Power Attorney's - April 2022

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

THE LAW OFFICES OF

CALLAHAN & BLAINE

Established 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

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 plainti and defense perspectives.”

RECORD BREAKING VERDICTS AND SETTLEMENTS

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

County. In addition, Callahan & Blaine obtained a $50 Million settlement which is certi ed 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 rm settled a bicycle accident case for $17 Million.

A SPECIALTY OF WINNING

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

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 rm’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.

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

BENTLEY & MORE LLP

Southern 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 rm “specializes in di cult ‘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. e rm’s namesakes were recently recognized as Super Lawyers Top 50 in OC and Top 100 in Southern California, with More being

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 con dent, 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.

bentleymore.com

4931 Birch Street, Newport Beach, CA 92660 (949) 870-3800

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

The 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. is female-owned rm is especially adept at handling cases that involve high-asset marital estates, child custody matters, domestic violence, and move-away cases.

e rm’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. is 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

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

MICHELLE A. REINGLASS

ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION/MEDIATION

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 e ective in helping di use the animosity that developed between the parties and getting us to settlement.”

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.”

PAOLI & PURDY, PC

WILLIAM PAOLI AND COURT PURDY | TRIAL ATTORNEYS

On 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.

e 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. ey 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 certi ed 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 eld 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

LAW OFFICES OF SAMER HABBAS & ASSOCIATES PERSONAL

INJURY LAW FIRM

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

e rm’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.

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

WEST COAST DEFENSE

ANTHONY J. FALANGETTI, APC | ATTORNEY AT LAW

ACalifornia native and former prosecutor with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s O ce, 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 ghting 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 nd themselves caught up in the criminal justice system for the rst time.”

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

westcoastdefense.com 7755 Center Avenue, Suite 1100, Huntington Beach, CA 92647 800) 923-1776

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. e rest of their life should not be de ned by their worst moment. I am here to give them their future back.”

Tips for Recovering Diminished Value and Loss of Use Damages

EVERY CAR BUYER

understands a vehicle’s accident history can substantially reduce its value. e rst thing most savvy car buyers do when purchasing a used vehicle is check the car’s accident history with a service like CARFAX. Even if a car seems mechanically sound and cosmetically clean, the car’s accident history signi cantly decreases its market value. If your vehicle is damaged in a collision due to someone else’s negligence, you’re entitled to recover more than repair costs. You’re also entitled to recover the ‘Diminished Value’ and ‘Loss of Use’ of your vehicle from being damaged and repaired. Diminished Value is the di erence between the market value of a car prior to a collision and its reduced value immediately a er having been repaired. e idea is simple, given a choice between two vehicles, one that has been in a serious collision and another which has not, buyers will invariably choose the vehicle without a collision history. No matter how well a car has been repaired, it’s invariably worth less than before the collision.

In California, damages for diminished value can be recovered against the insurer for the party who negligently damaged your car, but not against your own insurer. Diminished value is likely not recoverable in California for a leased vehicle unless you sustain an actual loss upon lease termination.

Proving Diminished Value damages generally requires hiring an appraiser to determine

a vehicle’s Fair Market Value before the accident and immediately a er repairs have been completed. While the trend is slowly changing, you can expect insurance companies to aggressively deny diminished value damages, falsely claiming they’re not recoverable in California or a vehicle must rst be sold to determine damages.

Loss of Use is also an important item of damages in California. Damages for loss of use are calculated by what a similar car to yours would rent for during the time reasonably necessary to repair or replace a vehicle following an accident.

Damages for Loss of Use can be signi cant. Most new, luxury or exotic cars are expensive to rent. Repairing these vehicles may take weeks or months to complete. It’s not unusual for a high-end vehicle to rent for $1,000 or more per day. If repairs take sixty days, the Loss of Use would be $60,000.

About the Author: Russell Kerr of Kerr & Sheldon Law Firm has been handling diminished value and loss of use claims exclusively for the past four years. In 2015, Kerr was instrumental in petitioning the California Supreme Court Judicial Counsel to change the DV jury instruction to make clear California consumers can recover both the cost of repairing their cars, as well as any loss in value from the accident. To learn more email: Russell@KerrLawFirm.com