Complex Litigation
Gascou Hopkins defends clients in negotiations, mediations, arbitration, and litigation in state and federal courts throughout the Western United States (including bankruptcy courts).
We are currently outside litigation counsel for Fortune 500 companies and the City of Los Angeles.
We aggressively pursue a litigation strategy designed to obtain early, favorable, and cost-effective results. But when the case must be tried, we have the necessary experience. Members of our firm have tried to conclusion literally hundreds of cases. All our trial lawyers are experienced in every stage of litigation as well as arbitration and mediation. We also have the experience and expertise to handle complex litigation and the specialized case management procedures required in such litigation.
Together, our attorneys have litigated literally thousands of cases over the past three decades in all branches of the California federal court, and most of the state courts. Within the past two years alone, members of our firm have logged more than 300,000 miles traveling to hearings, court appearances, depositions and examinations, and have personally taken and/or defended approximately 320 days of depositions in no less than 18 different states.
To provide our clients with the best service possible, we use state-of-the-art technology in the courtroom and in document handling, retrieval, and production.
For the best possible defense for our clients, we have strong relationships with local and national experts who work with us on cases when necessary.
Examples follow of current and recent litigation demonstrating our firm’s ability to provide legal services in litigation.
Representative Matters:
Defense of $300 million dollar lawsuit involving a Ponzi-scheme pending in federal district and bankruptcy courts throughout the country. Members of our firm have taken more than 2,000 hours of deposition testimony from witnesses in 20 states, often acting as lead counsel for five insurance company parties.
Defense of personal injury actions against insured trucking corporations on behalf of a national trucking insurer.
Defense of personal injury and negligence claims of all types under CGL policies for a national liability carrier, including actions against trustees, insurance brokers, and union trusts.
Recovered $900,000 of a $3 million dollar loss on a commercial lease bond while prevailing on a contested bankruptcy claim for reimbursement.
Defense of the General Manager of the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety in a contempt proceeding related to a construction and real estate dispute between Los Angeles neighbors.
Representation of a creditor in the bankruptcy of a Silicon Valley publishing company. The $3 million claim was allowed in full over objection by the Creditors Committee, and we have recovered more than $.8 million in interim disbursements to date.
Defense of a small business in a Business and Professions Code §17200 suit. Plaintiffs counsel was habitually bringing private attorney general suits against small businesses. Following successful resolution of the suit, we were able to assist the California State Bar and State Attorney General in their respective investigations which led to various disbarments, resignations and significant media attention. We also provided advice regarding the recent legislative amendment (Prop. 64) which closed the loophole in §17200 that allowed extortionate tactics.