Summary Judgment Granted in Burn Injury Case

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A manufacturing company represented by our firm has secured summary judgment in a product liability case involving burn injuries, decided in Los Angeles County Superior Court. Senior Partner Guy R. Gruppie, Partner Matthew E. Voss, and Associate Partner Julie E. Esposito of Murchison & Cumming, LLP represented the defendant.

The plaintiff suffered burn injuries while using a crock pot/slow cooker and brought suit, alleging product liability. At issue was whether the celebrity endorser of the product could be considered part of the chain of distribution. After extensive briefing and oral argument, the court took the matter under submission for several months before issuing its ruling in favor of the defense.

Since the plaintiff had previously rejected a Statutory Offer to Compromise under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 998, the defendant is now entitled to recover prevailing party costs and expert witness fees. This marks the second summary judgment victory for a Murchison & Cumming client in a product liability burn injury case this year.

Welcome Neil MacMillan as the Newest Associate Partner in Los Angeles

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Murchison & Cumming, LLP is pleased to announce Neil MacMillan has joined the Los Angeles office as an Associate Partner, focusing his practice on law and motion as well as appeals. With over 25 years in litigation and additional experience at a liability carrier, Neil has had broad exposure to a range of civil cases, including general liability, premises liability, medical malpractice, habitability, sexual abuse, and indemnity claims.

Neil’s strategic approach and deep understanding of procedural law have allowed him to take control of cases early on and significantly impact case resolution. Throughout his career, he secured numerous successful motions for summary judgment.

Neil attended the University of Virginia School of Law, where he edited the Virginia Environmental Law Journal and played intramural softball. He obtained his undergraduate degree at Georgetown University, majoring in English and French. Before Georgetown, he studied in France and passed the Baccalauréat. His background in literature and writing has enhanced his ability to develop persuasive and compelling legal briefs.

Welcome Douglas Jacobs as the Newest Partner in Irvine

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Murchison & Cumming, LLP is pleased to announce Douglas Jacobs has joined the Irvine office as a Partner, focusing his practice on construction law. He brings nearly two decades of experience and knowledge in civil litigation, risk transfer development, and alternative dispute resolution in high-stakes matters.

Doug has successfully represented developers, general contractors, design professionals, and specialty subcontractors in complex and challenging cases, including multimillion-dollar construction defect disputes under Owner-Controlled Insurance Programs involving hundreds of homes, high-exposure tort claims, and trademark infringement business litigation disputes. Due to Doug’s expertise in file and claim management, strategic risk transfer development, and strong interpersonal skills, he has successfully resolved numerous complex cases initially deemed unresolvable.

For many years, Doug advocated for parents and students in special education law matters involving the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and ADA compliance. This early experience gave him an in-depth understanding of the education system and its legal intricacies, which continues to inform his strategic approach to litigation.

Five Murchison & Cumming Attorneys Recognized in the 2025 Southern California Super Lawyers List

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Murchison & Cumming, LLP is proud to announce that five of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2025 Southern California Super Lawyers list in the annual vote of peers and area judiciary conducted by Thomson Reuters. This prestigious recognition highlights their outstanding legal expertise, commitment to client advocacy, and dedication to upholding the highest standards of the legal profession.

Guy R. Gruppie, Senior Partner in the Los Angeles office, focuses on the defense of complex and high-stakes litigation. He is being recognized as a Super Lawyer for the 17th consecutive year. He serves as Co-Chair of the Emerging Risks & Specialty Tort Practice Group and is a senior member of the firm’s Product Liability, General Liability, and Hospitality Litigation practice groups. With extensive civil trial experience, Mr. Gruppie has developed a diverse client portfolio, encompassing international, national, and local businesses, entertainment/media companies, celebrities, athletes, and other high net-worth individuals involved in high-profile matters. He is considered one of California’s “go to” defense trial lawyers and sought-after speaker on torts, business litigation, and jury trial matters.

James O. Eiler, Partner in the Los Angeles office, focuses his practice on hospitality and retail and serves as Co-Chair of the Hospitality Law practice group. Through the span of 40 years, James has established himself as one of California’s most distinguished attorneys in his field. His vast legal career extends to a wide range of claims, including general negligence, premises liability, foodborne illness, Legionella and other toxic torts, civil rights, ADA compliance, franchise litigation, and more.

Jerri L. Johnson, Partner at the Los Angeles office, focuses her practice on transportation matters. She brings a distinguished 35 years of experience defending clients in civil litigation, including commercial trucking litigation, product liability, construction workplace injuries, and general tort claims such as complex automobile accidents and premises liability. Jerri is a highly sought-after speaker in the legal industry, having taught seminars on topics such as early resolution strategies, presentation of evidence at trial, and defending Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) claims for various well-respected professional organizations.

Gina E. Och, Partner in the Los Angeles office, focuses her practice on public utilities, unfair business practices and consumer rights, intellectual property, entertainment/media companies, and business litigation. Ms. Och chairs the firm’s Law & Motion and Appellate practice groups, and co-chairs the Class Action, Consumer Litigation, and Intellectual Property practice groups. She successfully defends utility companies, businesses, and corporations in wildfire, intellectual property, and consumer rights litigation.

Friedrich W. Seitz focuses his practice on domestic and international product liability, aviation, catastrophic injuries and business litigation and is a specialist in defending wildland fire cases. Mr. Seitz served as Managing Partner of the firm from 1986 to 2007. He has tried more than one hundred jury trials, most involving product liability matters, and served as arbitrator for the Los Angeles Superior Court – Special Arbitration Panel and the Attorney Settlement Panel for the Los Angeles, Van Nuys, Santa Monica, and Torrance Superior Courts.

Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters business, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers who have been chosen by their peers and through independent research of Law & Politics. The Super Lawyers lists are published nationwide in Super Lawyers Magazines and in leading city and regional magazines and newspapers across the country. Only the top 5% of attorneys in each state or region are honored as Super Lawyers.

Welcome Chaise Hamilton as the Newest Associate in Los Angeles

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Murchison & Cumming, LLP is pleased to announce Chaise Hamilton has joined the Los Angeles office as an Associate. He started his journey at M&C as a Summer Associate, advancing to a Post-Bar Law Clerk before transitioning into his current role as an Associate. Chaise is dedicated to providing thoughtful and strategic representation, with particular interests in medical malpractice and intellectual property law.

Chaise earned his law degree from the University of California, Irvine School of Law, where he was a member of the Black Law Students Association and participated in the Criminal Justice Clinic. During his time in the clinic, he focused on post-conviction relief and compassionate release cases, experiences that honed his legal precision, empathy, and creativity in navigating complex procedural challenges. Chaise also dedicated himself to serving his community through pro bono work with the Domestic Violence Assistance Project and Bankruptcy Applications. These opportunities prepared him to make court appearances and advocate effectively for his clients.

Growing up, Chaise spent formative time in his father’s immigration law practice, witnessing firsthand the transformative power of advocacy. His father’s office was a place where stories of struggle, resilience, and hope converged, inspiring Chaise to see the law as a tool for meaningful change. Watching clients leave with clarity and renewed possibility instilled in him a deep respect for the profession and a commitment to helping others. For Chaise, becoming a lawyer was not just a career choice but a way to honor his father’s values and continue empowering individuals to overcome challenges. Chaise’s background in sociology, which he studied at the University of California, San Diego, provides him with a unique perspective on the human elements behind legal cases, enabling him to approach his work with compassion and humility.

M&C Team Obtain Summary Judgment in Product Defect Case

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Congratulations to Senior Partner Guy R. Gruppie, Partner Matthew E. Voss, and Associate Partner Julie A. Esposito on their summary judgment victory in the Van Nuys branch of the Los Angeles Superior Court. The team successfully defended a pharmaceutical company in a case alleging product defect/failure to warn.

The lawsuit stemmed from a claim by the plaintiff, who alleged permanent burns from using a popular heat patch for pain relief. After careful legal strategy, the court granted summary judgment, concluding that the plaintiff failed to adequately establish a failure to warn as the legal cause of the injuries. The plaintiff previously rejected the defendant’s Statutory Offer to Compromise, enabling our client to recover expert expenses in addition to prevailing party costs.

This marks the second major dispositive motion victory in as many years for Mr. Gruppie and Mr. Voss on behalf of our insurance client, following a prior partial dismissal secured for an international entertainment company. Ms. Esposito played a pivotal role in shaping and implementing the early discovery strategy, which included obtaining records from the plaintiff’s primary care physician confirming the heat patches were used in a manner inconsistent with the product’s instructions.

Murchison & Cumming, LLP Announces Attorney Elevations in Los Angeles, Irvine, and Northern California Locations

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Murchison & Cumming, LLP is proud to announce the elevation of three exceptional attorneys. Paul Burke has been named a Partner in the Los Angeles office, while Darin Flagg and Laurie Yoon have been named Associate Partners in the Irvine and Northern California offices, respectively. These well-deserved advancements reflect their unwavering commitment to client advocacy, outstanding legal expertise, and significant contributions to the firm’s success.

Paul W. Burke brings nearly three decades of legal experience, including 15 years dedicated to defending hospitality industry clients in complex cases including wrongful death, premises liability, and property damage. His ability to secure favorable outcomes through strategic discovery and his extensive appellate experience have made him a trusted advocate for his clients and a valuable mentor within the firm.

Laurie E. Yoon represents individuals and businesses across a wide array of matters including employment, business litigation, and premises liability matters. Her dual experience on both the plaintiff and defense sides of litigation, coupled with her client-focused approach, has earned her a reputation for crafting effective, well-rounded legal strategies. Laurie’s commitment to social justice and pro bono work underscores her dedication to making a positive impact both in and outside the courtroom.

Darin W. Flagg’s career spans 25 years specializing in law and motion. He handles complex cases involving catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, construction, business disputes, and breach of contract. Darin’s ability to craft persuasive arguments and his keen understanding of legal strategy have consistently led to many favorable outcomes for clients resulting in avoiding litigation, whether through mediation, informal negotiations, or trial.

“We are thrilled to recognize Paul, Darin, and Laurie’s exceptional contributions to the firm and our clients. Each of them embodies the values of excellence, dedication, and innovation that define Murchison & Cumming,” said Managing Partner Dan L. Longo. “We look forward to seeing them thrive and continue to elevate the standard of service we provide.”

Please join us in congratulating Paul, Laurie, and Darin on their well-earned advancements.

Welcome Taylor Reeves as the Newest Associate in Las Vegas

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Murchison & Cumming, LLP is pleased to announce Taylor R. Reeves has joined the Las Vegas office as an Associate. Taylor brings a unique perspective to her legal work, drawing from her background as a former Clark County Deputy District Attorney. During that time, she developed strong listening and advocacy skills by working closely with clients, often supporting them through some of the most challenging moments in their lives.

Taylor earned her law degree from William S. Boyd School of Law at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), graduating with Highest Pro Bono Honors. During law school, she served as an Articles Editor for the UNLV Gaming Law Journal and was published for her note, A Cry for Uniformity: The Pressing Need for Casinos to be on the Same Page for Security. She gained invaluable courtroom experience through internships with the Clark County District Attorney’s Office and Family Court Judge Cynthia Giuliani, as well as clerking for Judge Joe Hardy in the Eighth Judicial District Court. Taylor received an undergraduate degree in Political Science, magna cum laude, from UNLV, where she was awarded academic scholarships and was a Dean’s Honor List student.

Inspired by her mother’s work in counseling for domestic violence and drug abuse, Taylor aspired to become a lawyer at an early age and is proud to be the first attorney in her family. Her experiences have shaped her into a compassionate advocate and intentional listener, qualities she leverages in her practice. Taylor’s dedication to giving back to her community is evident in having educated youth in the Kids’ Court Program during law school and currently teaching domestic violence awareness classes.

Robert Scherk’s Case Featured as Top Defense Case Daily Journal Verdicts & Settlements

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Daily Journal

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The Daily Journal, Verdicts and Settlements Section, published a result in favor of Murchison & Cumming’s client in their Top Defense Cases. In a case involving ADA-compliance renovations, attorney Robert M. Scherk successfully defended Aero Properties and its principal, William Gibbs, against a $5 million demand for alleged negligence and premises liability. The plaintiff, a manager at a Midas shop in San Diego, argued that restroom upgrades led to unsafe conditions, which he claimed caused him injury. Aero Properties argued that as landlords they had no duty to the plaintiff since they had leased the property to his employer. According to Garcia vs. Holt, landlords are only liable for injuries on leased property if they are aware of a hazard and can address it. Aero Properties asserted that they did not know of any dangerous conditions nor had control over the dangerous conditions once the lease was in place.

The court examined these points and found that the landlord had relinquished responsibility through the lease, which placed safety obligations with the tenant. The evidence showed no indication that Aero Properties had knowledge of or control over any alleged hazards.

Welcome Steven Sedach as the Newest Of Counsel in Los Angeles

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Murchison & Cumming, LLP is pleased to announce Steven W. Sedach has joined the Los Angeles office as Of Counsel, bringing nearly four decades of legal experience to his practice. Steven has handled over 700 cases in California state and federal courts throughout his career, including the U.S. District Court for the Central and Eastern Districts. His practice covers a wide range of legal areas, including premises liability, construction litigation, product liability, contracts, general negligence, and government tort liability.

Steven’s diverse clientele includes governmental entities, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and sole proprietors. In construction litigation, he defended developers, general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers in high-stakes matters. He has tried numerous cases in Superior Court, before the American Arbitration Association, and in private arbitration. Steven’s expertise extends to mediation and settlement conferences, having successfully resolved cases in over 1,000 such proceedings.

From the outset of his career, Steven was retained by major insurance carriers and public entities, gaining significant experience in managing high volumes of cases. His leadership skills and ability to build strong client relationships led him to play a key role in supervising teams of attorneys. These qualities eventually drove him to establish his own firm, where he provides strategic counsel to clients, including one of the largest U.S. commercial property and casualty insurance companies and a global specialty insurance provider, while overseeing all aspects of litigation and firm operations.