PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY

Over the last 20 years, the members of the professional liability practice group have developed a broad proficiency in the defense of attorneys, accountants, officers and directors, architects and engineers, and real estate and insurance brokers.

Legal Malpractice. We have represented attorneys and law firms who have faced malpractice claims arising out of their handling of such diverse matters as intellectual property, family law, bankruptcy, real estate, eminent domain, probate, insurance coverage, products liability, wrongful death, workers' compensation, personal injury, and transactional law. These lawsuits have been based upon allegations such as rendering negligent legal advice, engaging in negligent tactics, breaching duties of loyalty and confidentiality, and fraudulent misrepresentation.

Real Estate Professional E & O. Our attorneys have represented real estate professionals, including real estate brokers & agents, mortgage brokers and bankers, escrow officers, home inspecters, appraisers, and title agents in over 1000 cases, resulting in the ability to develop early evaluations and effective resolution plans resulting in efficient litigation and settlements. We also have considerable trial experience in this area if the case requires a judicial resolution.

Insurance Agent E & O. We have represented insurance agents in brokers in cases alleging negligent procurement of insurance to misrepresentations of coverage. With substantial insurance experience we are able to guide and counsel our clients with an understanding of their daily practice.

We represent both retail and wholesale agents and brokers in a variety of errors & omissions claims brought by both insureds, carriers and third-party claimants. Our experienced attorneys have handled claims against insurance producers involving almost all lines of coverage including fire, property, casualty, life, health, disability, Directors & Officers, excess, umbrella, surplus lines, fidelity and bonds. Many have previous 'hands-on' experience in advising insurance carriers on coverage matters and defending carriers in 'bad faith' cases, experience which gives our firm the ability to understand and deploy our knowledge of insurer claims and underwriting practices to best position our insurance production clients' defense. And, if necessary, we have tried numerous agent/broker cases to verdict.

We also represent third-party administrators and self-funded ERISA health plans in claims brought by medical providers seeking reimbursement for services.

Our representation of insurance professionals extends to providing them with risk management advise, as well as legal guidance on business transactions unique to the insurance production side of the business. Our attorneys have experience in negotiating and drafting employment agreements, and agreements involving the purchase and sale of insurance agencies.

Architects & Engineers. Our attorneys have represented design professional for over 25 years in numerous cases involving private and public projects against allegations of design deficiencies and contract administration failures, to name a few. Clients include several international engineering companies as well as small architectural and engineering firms designing residential, parking and multi use structures.

Directors & Officers Liability. The firm has a team of attorneys who specialize in defending corporations, officers and directors in matters ranging from claims of alleged self dealing, breach of fiduciary duty and negligence involving private stock acquisition to complex shareholder derivative actions and securities class actions. We understand and are sensitive to the disruption that results when senior management is forced to focus their attention upon litigation instead of furthering corporate business concerns. We strive to analyze such matters as quickly as possible, comprehensively evaluate liability, exposure and cost issues, and provide sound legal strategies to resolve these cases as expeditiously and effectively as possible.

In the midst of a current environment that has seen a significant increase in the number of lawsuits targeting professionals, our attorneys have remained at the cutting edge of California legislation and judicial authority, both of which fortunately provide several procedural and substantive protections. As a result, many professional liability matters are amenable to resolution before they proceed to trial. We understand the differences between professional malpractice suits and other tort actions, and tailor our defense strategies to take advantage of them. Moreover, the firm's diverse practice contributes to our attorneys' ability to remain current with the legal developments in those areas which most often generate professional liability claims. Our legal malpractice department regularly consults with the other departments within the firm to remain current on pertinent developments in the law.