Murchison & Cumming Partners Claim Two Trial Victories in One Week

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Murchison & Cumming partners Mary C. Trinh and Lisa D. Angelo capped a winning week for their clients and the firm by obtaining dismissals in two fiercely contested Los Angeles Superior Court cases, on the first day of trial!

In an alleged escalator accident matter, Ms. Trinh’s client obtained a Non-Suit, ending a personal injury case that had been litigated for more than four years. The defense successfully argued that the plaintiff had no evidence, from experts or otherwise, that any duty was breached. The court is expected to eventually award substantial costs in favor of the defendant, separate from significant unpaid medical bills incurred by plaintiff. The case result was the latest in a long line of Murchison & Cumming’s defense verdicts/awards in elevator and escalator personal injury cases handled on behalf of property owners, manufacturers and product service companies over the last two decades.

In a complex 10-count complaint arising out of the sale of a high-end vehicle, with allegations ranging from malicious prosecution and defamation to fraud and conversion of the vehicle, Ms. Angelo’s client obtained dismissal by simply demanding the case proceed to trial even in the absence of the plaintiff–who after litigating her complaint for more than three years–failed to appear for trial. While the plaintiff claimed she had been in an auto-accident the day before and needed a last minute trial continuance, Ms. Angelo argued that unlike criminal cases, a plaintiff need not be present for trial, except for the day she testifies. If the plaintiff’s counsel was not “ready” for trial, the defense was entitled to a dismissal. And, if the plaintiff’s counsel was “ready” for trial, the defense was entitled to proceed with the jury trial as scheduled without the plaintiff’s presence. The court agreed and called to have the jury empaneled. As the jury walked in the door, the plaintiff’s counsel asked to withdraw as trial counsel. When his request was denied, the plaintiff’s counsel moved to dismiss the case. The court immediately dismissed the case and the plaintiff, who had sought substantial compensatory and punitive damages, is now expected to face a substantial defense cost bill.

About Murchison & Cumming, LLP
With a firm history dating to 1930, Murchison & Cumming, LLP is a premier, AV-rated civil litigation firm with five offices in California and Las Vegas, whose attorneys specialize in the defense of domestic and international businesses, insurers and individuals, at trial and on appeal. The firm’s attorneys also handle employment matters and business transactions. The firm is a member of the USLAW and Insuralex Networks.

Murchison & Cumming’s Jean M. Lawler Retires as Senior Partner of the Firm

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Dan L. Longo, Managing Partner of Murchison & Cumming, LLP has announced that, after more than 31 years at Murchison & Cumming, former Managing Partner Jean M. Lawler has retired as a Senior Partner of the firm and transitioned to Senior Counsel status. As she moves into the next phase of her legal career, Ms. Lawler, who became a trained mediator in 2007, will be focusing on building a mediation/ADR practice.

Ms. Lawler, who has been a lawyer for more than 37 years, started at the firm in 1985 as a part-time Senior Associate with four children under the age of seven, and progressed through the ranks, becoming a Senior Partner in January 1997, the first woman to sit at that table. Ms. Lawler was instrumental in implementing many changes at the firm over the years, encouraging and mentoring lawyers and building practice groups. A founder of the firm’s Insurance Law practice group, Ms. Lawler developed an international practice and reputation, representing insurers from the U.S., London, Bermuda, European and Asian insurance markets and their insureds in a myriad of litigated and non-litigated matters. She has also served as a Chair of the firm’s Cyber & Privacy Law, International Law and Business & Real Estate Transactions practice groups. From 2008-2013 Ms. Lawler served as firm-wide Managing Partner, growing the firm and leading it through the challenges of the Great Recession.

A leader of the defense bar on a local, national and international basis, Ms. Lawler presently serves as President of Insuralex, a global insurance lawyers group with members around the world. In 2011 she was honored to assist in founding the American College of Coverage & Extra-Contractual Counsel and thereafter serving for several years as a Regent of the College.

Ms. Lawler was the first woman to become President of the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel (FDCC), an international professional association of defense counsel, corporate counsel and insurance executives founded in 1936, serving as its President for the 2004-2005 term. Her service included participating in the American Civil Trial Bar Roundtable in Washington, DC, whose focus that year included speaking out against violence against the judiciary and the need for increased safety in our country’s courthouses; speaking on American law in Australia and Spain; and implementing and overseeing several FDCC initiatives.

Those initiatives included the 2004 inaugural FDCC Corporate Counsel Symposium and co-founding the April 2005 inaugural “National Summit on the Right to Trial by Jury,” (also known as the 7th Amendment Summit), jointly developed by FDCC and ABOTA with the support and sponsorship of many other legal associations. Convened to consider the issue, “The American Jury Trial — Do We Allow Its Death or Lead Its Rebirth”, the Summit resulted in a call to action on the part of the bar and judiciary. Resolution #41 on the ABOTA website, the 7th Amendment Summit Resolution adopted on August 13, 2005, and its ensuing outgrowth is one action that resulted from that Summit.

She has also served as a Director of DRI, Lawyers for Civil Justice (LCJ) and the Association of Southern California Defense Counsel (ASCDC).

“I am both delighted and saddened that Jean is retiring, as she has been a colleague, opposing counsel and friend for years,” said Mary Craig Calkins, a partner at Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton in Los Angeles. “Jean is a Founding Fellow of the American College of Coverage & Extracontractual Counsel, a national organization of preeminent coverage and bad faith counsel, and has a tremendous background in the insurance issues affecting both sides. With her competence, skill and demeanor, I know Jean will excel as she opens her ADR practice.”

A graduate of Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, and Loyola Marymount University, Ms. Lawler is rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, listed in Who’s Who, rated as a Southern California Super Lawyer since 2006 and, since 2011, been included on Super Lawyers’ Annual List of Top Women Lawyers in Southern California. On the 2016 List, she was one of only 20 Southern California women recognized for Insurance Coverage.

“I have had the pleasure of working with Jean for more than 30 years,” said Managing Partner Dan L. Longo. “During that time she not only developed an international reputation as an excellent attorney, she also helped guide our firm through the troubled waters related to the 2008 financial meltdown. We wish Jean the best in her new role and are confident that she will bring the same expertise and hard work to her new career in ADR.”

A firm believer in the words “carpe diem”, Ms. Lawler looks forward with anticipation to the professional and personal experiences the future will bring and the people she will meet. She also very much looks forward to having time to use some of the frequent flyer miles she has accumulated and to being able to spend more time with family and her young grandchildren (other than working on science projects, that is).

About Murchison & Cumming, LLP
With a firm history dating to 1930, Murchison & Cumming, LLP is a premier, AV-rated civil litigation firm with five offices in California and Las Vegas, whose attorneys specialize in the defense of domestic and international businesses, insurers and individuals, at trial and on appeal. The firm’s attorneys also handle employment matters and business transactions. The firm is a member of the USLAW and Insuralex Networks.

Five from Murchison & Cumming Honored in Southern California Super Lawyers Edition

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Murchison & Cumming, LLP is pleased to announce five attorneys from the firm’s Los Angeles and Orange County offices have been recognized in the 2017 Southern California Super Lawyers Edition. The honorees include Managing Partner Dan L. Longo, Senior Partners Guy R. Gruppie, William D. Naeve, and Friedrich W. Seitz, and Senior Counsel Jean M. Lawler.

Mr. Longo was recognized for the sixth consecutive year. He primarily represents skilled nursing facilities, board and care facilities, and hospitals. He focuses his practice in the areas of medical malpractice, legal malpractice, insurance agent/broker E&O, general liability, HOA, and directors and officers liability in a variety of litigation matters.

Mr. Gruppie, one of California’s go-to defense trial attorneys, has been recognized as a Super Lawyer for the ninth consecutive year. He specializes in the defense of complex, high-stakes and high-profile litigation. His clients include national and major regional and local businesses, entertainment/media companies, celebrities, professional athletes and other high net-worth individuals. He is a member of Murchison & Cumming’s Executive Committee. Mr. Gruppie is a sought-after speaker/lecturer on trial and tort trends.

Mr. Naeve, nominated for the third consecutive year, focuses his practice in the areas of hospitality, healthcare, employment, professional liability, general liability, insurance coverage, and first and third party bad faith, defense of business contracting, employment termination and discrimination, ERISA, wage & hour, and life & disability bad faith claims, breaches of fiduciary duties, D&O and litigation.

Mr. Seitz served as Managing Partner of the firm from 1986 to 2007 and has been selected for the 13th consecutive year. He focuses his practice on domestic and international product liability, aviation, catastrophic injuries and business litigation and is a specialist in defending wildland fire cases.

Ms. Lawler marks her 12th consecutive year on the list. She is the immediate past-Managing Partner of the firm (2008-2013) and, having recently retired as a Senior Partner, is Senior Counsel to the firm. Over the course of her 31 years with the firm she has served in many capacities, including as a Chair of the firm’s Insurance Law, Cyber & Privacy Law, International Law and Business & Real Estate Transactions practice groups.

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.

About Murchison & Cumming, LLP
With a firm history dating to 1930, Murchison & Cumming, LLP is a premier, AV-rated civil litigation firm with five offices in California and Las Vegas, whose attorneys specialize in the defense of domestic and international businesses, insurers and individuals, at trial and on appeal. The firm’s attorneys also handle employment matters and business transactions. The firm is a member of the USLAW and Insuralex Networks.

Kasey C. Townsend Nominated to Association of Defense Counsel Board of Directors

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San Francisco Partner-in-Charge Kasey C. Townsend has been nominated to a two year term on the Board of Directors of the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada.

Ms. Townsend handles general litigation including construction defect and injury, employment law, premises and auto liability, and habitability. She has extensive experience in all phases of litigation including Mediation, Arbitration and Trial. Ms. Townsend is AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell.

About Murchison & Cumming, LLP
With a firm history dating to 1930, Murchison & Cumming, LLP is a premier, AV-rated civil litigation firm with five offices in California and Las Vegas, whose attorneys specialize in the defense of domestic and international businesses, insurers and individuals, at trial and on appeal. The firm’s attorneys also handle employment matters and business transactions. The firm is a member of the USLAW and Insuralex Networks.

Murchison & Cumming Names Four New Partners and One New Associate Partner

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Murchison & Cumming, LLP is pleased to announce Todd A. Chamberlain, Steven J. McEvoy, Mary C. Trinh, and Bryan J. Ure have been named Partners and James N. Kahn an Associate Partner. “We are very happy to welcome Mary, Steven, Todd and Bryan as Partners in the firm and James as an Associate Partner,” said Managing Partner Dan L. Longo. “We look forward to their contributions to the firm and service to our clients for many years to come.”

Mr. Chamberlain is based in the Los Angeles office and focuses his practice on representing insurers in connection with coverage issues arising out of construction defect and product liability matters, commercial liability, carrier v. carrier contribution actions, disputes involving Cumis counsel and prosecuting and defending declaratory relief actions. Mr. Chamberlain also provides advice in risk management and has represented numerous insurers in high exposure mediations and arbitrations.

Mr. McEvoy is based in the Los Angeles office and focuses his practice in the areas of transportation law, product liability, toxic tort and general liability defense. He specializes in the handling of matters involving bus and motor coach roll-over accidents with catastrophic injuries and wrongful death. Mr. McEvoy was recently named a “Southern California Rising Star” by Super Lawyers Magazine. Only 2.5% of lawyers are named to the list, which consists of lawyers 40 years old and younger or practicing 10 years or less.

Ms. Trinh is based in the Los Angeles office and specializes in the area of medical malpractice, and has achieved successful results in the defense of physicians, healthcare facilities and outpatient surgical centers. Her other areas of practice include general liability matters, landlord-tenant habitability claims, and skilled nursing facilities. Ms. Trinh has defended and obtained favorable outcomes for a wide range of clients, including manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and property owners.

Mr. Ure is based in the Las Vegas office and is experienced in all phases of litigation involving a diverse mix of matters. A significant part of his practice focuses upon cases deemed as complex litigation or with high damages exposure. In addition to providing litigation defense, Mr. Ure values offering practical solutions and advice to his clients aimed at reducing liability and risk. In recognition of his experience and efforts, Mr. Ure has been recognized by Nevada Business Magazine as a Legal Elite top attorney for the second consecutive year.

Mr. Kahn is based in the Los Angeles office and focuses his practice on general liability, product defect and premises liability defense. He is experienced in handling a wide array of personal injury matters, public entity defense, business/commercial litigation, and intellectual property. Mr. Kahn has produced significant results for large companies as well as small businesses and individual proprietors. Mr. Kahn enjoys problem solving and provides an aggressive yet straightforward approach to defending his clients.

About Murchison & Cumming, LLP
With a firm history dating to 1930, Murchison & Cumming, LLP is a premier, AV-rated civil litigation firm with five offices in California and Las Vegas, whose attorneys specialize in the defense of domestic and international businesses, insurers and individuals, at trial and on appeal. The firm’s attorneys also handle employment matters and business transactions. The firm is a member of the USLAW and Insuralex Networks.

Michael J. Nunez appointed to pro-tempore panel and small-claims pro-tempore panel

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Senior Partner, and Las Vegas Partner-in-Charge, Michael J. Nunez has been appointed to the pro-tempore panel and small-claims pro-tempore panel by the Las Vegas County Commissioners for a two year term beginning January 1, 2017. During his two year term Mr. Nunez will preside over various types of matters including civil claims, personal injury claims, contract claims and statutory claims as well as arraignment and bail setting matters in criminal court on an as-needed basis.

Four from Murchison & Cumming Named Top Attorneys by Pasadena Magazine

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Pasadena Magazine

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Murchison & Cumming, LLP is pleased to announce that Senior Associates Abraham Berger and Mary C. Trinh and Associates Kelsey L. Maxwell and Georgiana A. Nikias have been selected to the 2016 Top Attorneys by Pasadena Magazine. Attorneys and judges from the San Gabriel Valley and metropolitan Los Angeles area cast votes for the lawyers who, according to their peers, are among the best in their practice specialties.

Mr. Berger focuses his practice on Construction Defect litigation, but is also involved in the General and Products Liability and Business Litigation Groups. He also has extensive experience representing clients in complex matters in Federal and State courts throughout the State of California where he has obtained favorable outcomes for a wide range of clients. Ms. Trinh is a member of the firm’s Emerging Risks & Specialty Tort Litigation, Products Liability, and General Liability practice groups, where she has defended and obtained favorable outcomes for a wide range of clients, including manufacturers, distributors, retailers, property owners and entertainment/media companies. Ms. Maxwell focuses her practice on the areas of general liability, and specialty tort including habitability and discrimination claims. Ms. Nikias is a member of the firm’s General Liability, Product Liability, Art and Cultural Heritage, Business Litigation, and Wildland Fire Litigation practice groups. Ms. Nikias has played a principal role in the defense of a number of high-profile, complex national matters.

The list was published in Pasadena Magazine’s December issue. Attorneys named in this year’s poll will be honored at a reception hosted by the magazine and attended by members of the Pasadena-area judiciary.

About Murchison & Cumming, LLP
With a firm history dating to 1930, Murchison & Cumming, LLP is a premier, AV-rated civil litigation firm with five offices in California and Nevada, whose attorneys specialize in the defense of domestic and international businesses, insurers and individuals, at trial and on appeal. The firm’s attorneys also handle employment matters and business transactions. The firm is a member of the USLAW and Insuralex Networks.

Three from Murchison & Cumming Honored in Southern California Super Lawyers Women’s Edition

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LOS ANGELES – Murchison & Cumming, LLP is pleased to announce that Senior Partner Jean M. Lawler, Partner Lisa D. Angelo, and Associate Georgiana A. Nikias have been selected to the 2016 Southern California Women’s Edition. This is an exclusive list, recognizing no more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in Southern California.

Ms. Lawler is the immediate past Managing Partner of the firm. She serves as Co-Chair of the firm’s Insurance Law, Cyber & Privacy Law and International Law practice groups. She is the President of Insuralex, a global legal network of insurance, reinsurance and defense litigation firms, and is a past president of the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel. She is a fellow (and was a founding Regent) of the American College of Coverage and Extra-Contractual Counsel and is rated AV preeminent by Martindale Hubbell. Ms. Angelo chairs the firm’s White Collar Crime practice group and is a member of the firm’s Professional Liability and Law and Motion practice groups. Ms. Nikias is a member of the firm’s General Liability, Product Liability, Business Litigation, and Wildland Fire Litigation practice groups with a continued interest in Art and Cultural Heritage Law.

Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters business, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers who have been chosen by their peers and through independent research. 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.

About Murchison & Cumming, LLP
With a firm history dating to 1930, Murchison & Cumming, LLP is a premier, AV-rated civil litigation firm with five offices in California and Nevada, whose attorneys specialize in the defense of domestic and international businesses, insurers and individuals, at trial and on appeal. The firm’s attorneys also handle employment matters and business transactions. The firm is a member of the USLAW and Insuralex Networks.

Three Murchison & Cumming Attorneys Named to Southern California Rising Stars List

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LOS ANGELES – Murchison & Cumming, LLP is pleased to announce that Partner Lisa D. Angelo, Senior Associate Steven J. McEvoy, and Associate Georgiana A. Nikias have been selected to the 2016 Southern California Rising Stars list. This is an exclusive list, recognizing no more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in Southern California.

Ms. Angelo Chairs the firm’s White Collar Crime practice group and is a member of the firm’s Professional Liability and Law and Motion practice groups. Mr. McEvoy focuses his practice in the areas of transportation law, product liability, toxic tort and general liability defense. Ms. Nikias is a member of the firm’s General Liability, Product Liability, Business Litigation, and Wildland Fire Litigation practice groups with a continued interest in Art and Cultural Heritage Law.

Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters business, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made using a patented multiphase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates and peer reviews by practice area. The result is a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of exceptional attorneys.

The Super Lawyers lists are published nationwide in Super Lawyers Magazines and in leading city and regional magazines and newspapers across the country.

About Murchison & Cumming, LLP
With a firm history dating to 1930, Murchison & Cumming, LLP is a premier, AV-rated civil litigation firm with five offices in California and Nevada, whose attorneys specialize in the defense of domestic and international businesses, insurers and individuals, at trial and on appeal. The firm’s attorneys also handle employment matters and business transactions. The firm is a member of the USLAW and Insuralex Networks.

Two Murchison & Cumming Attorneys Named to Nevada Legal Elite List

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Nevada Business Magazine

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LAS VEGAS – Murchison & Cumming, LLP is pleased to announce that two of its attorneys have been recognized in Nevada Business Magazine’s Legal Elite 2016 list. This year’s honorees are Senior Associate Bryan J. Ure (Products Liability Defense, Commercial Litigation and Insurance Law) and Associate Ian M. McMenemy (Personal Injury, Commercial Litigation and Business Law).

Mr. Ure’s primary practice areas include insurance law and coverage, subrogation, and commercial litigation. Mr. McMenemy focuses his practice on commercial litigation with an emphasis on general liability, products defect, corporate litigation, and contractual disputes. “This is a well-deserved acknowledgement for two exceptional attorneys,” said Michael J. Nunez, Senior Partner and Partner-in-Charge of the Las Vegas office.

Nevada Business Magazine releases an annual list of Nevada’s top attorneys as chosen by their peers. With over 7,000 nominations, less than 5% of the attorneys were selected throughout the State of Nevada. In order for attorneys to be included, they were required to pass several levels of scrutiny. Following the nomination process, all ballots were reviewed for eligibility and each voting attorney was reviewed and confirmed in good standing with the State Bar of Nevada.

About Murchison & Cumming, LLP
With a firm history dating to 1930, Murchison & Cumming, LLP is a premier, AV-rated civil litigation firm with five offices in California and Nevada, whose attorneys specialize in the defense of domestic and international businesses, insurers and individuals, at trial and on appeal. The firm’s attorneys also handle employment matters and business transactions. The firm is a member of the USLAW and Insuralex Networks.