PRACTICE AREAS

 
 

LITIGATION

The litigation practice serves clients in high stakes cases from pre-litigation negotiations through trial and appeal.

 

BUSINESS

The firm’s business litigation expertise includes breach of contract, fraud, fiduciary duties, false claims, tortious interference with economic opportunities, and other commercial disputes on behalf of companies, non-profits, entrepreneurs, boards of directors, investors, and shareholders.

  • Obtained complete defense verdict on behalf of insurer in breach of contract and bad faith claim in state jury trial.

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    Defended venture fund in conspiracy and fiduciary duty claims brought by majority shareholder investor in closely held company.

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    Defended former owners of health care company in anti-kickback, fraud, and breach of contract litigation in state court matter and parallel arbitration.

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    Fought off non-compete intimidation efforts against departing CEO and executive team of entertainment company by former company in Michigan.

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    Litigated and resolved fraud and breach of fiduciary duty litigation matter on behalf of former CEO and board member of software/media company.

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    Obtained dismissal of class action breach of contract, unjust enrichment, and RICO conspiracy claims alleging Fortune 50 insurance company’s policy was illusory.

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    Defended multimillion-dollar arbitration award for a technology company in vacatur proceedings in federal district court and in appellate proceedings before the U.S. court of appeals.

 

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Our partners have litigated on behalf of companies and inventors in intellectual property matters including trade secrets, trademark, Lanham Act/false advertising, and copyright disputes while serving as local counsel on large patent litigation matters.

  • Obtained complete dismissal on behalf of software company client in federal lawsuit for fraud, false advertising, and civil extortion.

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    Successfully defended and aggressively pursued counterclaims in trade secrets and fraud case brought by former employee seeking ownership in valuable closely held company.

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    Defended founder of consumer products company in trade secrets litigation brought by majority investor on behalf of company leading to favorable resolution.

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    Served as local counsel in federal court in patent litigation matters.

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    Favorably and amicably resolved for non-profit client pre-litigation claims of copyright infringement brought by photographer.

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    Obtained for publisher assignment of USPTO registration to settle claims of trademark infringement and dilution.

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    Represented global innovation company in a trade secret case involving allegations of theft of technology by a former executive.

 

MEDIATION & ARBITRATION

The firm brings in-house experience and perspective that values a practical approach to dispute resolution. Our partners bring substantial experience resolving disputes informally or in alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and arbitration.

  • Achieved favorable settlement for nonprofit client in mediation of retaliation and discrimination claims.

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    Successfully avoided litigation of copyright infringement claims through informal negotiations with claimant’s counsel.

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    Achieved favorable settlement for client in EEOC mediation related to ADA discrimination claims.

 

EMPLOYMENT

The firm defends companies and non-profits in state and federal courts as well as in administrative tribunals related to employment matters. Such matters include discrimination and harassment cases, wage and hour class actions, severance agreements, trade secret disputes, and covenants not to compete. Our attorneys also handle administrative hearings before the Labor Commissioner and other administrative agencies.

  • Successfully defended Spanish speaking employee of government defense contractor in sexual harassment lawsuit brought by former employee.

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    Preemptively quashed employment claims threatened by plaintiff's counsel against international human rights NGO.

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    Defended CEO and mortgage company in harassment/discrimination lawsuit brought by former employee. After uncovering embezzlement by former employee, filed proactive cross-complaint action.

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    Successfully defended a hospital group against race, age, sex discrimination claims brought by former employee.

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    Represented aviation company in wage and hour employment claims.

 

INTERNATIONAL & CROSS BORDER

The firm’s bilingual team has experience litigating international and cross-border matters between companies and individuals with businesses and assets in the United States, the EU, Mexico and beyond.

  • Served as lead trial counsel for Italian steel fabricator in federal court jury trial of dispute related to manufacture of derrick structures for natural gas field in Qatar.

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    Represented German pharmaceutical manufacturer in action against former U.S. distributor involving claims of breach of contract, trademark infringement, and unfair competition.

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    Served as expert witness and part of legal team representing Taiwanese television manufacturer in fraud and Civil Rico litigation in federal court.

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    Represented Japanese corporation in third party litigation and quashing of subpoena in California state court.

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    Litigated international real estate dispute in Mexico and San Diego for international company obtaining satisfactory result for client.