Tag Archive for: darin-flagg

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.

Jury Rejects $12 Million Demand Against M&C Client

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Following a five-week trial in plaintiff-friendly San Bernardino County Superior Court, a defense verdict was reached in a case involving a boat crash on the Colorado River. Partners Russell S. Wollman and Todd A. Chamberlain of Murchison & Cumming represented the boat manufacturer. Congratulations also to Darin W. Flagg, Senior Associate, for his law and motion contributions to the trial victory.

The incident occurred when the driver of the power boat lost control at speeds between 60 and 80 miles per hour, resulting in the loss of control upon hitting a wave. Subsequently, the boat nosedived, causing it to come apart in the front and eject the plaintiff into the water, resulting in a fracture to his thoracic spine.

The plaintiff filed a lawsuit citing negligence on the part of the boat driver and alleging negligence and certain product liability against the boat itself. The plaintiff sought substantial compensation, totaling $12 million dollars.

After a thorough deliberation period lasting five days, the jury returned with a defense verdict, finding no fault on the part of either defendant. The plaintiff’s claims have been dismissed, and no damages have been awarded.

Defense Verdict in Alleged Real Estate Fraud Case

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On November 12, 2020, a fully masked Orange County jury, which was seated about the courtroom, including the gallery, returned a Defense Verdict in favor of Rajeswari Vunnamadala. Murchison & Cumming, LLP Partner Lisa D. Angelo tried the case. Senior Associate Darin W. Flagg provided law and motion assistance and Associate Vedang J. Patel provided trial assistance over the course of the three-week trial.

The plaintiff Hymavathi Kunamneni sued Vunnamadala, her former best friend of 34 years, for Intentional Misrepresentation, Negligent Misrepresentation, Constructive Fraud and Breach of Fiduciary Duty in connection with Kunamneni’s belief that Vunnamadala caused her to make bad investment decisions and in so doing, Vunnamadala accepted large sums of money from Kunamneni to finalize her property purchases for her in India. Vunnamadala vehemently denied each and every allegation set forth by Kunamneni.

The unique case concerned the sale of three lots of land in India. In addition to being Plaintiff’s best friend, Vunnamadala was a licensed real estate agent in Orange County who had previously worked as the plaintiff’s agent and helped her buy and sell real estate in Orange County in the early 2000s. Vunnamadala denied working as Kunamneni’s agent or helping her buy any of the Indian properties she now regrets purchasing between 2008 and 2011. In 2015, Kunamneni began to voice regret and concern about the value of her properties and started to accuse Vunnamadala of tricking her into making bad investment decisions in India. Kunamneni also began to threaten Vunnamadala and bad mouthed Vunnamadala in India as well as in Orange County.

Defense real estate expert Alan Wallace, Esq. testified that in the absence of an agency relationship between the parties, there can be no breach of fiduciary duty. To establish an agency relationship there had to be an express written agreement between the parties or conduct that implied an agency relationship existed. Because there was no evidence of an express written agreement after 2003 (when Vunnamadala was Kunamneni’s real estate agent in Orange County, CA) and the conduct of the parties did not establish consent to enter into an agency relationship, no agency existed between Kunamneni and Vunnamadala for any of Kunamneni’s Indian property purchases. Wallace also observed there was no evidence of any commission earned by Vunnamadala in exchange for working as Kunamneni’s agent in India. This further showed the parties did not have an agent/client agreement between them. Defense Indian law and Indian real estate expert Monisha Coelho further explained that none of the Indian real estate documents produced at trial showed that Vunnamadala was Kunamneni’s agent and simple acts such as going to India’s registration office to drop off and pick up real estate documents for Kunamneni did not create an agency relationship between the parties.

After a three-week trial, the jury took less than three hours to find Defendant Vunnamadala not liable for any of the fraud-based claims Kunamneni alleged including her claim for punitive damages.

Murchison & Cumming Welcomes New Senior Associate to the Irvine Office

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IRVINE – Murchison & Cumming, LLP is pleased to announce that Darin W. Flagg has joined the firm’s Irvine office as a Senior Associate.

With nearly 15 years of experience, Mr. Flagg has a background in a wide variety of legal matters including catastrophic personal injury, wrongful death, property damage, business interruption, construction, defamation, and breach of contract. He is skilled in strategizing with clients on the most effective means of resolving and avoiding lawsuits, whether through mediation, informal negotiations, or proceeding to trial. Mr. Flagg is a graduate of Tulane University School of Law (J.D.), where he was the Senior Business Editor of the Tulane Environmental Law Review, and the University of Missouri, Columbia (B.A.), where he graduated Cum Laude with a degree in Political Science.

“We are excited to have Darin join Murchison & Cumming. His wide ranging experience will allow us to continue to provide top quality client service,” Managing Partner Dan L. Longo said.


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.