a person's wishes regarding medical treatment in the event they become incapacitated and unable to communicate.

A Limited Liability Company — a business structure combining the liability protection of a corporation with the tax flexibility of a partnership.

A limited liability company is an unincorporated business entity that combines the limited liability of a corporation with the pass-through taxation and operational flexibility of a partnership. Owners are called members and may include individuals, corporations, or other LLCs.

A state statute authorizing courts to exercise personal jurisdiction over nonresident defendants whose contacts with the state satisfy constitutional limits.

Profit from the sale of an asset held for more than one year, taxed at preferential rates lower than ordinary income tax rates.

Gain on the sale of a capital asset held for more than one year, taxed at preferential rates of 0%, 15%, or 20% depending on the taxpayer's income.

A period of mental clarity during which an otherwise incapacitated person possesses testamentary capacity, allowing a will made during that interval to be upheld.