From Rivals to Record-Setters Once Legal Foes, These Two Established Firms Teamed Up to Secure California’s Largest Malpractice Recovery by Dan Baldwin
Once adversaries in the courtroom, Dunn DeSantis Walt & Kendrick and Stanford And Associates have forged a powerhouse alliance—redefining legal malpractice litigation and securing a historic $125+ million settlement. From Adversaries to Allies For decades, the attorneys at Dunn DeSantis Walt & Kendrick (DDWK) and Stanford And Associates faced each other across courtrooms in some of California’s most contentious legal malpractice cases. One firm became known for its broad litigation firepower, including the defense of attorneys. The other built a near-mythic name for holding them accountable. In the insular world of legal malpractice litigation, few rivalries ran deeper than this one. Or had more mutual respect. But in a recent, unexpected twist, the two San Diego-based firms—longtime adversaries—have joined forces. And the result? One of the most powerful legal collaborations in California, marked by a groundbreaking $125+ million settlement over the summer, which now stands as the largest legal malpractice recovery in state history. “This unique partnership allows us to combine decades of experience in this important niche practice area," says David Cardone, founding partner at DDWK. “Together, we’re able to pursue claims with insight that very few firms can offer because we’ve lived on both sides of the table.” Dan Stanford, founder of Stanford And Associates and widely regarded as one of the most seasoned legal malpractice litigators in the country, echoes the sentiment: “The collective expertise of the two firms now presents an unrivaled team. I don’t believe there’s another group in California, or the country, better equipped to handle highstakes malpractice litigation.” It’s a story of mutual respect forged through years of combat. Now, that intensity is being channeled in one direction: securing justice for clients wronged by the very legal professionals who were responsible to protect them.
16
Attorney Journals San Diego | Volume 265, 2025