Members of the Firm
David J. Garthe
David J. Garthe
Concentrating in insurance coverage and insurance litigation, personal injury defense.
Experience
Mr. Garthe was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1946. He attended the University of California, Davis, graduating in 1968 with double major in History and Far Eastern Political Science. He attended the University of California, Davis School of Law where he was an Associate Editor of the Law Review and graduating as a member of the Order of the Coif in 1971.
Since graduation from law school, Mr. Garthe has been practicing in the area of insurance defense. He has tried to verdict or judgment Superior Court jury and non-jury trials in 19 different California counties, United States District Courts in California and Indiana and District Court in Nevada. Trials have been in the areas of automobile and general liability, product liability, professional liability, insurance coverage and bad faith.
Mr. Garthe has also been retained to consult as an expert on a variety of issues and has testified as both a percipient witness and retained expert in deposition and at trial in coverage and non-coverage matters.
In addition to being a practicing lawyer, Mr. Garthe has served as an Alameda County Superior Court Settlement Commissioner and Alameda County Superior Court Arbitrator.
Throughout his career, Mr. Garthe has been a speaker or panelist at numerous seminars including Reinsurance Association of America, Washington, D.C.; Executive Enterprises of New York; Eastern Claims Conference, New York; Northern California Claims Managers Association; National Association of Independent Claims Adjusters; Interstate Insurance Company, Chicago; Universal Insurance Company, Kansas City; Practicing Law Institute; Association of Defense Counsel, San Francisco; Monterey County Bad Faith Seminar (Chairman 1996) Panelist (2000).
Professional Associations
Mr. Garthe is a member of the American Bar Association, the Alameda County Bar Association, the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada (Director 1996-1998) and the Defense Research Institute.
Mr. Garthe is also a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates.
Published Decisions
Chamberlin vs. Smith (1977) 72 Cal.App.3d 835
Ketchum vs. Dawson (1980) 109 Cal.App.3d 9
City of Oakland vs. Delcon Associates (1985) 168 Cal.App.3d 1126
American Excess Ins. Co. vs. MGM (1988) 102 Nev. 801
United States Elevator Corp. vs. Associated International (1989) 215 Cal.App.3d 636
Admiral Ins. Co. vs. Merrill & Seeley (1990) 225 Cal.App.3d 624
American Motorists Ins. Co. vs. Allied-Sysco Food Services, Inc. (1993) 19 Cal.App.4th 1342
Kyle Railway vs. Pacific Admin Services (9th Cir. 1993) 990 F.2d 513
Pacific Estates Inc. vs. Superior Court (1993) 13 Cal.App.4th 1561
Reliance National v General Star Indemnity (1999) 72 Cal. App. 4th 1063.
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Charles I. Eisner
Charles I. Eisner
Concentrating in civil litigation defense and insurance coverage.
Experience
Mr. Eisner was born April 14, 1949 in Los Angeles, California, and grew up in Southern California. Since 1975, Mr. Eisner has represented insurers in coverage related litigation and in rendering coverage opinions, and has represented insureds and self insured companies and public entities in civil litigation in California State and Federal Courts. Areas of focus have over the years been labor law and defense cases involving housing/civil rights, public entities, automobile and general liability, product liability, construction defect, professional liability, insurance coverage and bad faith.
Mr. Eisner joined Boornazian, Jensen & Garthe in December 1974 and has been a shareholder with the firm since 1981.
Professional Associations
Member, California State Bar and Alameda County Bar Association; Alameda County Bar Association Insurance Committee Chair late 1970's to early 1980's; Association of Defense Counsel; Arbitrator, Alameda and Contra Costa County Superior Courtsr; Judge Pro Tem, Contra Costa Superior Court
Published Decisions
Fidelity & Casualty Co. v. Reserve Insurance Co. (9th Circuit, 1979) 596 F.2d 914
General Motors Corp. v. Superior Court (1988) 199 Cal. App. 3d 247
Travelers Ins. Co. v. National Union Fire Ins. Co. (1989) 207 Cal. App. 3d 1390
20th Century Ins. Co. v. Liberty Mutual Ins. Co. (9th Circuit, 1992) 965 F.2d 747
Montrose Chemical Corp. v. Superior Court (1993) 6 Cal. 4th 287
Ladd v. County of San Mateo (1996) 12 Cal. 4th 913
Education
Juris Doctor, 1974, University of California Hastings College of the Law
- Moot Court Honors
- Member, Moot Court Board
Bachelor of Arts, 1970, University of California, Riverside
- High Honors
- Phi Beta Kappa
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Robert G. Crow
Robert G. Crow
Concentrating in toxic tort defense, public entity defense, construction defect defense and the defense of general liability cases.
Experience
Mr. Crow has been a member of the State Bar of California since 1974 and joined Boornazian, Jensen in Garthe in 1976, after clerking for the Contra County Superior Court for one year. He is also a member of the U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Eastern, and Central Districts of California as well as the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court. He has handled numerous complex cases involving claims for personal injuries and groundwater contamination allegedly caused by pesticides and other chemicals. He has defended public entities for nearly 30 years from claims involving floods, landslides, dangerous conditions of public property, and other suits based on inverse condemnation.
Professional Associations
Arbitrator, Alameda County Superior Court, Alameda County Bar Association, Member, State Bar of California, Rated AV.
Published Appellate cases
Abagninin v. AMVAC Chemical Corp. et al (9th Cir., 2008) 545 F.3d 733 (affirming dismissal of suit based on allegations under Alien Tort Claims Act for use of a pesticide)
Dole Food Co. v. Patrickson (2003) 538 U.S. 468 (federal jurisdiction question under Sovereign Immunities Act)
Razeto v. City of Oakland et al (1979) 88 Cal.App.3d 349 (application of governmental fire protection immunity to condition of fire hydrant)
Education
Juris Doctor, 1974, University of California Hastings College of the Law
- Order of the Coif
- Editor, Law Review (1972-74)
Bachelor of Arts, 1971, University of California, Berkeley
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Gregory J. Rockwell
Gregory J. Rockwell
Mr. Rockwell handles all forms of personal injury litigation with primary emphasis on medical malpractice, civil rights, discrimination and employment law. He has tried court and jury trials in 15 Northern California Counties and in the Federal District Court for the Northern District of California.
Experience
Mr. Rockwell has been a member of the California Bar since December 1975, and he is admitted to practice in the Federal District Court for the Northern and Eastern Districts of California, and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. He has represented numerous public agencies in a wide variety of tort actions, including employment, civil rights, discrimination and medical malpractice. He has tried more than 40 civil jury trials to verdict. Mr. Rockwell also serves as a pro tem settlement commissioner and arbitrator for the Alameda and Marin County Superior courts. He joined Boornazian, Jensen & Garthe in January 1976 and became a shareholder in January 1981.
Professional Associations
State Bar of California
American Board Trial Advocates
Northern California Association of Defense Counsel
Alameda and Marin County Bar Associations
Education
Juris Doctor, 1975, University of San Francisco
Bachelor of Arts, 1973, University of San Francisco
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William T. Mulvihill
William T. Mulvihill
Concentrating in Personal Injury Defense; Product Liability Defense; Premises Liability Defense; Pharmacy Malpractice Defense; and Mediations/Arbitrations.
Experience
Mr. Mulvihill has been a member of the State Bar of California and the U.S. District Court, Northern District of California since 1977, and is also admitted to the U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit; and the U.S. District Court, Eastern Division of California. He has been an Alternative Dispute Resolution Panel Member for the San Francisco Superior Court since 1988; the Contra Costa Superior Court since 1989; the Alameda Superior Court since 1996; and the Santa Clara Superior Court since 2007. He is rated AV by Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings.
Mr. Mulvihill is a shareholder of Boornazian, Jensen & Garthe.
Professional Associations
Mr. Mulvihill is a member of the Alameda County Bar Association, the Defense Research Institute, and the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California.
Publications & Lectures
Faculty Member, Personal Injury Litigation, College of Advocacy, Hastings Center for Trial & Appellate Advocacy, 1988 and 1989.
Education
Juris Doctor, 1977, Golden Gate University
Bachelor of Arts, 1972, University of San Francisco
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Robert B. Lueck
Robert B. Lueck
Concentrating in the defense of owners, developers, contractors, subcontractors and materials suppliers in the defense of construction defect claims; representation of construction industry insurers in disputes with insureds, and with other insurers.
Experience
Robert B. Lueck has been a member of the California State Bar since 1978, and has emphasized construction-related litigation since 1980. Mr. Lueck practices before all of the California State Courts, and is also admitted to practice before the Northern District, Eastern District and Central District Federal Courts, as well as the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Mr. Lueck handles cases from Kern County northward to the Oregon border. Mr. Lueck has substantial experience with soil and foundation claims, residential claims of all sorts, as well as commercial construction, hi-rise construction and industrial construction. Mr. Lueck has significant trial experience in both State and Federal Courts, and has presented cases to the California Court of Appeal and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Mr. Lueck has served as a Mediator and Special Master, and has assisted various local courts as a settlement neutral. He has also lectured for the California CEB Program.
Mr. Lueck joined Boornazian, Jensen & Garthe in 1978 as an associate attorney, and has been a shareholder with the firm since 1985. Mr. Lueck is the senior member of Boornazian, Jensen & Garthe's construction practice group and is Managing Partner/President of the firm.
Professional Associations
Mr. Lueck is a member of the Alameda County Bar Association and has been a member of the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California, as well as the Defense Research Institute.
Education
Juris Doctor, 1978, McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific, (with Honors)
Bachelor of Arts, 1975, University of Southern California, (Social Sciences and Communication, with Honors)
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Alan E. Swerdlow
Alan E. Swerdlow
Concentrating in all areas of Insurance Coverage and Insurance Litigation. Mr. Swerdlow represents insurance carriers in coverage analysis and insurance disputes including disputes between insurers and defense of insurers in declaratory relief and bad faith actions.
Experience
Mr. Swerdlow has been a member of the State Bar of California since 1987 specializing in insurance coverage for over two decades. He is statewide and national coverage counsel for insurers and risk financing entities for both litigation and non litigation services. Mr. Swerdlow has authored thousands of coverage opinions and assisted carriers in drafting policies, endorsements and methodologies for handling complex claims. Mr. Swerdlow has handled numerous very large and complex cases on behalf of insurers involving claims in the hundreds of millions of dollars at every level inclusive of the California Supreme Court. Alan Swerdlow practices in all the state and federal trial and appellate courts in California.
Professional Associations
Mr. Swerdlow is a member the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and the Defense Research Institute.
Publications & Lectures
Mr. Swerdlow is a frequent speaker for the insurance industry providing seminars on insurance coverage, policy interpretation, claim's handling and bad faith issues.
Chapter contributor, Donner and Crowe, "Attorney's Practice Guide to Negotiations," Clark, Boardman, Callaghan, 2d Ed., 1995.
Published Insurance Decisions
Montrose Chemical Corp v. Superior Court (1989) 6 Cal.4th 287 (Liability insurers were obligated to defend insured pesticide manufacturer against charges under CERCLA for hazardous waste contamination because the insured showed, prima facia, that the complaint fell within the coverage of the policies).
Education
Juris Doctor, 1987, University of Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
- Member Pacific Law Journal
Bachelor of Arts, 1984, University of California at Berkeley
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Thomas E. Mulvihill
Thomas E. Mulvihill
Concentrating in Insurance Coverage and Insurance Litigation, Securities Litigation and Construction Defect Litigation.
Experience
Mr. Mulvihill has been a member of the State Bar of California since 1987.
Mr. Mulvihill is statewide coverage counsel for various domestic and international insurers, and represents insurance carriers in litigation matters in both federal and state courts.
Mr. Mulvihill has extensive experience in connection with NASD/FINRA arbitrations. Mr. Mulvihill has served as a member of the Board of Arbitrators for the NASD, and was a licensed securities broker with Paine Webber.
Mr. Mulvihill has extensive experience representing developers, general contractors, subcontractors and insurance carriers for suspended corporations in construction defect litigation.
Mr. Mulvihill has successfully presented multiple cases before the California Supreme Court, the United States Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and the California Court of Appeal. Mr. Mulvihill is rated "AV" by Martindale and Hubble and is identified as a Northern California "Super Lawyer" by the independent research of Law & Politics.
Professional Associations
Mr. Mulvihill a member of the State Bar of California, and is admitted to practice before all of the Courts in the State of California; the United States District Courts (Northern, Central, Eastern and Southern Districts of California); and the United States Court of Appeals (Ninth Circuit).
Mr. Mulvihill is a member of the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada, and is a member of the Board of Directors of Boornazian, Jensen & Garthe.
Publications & Lectures
Mr. Mulvihill is a frequent speaker and author. The following is list of representative publications and lectures:
Articles:
Verdict (1995) Isn't It Time To Buy The Emperor Some New Clothes: A Critique Of Johansson And Policy Limit Demands; ABA Journal Coverage (1995) Montrose: An Analysis; Verdict (1995) Insuring The Faith: Coverage For Acts Of Molestation; Comment (1994) Can They Really Do That? Stipulated Judgments and the No Action Clause.
Public Lectures:
Collapse of US Housing Market and Impact on Liability Insurance (Xchanging - London 2008); Litigation Training For Civil Defense Lawyers (Association of Defense Counsel - San Francisco 2003); Pollution Insurance Coverage Issues (Mealey's - Amelia Island, Florida - 2003); Bad Faith: Litigation and Trial Practice (National Business Institute - San Jose California - 2002); Statutory Bad Faith Issues (Lloyds -London, England -2000); Insurance Coverage Issue: Copyrights (Practicing Law Institute- San Francisco -1999); Bad Faith Litigation: Trial and Practice (Association of Defense Counsel - San Francisco 1998); The Expansion of the Pollution Exclusion (Association of Defense Counsel - Monterey 1997) Theories of Interpretation of the No Action Clause (Association of Defense Counsel - Monterey 1996).
Reported Appellate Matters
Hamilton v. Maryland (2002) 27 Cal 4th 718
Bullock v. Maryland (2001) 85 Cal App 4th 1435
Westshield v. Superior Court (2001) 82 Cal App 4th 935
Franklin Miller v. Commerce and Industry (2000) 242 F3d 381
Clark Manufacturing v. Northfield (1998) 187 F3d 646
Acme v. Fireman's Fund (1989) 221 Cal App 3d 170
Heckert v. McDonald (1988) 208 Cal App 3d 832
Education
Juris Doctor, 1987, University of San Francisco School of Law.
Bachelor of Arts, 1981, University of California, Berkeley (English and Political Science)
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Dennis P. Fitzsimons
Dennis P. Fitzsimons
Concentrating in serious personal injury, wrongful death and fraud claims for insurers and commercial enterprises including construction companies, manufacturers, fleet operators and large retailers.
Experience
Mr. Fitzsimons has been a member of the State Bar of California since 1989. He has litigated and/or tried the full range of serious personal injury claims including spinal injuries, brain injuries, burns, lost limbs and wrongful death arising from a wide range of incidents including trucking and commercial auto accidents, premises accidents, construction jobsite accidents, false arrest & imprisonment and civil rights violations, and product accidents ranging from wall jacks, after market engine components, power saws, propane tanks and utility trucks. He has an extensive background in law enforcement and also defends against fraudulent insurance and personal injury claims.
Professional Associations
Mr. Fitzsimons is a member Alameda Bar Association, Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada, The Defense Research Institute and The Northern California Fraud Investigators' Association. He has served as a Pro Bono Representative to the Alameda Bar Association, 1990- 1994; a volunteer litigator with the Oakland City Attorney's Drug House Abatement Program, 1995-96, as a Alameda Bar Association Board of Governors ADR Committee 1999-2000, and as the Chairman of the firms' Training and MCLE Committee from 1995-2007.
Education
Juris Doctor, 1989, Golden Gate University School of Law
Bachelor of Arts, 1975, University of Connecticut
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Christopher E. Brumfiel
Christopher E. Brumfiel
Concentrating in Construction Litigation; Construction Insurance Defense; Insurance Coverage.
Experience
Mr. Brumfiel represents developers, general contractors and specialty subcontractors in all aspects of construction-related litigation, including contract disputes, delay claims, and construction defect claims relating to both residential and commercial construction. Mr. Brumfiel has successfully tried cases to jury verdict in the California and Arizona Superior Courts, and has represented clients in federal courts and at the appellate level. Mr. Brumfiel has also represented insurance carriers in litigation and coverage matters, including the defense of bad faith claims.
Professional Associations
Mr. Brumfiel is a member of the Alameda County Bar Association, the American Bar Association, and the State Bar of California.
Education
Juris Doctor, 2001, Hastings College of the Law
Bachelor of Arts, 1994, University of California, Davis
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Jeffery A. Chadic
Jeffery A. Chadic
Concentrating in construction defect, construction-related and general commercial litigation.
Experience
Mr. Chadic has been a member of the State Bar of California since 1998. His current practice primarily focuses on the construction defect litigation defense of general contractors involving high-end, custom single-family houses; of general contractors and developers involving mass market, production housing; and of general contractors and subcontractors involving commercial buildings and developments. He also assists contractors preparing contracts, subcontracts and other transactional and business documents for construction and other businesses. In addition, Mr. Chadic possesses considerable expertise in handling surety bond issues related to public or private construction and development projects on behalf of bonding companies and/or contractors; commercial landlords on issues related to leasing or premises liability; contract balance recovery for general contractors and subcontractors; and, business transfer or related transactions and litigation.
Prior to law school, Mr. Chadic worked for construction companies in the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Somalia and served in both administrative and field supervision capacities.
Professional Associations
Mr. Chadic is a member of the Alameda County Bar Association.
Education
Juris Doctor, University of San Francisco School of Law
Bachelor of Arts, San Francisco State University
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Alexander R. Moore
Alexander R. Moore
Concentrating in Construction and Defect Litigation, representing developers, general contractors, and subcontractors in multiple and single-family home residential litigation and commercial building litigation.
Experience
Alexander Rolph Moore has been a member of the State Bar of California since 1998. He is licensed to practice in each of the state courts as well as the Northern and Eastern District Courts in California. Mr. Moore has handled various large and complex, multi-party cases involving claims in the millions of dollars.
Prior to joining Boornazian, Jensen & Garthe, Mr. Moore worked as a construction attorney with another statewide California law firm. Following law school, Mr. Moore was a non-commissioned officer in the United States Army, stationed in Germany and Bosnia, from 1994 to 1997.
Professional Associations
Mr. Moore is a member of the Alameda County Bar Association and is the Contra Costa County Vice-President of The Society of California Pioneers.
Education
Juris Doctor, 1993, Golden Gate University School of Law
Bachelor of Arts, 1986, University of California at Berkeley
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Jonathan W. Heck
Jonathan W. Heck
Concentrating in construction defect, insurance coverage, and insurance litigation.
Experience
Mr. Heck has been a member of the State Bar of California since 2001. Mr. Heck's practice focuses on all aspects of construction defect litigation for developers, general contractors, and subcontractors, including defense of complex construction defect claims and the prosecution of associated indemnity and subrogation claims on behalf of contractors and their insurers. Mr. Heck's practice also includes representation of insurers involved in coverage disputes between insurers. Mr. Heck has handled numerous construction defect and insurance coverage disputes, in courts throughout California, involving claims in the millions of dollars. Mr. Heck has been involved in every stage of civil litigation including discovery, law and motion, mediation, trial preparation, and binding arbitration.
Professional Associations
Mr. Heck is a member of the Alameda County Bar Association.
Education
Juris Doctor, 2001, Santa Clara University School of Law
Bachelor of Arts, 1996, University of California, Davis
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Emmett E. Seltzer
Emmett E. Seltzer
Mr. Seltzer has been with Boornazian, Jensen & Garthe since 2005. His main practice area is in complex construction litigation where he represents developers, general contractors and subcontractors. In addition, Mr. Seltzer has defended various entities in personal injury liability cases and landlord-tenant matters.
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Tamiko A. Dunham
Tamiko A. Dunham
Concentrating in Insurance Coverage, Insurance Litigation and Construction Defect Litigation.
Experience
Ms. Dunham has been a member of the State Bar of California since 2004. She is admitted to practice before all of the Courts in the State of California; the United States District Courts (Northern, Central, Eastern and Southern Districts of California); and the United States Court of Appeals (Ninth Circuit).
Ms. Dunham represents insurance carriers in litigation disputes in state and federal courts and defends insurers against claims of bad faith. She has extensive experience as coverage counsel for multiple insurers throughout all phases of claim handling, including litigation. Ms. Dunham also handles construction defect litigation matters for contractors and intervening insurers.
Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Dunham clerked with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the State of California Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Labor Standards Enforcement.
Professional Associations
Ms. Dunham is a member of the Alameda County Bar Association and the Asian American Bar Association.
Education
Juris Doctor, 2004, University of California Hastings College of Law
Bachelor of Arts, 2000, University of California, Berkeley, High Honors
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Jill P. Sazama
Jill P. Sazama
Concentrating in civil trial and appellate litigation, primarily defending public entities in the areas of civil rights, medical malpractice, disability and general tort and business disputes.
Experience
Ms. Sazama has been with Boornazian, Jensen & Garthe since 2007. She clerked for the Honorable Oliver W. Wanger, United States District Judge for the Eastern District of California. She is admitted to practice in Illinois (since 1999, currently inactive) and in California (since 2001), and before the United States Supreme Court, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Northern, Eastern, and Central Districts of California.
Published Cases
Curcini v. County of Alameda, 164 Cal.App.4th 629 (1st Dist. 2008) defended the County of Alameda in labor dispute brought by former chaplains who worked in the County jails.
Unpublished Example Cases
Harrison v. City of Oakland, et al. case no. CV 07-921 CW (N.D. Cal.)
Aceves v. Vuong, case no F048644 (5th Dist., filed Dec. 29, 2006)
E. & J. Gallo Winery v. Andina Licores, S.A., CV F 05-0101 AWI DLB (E.D. Cal.)
Empire Fire & Marine Ins. Co. v. Rosenbaum, CV F 06-1458 OWW/WMW (E.D. Cal.)
Estate of Carol Kligge v. Fidelity Mortgage of California, CV F 05-1519 AWI DLB (E.D. Cal.)
Education
Juris Doctor, 1999, University of Illinois College of Law, magna cum laude
Bachelor of Arts, 1991, University of Chicago, honors
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Terri L. Crawford
Terri L. Crawford
Concentrating in the defense of general liability matters including personal injury, product liability, premises liability, pharmacy malpractice, and construction defect.
Experience
Ms. Crawford has been a member of the State Bar of California since 1987. She is admitted to practice in all courts in the State of California, including the United States Northern, Central, Eastern, and Southern District Courts. Ms. Crawford has been a member of the State Bar of Colorado since 1994 (currently inactive). Ms. Crawford has over 20 years of civil litigation experience representing a wide variety of individuals and entities in courts throughout the State of California.
Professional Associations
Ms. Crawford is a member of the San Mateo County Bar Association, the Alameda County Bar Association, and the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada.
Education
Juris Doctor, 1987, University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
- Contributing author and editor for the Pacific Law Journal
- Recipient of the American Jurisprudence Award in Evidence
Bachelor of Arts, 1984, University of California at Los Angeles
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Associates
Thomas E. Borbely
Thomas E. Borbely
Concentrating in Construction Defect and General Civil Litigation.
Experience
Mr. Borbely has been a member of the State Bar of California since 2005. Mr. Borbely primarily handles construction defect cases for the firm, but has experience in personal injury, product defect, workers compensation, and insurance litigation.
Prior to joining Boornazian, Jensen & Garthe, Mr. Borbely concentrated on construction defect litigation with two other reputable firms in the East Bay Area. As a student at John F. Kennedy School of Law, Mr. Borbely graduated fifth in his class and received Witkin Awards as the top student in Criminal Procedure and Evidence, and tied for the honor in Contracts.
Professional Associations
Mr. Borbely is a member of the Alameda and Contra Costa County Bar Associations.
Education
Juris Doctor, 2005, John F. Kennedy School of Law
Associate of Arts, 2001, Diablo Valley College
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Jason O. Balogh
Jason O. Balogh
Concentrating in Construction Defect, Professional Liability, Personal Injury, and General Civil Litigation.
Experience
Mr. Balogh has been a member of the State Bar of California since 2005. Mr. Balogh handles construction defect, professional liability, Prop. 65, and personal injury cases for the firm. Mr. Balogh has experience in all phases of civil litigation, including appeals. Mr. Balogh also works as a Pro Bono Attorney for the National Center for Refugee & Immigrant Children.
Prior to joining Boornazian, Jensen & Garthe, Mr. Balogh worked in the California State Senate. As a student at McGeorge School of Law, Mr. Balogh was recipient of the prestigious Justice Anthony Kennedy Fellowship. Mr. Balogh also received Witkin Awards as the top student in Environmental Law, Wills & Trusts, and European Constitutional Law.
Professional Associations
Mr. Balogh is a member of the Alameda County Bar Association, Bar Association of San Francisco and the National Lawyers Guild.
Education
Juris Doctor, 2005, University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Bachelor of Arts, 2000, University of California at Santa Cruz
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Gregory B. Thomas
Gregory B. Thomas
Concentrating in Construction Defect, Personal Injury and Wrongful Death, Writs and Appeals, Insurance Coverage Litigation, Professional Liability, and General Civil Litigation.
Experience
Mr. Thomas has been a member of the State Bar of California since 2005. Mr. Thomas handles construction defect, personal injury and wrongful death, writs and appeals, and insurance coverage litigation cases for the firm. Mr. Thomas has extensive experience in all phases of civil litigation from pre-litigation negotiations to pleadings, law and motion, discovery, alternative dispute resolution, trial, writs and appeals, and enforcement of judgments and settlements.
Prior to joining Boornazian, Jensen & Garthe, Mr. Thomas was an associate at a prominent San Diego defense firm and attended the San Diego Inn of Court College of Trial Advocacy. During law school, Mr. Thomas served as a Judicial Extern for Justice Patricia D. Benke, California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division One and for Judge J. Richard Haden (Ret.), Superior Court of California, County of San Diego. Mr. Thomas was also a member of the University of San Diego's National Moot Court Team and Moot Court Executive Board.
From 1997 to 2002, Mr. Thomas served as an officer in the United States Navy aboard surface combatant ships actively deployed to areas ranging from the Persian Gulf to the Sea of Japan.
Professional Associations
Alameda County Bar Association
Publication
Limitations on 'Parens Patriae': The State and the Parent/Child Relationship, 16 Journal of Contemporary Legal Issues 51 (2005)
Education
Juris Doctor, 2005, University of San Diego School of Law
Bachelor of Arts, 1997, University of Pennsylvania
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Ekaterina L. Levy
Ekaterina L. Levy
Concentrating in Insurance Coverage and Litigation.
Experience
Ms. Levy has been a member of the California State Bar since 2006. Ms. Levy handles representation of insurers in coverage matters and defense of extra-contractual/bad faith claims. Her practice includes complex coverage litigation and the analysis of coverage issues with respect to general liability and professional liability policies.
While at Santa Clara University School of Law, Ms. Levy served as Technical Editor for the Santa Clara Journal of International Law and participated at the Honors Moot Court. She also served as extern for the Honorable Ronald Quidachay and the Honorable James Warren at the Law and Motion Department of the San Francisco Superior Court.
Ms. Levy is fluent in Bulgarian, German, Spanish and Russian.
Professional Associations
Ms. Levy is a member of the San Francisco Bar Association.
Education
Juris Doctor, 2006, Santa Clara University School of Law
Bachelor of Arts, 2001, University of California, Berkeley
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Jeffrey A. Loew
Jeffrey A. Loew
Concentrating in Construction Defect Litigation.
Experience
Mr. Loew has been a member of the State Bar of California since 2010, and a member of the State Bar of New York since 2006.
Prior to joining Boornazian, Jensen & Garthe, Mr. Loew praticed Litigation and Corporate Law in New York. As a student at Boston University School of Law, Mr. Loew worked on the International Law Journal, and received the Dean's Award in Environmental Law and International Trade Law.
Professional Associations
Mr. Loew is a member of the Alameda County Bar Association.
Education
Juris Doctor, 2005, Boston University School of Law
Bachelor of Arts, 2000, University of California, Los Angeles
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Michael R. Meinert
Michael R. Meinert
Concentrating in Construction Defect Litigation.
Experience
Mr. Meinert has been a member of the State Bar of California since 2006. He handles complex construction defect litigation for developers, general contractors and subcontractors, with experience in all phases of civil litigation, including appeals.
Prior to joining Boornazian, Jensen & Garthe, Mr. Meinert also practiced products liability, general civil litigation and construction defect litigation at two other reputable firms in the Bay Area. He has previous experience as a paralegal, and worked for the Attorney General of Washington State and the Spokane Prosecutor's Office while in Law School.
Mr. Meinert is an eight-year Decorated Veteran of the United States Air Force, where he worked around the world as an Aircraft Mechanic and Fleet Coordinator.
Education
Juris Doctor, 2005, University of Gonzaga School of Law
Bachelor of Arts, 2001, Loras College
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Roseanne C. Lazzarotto
Roseanne C. Lazzarotto
Concentrating in Construction Defect and General Civil Litigation.
Experience
Ms. Lazzarotto has been a member of the State Bar of California since 2007. Ms. Lazzarotto handles construction defect cases for the firm.
As a student at Hastings College of the Law, Ms. Lazzarotto served as a judicial extern for the Honorable Claudia Wilken of the United States District Court, Northern District of California. Ms. Lazzarotto is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society and the Order of the Coif. Ms. Lazzarotto also received the Witkin Award as the top student in Civil Procedure.
Professional Associations
Ms. Lazzarotto is a member of the Alameda County Bar Association.
Education
Juris Doctor, 2007, University of California, Hastings College of the Law, cum laude
Bachelor of Arts, 2003, University of California at Berkeley, High Honors
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Mitoshi H. Fujio-White
Mitoshi H. Fujio-White
Concentrating in Insurance Coverage and Insurance Litigation.
Experience
Ms. Fujio-White has been a member of the State Bar of California since 2007. She is admitted to practice before all of the Courts in the State of California; the United States District Courts for the Northern and Central Districts of California; and the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Ms. Fujio-White has experience in all phases of pre-trial civil litigation, including interlocutory appeals. She also works as a Pro Bono Attorney for the Alameda County Bar Association's Volunteer Legal Services Corporation.
Prior to joining Boornazian, Jensen & Garthe, Ms. Fujio-White worked with Spiegel, Liao & Kagay, LLP in San Francisco practicing antitrust law.
Professional Associations
Ms. Fujio-White is a member of the Alameda County Bar Association, the Bar Association of San Francisco and the Charles Houston Bar Association.
Education
Juris Doctor, 2007, University of Michigan Law School
Bachelor of Science, 1999, University of California at San Diego, cum laude
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DONNELLY A. GILLEN
Donnelly A. Gillen
Concentrating in Construction Defect litigation.
Experience
Ms. Gillen has been a member of the State Bar of California since 2008 and has been an associate attorney with Boornazian, Jensen & Garthe since February 2009.
Professional Associations
Ms. Gillen is a member of the American Bar Association and the Alameda County Bar Association.
Education
Juris Doctor, 2008, University of California Hastings College of the Law
- Managing Editor of the Hastings Communications and Entertainment Law Journal, 2007-2008;
- Clerk for the Honorable Richard Kramer of the complex litigation department of the San Francisco Superior Court
Bachelor of Arts, 2005, University of Maryland, College Park, summa cum laude
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NINA K. DINDRAL
Nina K. Dindral
Concentrating in Construction Defect Litigation.
Experience
Ms. Dindral has been a member of the State Bar of California since 2008.
Prior to joining Boornazian, Jensen & Garthe, Ms. Dindral worked as a law clerk for a construction defect litigation firm in Irvine, California. She has also served as a legal research extern for five civil panel Superior Court Judges at the Orange County Superior Court. Additionally, Ms. Dindral served as the judicial extern for the Honorable William F. Rylaarsdam of the California Court of Appeal, 4th District, Division Three.
Professional Associations
Ms. Dindral is a member of the American Bar Association, Alameda County Bar Association and the South Asian Bar Association.
Education
Juris Doctor, 2008, Chapman University School of Law
- CALI Award Recipient for Trial Practice
Bachelor of Arts, 2005, University of California, Berkeley
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Anthony F. Manzo
Anthony Manzo
Concentrating in Construction Defect litigation, involving both high-end single-family homes and large scale developments.
Experience
Mr. Manzo has been a member of the State Bar of California since 2008. Mr. Manzo handles construction defect litigation cases for the firm.
Prior to joining Boornazian, Jensen & Garthe, Mr. Manzo worked for the Construction Team of the San Francisco City Attorney's Office while in law school.
Professional Associations
Mr. Manzo is a member of the Alameda County Bar Association, a member of the San Francisco Planning and Urban Research Association (SPUR), and a licensed California Real Estate Broker.
Education
Juris Doctor, 2008, University of San Francisco, School of Law
Bachelor of Arts, 1999, University of California, San Diego
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Rachel K. Brilliant
Rachel K. Brilliant
Concentrating in Construction Defect Litigation.
Experience
Ms. Brilliant has been a member of the State Bar of California since 2008. She handles construction defect cases for the firm. Ms. Brilliant has experience in all phases of civil litigation. Ms. Brilliant also works as a Pro Bono Attorney for the San Francisco Bar Associationís Volunteer Legal Services Program.
Professional Associations
Ms. Brilliant is a member of the Alameda County Bar Association, Bar Association of San Francisco and the American Bar Association.
Education
Juris Doctor, 2008, University of San Francisco, School of Law
- CALI Award Recipient for Legal Research & Writing
- Student Coordinator for the Advanced Moot Court Advocacy Competition Teams
Bachelor of Arts, 2003, Unviersity of California, Los Angeles
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Katelyn M. Knight
Katelyn M. Knight
Concentrating in civil trial and appellate litigation with an emphasis on public entity defense, primarily in the areas of medical malpractice, civil rights, general tort, employment, and business.
Experience
Ms. Knight has been a member of the State Bar of California since 2009. Prior to joining Boornazian, Jensen & Garthe, Ms. Knight practiced civil litigation with the law firm of Gorman & Miller, focusing on general tort, employment, and business litigation. She is admitted to practice before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and in the Northern District of California.
Professional Associations
Ms. Knight is a member of the Alameda County Bar Association.
Publication
"Equitable Mootness in Bankruptcy Appeals," 49 Santa Clara L. Rev. 253 (2008).
Education
Juris Doctor, 2009, Santa Clara University School of Law
- Senior Articles Editor of the Santa Clara Law Review, 2008-2009
Bachelor of Science, 2005, University of Colorado at Boulder
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Clara J. Jung
Clara J. Jung
Concentrating in Insurance Coverage, Insurance Litigation and Construction Defect Litigation.
Experience
Ms. Jung has been a member of the State Bar of California since 2009.
Prior to joining Boornazian, Jensen & Garthe, Ms. Jung worked as a research attorney at the San Francisco Superior Court. While there, she worked in the Department of the Presiding Judge for the Honorable James J. McBride and the Honorable Katherine Feinstein. During the same period she worked on misdemeanor appeals and civil writs for the Appellate Division. Ms. Jung previously worked as a research clerk for the Honorable Gail Dekreon at the San Francisco Superior Court.
Professional Associations
Ms. Jung is a member of the Bar Association of San Francisco and the Asian American Bar Association.
Education
Juris Doctor, 2009, University of Michigan Law School
- Senior Editor, Michigan Journal of International Law
Bachelor of Arts, 2003, University of California Berkeley
- Cal Alumni Scholarship Recipient
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Kimberly Y. Chin
Kimberly Y. Chin
Concentrating in Insurance Coverage Litigation and General Civil Litigation
Experience
Ms. Chin has been a member of the State Bar of California since 2010. Ms. Chin's practice focuses on all aspects of insurance coverage litigation.
Prior to joining Boornazian, Jensen & Garthe, Ms. Chin was a summer associate at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP, a legal intern at the Appeals and Training Bureau of the Middlesex District Attorney's office in Woburn, Massachusetts, and a civil litigation paralegal at Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison LLP. She also served as a judicial extern to then federal Magistrate Judge Edward M. Chen of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.
As a student at Boston College Law School, Ms. Chin was Managing Editor of the Boston College Third World Law Journal. Her note entitled "Minute and Separate": Considering the Admissibility of Videotaped Forensic Interviews after Crawford and Davis was published in 2010. She also placed third in the 2009-2010 Louis Jackson Memorial National Student Writing Competition in Employment and Labor Law for her article entitled, Continuing the White Collar Unionization Movement: Imagining a Private Attorneys Union. She served as President of the Boston College Asian Pacific American Law Students Association and was also on the Executive Board of the Law Students Association.
Professional Associations
Ms. Chin is a member of the Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Bay Area and the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association. She is also a co-leader of the Northern California Chapter of the Boston College Law School Alumni Association and a co-representative of the San Francisco Chapter of the Wellesley Lawyers Network.
Education
Juris Doctor, 2010, Boston College Law School
Bachelor of Arts, 2005, Wellesley College
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Jennifer L. Schiffner
Jennifer L. Schiffner
Concentrating in Insurance Litigation, primarily in the areas of Product and Premises Liability, Personal Injury, Wrongful Death, and Pharmacy and Medical Malpractice.
Experience
Ms. Schiffner has been a member of the State Bar of California since December 2010. Prior to joining Boornazian, Jensen & Garthe, Ms. Schiffner worked as a Graduate Fellow at Santa Clara University researching leadership in legal education with Dean Donald Polden.
While in law school, Ms. Schiffner served as problem committee co-chair for Santa Clara University's Internal Honors Moot Court. Additionally, Ms. Schiffner acted as the Senior Comments Editor for Santa Clara University's Journal of International Law.
Professional Associations
Member of the Santa Clara County Bar Association and Alameda County Bar Association.
Education
Juris Doctor, cum laude, 2010, Santa Clara University
- Order of the Coif
- Dean's List
- CALI Excellence For The Future Award: Legal Analysis, Research, and Writing; Health Law
- Public Interest and Social Justice Summer Grant
Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, 2007, Boston College
- Scholar of the College
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Frank A. Splendorio
Frank A. Splendorio
Concentrating in Construction Defect, Insurance Coverage Litigation, and General Civil Litigation.
Experience
Mr. Splendorio has been a member of the State Bar of California since 2010. Mr. Splendorio's practice focuses on all aspects of construction defect litigation for developers, general contractors, and subcontractors. He has experience in both trial and appellate litigation.
During law school, Mr. Splendorio served as a Judicial Extern for Associate Justice Marvin R. Baxter of the California Supreme Court. He also worked as an extern at the U.S. Coast Guard and the San Francisco Superior Court.
Professional Associations
Mr. Splendorio is a member of the Alameda County Bar Association and the Federalist Society, San Francisco Chapter.
Education
Juris Doctor, 2010, University of California, Hastings College of the Law
Bachelor of Arts, 2004, University of California at Berkeley, Phi Beta Kappa
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John A. Castro
John A. Castro
Concentrating in Construction Defect and general civil litigation.
Experience
Mr. Castro has been a member of the State Bar of California since 2010.
Prior to joining Boornazian, Jensen & Garthe, Mr. Castro worked on civil trials as a research attorney at San Francisco Superior Court. While there he worked in the Department of the Presiding Judge for the Honorable James J. McBride, and later for the Honorable Katherine Feinstein. During the same period he worked on misdemeanor appeals and civil writs for the Appellate Division. As a student, Mr. Castro was the Executive Articles Editor and Symposium Editor for the Hastings Constitutional Law Quarterly. While in law school, Mr. Castro externed for the Honorable A. James Robertson, II at San Francisco Superior Court.
Professional Associations
Mr. Castro is a member of the Bar Association of San Francisco and the Alameda County Bar Association.
Education
Juris Doctor, 2010, UC Hastings College of the Law
- CALI & Witkin Awards for Academic Excellence, Criminal Law & Disability Law
- Hastings Pro Bono Society
Bachelor of Arts, 2005, University of California at Santa Cruz
Publication
"Second Class Citizens," 37 Hastings Const. L.Q. 199 (2010).
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Allison L. Shrallow
Allison L. Shrallow
Concentrating in Construction Defect Litigation.
Experience
Ms. Shrallow has been a member of the State Bar of California since 2010. She handles construction defect cases for the firm.
Prior to joining Boornazian, Jensen & Garthe, Ms. Shrallow worked as a law clerk at Pacific Gas & Electric Company and, before that, was employed as a summer associate at Bonagofsky & Weiss, specializing in employment litigation. Ms. Shrallow received her law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, where she graduated magna cum laude and was a member of the Order of the Coif and the Thurston Society. Ms. Shrallow also received a Witkin Award as the top student in Personal Injury Litigation and served as the Executive Symposium Editor for the Hastings Communication and Entertainment Law Journal.
Professional Associations
Ms. Shrallow is a member of the Bar Association of San Francisco.
Education
Juris Doctor, 2010, University of California, Hastings College of the Law
Bachelor of Arts, 2007, The University of Arizona
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Nicholas S. Kam
Nicholas S. Kam
Concentrating in Construction Defect Litigation.
Experience
Mr. Kam has been a member of the State Bar of California since 2010. Mr. Kam handles construction defect cases for the firm. Mr. Kam has experience in all phases of civil litigation, including appeals.
Prior to joining Boornazian, Jensen & Garthe, Mr. Kam worked with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in San Francisco. As a student at the University of San Francisco School of Law, Mr. Kam served as editor-in-chief of the student newspaper, The Forum. Mr. Kam has written extensively on the limits of the American legal system.
Professional Associations
Mr. Kam is a member of the Alameda County Bar Association.
Education
Juris Doctor, 2010, University of San Francisco School of Law
Bachelor of Arts, 2006, University of California at Santa Cruz
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Jaclyn M. Ford
Jaclyn M. Ford
Concentrating in Insurance Litigation, primarily in the areas of Personal Injury, Wrongful Death, and General Civil Litigation.
Experience
Ms. Ford has been a member of the State Bar of California since 2010.
Prior to joining Boornazian, Jensen, and Garthe, Ms. Ford worked as a Law Clerk at the San Mateo County District Attorney's Office. As a student at Santa Clara University, Ms. Ford volunteered with the Katherine and George Alexander Community Law Center. Additionally, Ms. Ford was a Research Editor for the Santa Clara Law Review, Volume 50.
Professional Associations
Ms. Ford is a Member of the Alameda County Bar Association.
Education
Juris Doctor, 2010, Santa Clara University
- Dean's List
- Emery Scholarship Recipient (2009-2010)
Bachelor of Arts, 2005, University of California at Santa Barbara
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Kristen L. Hilton
Kristen L. Hilton
Concentrating in Construction Defect and General Civil Litigation.
Experience
Ms. Hilton has been a member of the State Bar of California since 2011.
Prior to joining Boornazian, Jensen & Garthe, Ms. Hilton worked for the City of Davis. During law school, Kristen worked as a certified law clerk at McGeorge's Civil Practice Clinic providing free legal services to people in need in the Sacramento region in the areas of family law, bankruptcy, landlord-tenant, and consumer protection.
Professional Associations
Ms. Hilton is a member of the Alameda and Contra Costa County Bar Associations.
Education
Juris Doctor, 2009, University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Bachelor of Arts, 2004, University of California at Davis
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of counsel
George I. Deane
George I. Deane
Concentrating in Personal Injury Defense, Construction Litigation Defense, Professional Liability Defense and Contractual Indemnity Litigation.
Experience
George I. Deane, Born Merced, California June 2, 1951: admitted to bar 1980, California. Mr. Deane has been with Boornazian, Jensen & Garthe since 2004. He has tried numerous personal injury, construction, employment, real estate and coverage cases as well as criminal matters in both California State and Federal Courts. He is admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals as well as all of the California State and Federal Courts. Mr. Deane served as a Court Appointed Arbitrator and was chairman of the Arbitration Committee for the San Diego County Superior Court. Mr. Deane has taught Trial Techniques at the University of San Diego. He is the Past President of the Barristers Club of San Diego, a past Rotary Club President and an Eagle Scout. Mr. Deane was previously a sole practitioner in Sonora California, a member of the firm of McCormick, Royce, Grimm, Deane and Vranjes in San Diego and a member of the Defenders Program of San Diego.
Associations
Mr. Deane is a Barrister in the Louis M. Welch Chapter of the American Inns of Court, a Member of the Alameda County Bar Association; State Bar of California, and is AV rated
Education
Juris Doctor, 1980, University of San Diego
Institute on International and Comparative Law, Magdalen College, Oxford, 1979
Bachelor of Arts, 1977, University of California, Berkeley
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Gail C. Trabish
Gail C. Trabish
Concentrating in personal injury, premises liability, premises security, general negligence, product liability, construction defect, landlord-tenant and contract.
Ms. Trabish has been with Boornazian, Jensen & Garthe since 1982. She was an Associate through 1987, an Equity Partner through 2000 and has been Of Counsel since 2000.
Experience
Ms. Trabish's representative clients have included: Mervyn's LLC, Target Corporation, Costco Wholesale Corporation, Kemper Insurance Company, Sedgwick Claims Management Services, County of Alameda, AIG, Gallagher Basset Company and Carl Warren and Company.
Ms. Trabish is responsible for all facets of case development through trial/settlement. She worked closely with Corporate Counsel and Risk Management on issues of accident prevention and policy developments. She assisted Corporate Counsel with vendor disputes, landlord disputes, vendor dispute arbitrations and Weights and Measures citations.
Ms. Trabish served as Judge Pro Tem and Arbitrator for county programs and is a provider of professional development programs for claims adjusters and lawyers, including authoring program materials.
Ms. Trabish is rated AV with Martindale-Hubbell.
Education
Juris Doctor, 1980, Catholic University, Columbus School of Law
B.S.B.A. Degree, 1976, Georgetown University, School of Business, finance major
