H. Dennis Beaver, Esq.
After attending Loyola University School of Law, H. Dennis Beaver joined California's Kern County District Attorney's Office, where he established a Consumer Fraud section. He also became a highly visible presence on local television and radio as a legal affairs reporter. He is in the general practice of law and writes a syndicated newspaper column, "You and the Law," carried by a number of papers in California.
Married for 49 years to his wonderful wife, Anne, Beaver says he is among the luckiest husbands on the planet. He has a 46-year-old son fluent in Cantonese and French, who lives in Hong Kong with his Japanese wife and 9-year-old grandson. Beaver is fluent in Swedish and French and is a frequent guest on Voice of America French to Africa radio broadcasts and the VOA television program Washington Forum.
"I love law for the reason that I can help people resolve their problems, and my newspaper column reaches so many people in need of down-to-earth advice not influenced by how much I am paid. I have never used any aspect of journalism as a form of advertising. I never charge readers for help, as I do not believe this would be ethical, and, in reality, they are the source of many of my columns. I know it sounds corny, but I just love to be able to use my education and experience to help, simply to help. When a reader contacts me, it is a gift."
Latest articles by H. Dennis Beaver, Esq.
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Parents: Just Say No to Raising a Failed Adult
Here are some ways to ensure your child won’t be able to keep a job or be an otherwise productive member of society.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Four Easy Ways to Get Yourself Fired
Being a standout on the job can sometimes be as simple as showing up to meetings on time, responding promptly to requests, doing your homework and not being a jerk.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Looking for a Job? Here’s How Not to Get Hired
A pair of HR consultants offer some advice to help people heading out on interviews to land that job.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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How Two Rattlesnake Bites and Scholarships Led This Doctor to His Calling
Serendipity played a role, too, in Albert ‘Bert’ McBride’s rise from poisonous-snake expert to urologist. At 85, he’s still in practice.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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What Happens When Bosses Refuse to Unlock Their Empathy
Good leaders don’t try to be superheroes, instead connecting with their employees and considering their needs and input.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Is Someone Sabotaging Your Company? Is It You?
Leadership expert outlines ways that leaders thwart the success of their own companies. Knowing what not to do can make clear what they should do instead.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Eight Don’ts to Keep in Mind as You and Your Loved Ones Age
Getting older isn’t for sissies, and the more prepared you are for cognitive decline and the issues that come with it, the better your life will be.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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What Happens When Bosses Heap Praise Only on Their ‘Stars’?
A ‘culture of geniuses’ destroys collaboration and undermines the contributions of those considered not the geniuses. What’s a boss, or teacher, to do about it?
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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What to Do When Your Alarm Company’s Calls Are Flagged as Spam
This can get costly when customers don’t answer and then are charged because a guard was dispatched. There’s an explanation and a simple solution.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Are You an Emotional Miser With Your Employees?
Managers who show their appreciation have much happier workers. Some employees even rank appreciation above pay for job satisfaction.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Real Estate Agents Save the Day When Tenants’ Rights Violated
Protecting tenants' privacy in photos of occupied homes for sale or rent is the law. A lawsuit takes time, so kudos to these agents for their immediate action.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Older Doctor Just Wants to Work, But New HR Boss Changes the Rules
How do you respond when a new person comes in and won’t honor the agreement you made with their predecessor?
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Employee Refuses to Wear a Motorcycle Helmet: Can He Be Fired?
A refusal to wear personal protective equipment on the job is indeed grounds for termination, but this issue goes beyond that.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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How to Get Taken to the Cleaners by Your Customers
Small businesses have to deal all the time with customers who won’t pay their bills. Instead of being patient and nice while you’re not paid for your work, get tough and see what happens.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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New Book Shares the Recipe for Making Salespeople Successful
Author of upcoming leadership book ‘The Growth Leader’ offers here’s-what-to-do-and-why advice for managing and hiring salespeople.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Can an Employer Fire an Employee for Not Wearing Glasses?
This business owner faced being forced to let go a good worker who was making sight-related mistakes and refused to get an eye exam.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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What Not to Do When You’re Going to Court
To help your chances of winning your court case, don’t show up late, don’t dress inappropriately, don’t lie and don’t interrupt others.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Thinking You Are a Mind Reader Could Cost You
A driver’s assumption about the intent of the driver who ran a stop sign and hit his van could have led to him missing out on an insurance payout.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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How Patience Changed My Life Forever
We all know how patience can pay off in investing and saving for retirement. For this longtime Kiplinger contributor, patience also led him to the love of his life. It all started with a watermelon…
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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How to Lose Your Shirt Investing in a Restaurant
Here are some of the mistakes that business owners make when they open a restaurant. Bonus 'don't': Don't do business with friends or family.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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What Not to Do if You Join Your Family Business
Getting involved in the family business can have lots of consequences if you take the wrong approach, especially if you become the CEO.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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How to Deal With Employees Who Stink (Literally)
It’s not easy to talk to a worker about something as personal as body odor, but a labor lawyer recommends diplomatically addressing the issue head on.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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You’re Welcome! Scholarship Donors Lament Lack of Appreciation From Students
Many of today’s university students don’t seem to realize that they should thank the donor when they receive a scholarship or grant. Here are some ways to fix that.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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What Does It Take to Be a Strong Leader?
A previous column about how to fail as a leader struck a chord with readers, so let’s dive into how to succeed as a leader.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published