DAR Successfully Defends Appeal of Summary Judgment For Insurer In Bad-Faith Action

On November 27, 2023, a three-justice panel of the First Appellate District affirmed the San Francisco Superior Court’s order granting summary judgment for Fire Insurance Exchange (“FIE”) in a first-party bad-faith action. The insured had asserted claims for breach of two insurance contracts and bad-faith denial of policy benefits on a first-party water loss in … Continue reading DAR Successfully Defends Appeal of Summary Judgment For Insurer In Bad-Faith Action

Austin Lenzkes

Austin is an associate in the Long Beach office of Demler, Armstrong & Rowland. He graduated cum laude from Western State College of Law in 2021 and, during his time, there he achieved academic awards for his legal writing in his Civil Procedure and Bar studies classes. Prior to law school, Austin attended Arizona State … Continue reading Austin Lenzkes

Edward Tugade Named President of the Association of Defense Counsel

Demler, Armstrong & Rowland takes great pride in announcing that on December 7, 2023, Partner Ed Tugade will take office as the 65th president of the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada (ADC). As the ADC’s President, Ed will work with the Officers and Directors of the ADC Board and the ADC … Continue reading Edward Tugade Named President of the Association of Defense Counsel

Michele Barnes

Ms. Barnes is a seasoned litigator who has tried scores of cases throughout the West Coast and routinely argued before the California and Ninth Circuit Courts of Appeal. Ms. Barnes’ practice focuses on representing industrial and consumer product manufacturers. Ms. Barnes serves as National Coordinating Counsel for several clients overseeing tort litigation claims throughout the … Continue reading Michele Barnes

David Steele

Mr. Steele was born in Michigan and graduated in 1990 from UCLA with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics with an emphasis on International Relations. In 1993, he obtained his Juris Doctor from Golden Gate University Law School in San Francisco. While attending college and law school, Mr. Steele served in the United States … Continue reading David Steele

Salin Ebrahamian

Salin Ebrahamian is a Partner at Demler, Rowland, & Armstrong, LLP and an experienced litigator, who has successfully represented product manufacturers and suppliers in complex civil litigation for the last 15 years. Her practice has been primarily focused on product liability and toxic tort litigation in California and she has managed cases from inception through … Continue reading Salin Ebrahamian

ADC Annual Meeting in San Francisco

Partners John Brydon and Brian Buddell will be among esteemed high-profile speakers at the ADC Annual Meeting at the historic St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco on Union Square on December 8-9, 2022.  John Brydon, along with industry leaders, will address Successful Jury Trial Strategies in the Age of Nuclear Verdicts.  Brian Buddell will join … Continue reading ADC Annual Meeting in San Francisco

Robert Tobey

Robert Tobey is an attorney in the firm’s San Francisco office of Demler Armstrong & Rowland LLP, where he focuses his practice in the defense of complex and catastrophic claims, toxic torts, product liability claims and general insurance defense. In his 20-plus years of practice in the State of California, Robert has represented a wide … Continue reading Robert Tobey

Defense Verdict in Auto v Pedestrian Case

Following a 2-week trial, a Torrance jury returned a defense verdict on July 19, 2022 for our client in a personal injury case arising out of a 2018 accident in a Redondo Beach intersection.  The plaintiff claimed that she was lawfully in the crosswalk and our 19-year-old driver failed to yield, striking plaintiff with her … Continue reading Defense Verdict in Auto v Pedestrian Case

Another Appellate Win for DAR in Landslide Case

Jim Weixel, of the firm’s Walnut Creek office, obtained a reversal of a summary judgment against the firm’s clients in a long-running landslide case in Contra Costa County.  A neighboring landowner argued, based on a declaration from his geotechnical engineer, that it was undisputed his property was not within the slide mass (the area of … Continue reading Another Appellate Win for DAR in Landslide Case

Asbestos Litigation Trends and Trial Overview

Please join Demler Armstrong & Rowland, LLP partner Edward P. Tugade at the upcoming virtual and complimentary conference, Asbestos Litigation Trends and Trial Overview, on June 22. Hosted by Perrin Conferences, the event speakers include prominent attorneys, insurance professionals, and industry experts. To view the agenda and register for this complimentary conference please go to: … Continue reading Asbestos Litigation Trends and Trial Overview

DAR Secures Victory in 9th Circuit

DAR Attorneys Eric Brenneman and Zachary Hamilton succeeded in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal in a case involving arbitrator qualifications under a reinsurance certificate. In Public Risk Innovation, Solutions, and Management v. AmTrust Financial Services, Inc., the Court of Appeal considered whether to affirm the district court’s rulings that (1) service with a joint … Continue reading DAR Secures Victory in 9th Circuit

VICTORY ON APPEAL

The firm delivered Farmers GroupTMinsurer Fire Insurance Exchange reversal of a demurrer overrule that prompted dismissal of several companion bad faith coverage cases arising from the Valley Fire inWestmoreland v. Fire Insurance Exchange(2021) 73 Cal.App.5th269, review denied March 9, 2022. David Ring briefed and argued the appeal with help from Paul Peters and John Brydon. … Continue reading VICTORY ON APPEAL

DAR prevails on summary judgment after Plaintiff rejects accompanying six-figure settlement offer

DAR attorneys Randy Moss and Lisa Pan scored another victory on summary judgment in a first-party bad faith lawsuit brought by an insured for water damage to a multi-unit residential building she owned.  While the claim was pending the insurer requested five times that the insured submit to an examination under oath.  She responded to … Continue reading DAR prevails on summary judgment after Plaintiff rejects accompanying six-figure settlement offer

Universal Indoor Mask Mandates are Lifting in California, but Beware the Caveats

By:  Kate Friend, Of Counsel, Demler, Armstrong & Rowland Last week the California Department of Public Health (the “CDPH”) announced that effective February 16 it will lift the universal indoor mask mandate. Mask mandates are also expiring on the same day in a number of jurisdictions that enacted local indoor mask mandates, including: in the … Continue reading Universal Indoor Mask Mandates are Lifting in California, but Beware the Caveats

Dean Pollack

Dean Pollack is Of Counsel in Demler Armstrong & Rowland’s Walnut Creek office. Mr. Pollack is a seasoned litigator having taken a broad spectrum of cases through binding arbitration and trial. His general liability practice ranges from product and premises liability and toxic tort cases to motor vehicle and train collisions, fires, road rage incidents, … Continue reading Dean Pollack

DAR Hits Hard for Another MSJ Win in Insurance Bad Faith Case

Randy Moss and Lisa Pan score another victory for DAR clients on dispositive motion, this time in an insurance bad-faith action alleging wrongful failure to defend and indemnify. The insurer client’s insured was involved in a physical altercation when he found his estranged wife at a restaurant with another man (Plaintiff in the underlying action). … Continue reading DAR Hits Hard for Another MSJ Win in Insurance Bad Faith Case

DAR SCORES ANOTHER MSJ VICTORY

Randy Moss and Lisa Pan scored another MSJ victory for our clients. In Cuadros v. Vergara, San Joaquin County Superior Court, plaintiff pest control contractor came to defendant’s house to inspect work his company had performed near the roofline of defendant’s home. According to Plaintiff, Defendant supplied a folding ladder, set it up and leaned … Continue reading DAR SCORES ANOTHER MSJ VICTORY

Amber Kelly Appointed to the American Board of Trial Advocates

We would like to congratulate Amber Kelly as a new member of theAmerican Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). On August 7, 2021, she was voted into ABOTA a prestigious, invitation-only organization of plaintiff and defense lawyers in which prospective members are strictly screened for high personal character, an honorable reputation and for having tried a … Continue reading Amber Kelly Appointed to the American Board of Trial Advocates

Firefighters’ Rule prompts dismissal of action against property owner for injuries caused by a tenant’s dog.

Congratulations to Paul Bessette and Lisa Pan on another MSJ victory. InWhiting v, Buxton, Alameda County Superior Court, anon-duty Alameda County firefighter suedfor personal injuries against the owners of rental property. The plaintiff was responding to a fire on the property. ACFD rescued numerous dogs owned by the tenants on the premises and escorted one … Continue reading Firefighters’ Rule prompts dismissal of action against property owner for injuries caused by a tenant’s dog.

DEFENSE VERDICT IN WRONGFUL DEATH MESOTHELIOMA TRIAL, TACOMA, WASHINGTON

Demler Armstrong & Rowland is pleased to announce that its San Francisco Managing Partner, John R. Brydon, was lead trial counsel for Pneumo Abex, LLC, a former manufacturer of asbestos containing brake linings, and obtained a 12-0 defense verdict in a disputed mesothelioma wrongful death case in Pierce County Superior Court, Tacoma, Washington.  Abex was … Continue reading DEFENSE VERDICT IN WRONGFUL DEATH MESOTHELIOMA TRIAL, TACOMA, WASHINGTON

John Brydon to present a webinar for the Association of Defense Counsel

John Brydon to present a webinar on punitive damages on July 14, 2021, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. for the Association of Defense Counsel, “Punitive Damages – Trial Perspective,” where he will share his perspective on countering punitive damages before and during trial. Click here to register

Megan C. Hitchcock

Megan C. Hitchcock has primarily practiced insurance defense litigation, personal injury and business litigation since her admission to the California State Bar in 2003. She has represented a variety of clients, including individuals, insurance carriers, developers, general contractors, and small business owners. Prior to joining Demler, Armstrong & Rowland, Ms. Hitchcock’s practice focused on construction … Continue reading Megan C. Hitchcock

Denise Thompson

Denise Thompson is a successful trial attorney with extensive experience litigating matters before the state and federal courts in California. Ms. Thompson has tried numerous civil jury trials and arbitrations, including successfully trying and arbitrating high-exposure cases. She actively manages and participates in all aspects of her civil litigation practice. Ms. Thompson’s defense practice includes … Continue reading Denise Thompson

Derek Lim to Moderate Transportation Megaconference XV

Partner Derek Lim to moderate “The Plaintiff’s Lawyer’s Perspective on the Anatomy of a Truck Crash Case” Click here for details and to register

ZOOM JURY TRIALS

Partner John Brydon to speak on Zoom Jury Trials on April 2, 2021. Click here for more information and to register: https://slobar.org/events-calendar/#!event/2021/4/2/cctla-presents-zoom-jury-trials

Edward Tugade Elected Secretary-Treasurer of the Association of Defense Counsel

Edward Tugade has been unanimously elected to the office of Secretary-Treasurer of the Association of Defense Counsel (ADC), an organization consisting of accomplished defense attorneys and corporate counsel.  Ed’s term as Secretary-Treasurer runs through December 2021, after which he will serve as Second Vice-President in 2022, First Vice-President in 2023, and President in 2024.  In addition to his duties … Continue reading Edward Tugade Elected Secretary-Treasurer of the Association of Defense Counsel

Coverage and Litigation in a COVID-19 World

Eric Brenneman of DAR’s Sacramento office will be presenting on a national panel of insurance coverage attorneys discussing “Coverage and Litigation in a COVID-19 World,” hosted by the Primerus Defense Institute.  The panel will discuss recent updates in scientific and medical literature concerning the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the COVID-19 disease, the status of first-party business … Continue reading Coverage and Litigation in a COVID-19 World

Partner Edward Tugade to Chair and Moderate 2-Day Seminar

As a Director and Chairperson of the Association of Defense Counsel, Partner Edward Tugade will chair and moderate a panel of today’s thought leaders, judges, and trial attorneys. Click here for more information and to register.

All Right Mr. DeMille, I’m Ready for My Close-Up!

San Francisco Managing Partner, John Brydon, will be one of two esteemed presenters on the hot topic of today. Please click here for more information and to register.

Coverage Considerations in a SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 World

Senior associate Eric Brenneman, along with a distinguished national panel of insurance coverage attorneys, recently discussed “Coverage Considerations in a SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 World.”  The topics included: The characteristics of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the COVID-19 disease as gleaned from science and medical articles and publications; Perspectives on lessons learned to date from the initial onslaught of … Continue reading Coverage Considerations in a SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 World

ADC Webinar: COVID-19: Where We Are and Where We Are Heading

The most important issue on the minds of managing partners and HR professionals is when and how we reopen our law offices. We have rapidly learned how to operate remotely, but business has to reopen. This webinar, hosted by Edward Tugade, will focus on actions that business leaders can take to protect worker health and … Continue reading ADC Webinar: COVID-19: Where We Are and Where We Are Heading

DAR Wins Appeal in Landslide Case Clarifies Right to Discovery to Oppose Summary Judgment

Jim Weixel of DAR’s San Francisco office recently scored a reversal of a summary judgment entered against the firm’s clients, two homeowners who had lost their home in a landslide.  One defendant, a church located across a stream from the clients’ back property line, moved for summary judgment based on the conclusion of the church’s … Continue reading DAR Wins Appeal in Landslide Case Clarifies Right to Discovery to Oppose Summary Judgment

Understanding New Juror Trends and Underlying Attitudes in the Time of COVID-19

Partner EdwardTugadewill host another webinar on May 13, 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused substantial upheaval at every level of society, the legal system included. But not all of this disruption will be visible; it is likely that juror attitudes and juror experiences regarding a number of related agencies, industries, and products will be significantly … Continue reading Understanding New Juror Trends and Underlying Attitudes in the Time of COVID-19

Erin McGahey

Erin McGahey is Of Counsel in the San Francisco office of Demler Armstrong and Rowland and is a member of the Landlord-Tenant, General Liability and Toxic Tort practice groups.  Her current focus is representing property owners in landlord/tenant disputes defending individuals in habitability claims and wrongful eviction.  Her practice also includes general liability defending claims … Continue reading Erin McGahey

DAR Partner to Host Webinar on COVID19

Partner, Edward Tugade, as Director and Chairperson of the Association of Defense Counsel, will host a webinar, featuring Dr. Michele Carbone, a professor of pathology and the Director of Thoracic Oncology at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center.  He will discuss what we know and what we do not know about the SARS-Cov2 infection and … Continue reading DAR Partner to Host Webinar on COVID19

David Jennings

David Jennings is a partner at Demler, Armstrong & Rowland’s Long Beach office.  Mr. Jennings’ practice focuses on defence of insurance litigation, bad faith litigation, employment law, UM/UIM claims, contractual disputes, and general liability claims.      Prior to joining DAR, Mr. Jennings was an associate at a large defence firm, defending individuals and companies in a … Continue reading David Jennings

Judgment of Dismissal Affirmed on Appeal – Overturns $1 Million Default

In Aguilera v. Cruz and Farley, DAR’s team of John Brydon, Edward Tugade, Lisa Pan and Jim Weixel secured a dismissal after Plaintiff entered a default against our clients for $1.034 million in damages and successfully defended the dismissal against Plaintiff’s appeal.

DAR Scores Summary Judgment for Insureds in Landlord-Tenant Dispute

Jim Weixel, attorney at Demler’s San Francisco office, successfully obtained summary judgment for the firm’s clients in a landlord-tenant dispute arising out of a September 2017 water leak in their Walnut Creek apartment. The clients were on vacation when a shower/tub valve malfunctioned. Hot water flowed unabated from the shower faucet for several days, causing … Continue reading DAR Scores Summary Judgment for Insureds in Landlord-Tenant Dispute

DAR Hosts MCLE Event on Cellphone Forensics in Discovery

On November 4th, Jim Weixel of Demler’s San Francisco office will host a lunchtime MCLE event on methods of conducting forensic investigations and discovery of data stored in cellphones and other devices. The program will be presented by Califorensics of Sacramento and the Irish American Bar Association of Northern California, of which Weixel is president. … Continue reading DAR Hosts MCLE Event on Cellphone Forensics in Discovery

Brian Buddell to Moderate Distinguished Panel on What the Civil Court Judges Want You to Know to be a Better Advocate

Partner BRIAN H. BUDDELL will be moderating The Judges Speak: Civil Court Litigation Do’s and Don’ts in San Francisco on October 25, 2019.  The featured speakers will be eight local judges.  Attendees will receive 6 hours of CLE credit, including 1 hour of ethics.  Click here to register and for more details

Derek Lim appointed Chair of the American Bar Association’s Commercial Transportation and Litigation Committee

Demler, Armstrong & Rowland is pleased to announce that Northern California partner, Derek Lim, has been appointed Chair of the American Bar Association’s Commercial Transportation and Litigation Committee for the 2019-2020 term.   Mr. Lim is a leader in the firm’s fast-paced Transportation practice group, which handles a variety of issues for its transportation clients including, … Continue reading Derek Lim appointed Chair of the American Bar Association’s Commercial Transportation and Litigation Committee

U.S. Supreme Court Issues a Blow to the Bare Metal/ Component Parts Defense

Partner Edward Tugade published on the Bare Metal Defense

Erin McGahey Joins Demler Armstrong

Demler, Armstrong & Rowland LLP takes great pleasure to announce that Erin McGahey has joined the firm’s San Francisco office as Of Counsel, bolstering our continued ability to provide our clients with top notch representation and to successfully litigate and try cases on their behalf.  She is a seasoned attorney, specializing in toxic tort litigation … Continue reading Erin McGahey Joins Demler Armstrong

Successful 2-Day Seminar at Demler Armstrong

The reviews are in and this year’s Toxic Torts two-day conference was a tremendous success due to the innovative, interactive, engaging, and exceptional presentations by top trial attorneys and industry leaders.  Read more about it in the Summer 2019 issue of Defense Comment

Otstott and Pan Win MSJ on Primary Assumption of Risk in Videotaped Hockey Case

George A. Otstott and Lisa L. Pan of Demler, Armstrong & Rowland, LLP’s San Francisco office won summary judgment using a primary assumption of the risk defense involving a collision between two adult league hockey players on the ice during a game. Plaintiff testified that the collision resulted in multiple bone fractures (six ribs, scapula, … Continue reading Otstott and Pan Win MSJ on Primary Assumption of Risk in Videotaped Hockey Case

Kathryn Dao elevated to Partner

The firm is proud to announce that Kathryn Dao has been elevated from Senior Associate to Partner.  After graduating from Michigan State University School of Law in 2010, Kathryn has focused her practice on the defense of cases involving premises liability, habitability issues, products liability, wrongful death, and catastrophic injuries.  Kathryn has spent her entire law career … Continue reading Kathryn Dao elevated to Partner

Excluding Hearsay Evidence and Expert Opinion

Defense Research Institute (DRI) has featured the article by Edward Tugade and James Weixel on how to exclude hearsay product identification evidence.  Read more here. 

Tugade and Mahoney secure an outright dismissal of DAR’s client

Edward P. Tugade and Kelley T. Mahoney of Demler, Armstrong & Rowland, LLP’s San Francisco office successfully secured an outright dismissal of their client, a small, family-owned manufacturer and distributor of wood products based out of Wisconsin, who had been sued in a Proposition 65 enforcement action in California. Plaintiff alleged their client had failed to provide adequate … Continue reading Tugade and Mahoney secure an outright dismissal of DAR’s client

John Brydon is speaking on the impact of artificial intelligence

John Brydon, managing partner of our San Francisco office, will be speaking on the impact of artificial intelligence on the practice of law along with Hugh McCabe of the San Diego law firm Neil Dymott. Click here for more details.

Tugade and Weixel Published in ADC: Exclude Product Identification Based on Hearsay

Edward Tugade and James Weixel published in the Spring 2019 magazine of ADC, Defense Comment. Click here to read.

Business Litigation

Demler, Armstrong & Rowland’s business litigators have a wide range of experience handling commercial disputes on behalf of small businesses to fortune 500 companies. We regularly handle complex business disputes ranging from breach of contract, fraud, trade secrets, unfair competition, and directors and officers’ liability. Demler’s business litigation group understands the intricacies involved in business-to-business … Continue reading Business Litigation

Employment

Demler, Armstrong & Rowland’s employment practice group counsels and represents employers through the ever changing rules and regulations in the employment arena. Our employment attorneys offer counseling and defense of employers in all aspects of litigation ranging from discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, and wage and hour issues. Our attorneys appear before administrative agencies, including … Continue reading Employment

Transportation

Demler, Armstrong & Rowland attorneys have extensive experience in the transportation industry and are well versed in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations. We regularly represent motor carriers and members of the transportation industry in all aspects of litigation in state and federal court.  Our practice ranges from catastrophic injury, property damage, and regulatory … Continue reading Transportation

Demler Armstrong & Rowland, LLP to host ADC Toxic Torts Series

Demler Armstrong & Rowland, LLP is looking forward to hosting the ADC Toxic Torts Series at its office in San Francisco on April 19 and 26, 2019. Click here for more details and to register.

Derek Lim spoke at the ABA Transportation Megaconference

Demler Armstrong Partner Derek Lim spoke at the ABA Transportation Megaconference ?on March 22, 2019? in New Orleans. The panel discussed various hot topics including? ?proving and controlling damages in a case.

Eric Brenneman

Eric Brenneman is a partner in Demler Armstrong & Rowland’s Sacramento office where he handles a wide variety of complex litigation, including catastrophic personal injury, insurance, transportation, contract, and products and premises liability cases. He also specializes in advising and litigating coverage issues for public entity risk-pooling groups, known as Joint Powers Authorities. He has … Continue reading Eric Brenneman

Andres C. Hurwitz

Andres Hurwitz, a partner in the firm’s Long Beach office, is a seasoned litigator, with over 30 years of experience practicing in California. His expertise includes insurance coverage and bad faith litigation, defense of personal injury and landlord tenant disputes, as well as employment wage and hour litigation, employment practices litigation (wrongful termination, retaliation, discrimination, … Continue reading Andres C. Hurwitz

Shannon E. Mallory

Shannon E. Mallory is an attorney in the Walnut Creek office of Demler, Armstrong & Rowland, LLP.  A member of the firm’s transportation practice group, she specializes in catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits in both State and Federal court.  Ms. Mallory also defends landlords in lawsuits in rent-controlled jurisdictions in Northern California. Ms. Mallory … Continue reading Shannon E. Mallory

Derek Lim

DerekLimis a partner in Demler, Armstrong & Rowland’s Northern California office. Mr.Limis a versatile litigator who regularly represents companies in business disputes and complex civil litigation matters, including transportation, employment, premises and product liability, construction, and commercial litigation. MrLimrepresents and counsels his clients in areas ranging from discrimination, harassment, unfair competition, trade secrets, and breach … Continue reading Derek Lim

Multi-Million Dollar Excess Judgment Avoided

On August 30, after just over an hour of deliberations, a Riverside jury returned a 12-0 defense verdict on all 6 special verdict questions they were asked to resolve (we needed to go 6-for-6)! The trial was handled by partners James Lemieux and David Ring. This was an auto vs pedestrian accident where the plaintiff’s … Continue reading Multi-Million Dollar Excess Judgment Avoided

Pennie Liu Gable Promoted to Partner

The firm is proud to announce that Pennie Liu Gable has been elevated from Senior Associate to Partner. Since graduating from law school with honors in 2006, Pennie has focused her practice on the defense of cases involving catastrophic injury claims, premises liability, products liability, defamation and invasion of privacy. Her work ethic and attention … Continue reading Pennie Liu Gable Promoted to Partner

Firm Hosted 2018 ADC Toxic Tort Seminar

Demler, Armstrong & Rowland will be hosting the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California & Nevada’s 2018 Toxic Tort Seminar at its new San Francisco Office onMay 11 and May 18, 2018.

Jennifer C. Rasmussen

Jennifer C. Rasmussen is a Partner in the San Francisco office. She has an extensive experience in all facets of civil litigation, especially those with potential high value needing unique problem-solving skills. She has worked on the defense side, including in-house for an insurance company. Ms. Rasmussen handles all aspects of litigation from preparation of … Continue reading Jennifer C. Rasmussen

George A. Otstott

George A. Otstott is a partner in Demler Armstrong & Rowland’s San Francisco office. For 20+ years he has represented defendants in numerous areas of insurance defense litigation and coverage work, including jury trials. Mr. Otstott handles catastrophic injury and complex litigation, products and premises liability, environmental and toxic torts in asbestos and talc cases … Continue reading George A. Otstott

Brian Buddell

Mr. Buddell is a trial attorney with extensive experience in many areas of civil defense including: Products Liability, Premises Liability, Complex Personal Injury, Toxic Torts, Transportation/Trucking, Wrongful Death, Auto/Truck Casualty Claims, Environmental, Employment and Insurance Coverage.  He has successfully defended his clients in hundreds of arbitrations and dozens of trials throughout twenty-eight of California’s fifty-eight … Continue reading Brian Buddell

Margaret Lesniak

Margaret has practiced in the areas of insurance bad faith litigation; personal injury; landlord/tenant; defense of public entities and their employees in civil litigation; ADA claims; employment and housing discrimination claims, boundary disputes, negligence actions and intentional torts. Margaret received a Bachelor of Arts in politics from New York University in 1993, and a J.D. from Seton Hall … Continue reading Margaret Lesniak

James V. Weixel

Jim Weixel, an attorney in the firm’s San Francisco office, has concentrated his practice on toxic tort defense and other areas of casualty defense litigation for over twenty-five years. Mr. Weixel was admitted to the Ohio bar in 1990 and to the California bar in 1993. He has been an associate, partner, and of counsel … Continue reading James V. Weixel

Demler’s San Francisco Office On The Move

Our two year old San Francisco office has recently relocated and added two seasoned lawyers, expanding the office to 11 attorneys. Effective March 1, 2017 our new San Francisco address is 575 Market Street, Suite 2080. Added to the firm’s diverse team of experienced litigators and trial attorneys, is James Weixel, a veteran litigator of … Continue reading Demler’s San Francisco Office On The Move

Paul A. Peters

Paul Peters is an attorney in our San Francisco office, where his practice focuses on insurance coverage and bad faith defense, personal injury defense, and general civil litigation. He has extensive experience representing insurers in coverage and bad faith litigation and in protecting their policyholders in insurance defense matters.  He has defended insurers for many … Continue reading Paul A. Peters

JOHN BRYDON RECEIVES UNANIMOUS DEFENSE VERDICT IN MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR MESOTHELIOMA TRIAL IN SEATTLE WASHINGTON

San Francisco managing partner John Brydon obtained a unanimous defense verdict for Demler client Pneumo Abex in an asbestos wrongful death mesothelioma case tried in Seattle, Washington. New York-based national asbestos plaintiff firm Karst & Von Oiste name partner, Douglas von Oiste, asked the King County jury to return a verdict in excess of $2.5 … Continue reading JOHN BRYDON RECEIVES UNANIMOUS DEFENSE VERDICT IN MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR MESOTHELIOMA TRIAL IN SEATTLE WASHINGTON

Vicky Chan

Vicky Chan is a graduate of the University of California, Davis and the University of California Hastings College of the law. She has been a civil litigator since 2003, specializing in the defense of residential and commercial property damage and boundary disputes, landlord/tenant lawsuits in rent controlled jurisdictions in Northern California, and catastrophic personal injury … Continue reading Vicky Chan

Dalen Saludes

Dalen Saludes earned his law degree from Whittier Law School in 2007, where he was awarded the CALI Excellence for the Future Award for achieving the highest-class score in Legal Analysis. Prior to law school, Mr. Saludes graduated from the University of California, Irvine in 2004. Before joining Demler, Armstrong & Rowland in 2011, Mr. Saludes started … Continue reading Dalen Saludes

Defense Verdict Following Intersection Collision

Following a 5 day jury trial, Bjorn Green recently obtained a 12-0 defense verdict in a personal injury case arising out of an automobile collision. Plaintiff Soon Lee was an 82 year-old passenger in a van being driven home from a senior day care center which collided with our client’s car in a Lakewood intersection, … Continue reading Defense Verdict Following Intersection Collision

Terry Rowland Secures Another Defense Verdict

We are pleased to congratulate Terry Rowland on his defense verdict in Azizian v. Hartman, a hotly contested case where the defense offered $100,000 prior to the 3-week jury trial, in response to a 7 figure demand. The jury returned a unanimous verdict after less than an hour of deliberation. Plaintiff Azizian was represented by … Continue reading Terry Rowland Secures Another Defense Verdict

Lisa Pan

Lisa L. Pan has over 30-years’ experience as a litigator, with a special emphasis on insurance coverage and large-loss claims. She also has experience evaluating insurance coverage for professional-liability cases involving insurance-agents, attorneys, accountants, engineers, securities brokers, real-estate professionals, pharmacists and podiatrists. Her current focus is on motions and appeals, especially on matters involving complex … Continue reading Lisa Pan

John Brydon Spoke on “Reptile Theory” at Events

San Francisco’s Managing Partner John Brydon spoke on defense tactics and strategies to combat the “Reptile Theory” at two events in Northern California. Mr. Brydon, who is the Chair of the Primerus Defense Institute of the International Society of Primerus Law Firms (www.primerus.com), was part of a panel presentation at that organization’s annual client Convocation. … Continue reading John Brydon Spoke on “Reptile Theory” at Events

Edison J. Demler

Edison J. Demler was born on November 23, 1916, and passed away on April 15, 2008, at the age of 91. He received both his Bachelor and law degrees from the University of California at Berkeley, served in the Navy during World War II, and was a highly successful trial attorney with an extraordinary record … Continue reading Edison J. Demler

Premises & Professional Liability

Demler, Armstrong & Rowland has successfully defended property owners in a wide variety of cases arising out of the ownership, maintenance and use of commercial and residential property and alleged landowner responsibility for criminal acts of third parties. Since the firm also specializes in the fields of insurance coverage and construction litigation, we also assist … Continue reading Premises & Professional Liability

Insurance Coverage

In the course of handling hundreds of insurance coverage matters for insurers and insureds, Demler, Armstrong & Rowland has saved clients hundreds of thousands of dollars in defense and indemnification costs by timely identification of appropriate insurance coverage issues and rapid prosecution of declaratory relief actions to establish the rights and liabilities of its clients. … Continue reading Insurance Coverage

Insurance Bad Faith

For nearly three decades, Demler, Armstrong & Rowland has been a leader in the field of insurance bad faith, representing various carriers in litigation arising under commercial, homeowner, auto, life and disability policies. The firm has handled bad faith matters in California in both state and federal courts, and has also successfully defended insurers in … Continue reading Insurance Bad Faith

Construction Litigation

For over 20 years, Demler, Armstrong & Rowland has successfully represented contractors, subcontractors and product manufacturers in lawsuits arising out of allegedly defective workmanship or products in thousands of residential and commercial construction projects throughout California. The firm’s construction attorneys are well-known throughout the state and are frequently asked to speak at industry functions and … Continue reading Construction Litigation

Casualty Defense

Demler, Armstrong & Rowland, LLP, is a litigation firm, first and foremost. We are called upon by our clients to try their toughest cases, frequently having the files transferred to us on the eve of trial. Our focus over the years has been insurance bad faith, including insurance coverage, and high-end personal injury cases as … Continue reading Casualty Defense

Asbestos Litigation/Products Liability

Demler, Armstrong and Rowland has extensive trial and litigation experience in products liability; toxic tort and asbestos cases usually found only in much larger firms. Our lawyers have represented dozens of product defendants in hundreds of lung cancer and mesothelioma cases in State and Federal Courts throughout California, and partner John Brydon serves as National … Continue reading Asbestos Litigation/Products Liability

Wigfall v. R. K. Properties

Plaintiff rented an apartment in defendant’s apartment complex. During an altercation she was pushed or fell through a floor to ceiling window on the second floor, rendering her paraplegic. Plaintiff contended that the window should have been protected with safety glass or protective bars and said she had complained about the flimsy window before her … Continue reading Wigfall v. R. K. Properties

Sun v. Winter

Assault and battery claim arising out of a “gang fight” between two groups of high school students. Plaintiff sued the parents of his assailants, claiming they were vicariously liable per Civil Code section 1714.1 and Education Code section 48904. He claimed a permanent brain injury and severe memory deficits. Defendants argued that there was no … Continue reading Sun v. Winter

Reynolds Seafood v. Matlow Kennedy

Lawsuit against a commercial realtor for breach of contract and fiduciary relationship wherein plaintiff claimed that his real estate broker negligently failed to investigate whether the City of Long Beach would allow him to operate a seafood processing business before the lease was signed. Plaintiff claimed a total of $8,600,000 in damages for lost profits, … Continue reading Reynolds Seafood v. Matlow Kennedy

Paragon v. Weber-Madgwick

Following a flood at a condominium project which caused over $2 million in damages, developer Paragon and its insurer, North American Specialty Insurance Company sued defendant Weber-Madgwick for contractual indemnity and subrogation, claiming that the defendant’s grading operations on the project created an artificial dam which flooded after being filled with rain water.Weber-Madgwick contended that … Continue reading Paragon v. Weber-Madgwick

Niguel Summit v. Zanderson

The owner of a Laguna Niguel apartment complex sued the general contractor and its subcontractors, alleging various construction defects and associated damages. Our client, the drywall subcontractor for the project, was accused of creating structural and fireproofing deficiencies in the project, and was sued for negligence, breach of express and implied warranty, breach of contract … Continue reading Niguel Summit v. Zanderson

Marzbetuny v. Safeco

This was a case of insurance bad faith resulting from a claim for earthquake damages following the Northridge earthquake. Safeco determined that the damage to the dwelling was below the plaintiff’s $35,000 deductible but plaintiff’s expert claimed that there was major hidden damage to the home caused primarily by the movement of a 30 ton … Continue reading Marzbetuny v. Safeco

Martinez v. Willamette Industries

Personal injury lawsuit wherein plaintiff claimed over $200,000 in present and future medical expenses for multi-level lumbar surgery and fusion following a commercial truck rollover on the I-5 Freeway near Castaic. Plaintiff contended that the defendant improperly loaded waxed produce boxes in his flatbed trailer, causing the trailer and cab to flip over when the … Continue reading Martinez v. Willamette Industries

Lampert v. Evanston Insurance Company

Federal court lawsuit for insurance bad faith. Plaintiff was an attorney who obtained an errors and omissions policy with the defendant and later sought a defense and indemnity against a claim by the Lutheran Synod Foundation for the alleged conversion of $1.9 million from an estate which the insured was hired to administer. Coverage counsel … Continue reading Lampert v. Evanston Insurance Company

Khawaja v. Toyota Motor Sales

Plaintiff Hussain Khawaja purchased a new 2005 Lexus from Lexus of Westminister and, after driving it about 3,000 miles, complained to the dealer of rattling noises from the dashboard and driver’s door. Repairs were performed on several occasions over the next several months and plaintiff filed suit against Lexus, asking that they repurchase the vehicle. … Continue reading Khawaja v. Toyota Motor Sales

Handley v. Springdale West Apartments

Plaintiff, a 31-year-old African American tenant at the Springdale West Apartments, claimed that he was attacked by defendant’s security guards and repeatedly subjected to pepper spray, baton strikes and choke holds. After receiving emergency medical treatment at St. Mary’s hospital, plaintiff was charged with battery and spent six days in jail. Thereafter, the charges were … Continue reading Handley v. Springdale West Apartments

Dunham v. 20th Century

Insurance bad faith case where plaintiffs sued their insurer under various theories, claiming that they were owed an additional $140,000 for earthquake damages, despite the fact that the carrier had already paid $630,000. We cross-complained against the insureds, contending that they had made material misrepresentations and submitted some fraudulent receipts in the course of presenting … Continue reading Dunham v. 20th Century

DeArmond v. Shanfeld

Lawsuit for retaliatory eviction, violation of Rent Stabilization Ordinance and negligence seeking damages for emotional distress, attorneys fees and punitive damages. Plaintiff contended that defendants unlawfully attempted to evict her and improperly sued for unlawful detainer under a pretext, all for the purposes of raising the rents in violation of the Rent Stabilization Act. Defendants … Continue reading DeArmond v. Shanfeld

Bubonic v. Safeco

Plaintiffs Thomas and Mary Ann Bubonic claimed that while they were staying at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Rancho Mirage, jewelry with a value of over $300,000 was stolen from them. Their insurer, Safeco, denied the claim based upon their lack of cooperation and based upon Safeco’s conclusion that the theft simply did not occur. … Continue reading Bubonic v. Safeco

Barnett v. Safeco

Heavy rains entered the home of Richard and Paula Barnett as a result of defective roof construction and surface water against the home. First National paid $33,000 on the claim but the insured sued for breach of contract and bad faith, claiming that at least $70,000 was due for the damages to the home, that … Continue reading Barnett v. Safeco

Arshad v. Colonial Penn

Bad faith claim following Oakland Hills fire which totally destroyed plaintiffs’ hillside residence. Plaintiffs were paid $320,000 but after discovering that plaintiffs had lied about their living expense claim, defendant denied further payments. Demand $1,098,000 in repair costs plus “millions” in punitive damages, plus $185,000 on contents, plus $432,000 for six years loss of use. … Continue reading Arshad v. Colonial Penn

Bruce Sample

Bruce Sample joined Demler, Armstrong & Rowland shortly after graduating from Southwestern University School of Law, where he attended on a full academic scholarship, was a member of the Law Review and graduated with Honors in the top 10% of his class. In over two decades of practice at the firm, Bruce was a shining … Continue reading Bruce Sample

Timothy Lippert

Timothy Lippert, a litigation and trial partner, practices personal injury defense and insurance bad faith litigation.  Early in his career, Mr. Lippert gained experience in employment litigation and defending physicians and hospitals in medical malpractice lawsuits.  He handles all types of insurance defense matters, having taken many cases through arbitrations and trials.  He currently focuses … Continue reading Timothy Lippert

Paul M. Bessette

Paul Bessette is a senior litigator with over twenty-five years of experience in corporate defense, products liability, construction defect, toxic tort and asbestos litigation.  Mr. Bessette’s work has included all aspects of litigation, including multiple trials.  He has represented a wide array of clients, including national defense contractors, elevator/escalator manufacturers, construction contractors, motor vehicle manufactures, … Continue reading Paul M. Bessette

Randy A. Moss

Randy A. Moss is an attorney in the firm’s San Francisco office, where his practice focuses on insurance bad faith litigation, personal injury defense, and general civil litigation. He has extensive experience in insurance defense litigation, representing the interests of insurance companies and protecting the interests of their insureds. He has also handled professional negligence … Continue reading Randy A. Moss

David A. Ring

David Ringhas broad experience in insurance coverage and litigation, including commercial general liability, homeowners, auto, fidelity, directors and officers, professional liability, and commercial crime, as well as insurance bad faith. His practice also includes appellate work; personal injury defense; commercial lease disputes and the economic loss rule; product liability; homeowner liability for injury to unlicensed … Continue reading David A. Ring

John R. Brydon

John R. Brydon, the firm’s managing partner of the San Francisco office, is an AV-Preeminent rated attorney by Martindale-Hubbell. He has been a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates for nearly 30 years, where he holds the rank of Diplomate and has been a Certified Specialist in Civil Trial Law and Diplomat of … Continue reading John R. Brydon

Brian C. Dunn

Brian Dunn, a litigation and trial partner in the firm’s Long Beach office, specializes in the representation of contractors, manufacturers, and material suppliers in complex construction, product liability, contract, and business disputes.  His extensive litigation experience has encompassed multi-million dollar construction defect claims involving residential, commercial, industrial, and governmental projects, multi-million dollar product liability claims, … Continue reading Brian C. Dunn

Edward P. Tugade

As a partner in the firm’s San Francisco office, Mr. Tugade helps clients with a range of cases involving products liability, general liability, professional liability, premises liability, and toxic torts litigation. He has worked extensively on multiple trials, appeals, and in the management of complex cases in different jurisdictions, both as, and with, national counsel … Continue reading Edward P. Tugade

Tamara A. Laskin

Tamara Laskin is a partner in the Long Beach office and focuses her practice on construction defect litigation.  She has extensive experience representing subcontractors throughout California involving construction deficiencies in both residential and commercial settings.  Ms. Laskin has successfully resolved numerous construction defect matters through litigation, arbitration and trial, and has also defended numerous bad … Continue reading Tamara A. Laskin

Bjorn C. Green

Bjorn Green has been with the firm for 22 years and currently divides his time between handling general liability cases and managing the firm’s Construction Law practice, which primarily focuses on the defense of contractors, subcontractors, product manufacturers and component part suppliers in defect and product liability cases. His background in construction law is a … Continue reading Bjorn C. Green

Long Beach

4500 E. Pacific Coast Highway, 4th Floor
Long Beach, CA 90804

San Francisco

101 Montgomery St., Suite 1800
San Francisco, CA 94104

Sacramento

3626 Fair Oaks Blvd., Suite 100
Sacramento, California 95864

Walnut Creek

1990 N California Blvd.
8th Floor
Walnut Creek, CA 94596