Civil Litigation - Representation of Defendants

• Defended American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. in federal civil action for constitutional invasion of privacy tort based on television broadcast of plaintiffs' involvement in narcotics case. Case settled during trial.


• Defended Forbes, Inc. in libel action brought by stockbroker alleging defamation in an article about improper practices by independent stockbrokers. Plaintiff dismissed case before trial.


• Defended McClatchy Newspapers in libel action against The Fresno Bee by a former Fresno State University basketball player. Plaintiff alleged that he was defamed in article about criminal investigation of point shaving by college basketball players. Plaintiff dismissed case before trial.


• Defended Travelers Casualty & Surety Company in multi-party commercial insurance bad faith jury trial. Plaintiffs alleged that Travelers failed to pay benefits under a builder's risk policy; Travelers cross-complained for fraud relating to monthly payments advanced for alleged economic losses. Defense verdict on plaintiff's complaint and $1 million verdict for Travelers on cross-complaint, plus $550,000 in pre-judgment interest.


• Defending State Farm Insurance Companies in action alleging violation of California Political Reform Act in connection with settlement of Department of Insurance investigation of Northridge earthquake claims handling.


• Defended TravCal Indemnity Company, a subsidiary of Travelers, in a trademark infringement and unfair competition case. Prevailed on summary judgment motion.


• Defended BellSouth Corporation and cellular subsidiaries in 'unfair competition' actions under Business and Professions Code § 17200 challenging various cellular billing practices.


• Defended a regional bank and its board of directors in shareholder class action and derivative suits. Shareholders alleged breach of fiduciary duty, fraudulent concealment, and violations of California securities laws in connection with tender offer.


• Defended Superior National Insurance Company in action involving allegations of malicious prosecution and unfair competition arising out of dispute over fraudulent workers' compensation claims. Prevailed on all claims on special motion to strike under California's anti-SLAPP statute.

Top of page