Experience

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  Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP

  • Greater Los Angeles Area

  • Partner

    • 1975 - Present
    • Greater Los Angeles Area

    LITIGATION SUCCESSES:- As co-lead trial counsel, represented major real estate developer in partnership dispute regarding the ownership, financing, development, and management of a 600 acre high end, gated, residential golf community. The developer was sued for hundreds of millions of dollars for breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, waste, unjust enrichment, and an accounting. After a court trial lasting over 11 months, the court found that the developer was not liable on any of the claims, that the developer should recover over $15 million on its cross-claims, and that the developer should recover all of its attorneys’ fees.- Defended large international bank against claims of inducing breach of contract, interference with prospective economic advantage, and fraud in connection with venture capitalist’s option agreement to provide convertible debt financing. After a successful series of summary adjudication motions, judgment was entered in favor of the bank, which judgment was a affirmed on appeal. Co-defendant went to trial and suffered a $350 million loss.- Appointed lead defense counsel in coordinated class action suits asserting defective product claims against five manufacturers of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) pipe and orchestrated favorable class action settlement. Also, negotiated favorable settlement agreements with pipe manufacturer’s insurance companies.- Defended a pesticide company in mass product liability and toxic tort litigation involving over 350 individuals, achieving dismissals of all claims, including resolution of insurance coverage issues relating to the case.- Defended a prominent film processing laboratory in mass product liability and toxic tort litigation involving more than 160 individual cases, achieving a favorable settlement after winning several individual summary judgment motions.