Murchison & Cumming to Update Insurance and Business Professionals on 2013 Case Law at Year in Review

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LOS ANGELES – On April 29, 2014, Murchison & Cumming, LLP will present its annual “Year in Review: California Case Law Update,” taking a look back at the significant Supreme Court and Appellate Court decisions during 2013. The program will take place at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles.

Lee Jay Berman will serve as the program’s keynote speaker, presenting, “12 Ways to Make Your Mediator Work Harder for You.” Murchison & Cumming’s attorneys will present on key appellate rulings impacting their specialized areas of practice, including Civil Procedure, Employment, Health Law, Professional Liability, Product Liability, General Liability, Construction Defect, Insurance Coverage and Bad Faith, along with presentations discussing “Libations Liability”, “Duty to Defend Criminal Complaints” and “How to Win the E-Discovery Battle”, to an audience of business and insurance executives, claims and risk management specialists, and members of the bar.

Program Chair Edmund G. Farrell, III, leads the event held each spring and conducts local Year in Review presentations for clients. The program will be presented in private client seminars across the country during the spring of 2014.

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 Network. For additional information, please visit our website at http://www.murchisonlaw.com.

Partner Jean Lawler to Speak on Attorney-Client Privilege in Insurance Litigation at ACCEC Insurance Law Symposium

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Jean M. Lawler will present “Waiving Goodbye to the Attorney Client Privilege in Insurance Litigation: Express, Implied, and Subject Matter Waivers”, together with a co-presenter, at the inaugural American College of Coverage and Extracontractual Counsel (ACCEC) Insurance Law Symposium to be held March 21, 2014 at the University of Mississippi Law School in Oxford, Mississippi.

Ms. Lawler, a founding member of the Board of Regents of the ACCEC, is a senior partner and the immediate past managing partner of Murchison & Cumming, LLP. She is a former chair of the firm’s Insurance Law practice group and regularly represents insurers, brokers and agents in complex coverage, bad faith and professional liability litigation. Her presentation will include a discussion about the legal and practical effects of using “advice of counsel” as an affirmative defense in bad faith litigation seeking extracontractual and punitive damages, including the scope of the implied waiver of the attorney-client privilege when the “advice of counsel” defense is asserted and ways to plan and prepare in advance of litigation for potentially eventually waiving the privilege where suit against the insurer is anticipated.

ACCEC brings together preeminent lawyers representing the interests of both insurers and policyholders to improve the quality of the practice of insurance law and to increase civility and professionalism in it’s field. Their mission includes educating all sectors involved in insurance disputes — including the judiciary, legal and insurance professionals, and businesses — on critical topics such as best practices in policy formation and claims handling, developing trends in insurance law, and bad faith.

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 Network. For additional information, please visit our website at http://www.murchisonlaw.com

Robert M. Scherk Elected to American Board of Trial Advocates Membership

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SAN DIEGO – Associate Partner Robert M. Scherk has been elected to membership in the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) and the San Diego Chapter of ABOTA. Membership requirements include trial ability/experience, personal character, and reputation among the bench and bar.

ABOTA membership is one of that nation’s highest honors for trial lawyers, and Mr. Scherk joins Murchison & Cumming Senior Partners Guy R. Gruppie, Friedrich W. Seitz, Michael B. Lawler and Michael D. McEvoy as ABOTA members.

Mr. Scherk has tried more than 24 cases to verdict, and arbitrated or mediated hundreds more to successful conclusion. All of Mr. Scherk’s trials have been Superior Court jury trials, except for three bench trials, and one tried in US Bankruptcy Court. Mr. Scherk’s trial experience ranges from product and premises liability, to legal malpractice, wrongful death, conversion, motor vehicle, and interference with contractual relations. Mr. Scherk has sat as a Judge Pro Tem, Los Angeles Superior Court and has served on attorney settlement panels for both the Los Angeles and San Diego Superior Courts. He is a member of the Tort and Trial section of the American Bar Association, is AV-rated by Martindale Hubbell and was listed as a Top Lawyer in Professional Liability by San Diego Magazine.

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 Network. For additional information, please visit our website at www.murchisonlaw.com.

Edmund Farrell Admitted to Membership in Professional Liability Defense Federation

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Edmund Farrell has been admitted to membership in the Professional Liability Defense Federation, a not-for-profit organization designed to bring together attorneys, claims professionals and risk management specialists to share expertise and information helpful to the successful defense of professional liability claims.

Mr. Farrell joins Jean M. Lawler, Dan L. Longo and a nationwide network of professional liability counsel and claims professionals who are focused on the defense of malpractice claims, board disciplinary proceedings and other E&O issues.

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 Network. For additional information, please visit our website at www.murchisonlaw.com.

Five Murchison & Cumming Partners Recognized as 2014 Super Lawyers

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Murchison & Cumming, LLP is pleased to announce that five of its attorneys have earned the distinction of having been chosen by their peers as 2014 Southern California “Super Lawyers.” The annual listing, based on peer evaluations, was recently released by Thomson Reuters and will be published in the Southern California Super Lawyers magazines, in leading city and regional magazines across the country.

The Murchison & Cumming Partners selected for the 2014 list are:

Dan L. Longo, Managing Partner of the firm, Co-Chair of the Health Law and Professional Liability practice groups. He is a member of the Association of Southern California Defense Counsel and the Defense Research Institute, and serves as Vice Chair of USLAW Network’s Professional Liability practice group. This marks Mr. Longo’s third consecutive Super Lawyers mention. Mr. Longo is a frequent lecturer and panelist for such organizations as the Liability Insurance Research Bureau, California State Bar, PESI, the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants and the USLAW Network.

Jean M. Lawler, the firm’s former Managing Partner and Past Chair of the Insurance Law practice group and Co-Chair of the International Law practice group. This is her ninth consecutive year on the list. A specialist in insurance law, she is listed in Martindale-Hubbell’s Bar Register of Preeminent Women Lawyers and the “Who’s Who” directories of American Women and American Law. Ms. Lawler is a Past President of the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel (FDCC), an international legal organization. She has also served as a Director of DRI, Lawyers for Civil Justice and the Association of Southern California Defense Counsel.

Friedrich W. Seitz, Chair of the firm’s Wild Land Fire Litigation practice group, and Co-Chair of its Business Litigation, Product Liability/Utilities and International Law practice groups. This is his tenth consecutive Super Lawyer mention. A respected trial lawyer and member of the Los Angeles Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates, Diplomat rank, Mr. Seitz is also a member of the IADC and FDCC and is a former Chair of the FDCC Product Liability Substantive Law Section.

Michael B. Lawler, co-chair of the firm’s Health Law and Employment Law Practice Groups. A Past President of the Association of Southern California Defense Counsel, this marks the ninth consecutive year that he has been named to the list. Mr. Lawler, a seasoned trial lawyer, has been recognized as one of the Best Lawyers in America. He has served on the National Board of the American Board of Trial Advocates, is a member of its Los Angeles chapter and is a member of the FDCC.

Guy R. Gruppie, Chair of the firm’s Vertical Transportation practice group, Co-Chair of the Emerging Risks & Specialty Tort Litigation practice group and immediate Past Chair of the General Liability & Casualty practice group. Mr. Gruppie specializes in the defense of complex and high-stakes litigation. This is his sixth consecutive year as a Southern California Super Lawyer. He is a member of the Los Angeles Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates and the FDCC, having served as Co-Chair of the FDCC Trial Tactics Substantive Law Section from 2004-2008.

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 Network. For additional information, please visit our website at www.murchisonlaw.com.

Dan L. Longo Named Managing Partner of Murchison & Cumming, LLP

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LOS ANGELES, CA – January 1, 2014 – Murchison & Cumming, LLP is pleased to announce that Dan L. Longo has been named Managing Partner of the Firm, effective January 1, 2014. As Managing Partner, Mr. Longo will focus his efforts on continuing the firm’s highly regarded technological advancements and maintaining the highest level of client service. In addition to his duties as Managing Partner, Mr. Longo will continue to co-chair the Firm’s Health Law and Professional Liability practice groups.

“Dan’s reputation for excellence, his proven leadership and strategic vision is sure to benefit our clients and to bring continued success to the Firm. I am pleased that he has agreed to step into this role,” said Jean Lawler, former managing partner. Ms. Lawler served as managing partner from 2008 through 2013, and will continue as a Senior Partner with the firm and as Co-Chair of the Firm’s International Law Practice Group.

Mr. Longo is a member of the International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC), American Bar Association, the Los Angeles County Bar Association, the Association of Southern California Defense Counsel, the Professional Liability Defense Federation, the Orange County Bar Association and the Defense Research Institute. Mr. Longo is a frequent lecturer and panelist for such organizations as the Liability Insurance Research Bureau, California State Bar, PESI, the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants and the USLAW Network.

During his 30 years with Murchison & Cumming, LLP, Mr. Longo has served 6 years on the Firm’s executive committee, from its founding through 2011, has been the partner-in-charge of the Orange County/Irvine office since the spring of 2008 and has served in many other management and leadership roles in the Firm.

Mr. Longo is a graduate of the University of Southern California and Loyola University School of Law where he served as President of the Loyola Student Bar Association.

Resident in Murchison’s Irvine office, Mr. Longo can be reached at (714) 953-2244 or by email at dlongo@murchisonlaw.com.

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 Network and Insuralex. For additional information, please visit our website at www.murchisonlaw.com.

Murchison & Cumming Names a Senior Partner and Two Partners

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LOS ANGELES – Murchison & Cumming, LLP is pleased to announce that William D. Naeve has been named Senior Partner and that Mhare O. Mouradian and Bradley T. Wibicki have been named Partners.

Mr. Naeve practices in Murchison & Cumming’s Irvine office where he Co-Chair’s the Firm’s Management Protection, Directors & Officers, Employment Law and Class Action & Consumer Litigation practice groups. He focuses his practice in the areas of employment and first and third party bad faith, defense of business litigation, employment termination and discrimination, ERISA, wage & hour, health law, and life & disability bad faith claims and litigation. He is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell is admitted to practice before all California and Nevada state courts; the United States Supreme Court; the United States Court of Appeals,  Ninth Circuit; the United States District Court, for the Eastern, Central, Northern and Southern Districts of California; and the United States District Court, District of Nevada. He has served as Judge Pro Temp in the Orange County Superior Court.

 Mr. Mouradian focuses his practice in the areas of complex civil litigation, business litigation and corporate and real estate transactional matters. He is resident in Murchison & Cumming’s Los Angeles office, where he is a senior member of the Firm’s Vertical Transportation practice group and also handles business litigation and transactional matters from the Firm’s San Francisco office. Mr. Mouradian is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell, has been named as a “Top Attorney” for civil litigation by Pasadena Magazine for four consecutive years and has made the list for Southern California Rising Stars® for five consecutive years. Mr. Mouradian represents businesses and individuals in federal and state courts, involving claims of business torts, breach of contract, fraud, partnerships disputes, unfair business practices, theft of trade secrets and negligence. He also has experience in product liability, toxic tort and environmental law, professional liability, premises liability and employment law. Apart from assisting clients in legal matters, Mr. Mouradian enjoys participating in Pro Bono work.

Mr. Wibicki practices in the Firm’s Las Vegas office, where he is a member of the Firm’s Health Law/Long Term Care Facilities for the Elderly practice group and its Ad Hoc Committee. He focuses his practice in the areas of insurance law, premises liability, product liability and general liability. Previously handling transactional work in Illinois, including real estate and contractual matters, he maintains strong ties to the state and to his alma mater, Chicago’s John Marshall Law School. During his graduate career, Mr. Wibicki served as a student-licensed attorney for the City of Chicago Department of Building and Land Usage.

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 Network. For additional information, please visit our website at www.murchisonlaw.com.

Guy Gruppie and Mhare Mouradian Selected as Top Attorneys by Pasadena Magazine

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LOS ANGELES– Murchison & Cumming, LLP is pleased to announce that Senior Partner Guy R. Gruppie and Senior Associate Mhare O. Mouradian have been named San Gabriel Valley “Top Attorneys” in a survey of peers and judges conducted by Pasadena Magazine. Mr. Gruppie has been selected for the fifth consecutive year and Mr. Mouradian for the  fourth straight year.

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. Gruppie was named to the 2013 list in the category of Personal Injury Defense and Civil Litigation. He is the chair of Murchison’s Emerging Risks & Specialty Tort Litigation and Vertical Transportation (Elevator/Escalator) practice groups, and is also a senior member of the firm’s Product Liability and General Liability & Casualty practice groups. A longtime resident of the San Gabriel Valley, Mr. Gruppie is active in his community through his service as a member of the Board of Directors of the Arcadia American Little League, a volunteer coach with the league and San Marino-South Pasadena YMCA, and through participation in the City of Arcadia’s annual Law Day. He has also served as a mediator for the Pasadena branch of the Los Angeles Superior Court. Mr. Gruppie is a member of the Pasadena Bar Association, and the American Board of Trial Advocates.

Selected for the Civil Litigation category, Mr. Mouradian focuses his practice in the areas of business and corporate transactions and complex civil litigation. Mr. Mouradian is an active member of the Pasadena Bar Association and actively participates in the San Gabriel Valley Community, including providing pro bono legal counsel for the City of Arcadia’s annual Law Day.

The list was published in Pasadena Magazine’s September issue. Attorneys named in this year’s poll were 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 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 Network. For additional information, please visit our website at www.murchisonlaw.com.

Press Releases COVID-19 Blog Articles & Alerts Speaking Engagements Seminars & Events M&C In the News Firm Newsletters Links to the Courts Murchison & Cumming Welcomes Senior Associate to San Francisco Office

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SAN FRANCISCO– Murchison & Cumming, LLP is pleased to announce that Joyce E. Clifford has joined the firm as a Senior Associate in its San Francisco office.

Ms. Clifford focuses her practice mainly in insurance defense litigation, construction defect and personal injury cases. Her cases have included equitable contribution actions, wrongful death, bad faith, construction, property damage, slip and fall, vehicle accidents, and personal injury.

Ms. Clifford’s passion for community service has led to volunteering with the San Francisco County Bar Association for their Eviction Defense Project. She has also volunteered with San Mateo County Legal Aid Society as an advocate for children with learning disabilities seeking Supplemental Social Security.

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 Network. For additional information, please visit our website at www.murchisonlaw.com.

Steven Spronz to Present Commercial Law Training Program in Johannesburg, South Africa

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LOS ANGLES–  Steven C. Spronz of Murchison & Cumming, LLP will be presenting, in Johannesburg, South Africa, a commercial law training program to South African lawyers. This will be Mr. Spronz’ ninth year presenting the course that was created to provide practical skills training in the area of commercial law. The program is jointly sponsored by the Law Society of South Africa, and the International Senior Lawyers Project (ISLP.org), a Washington, DC and New York-based NGO that provides pro bono services of highly skilled and experienced lawyers to promote human rights, equitable and sustainable economic development, and the rule of law worldwide.

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 Network. For additional information, please visit our website at www.murchisonlaw.com.