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

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.

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.

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

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

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 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.

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.

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

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

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.

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