Education
Law School: University of San Diego School of Law
Other/Graduate School/Year: University of San Diego School of Law, L.L.M.
College: Providence College
Major Cases
Every case I handle is major to me and my clients. Earlier this year, I settled an insurance bad faith case on behalf of a major real estate developer for $3.6 million based on the carrier’s improper accounting of SIR’s spanning multiple policy years. In 2013, I second-chaired a 14-day trial on behalf of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation resulting in a favorable judgment of $14.7 million. In 2009, I was part of the plaintiff trial team representing real estate developers in an insurance bad faith case resulting in a favorable jury verdict totaling $28.8 million based on the carrier’s failure to defend and indemnify. The verdict garnered accolades as the tenth-highest jury verdict in California that year and one of the top 100 jury verdicts in the country.
Professional Background
I have been practicing law in San Diego since 2007. My practice focuses on insurance coverage disputes, bad faith, insurance broker malpractice, business litigation, and construction defect litigation. I represent a broad spectrum of clients -- from individuals and small businesses to Fortune 500 companies and governmental agencies -- on complex legal issues before both state and federal courts. I have obtained substantial insurance recoveries under CGL, D&O, professional liability and homeowners insurance policies.
Professional Affiliations
I balance my hard work in the office with an active role in the legal community. I have served on the board of directors for the Irish American Bar Association of San Diego for the last three years, two of which as the chair of the Events Committee. Previously, I was an associate member of the Hon. William B. Enright Inn of Court. I have also been published in the American Association for Justice for my co-authored article, “The Hidden Truth Behind an Insurer’s Denial: The Crime-Fraud Exception to the Attorney Client Privilege.” In 2012, I was recognized as a Young Attorney by The Daily Transcript, a peer-nominated process to determine the best young attorneys in San Diego County.
Personal Affiliations
After a summer spent studying law abroad in Dublin, Ireland, I became a member and supporter of the San Diego chapter of the American Ireland Fund, which is dedicated to supporting programs of peace and reconciliation, arts and culture, education, and community development throughout the island of Ireland. I also actively support the efforts of the San Diego Humane Society, where my wife and I adopted our boxer pup in 2008.
Personal Background
I was born and raised in New England, where I was instilled with a strong work ethic. I am married to a wonderful and supportive wife, Amanda. We have one spoiled dog, Jack, and live in our favorite San Diego community, Normal Heights. In our free time, we love to travel and enjoy good food and wine.