Education

Law School/Year: UCLA, 1978

College/Year: University of California, Berkeley, 1974

Bar Admissions

California Superior Courts, 1978; California Supreme Court, 1978; U.S. District Court, Southern (1978), Central (1983) and Eastern (2000) Districts of California; U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, 1998; U.S. Tax Court, 1983; U.S. Court, 9th Circuit Court of Appeal, 1985

Practice Areas

Business Litigation, Civil Litigation, Discrimination & Civil Rights, Labor     

Major Cases

Among my interesting cases have been the defense of multiple claims that a local shipyard’s historic layoff/rehire formula was discriminatory in application; successfully pursuing nationally reported claims for executives laid off by a foreign-owned electronics company; successfully defending a local medical company against contract claims jeopardizing its business; and two patent infringement jury trials. Perhaps the most satisfying case was representing a construction worker who suffered a severe head injury. Initially, experts on both sides claimed he was malingering. Eventually, the evidence proved otherwise and we obtained a seven-figure settlement at the start of trial.

Professional Background

I have been practicing in the state and federal courts in San Diego since 1978. Originally, I worked at Post Kirby Wideman & Noonan, then practiced in Santa Barbara (1982-1985). I have worked with the Duckor Spradling firm since 1985.  My practice generally consists of business litigation. The greatest concentration is in the area of employment law. Generally, that occupies about one-half of my caseload. The rest consists of intellectual property, real estate, unfair competition, corporate, contract, trust and estate and other litigation. I have tried or arbitrated many cases throughout California over the years.

Professional Affiliations

I am a member and former board member of the Association of Business Trial Lawyers (ABTL), which I find to be an indispensable organization for business litigators in San Diego. In the past, I served on the board and as president of the San Diego County Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral and Information Service. I was a board member and president of the Barrister’s Club in Santa Barbara County. Also, I am a Member of the Thomas More Society.

Personal Affiliations

I have helped with certain work within the Catholic Church over the years, including the Cursillo Movement and Totus Pro Deo, which supports youth ministry in the San Diego area. I also serve on the board of a nondenominational group, Amor Ministries, which has sponsored the construction of more than 16,000 houses in Mexico and South Africa.

I have been involved in club soccer for over 15 years and have intermittently managed teams and assisted with coaching.

My most important “affiliations” are with my wonderful wife, Colleen, and my children, Annie, Emily, Tess and Patrick.

Personal Background

I was born in New York City and moved to California during junior high school.