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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In an Overpayment Scam, Your Bank Could Be a Thief’s Best Friend
One man learned the hard way that an overpayment scam can happen to anyone, but the even harder lesson might be that his bank did nothing to protect him.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Independent Contractors vs. Employees: There's a Difference
This small-business owner risks his livelihood by misclassifying employees to save a few bucks and avoid ‘messy paperwork.’ This won’t end well.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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How Far Should a Lawyer Go to Honor His Duty to a Client?
Relationships with friends and family can be at risk when a lawyer is faced with an ethical obligation to warn them of potential trouble ahead.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Being on a First-Name Basis Can Make Everything Better
This story of a doctor’s entitled spouse illustrates how establishing a friendly connection can sometimes resolve a spiraling situation with an unreasonable customer.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Can a Potential Employee Negotiate Conditions of Criticism?
Labor lawyer weighs in on whether job candidate with traumatizing childhood can request that prospective boss curb his management style to avoid triggering her.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Costs of Off-Site Work Events Can Rise If Employees Misbehave
A small business might rent a theme park or other venue to reward employees, but if workers don’t follow the rules, the company could pay the price.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Can a Private Business Ban Someone From Entering?
Yes, as long as the ban does not violate the law and is non-discriminatory, as this clueless guy discovered when he tried to take an illegal substance into a theme park.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Beware of an Examination Under Oath by Your Insurance Company
Your insurer might suspect a claim is fraudulent, as was the case for a doctor in a small town in Southern California — but there’s a plot twist.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Student Started Life-Saving Small Business After Seeing a Need
Aspiring entrepreneurs can learn from this university student’s methodical path that included identifying a need, focusing and building a great team.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Thinking of Starting a Business? Tips for Avoiding Failure
Two experts offer some advice on what not to do if you want to succeed (rather than sink) as a small-business owner.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Could ChatGPT and AI Change Delivery of Legal Services?
Two attorneys weigh in on whether artificial intelligence could become a legitimate (and trustworthy) way to get legal help in the future.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Going to Court? What Do You Know About Your Judge?
Some research and key questions can tell you what to expect, but ethics standards try to ensure that judges, who are only human, remain impartial.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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What Can Bosses Do About Workers’ Unhealthy Eating at Work?
Employer reaches out with questions about how much control he can exert over employees he perceives to be eating unhealthily on the job.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Company Flouts Product Warranty: What Happens Next?
One man’s experience dealing with a defective washing machine serves as a lesson for consumers protected by law and companies that aren’t inclined to do the right thing.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Insurance Broker Highlights Big Changes for Property Insurance in 2023
2022’s natural disasters had a huge impact on the property insurance industry, so he recommends homeowners study their policies to ensure they understand how their coverage might be changing.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Ethical Issues Can Play a Part in Family Business Succession Plans
A small-business owner seeks insight on how to reconcile ethical issues in the law business with the religious beliefs of his planned successors, who are also his sons.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Don’t Poke the Bear! How to Respond to Angry Customers
Arguing, doubling down and refusing to negotiate could make matters worse, so it’s best to aim for a win-win solution. And if that doesn’t work…
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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How Do You Overcome Stage Fright? These 6 Tips Can Help
Many people fear public speaking more than they fear death, yet advancing professionally could depend on whether you make a good impression when you step up to the microphone.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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What to Do When an Unhappy Customer Threatens to Ruin Your Rep
Some customers go too far when they feel they haven’t been treated well, demanding unreasonable make-goods and even resorting to extortion. An attorney offers some advice.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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How to Avoid Getting Sued After Leaving Your Job
An attorney outlines four things you should NOT do if you’re considering leaving your current employer and setting up your own shop.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Considering a Timeshare? Don't You Ever!
Smart Buying Getting out of them is nearly impossible, and some people who have tried have fallen prey to a new breed of scammers.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Last updated
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Best Way to Exit Your Timeshare: Never Buy One in the First Place
Beware: There is a war on timeshare owners who just want to get out!
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Last updated
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Confessions of a Timeshare Scammer
mortgages A man who used to scam timeshare owners with fictional offers to buy them out comes clean with some inside information. And a lawyer specializing in helping those with debts they can’t pay has some reassuring advice for those struggling to cover their maintenance fees.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Last updated
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Advice for Chiropractors Who Take Personal Injury Patients: Getting Paid
If getting paid is a problem, three attorneys have some advice based on both life and work experience.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published