Edmund Farrell to Speak at ASCDC Annual Seminar for 17th Consecutive Year

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LOS ANGELES – Edmund G. Farrell, III has been selected to speak at the Association of Southern California Defense Counsel’s (ASCDC) Annual Seminar. Mr. Farrell has co-presented the seminar’s “Year in Review” topic, discussing case law highlights from the previous year, at ASCDC’s seminar since 1994.

This year’s event will be held March 10 – 11, 2011 in Los Angeles, California, featuring a wide range of panelists and speakers discussing topics of interest to trial and appellate attorneys who defend civil lawsuits. The program will conclude with a celebration of ASCDC’s 50th anniversary.

A certified Appellate Specialist, Mr. Farrell is Chair of Murchison & Cumming’s Appellate Law practice group and Co-Chair of the firm’s Professional Liability practice group. He has been involved in the handling of over 200 appeals and writ petitions and has argued before the California Supreme Court, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and in all six districts of the Court of Appeal of the state of California. Mr. Farrell has served as a speaker for both local and international conferences.

About the Association of Southern California Defense Counsel
The Association of Southern California Defense Counsel is the nation’s preeminent regional defense organization. It encompasses a diverse group of more than 2,200 men and women of all ages, races and religions, who practice from north of Santa Barbara to the Mexican border and from the desert of the inland empire to the shores of Santa Monica, providing professional fellowship, specialized continuing education, representation in legislative and appellate matters and liaison with insurance industry leaders. To learn more about the ASCDC, please visit www.ascdc.org.

Guy Gruppie Serves as Adjunct Professor of Law at Southwestern University

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LOS ANGELES – Guy R. Gruppie was selected to co-teach a California Civil Procedure course, as an adjunct associate professor of law, with plaintiff’s attorney Kevin Boyle of law firm Panish, Shea & Boyle during the spring semester at Southwestern University School of Law.

The course focuses on pretrial, trial and appellate procedure in the state courts of California, and is predominantly attended by third-year law students on the verge of transitioning from student to attorney. The curriculum is intended to provide practical and bar-required knowledge of California’s many and intricate statutes, not only supplying the context necessary for comprehension, but also offering insight on how best to research statutes applicable to particular cases.

Mr. Boyle’s objective in inviting a defense attorney to co-teach the course was to provide the class with balanced commentary, said Mr. Gruppie.

Having served as a moot court judge and a speaker at various academic institutions, Mr. Gruppie said he is enjoying taking part in the education of law students, and commented on the importance of establishing a defense attorney presence through roles as educators, speakers and public figures. “It is incumbent upon us to voice our opinions and show pride in our role within the civil justice system,” he said.

About Murchison & Cumming, LLP
With a firm history dating to 1930, Murchison & Cumming, LLP is a premier 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.

Jean Dalmore to Speak at USLAW Network Client Conference

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PHOENIX – Jean A. Dalmore has been selected to speak at USLAW Network’s Spring Client Conference. Ms. Dalmore is slated to present a “California Construction Law Update” during the program’s five-minute drill session on construction law.

The conference will be held March 31 to April 2, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona, and will feature speakers from USLAW member firms.

Ms. Dalmore is Co-Chair of Murchison & Cumming’s Construction Law practice group, Vice-Chair of the Defense Research Institute’s Construction Defect Committee and an active member of USLAW’s Construction Law practice group.

About the USLAW NETWORK
USLAW NETWORK is a national organization composed of 64 independent, defense-based law firms with over 4,000 attorneys covering the United States and Latin America. Among the firms, there are over 150 offices in 47 US states. An alliance with the Trans-European Law Firm Alliance (TELFA) gives them access to 25 European law firms each representing its own jurisdiction and a similar relationship with ALN Limited enables USLAW to partner with 10 firms in East and Central Africa. To learn more about USLAW, please visit www.uslaw.org.

Five M&C Partners Recognized as 2011 Super Lawyers

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LOS ANGELES – Murchison & Cumming, LLP is pleased to announce that five of its attorneys have earned the distinction of having been chosen by their peers as 2011 Southern California Super Lawyers®. The annual listing, based on peer evaluations, was recently released by Law & Politics and published in Los Angeles Magazine and The New York Times.

All five attorneys are veteran “Super Lawyers.” The Murchison & Cumming partners selected for the 2011 list are:

  • Jean M. Lawler, Managing Partner of the firm and Co-Chair of the Insurance Law practice group. This marks Ms. Lawler’s sixth consecutive year on the list. An expert on insurance 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, the firm’s former Managing Partner, Chair of the International Law practice group, and Co-Chair of the Business Litigation and Product Liability/Utilities practice groups. This is his eighth consecutive Super Lawyer mention. A premier 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 FDCC and former Chair of its Product Liability Substantive Law Section.
  • Michael B. Lawler, Co-Chair of the firm’s Employment Law practice group. A Past President of the Association of Southern California Defense Counsel, this marks the seventh 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” and a “Leading Employment Lawyer in California.” He has served on the national board of the American Board of Trial Advocates, is a member of its Los Angeles Chapter and a member of the FDCC.
  • Guy R. Gruppie, Co-Chair of the firm’s Emerging Risks & Specialty Tort Litigation practice group and immediate Past-Chair of the firm’s General Liability & Casualty practice group. This is Mr. Gruppie’s third 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.
  • James P. Collins, Jr., six-time Super Lawyer and respected Orange County trial lawyer. Mr. Collins is a Past President of the Association of Southern California Defense Counsel and was a Founding Partner of the former firm of Cotkin & Collins. He is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates and the FDCC.

About Murchison & Cumming, LLP

With a firm history dating to 1930, Murchison & Cumming, LLP is a premier 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.

William Naeve and Steven Spronz to Speak at Lloyd’s Underwriter Boot Camp

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LONDON – William D. Naeve and Steven C. Spronz have been selected to co-present at the Lloyd’s of London Underwriter Boot Camp. Mr. Naeve and Mr. Spronz are slated to speak on the topic, “Minimizing Coverage Risks Arising from an Insured’s Merger or Acquisition,” with Stephen V. Falanga of Connell Foley, LLP and Keith Dotseth of Larson King, LLP.

Lloyd’s Underwriter Boot Camp will be held on February 9, 2011, and will feature speakers from USLAW Network member firms. The event is a collaboration between international insurance market Lloyd’s of London and USLAW.

Mr. Naeve is experienced in handling matters for insurance carriers and underwriters, and has also presented for the Orange County Bar Association. Mr. Spronz’s areas of expertise include matters involving mergers and acquisitions, and he teaches an annual Commercial Law Practicum in South Africa.

About the USLAW NETWORK
USLAW NETWORK is a national organization composed of 64 independent, defense-based law firms with over 4,000 attorneys covering the United States and Latin America. Among the firms, there are over 150 offices in 47 US states. An alliance with the Trans-European Law Firm Alliance (TELFA) gives them access to 25 European law firms each representing its own jurisdiction and a similar relationship with ALN Limited enables USLAW to partner with 10 firms in East and Central Africa. To learn more about USLAW, please visit www.uslaw.org.

Murchison & Cumming Moves Northern California Office to San Francisco

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SAN FRANCISCO –  Murchison & Cumming, LLP has relocated its Northern California office to San Francisco’s financial district, moving into space at 275 Battery Street, also known as Embarcadero Center West. Formerly located in the East Bay, with the move to San Francisco the firm expects to be able to provide clients with expanded legal services, in part because of the addition of attorneys to the office with complementary practices. The firm, which last year celebrated its 80th anniversary, defends businesses, professionals and individuals against civil lawsuits in California and Nevada.  Its attorneys also handle employment matters and business and real estate transactions.

“Growing the firm’s Northern California presence is one of the firm’s priorities for 2011 and, with this move into San Francisco, we believe we will be well positioned for that growth,” said Managing Partner Jean M. Lawler.

Murchison’s Northern California office first opened its doors in the East Bay in December 2002. Eight years later, it has established deep roots in the region, with attorneys and staff who are tied to the area, both professionally and personally. “We have definitely established a presence in Northern California,” commented Kasey C. Townsend, who relocated from San Diego to take the helm as Partner in Charge of the office upon its opening, calling it a moment of “serendipity” when she was approached by the firm with the opportunity to open its Northern California office.

Senior Partner Michael B. Lawler, who spearheaded inception of the Northern California office in its original Pleasanton location, was impressed by how quickly the practice developed, outgrowing three locations before this move to San Francisco.

“With the move, the current caseload and the economy picking up, I see significant growth for the San Francisco office, with it becoming a full-service office making a significant contribution to the firm’s overall success,” Mr. Lawler said.

About Murchison & Cumming, LLP

With a firm history dating to 1930, Murchison & Cumming, LLP is a premier 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.

Scott Hengesbach and William Naeve to Speak at USLAW Network Five City Tour

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LOS ANGELES – Scott L. Hengesbach and William D. Naeve have been selected to speak at the Dallas, Texas and Los Angeles, California stops of USLAW Network’s Five City Tour, respectively. Mr. Hengesbach is slated to speak on the topic, “Emerging Neuroimaging Techniques Influencing Brain Damage Claims,” and Mr. Naeve will present, “The Stray Remarks Doctrine: Free Speech is Not Necessarily Free.”

The conference will be held on January 18, 2011 in Dallas and March 3, 2011 in Los Angeles, and will feature speakers from USLAW member firms. USLAW is taking the Network on the road, making stops at five different cities along the way as part of their one-day education programs, in celebration of the organization’s 10th Anniversary (2001 – 2011).

Mr. Hengesbach is an immediate Past-Chair of the firm’s Toxic Tort and Environmental Law practice group. He has presented toxic tort and environmental topics at the 14th Annual National Forum for Environmental and Toxic Tort Issues (FETTI) Conference and USLAW Network’s Client Conferences. Mr. Naeve is Co-Chair of Murchison & Cumming’s Employment Law practice group, and has authored articles on discrimination and employment law for the Orange County Business Journal.

About the USLAW NETWORK
USLAW NETWORK is a national organization composed of 64 independent, defense-based law firms with over 4,000 attorneys covering the United States and Latin America. Among the firms, there are over 150 offices in 47 US states. An alliance with the Trans-European Law Firm Alliance (TELFA) gives them access to 25 European law firms each representing its own jurisdiction and a similar relationship with ALN Limited enables USLAW to partner with 10 firms in East and Central Africa. To learn more about USLAW, please visit www.uslaw.org.

Guy Gruppie Selected as “Top Attorney” by Pasadena Magazine for Second Consecutive Year

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Guy R. Gruppie has been named a San Gabriel Valley “Top Attorney” for the second consecutive year in a survey of peers and judges conducted 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 most esteemed in their practice specialties. Mr. Gruppie was named to the 2010 “Top Attorney” list in the category of Personal Injury Litigation. He is the chair of M&C’s Emerging Risks & Specialty Tort Litigation practice group and is also a member of the firm’s Product Liability and General Liability practice groups, the latter of which he chaired from 2004 to 2009.

Mr. Gruppie is a 10-year resident of Arcadia with other ties to the San Gabriel Valley. He is a member of the Pasadena Bar Association, a volunteer coach and sponsor of the Arcadia American Little League, and has been a participant in the City of Arcadia’s annual Law Day.

Pasadena Magazine “Top Attorneys” were honored at a November 4th reception held in Pasadena.

About Murchison & Cumming, LLP

With a firm history dating to 1930, Murchison & Cumming, LLP is a premier 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.

Dan Longo and Bryan Weiss to Speak at PLRB Regional Conferences

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Dan L. Longo, partner-in-charge of the firm’s Orange County office and Bryan M. Weiss, co-chair of the firm’s Insurance Law practice group, have been selected to speak at the Property Loss Research Bureau’s (“PLRB”) 2010 Regional Adjusters Conferences.  Mr. Longo’s presentation is “Soft Tissue Injuries” and Mr. Weiss’ presentation is “When Is Independent Counsel Needed?”.

Both Mr. Longo and Mr. Weiss will present at three conferences held in Atlanta, Georgia from June 22-23, 2010 for the eastern region, Columbus, Ohio from September 14-15, 2010 for the central region, and Anaheim, California from November 2-3, 2010 for the western region.

PLRB’s mission is to concern itself with, and encourage productivity and efficiency in, the property and liability loss and claim adjustment processes of members and the industry as a whole; to disseminate information on property and liability issues among members and within the insurance industry; and to promote education and new and beneficial developments within the property and casualty insurance industry.

About Murchison & Cumming, LLP

With a firm history dating to 1930, Murchison & Cumming, LLP is a premier 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. For additional information, please visit our website at www.murchisonlaw.com.

M&C Welcomes Two Associates to its Los Angeles and Nevada Offices

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LOS ANGELES – Murchison & Cumming, LLP is pleased to announce that Mary C. Trinh and Bryan J. Ure have joined the Los Angeles and Nevada offices, respectively, as associates.

Ms. Trinh is a member of the Emerging Risks & Specialty Tort Litigation practice group, also focusing her practice in general liability and product liability matters.

Her previous experience includes working for the State Bar of California and handling a wide variety of general liability matters for a boutique firm. Ms. Trinh, who is fluent in Chinese dialect Chiu Chau, has also been actively involved with the community. While in college, she tutored students at Castelar Street Elementary School in the Chinatown area of Los Angeles.

Mr. Ure focuses his practice in the areas of general liability, construction defect and premises liability, representing businesses, insurers and subcontractors in the State and Federal Courts.

He is experienced in all phases of litigation and advising on construction law, mechanics lien law, state contractor’s board issues, administrative law and representation before the public utilities commission. Mr. Ure, who previously worked at a Las Vegas-based civil litigation firm, said he joined Murchison & Cumming because he was impressed by the firm’s reputation.

About Murchison & Cumming, LLP

With a firm history dating to 1930, Murchison & Cumming, LLP is a premier 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.