Education

Law School/Year: J.D., California Western School of Law, 1991

College/Year: B.S., Business Economics, University of California, Santa Barbara, 1988

Bar Admissions

California, U.S. District Court, Southern and Central Districts

Practice Areas

Business Litigation, Civil Litigation, Construction, Labor, Personal Injury & Property Damage     

Major Cases

The current focus of my practice is on representing consumers who have defective windows. I recently settled what is likely the largest window settlement in the state of California (on an amount per house basis) days before trial was set to begin.

In addition, I handle franchise law and employment matters. My franchise practice includes the representation of Kahala Coldstone, one of the fastest growing franchise companies in North America. My employment law practice focuses on wage and hour matters. I recently obtained a large settlement in a wage and hour class action lawsuit against a Fortune 20 corporation. 

Professional Background

I have historically represented homeowners and associations in construction defect cases. Changes to the law (case law) have generally resulted in these cases providing a smaller net recovery for clients (Aas v. Superior Court 24 Cal. 4th 627 (2000)).  However, I have been able to develop an alternative way to recover for my clients -- going after the designers, manufacturers and distributors of products in my client’s homes. 

In 2002, I co-negotiated California's new Construction Defect Law (SB 800, Civil Code Section 895 et. seq.), designed to obtain Aas relief for homeowners. I have written articles and taught seminars about the new law. In 2003, I worked on further revisions to SB 800 and negotiated with the BIA and others regarding other proposed changes to the law.

Awards and honors include:

* Consumer Advocate of the Year Award, Consumer Attorneys of San Diego (2003)

* Presidential Award of Merit, Consumer Attorneys of San Diego (2003, 2006)

* President’s Star Award, Consumer Attorneys of California (2003)

* Legislative Champion Award, Consumer Attorneys of California (2002)

Professional Affiliations

Consumer Attorneys of San Diego: president 2010; vice president 2008; board member (2000-2004); member, executive committee (2004- present); tort law editor, Trial Bar News (1999-2003); legislative column editor, Trial Bar News (2003-2007)

Consumer Attorneys of California: member, board of governors (2003- present); member, Legislative Committee (2002- present)

Personal Background

I have been married to my wife Amy for more than 20 years. We have two children, Alexandra (16) and Andrew (11). In my spare time, I enjoy playing golf, swimming, biking, running and skiing with my family.