Power Attorney's - April 2022

S P O N S O R E D CONT E NT

POWER AT TORNEYS

2022

POWER ATTORNEYS

Callahan & Blaine | Bentley & More LLP | Meyer, Olson, Lowry & Meyers LLP Michelle A. Reinglass | Paoli & Purdy, PC | Samer Habbas | West Coast Defense | Russell Kerr

April 2022 • Or a nge Coast 103

SPON SORED C ON TEN T

POWER AT TORNEYS

THE LAW OFFICES OF

CALLAHAN & BLAINE

E

stablished in 1984, Callahan & Blaine consists of 28 experienced trial attorneys.

The firm was founded by Daniel J. Callahan, one of the country’s top trial lawyers. For example, the National Law Journal named Dan one of the “Top 10 Attorneys” in the United States, and California Lawyer magazine designated him “California Lawyer of the Year.”

CALIFORNIA’S PREMIER LITIGATION FIRM

Callahan & Blaine has achieved record breaking verdicts and settlements across a diverse range of litigation issues. “We don’t

104 Ora nge C o ast • April 2022

have a narrow focus in any one area of the law,” notes Managing Partner Ed Susolik.

“Instead, our attorneys have expertise in a broad spectrum of complex litigation matters, including business litigation, insurance law, labor/employment defense and catastrophic personal injury. We are also equally adept at both plaintiff and defense perspectives.”

County. In addition, Callahan & Blaine obtained a $50 Million settlement which is certified by West Trial Digest as the largest personal injury settlement in United States history. Callahan & Blaine also has the largest insurance bad faith judgment in Orange County history ($58 Million), and the largest employment settlement ($38 Million). Most recently, the firm settled a bicycle accident case for $17 Million.

RECORD BREAKING VERDICTS AND SETTLEMENTS

A SPECIALTY OF WINNING

Callahan & Blaine has a broad range of historic results. Most notable is the firm’s $934 Million jury verdict in a complex business litigation case, which is the largest jury verdict in the history of Orange

Each of Callahan & Blaine’s 28 senior attorneys is an experienced and accomplished litigator. Callahan & Blaine’s attorneys have expertise in a wide diversity of practice areas, including

S P O N S O R E D CONT E NT

POWER AT TORNEYS

EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE MATTERS insurance law, intellectual property, trade secrets, employment law, catastrophic personal injury, real estate, business torts and corporate governance. For example, Ed Susolik, the partner in charge of the firm’s insurance department, has handled over 1000 insurance disputes on behalf of businesses and individuals over the last 31 years. As explained by Susolik, “Callahan & Blaine specializes in the one thing that matters most to clients: winning.”

HONORS AND AWARDS

Callahan & Blaine’s attorneys have achieved many awards and honors over the years. For example, Susolik has been named to the “Top 100 Attorneys in

Southern California” list by Super Lawyers magazine from 2009 to 2022. Similarly, partners Michael Sachs and Brian McCormack have all achieved numerous judicial victories in recent years, and represent the next generation of Callahan & Blaine trial lawyers. For example, Brian McCormack was recently named Trial Lawyer of the Year by the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association.

BUSINESS LITIGATION INSURANCE LAW LABOR/EMPLOYMENT DEFENSE PERSONAL INJURY

callahan-law.com 3 Hutton Centre Drive, Suite 900 Santa Ana, CA 92707 (714) 241-4444 | f. (714) 241-4445

April 2022 • Or a nge Coast 105

SPON SORED C ON TEN T

POWER AT TORNEYS

BENTLEY & MORE LLP

S

outhern California trial attorneys Greg Bentley and Keith More have extensive experience handling complex litigation in a wide range of practice areas, including product liability, workers’ compensation, government entity liability, insurance bad faith, and catastrophic personal injury. With the resources and experience to handle even the most complicated claims, the firm “specializes in difficult ‘crossover’ cases that touch multiple practice areas, including assisting injured workers get the care they need as well as

litigating against the third party that caused the harm,” say the attorneys.

Formed in 2016, Bentley & More has quickly earned a reputation for getting exceptional outcomes for their clients.

No stranger to accolades, Greg Bentley and Keith More lead a team of attorneys that have been repeatedly recognized by Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, and other attorney organizations for their exceptional work and dedication to clients. The firm’s namesakes were recently recognized as Super Lawyers Top 50 in OC and Top 100 in Southern California, with More being

bentleymore.com 4931 Birch Street, Newport Beach, CA 92660 (949) 870-3800 106 Ora nge C oast • April 2022

named the 2022 Lawyer of the Year for Workers’ Compensation Law – Claimants in Orange County.

Known as passionate advocates, Bentley & More are described by clients as “aggressive and confident, yet deeply compassionate.” A secret to their success?

“We work closely with our clients to deeply understand their lives and needs – we tell their story,” says Bentley.

“We truly are helping people at their worst moments and creating a better life for them,” adds More.

S P O N S O R E D CONT E NT

POWER AT TORNEYS

From left: Doreen Marie Olson, Felicia R. Meyers, Lisa Helfend Meyer, Dana Lowy

MEYER, OLSON, LOWY & MEYERS LLP LEADERS IN RESOLVING HIGH STAKES DIVORCES

T

he legal team of Meyer, Olsen, Lowry & Meyers (MOLM) has built a national reputation for tenacious representation in family law litigation, particularly complex and contentious divorces. This female-owned firm is especially adept at handling cases that involve high-asset marital estates, child custody matters, domestic violence, and move-away cases.

The firm’s goal-driven, skilled, and experienced attorneys bring a

combination of legal sophistication and empathy to their clients, who include entertainers, executives, professionals, and pro athletes.

MOLM’s lawyers seek to initially settle cases outside the courtroom, but they also have a tract record of impressive trial work. This includes handling a groundbreaking California case establishing that vested stock options should be included in the supporting parent’s gross income and a case involving an international move-away request for a parent with a minor child.

molfamlaw.com Los Angeles | 10100 Santa Monica Boulevard., Suite 1425, Los Angeles, CA 90067 (310) 277-4847 Irvine | 3161 Michaelson Drive, Suite 1160, Irvine, CA 92612 (949) 397-3977 / FX (949) 800-1309 April 2022 • Or a ng e Coast 107

SPON SORED C ON TEN T

POWER AT TORNEYS

MICHELLE A. REINGLASS ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION/MEDIATION

H

aving transitioned from her 30-year career as a lawyer handling employment, business and civil cases, to become a Mediator, Michelle Reinglass is the perfect choice as a neutral.

Michelle’s broad mediation practice covers the same areas and others. Named one of the Top 50 Mediators by the L.A. Daily Journal, Michelle strives to help clients resolve their cases and avoid the uncertainty of litigation.

“I feel buoyed by a seemingly impossible

case, when I can say “We’ve reached a deal,” she notes. “I bring experience, a positive attitude and mindset, along with intuition, empathy and a strong work ethic to my cases. If a case doesn’t settle on the day of mediation, I work hard following up afterward to get it settled.”

An exceptional listener, Michelle often helps clients determine what they truly hope to achieve with dispute resolution. One happy client states: “Michelle was engaged, energetic, and effective in helping diffuse the animosity that developed between the parties and getting us to settlement.”

reinglassadr.com 120 Vantis Drive, Suite 300, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656 (949) 587-0460 | michelle@reinglassadr.com 108 Ora nge C oast • April 2022

Others state: “Persistence and patience were extraordinary.” ; “Nothing but the highest praise for Michelle and how she conducted the mediation…among the best mediation experiences I have had.”

Michelle is also an expert in the principals of achieving balance in life. She is proud of her new book, due out soon, titled “How To Break Free From Addiction to Busy, Discover Your Life in Balance”.

“I love the humanity side of this work, where I meet new people daily-I’m blessed to have the opportunity to be an instrument to bring peace to people.”

S P O N S O R E D CONT E NT

POWER AT TORNEYS

PAOLI & PURDY, PC WILLIAM PAOLI AND COURT PURDY | TRIAL ATTORNEYS

O

n the heels of their recognition as OCTLA Trial Lawyers of the Year in Government Entity Liability Cases in 2020, attorneys Bill Paoli and Court Purdy navigated the constraints of the Covid lockdown to continue winning positive outcomes for their clients.

The highlight of 2021 was negotiating a $9,500,000.00 settlement for a motorcyclist left paraplegic due to defective

road design in San Bernardino County.

They overcame substantial defenses based on a multitude of government immunities, to prevail, resolving the case on the eve of trial, and assuring their client the lifelong care and comfort he deserved.

William Paoli is a certified Civil Trial Advocacy Specialist recognized by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, a member of ABOTA, the American Board of Trial Advocates, CAALA and the Association of

Trial Lawyers of America, as well as a proud veteran of the US Marine Corps.

Court Purdy has decades of success in litigating catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases, concentrating on roadway design and construction issues with an emphasis on claims against government entities. He also has extensive expertise in the field of environmental law, specializing in cases involving exposure to mold, lead, asbestos, chemicals and other toxins.

paolipurdylaw.com 4340 Von Karman Avenue, Suite 100, Newport Beach, CA 92660 (949) 752-7711 April 2022 • Or a nge Coast 109

SPON SORED C ON TEN T

POWER AT TORNEYS

LAW OFFICES OF SAMER HABBAS & ASSOCIATES PERSONAL INJURY LAW FIRM

T

enacious by nature, Managing Partner, Samer Habbas founded the Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates—a full-service personal injury law firm— on the mantra that the client always comes first; “our client’s satisfaction is our success”. With multiple offices located in Irvine, Anaheim, Los Angeles, Riverside, El Segundo and San Diego, the firm represents injured victims all across Southern California.

The firm’s trial lawyers handle a variety of personal injury matters; from car accidents, dog bites and work-related injuries, to funeral home negligence and sexual assault claims, and are not afraid to step into the courtroom to get the justice their clients deserve.

“We see our clients as more than just a number. We fight for justice and represent those who have been wronged and suffer from emotional and physical damages as a result of another party’s negligence,” says Habbas.

habbaspilaw.com 200 Spectrum Center Driver, Suite 1230, Irvine, CA 92618 (949) 288-2416 | @habbaspilaw 110 Ora nge C o ast • April 2022

Committed to community service, the firm consistently dedicates time and resources to giving back. Whether it is providing scholarships and mentorships to students, donating to non-profit organizations, or lending a helping hand to the underprivileged members of the community at fundraisers and shelters, the law office strives year-round to give back to those in need.

S P O N S O R E D CONT E NT

POWER AT TORNEYS

WEST COAST DEFENSE ANTHONY J. FALANGETTI, APC | ATTORNEY AT LAW

A

California native and former prosecutor with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Anthony Falangetti has over 26 years of legal experience on both sides of the criminal justice system. Now, for more than a decade, his entire practice is devoted to defending the accused, protecting our Constitutional rights, and fighting for American liberty.

“I’ve represented actors and actresses, directors and producers, professional athletes, and politicians, but day in and day out I bring that same high-level representation to good, hard-working people who find themselves caught up in the criminal justice system for the first time.”

Anthony’s excellence as a criminal trial lawyer has earned him numerous awards and honors. He has been recognized by

California Super Lawyers® consecutively from 2012 to present. But, for Anthony, what matters most is the quality of results he achieves for his clients.

“Most of my clients have never been in any kind of trouble before. For many of them, their jobs are on the line and their livelihood is at stake. I’m here to protect those things. The rest of their life should not be defined by their worst moment. I am here to give them their future back.”

westcoastdefense.com 7755 Center Avenue, Suite 1100, Huntington Beach, CA 92647 800) 923-1776 April 2022 • Or a nge Coast 111

Tips for Recovering Diminished Value and Loss of Use Damages

E

VERY CAR BUYER

a vehicle’s Fair Market Value

understands a vehicle’s

before the accident and

accident history can

immediately after repairs

substantially reduce its value.

have been completed. While

The first thing most savvy car

the trend is slowly changing,

buyers do when purchasing a

you can expect insurance

used vehicle is check the car’s

companies to aggressively deny

accident history with a service

diminished value damages,

like CARFAX. Even if a car

falsely claiming they’re not

seems mechanically sound and

recoverable in California or

cosmetically clean, the car’s

a vehicle must first be sold to

accident history significantly decreases its market value. If your vehicle is damaged in a collision

determine damages.

Loss of Use is also an important item of

due to someone else’s negligence, you’re entitled to

damages in California. Damages for loss of use are

recover more than repair costs. You’re also entitled

calculated by what a similar car to yours would rent

to recover the ‘Diminished Value’ and ‘Loss of Use’

for during the time reasonably necessary to repair

of your vehicle from being damaged and repaired.

or replace a vehicle following an accident.

Diminished Value is the difference between

Damages for Loss of Use can be significant.

the market value of a car prior to a collision and

Most new, luxury or exotic cars are expensive to

its reduced value immediately after having been

rent. Repairing these vehicles may take weeks or

repaired. The idea is simple, given a choice

months to complete. It’s not unusual for a high-end

between two vehicles, one that has been in a

vehicle to rent for $1,000 or more per day. If repairs

serious collision and another which has not,

take sixty days, the Loss of Use would be $60,000.

buyers will invariably choose the vehicle without

________________________________________

a collision history. No matter how well a car

About the Author:

has been repaired, it’s invariably worth less than

Russell Kerr of Kerr & Sheldon

before the collision.

Law Firm has been handling

In California, damages for diminished

diminished value and loss of use

value can be recovered against the insurer for the

claims exclusively for the past

party who negligently damaged your car, but not

four years. In 2015, Kerr was

against your own insurer. Diminished value is

instrumental in petitioning the California Supreme

likely not recoverable in California for a leased

Court Judicial Counsel to change the DV jury

vehicle unless you sustain an actual loss upon lease

instruction to make clear California consumers can

termination.

recover both the cost of repairing their cars, as well

Proving Diminished Value damages generally requires hiring an appraiser to determine

as any loss in value from the accident. To learn more email: Russell@KerrLawFirm.com

OVER $2 MILLION RECOVERED

HAS YOUR CAR LOST VALUE FOLLOWING AN ACCIDENT?

Diminished Value and Loss of Use ARE Recoverable BEFORE ACCIDENT $293,900

AFTER ACCIDENT REPAIR $210,700

DIMINISHED VALUE

The decreased value of a car following an accident and all proper repairs.

LOSS OF USE

The cost to rent a similar vehicle while car is being repaired.

We’re California’s #1 law firm for Diminished Value and Loss of Use claims.

Over $2 million recovered... and counting!

&

Kerr Sheldon A A PROFESSIONAL PROFESSIONAL LAW LAW CORPORATION CORPORATION

714.531.5900 | KerrLawFirm.com | russell@kerrlawfirm.com