This past weekend, the United States Department of Treasury announced that, with respect to the Corporate Transparency Act, it will no longer enforce penalties or fines against United States citizens or domestic reporting companies. Further clarification of the Corporate Transparency Act’s enforcement is expected before its new deadline for failure to file – March 21, 2025.

Background

Originally effective on January 1, 2024, the Corporate Transparency Act required all state registered entities to disclose information about the natural persons controlling the entity – their “beneficial owners.” Challenges to the law’s constitutionality sprung up over the course of the year, resulting in various enforcement injunctions – two of which were applicable nationwide. Between the several injunctions and appeals, the ultimate enforcement date was due to be delayed until at least March 21, 2025.

Current Status

In an unexpected announcement on March 2, 2025, the Treasury stated that its reporting obligations will no longer be enforced against United States citizens and domestic companies. In other words, reporting will be limited to foreign companies and foreign beneficial owners. The Treasury has yet to provide guidance clarifying the implications of this rule on multilayered entities and companies that have already submitted voluntary reports.

Wilke Fleury continues to monitor the changes to the Corporate Transparency Act.

Mario Turner joins Wilke Fleury, providing creative solutions to complex problems in healthcare and corporate law. Mario’s practice focuses on Knox-Keene Act licensed health care service plans and insurance regulatory matters.  Additionally, Mario represents healthcare providers, including physicians, dentists, veterinarians, optometrists, pharmacists, FQHCs, MSOs, IPAs, and Employee Assistance Programs. Mario assists healthcare organizations with regulatory and compliance matters including licensing, contracting, policies, acquisitions, and litigation. Mario also counsels clients on issues pertaining to Medicaid, Medicare, HIPAA, and antitrust laws in health care. Outside practicing law, Mario is a passionate Sacramento Kings fan and enjoys spending time with family, friends, and his four dogs. 

Larissa Celaya joins Wilke Fleury, bringing an unparalleled expertise and dedication to clients. With a proven track record in both public and private sector employment law, Larissa represents individuals and businesses in a wide range of employment-related matters, from workplace discrimination and wrongful termination to wage disputes and compliance issues. Her extensive experience in civil litigation, honed during her time as secretary to a fast-paced civil litigation team while attending law school at night, gives Larissa a unique edge in navigating complex legal challenges with precision and efficiency. When Larissa is not advocating for clients, she enjoys spending time with family, sharing her love of cooking or cozying up with a good book. Larissa also dedicates time to teaching legal writing and analysis at Lincoln Law School, passing on her knowledge and passion for the law to the next generation of legal professionals.

By: Trevor L. Stapleton

It was with great anticipation we turned the calendar to 2025, ready to embark on a new year filled with exciting opportunities. Last year we achieved remarkable milestones made possible by the invaluable contributions of each and every one of our committed, dedicated and hard working team.  Our success is firmly rooted in our dedication to providing the highest quality legal services  which has been a Wilke Fleury hallmark for over 100 years.

We are committed to creating a supportive work environment where team members can thrive both professionally and personally. We are excited to continue and expand firm programs and initiatives to support health, growth, and work-life balance.

At Wilke Fleury, we are ready to take on the challenges of rapidly evolving business and legal markets with strategic planning and innovation. Our forward thinking and adaptability will have Wilke Fleury leading the curve in 2025!

We continue to grow our firm and practice groups with strategic hiring, and supporting the growth and development of our talented associates.  Senior Counsel Jizell Lopez become our newest a partner in 2025.  Jizell joins a vibrant, dynamic and innovative group whose positive energy is infectious and propels into the new year.  Very exciting!

Wilke Fleury does not rest on the laurels of our tremendous successes in 2024.  Rather, we are poised to build upon our successes and accomplishments and to reach even greater heights in 2025.  What a great time to be part of Wilke Fleury and I am truly humbled and honored to lead the firm into what is sure to be a phenomenal year.

Wilke Fleury LLP is delighted to announce the addition of its newest partner – Jizell K. Lopez, who complements the firm’s shifting generations of leadership. Jizell brings a unique perspective and excellent capabilities to Wilke Fleury’s partnership.  

Jizell is a civil litigation defense attorney who primarily represents employers in federal and state court litigation and before administrative agencies regarding all manner of employment claims, including single-plaintiff lawsuits, class action lawsuits, and wage and hour representative lawsuits. Jizell’s practice includes regularly defending employers against allegations of harassment, discrimination, wrongful termination, retaliation, wage and hour non-compliance, and more. In addition to her litigation experience, Jizell regularly counsels employers regarding the full range of California employment law compliance and litigation prevention. A large part of her practice also includes negotiating and drafting employment agreements, separation and severance agreements, and working closely with employers to develop effective personnel policies. Prior to joining Wilke Fleury, Jizell has represented both employers and employees. This has allowed her to utilize unique perspectives when counseling and defending employers, particularly with the ever-changing nuances of California employment law. Jizell chose to focus her practice on labor and employment defense because even when employers have the best intentions, there are far too many instances that result in costly and time-consuming litigation that could have been prevented or mitigated.

“Jizell’s admission to the partnership is well-deserved.  A dedicated and highly skilled attorney, Jizell embodies the personal and professional attributes for which Wilke Fleury partners are renowned and I am very excited that she will be an integral part of Wilke Fleury’s future.” — Trevor Stapleton, Managing Partner.

Wilke Fleury is excited to announce that it has promoted José L. Parra to the position of Senior Counsel! José has demonstrated professional excellence and contributes greatly to the firm’s multi-generational leadership.

“A dedicated, hardworking, and skilled attorney, José is a highly valued member of the Wilke Fleury team and his promotion to Senior Counsel is well-deserved.  I congratulate him on this accomplishment and am very excited about his growing role with the firm.” — Trevor Stapleton, Managing Partner.

Senior Counsel at Wilke Fleury have at least six years of experience delivering high-quality legal services, collaborate with partners on the development and management of key practice areas, and actively mentor junior lawyers.

José Parra is an associate at Wilke Fleury whose practice in civil litigation includes the representation of hospitals and healthcare professionals, clients involved in construction and real estate disputes, and clients involved in business disputes. He obtained his undergraduate degree in Political Science with a minor in History. José graduated with distinction from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. While in law school, he interned for the Sacramento District Attorney’s Office and served as a clerk at a non-profit legal organization that specializes in First Amendment rights and Religious liberties. Prior to joining Wilke Fleury, José worked as an associate at a firm handling real estate and business litigation matters and also worked at a litigation firm where he represented public entities.