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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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
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Charitable Giving at Work: Why Pressuring Employees Can Backfire
Some employees could have specific (and valid) reasons to resist charitable giving through their employer. Here’s what not to do to try to persuade them.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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What’s an Employer to Do When an Employee Falls for a Con Artist?
A worker could find himself out of a job if his company fears its clients’ sensitive information could be at risk of being accessed by an unauthorized person.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Can I Sue if a College Fails to Appropriately Educate My Child?
The case of a journalism major who can’t land a job because of poor writing skills raises the question of what a parent can do, if anything, when a college drops the ball.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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What Lawyers Often Fail to Tell Clients About Litigation
A client learns the hard way that litigation takes time and can get expensive, especially if the lawyer is piling on unethical fees and vague ‘costs.’
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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How to Fail as a Leader
The authors of the new book 'Real-Time Leadership' outline the traits of effective leaders (kindness is key) and what will ensure a leader’s failure.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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How Not to Conduct a Job Interview
Job candidate’s interactions with a kind potential employer and an overzealous lawyer highlight what not to do when interviewing potential employees.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Deadbeat Lawyer Trying to Rip Off Doctor Gets Busted
This story serves as a lesson in how to deal with a lawyer who refuses to honor a letter of protection and pay up after a settlement.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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How Summer Internship Offers Can Go Awry
A student’s personal essay after landing an internship raised a red flag to this business owner that the student wasn’t ready for the responsibility required.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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How to Spot a Drama Addict at Work (and What to Do About It)
We’ve all known coworkers who seem to live for ramping up the angst. How should small-business owners, managers and officemates deal with them?
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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Formula for Small Business Success: Stick With What You Know
Kirby Company executive Daniel Blalock knows all about starting in door-to-door sales and working his way to the top.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
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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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How to Deal With Property Insurance Claims After Storms
There are right ways to deal with your insurance company, and there are ways that will slow down the process. Here’s how to do it the right way.
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