Business Formation Resources
To search for, or set up, a business in California, start with the California Secretary of State:
https://www.sos.ca.gov/business-programs/
For a Fictitious Business Name (a “dba”), go to your County Recorder. In San Diego:
https://arcc.sdcounty.ca.gov/Pages/fbn-info.aspx
Obtain your Business Tax Certificate to transact business in your city or region. In San Diego:
https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/taxesfees/btax
Obtain all required business licenses and permits specific to your business and industry. This varies by industry and may require various licenses and permits from federal, state, county, or city agencies.
Employment Law Resources
California employers are required to comply with federal employment law and California employment law. Employment law is complex, and California requirements differ in important ways from federal law. Consult a specialist to develop proper employment law policies and practices. Here are a few resources to provide initial orientation to agencies and materials you may need for your business.
For an overview of federal employment law:
https://www.usa.gov/labor-laws
https://www.eeoc.gov/
For an overview of California employment law:
https://www.calchamber.com/california-employment-law/Pages/california-labor-law.aspx
https://www.dfeh.ca.gov/
https://www.employers.org/
Litigation Resources
Federal Courts:
https://www.supremecourt.gov/
https://www.casd.uscourts.gov/
https://www.cacd.uscourts.gov/
Additional federal litigation resources:
Model Ninth Circuit Civil Jury Instructions:
http://www3.ce9.uscourts.gov/jury-instructions/model-civil
For an overview of 42 U.S.C. 1983 civil rights litigation:
http://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/uploads/guides/section_1983/Section%201983%20Outline%202018.htm
State Courts (selected):
http://www.courts.ca.gov/supremecourt.htm
http://www.courts.ca.gov/4dca.htm
https://riverside.courts.ca.gov/
Additional state litigation resources:
CACI Civil Jury Instructions:
http://www.courts.ca.gov/partners/317.htm
For an overview of state law causes of action and defenses:
https://jamespublishing.com/shop/california-causes-of-action/