Legal Expertise

Civil litigation before state and federal courts with an emphasis in probate and trust litigation.  Substantial experience resolving disputes through alternative dispute resolution techniques.  Represents corporate, private professional and individual fiduciaries in disputes and litigation, including surcharge and removal proceedings, contested accountings, claims for breach of fiduciary duty and suits involving lifetime transfers.  Represents individual and charitable beneficiaries in litigation and disputes, including breach of fiduciary duty claims, trust and will contests, and interpretation of testamentary instruments.

Representative Matters

• Representing administrator of estate of CEO of major biotechnology company in trust dispute.
• Obtained successful settlement on behalf of three national charities in trust litigation against corporate trustee.
• Participated in settlement of major trust litigation involving family of Walt Disney.
• Successfully defended trust department of national bank against breach of fiduciary duty claims brought by heirs of Burt Lancaster, and recovered all of trust's attorneys' fees from heirs.
• Currently representing studio against claims of wrongful termination by actress whose character was written off a television series.
• Successfully defended talent agency Todd Shemarya Artists in a discrimination, harassment, retaliation and wrongful termination action.  After trying the case to a Los Angeles Superior Court jury for almost two weeks, the jury deliberated for a mere 30 minutes before returning a verdict for our client on all causes of action.  Read The Hollywood Reporter story on the case.
• Obtained excellent settlement with LAUSD for the 4th largest US bank in eminent domain matter involving taking of bank branch.  In addition to value of land, buildings and fixtures, matter involved payment for significant loss of business goodwill.
• Participated in successful defense of consumer class action in federal court related to alleged defects in products used in manufactured homes; district court ruling thereafter affirmed by the Ninth Circuit.
• As Special Assistant United States Attorney, successfully prosecuted federal crimes relating to immigration, firearms, and illegal narcotics.
• As Special Assistant United States Attorney, authored successful Ninth Circuit brief regarding Almendarez-Torres that was upheld without oral argument.
• As Deputy Public Defender, successfully negotiated several plea agreements, participated in settlement conferences, and completed over 20 jury trials, several bench trials, and numerous probation violations.