As a partner and member of both the Medical Malpractice Defense and the General Liability Groups, Paul brings 22 years of expertise to a wide variety of matters in sports, recreation and motorsports litigation, construction defect, product liability, premises and general liability litigation.  Paul specializes in insurance defense claims of professional negligence, primarily medical and dental, as well as general personal injury, and insurance coverage cases.

A seasoned trial lawyer, Paul’s philosophy is straightforward:  “There’s more than one way to get to the finish line.  I’m a reasonable, honorable guy.  People can trust me.   With all my success at trial I never push an argument I don’t believe in.  Clients are looking at the bottom line, they don’t have unlimited funds.  I take the most expeditious path to get to the finish line.”

Paul has been especially active in appellate work, defending his cases through the Court of Appeals, and realizing victories with affirmed defense verdicts, such as in the cases of Cimolino v. Toluca Lake Tennis Club, and Allen v. Skate n’ Score, LLC.

In case of note, Paul secured a defense award for the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team in an alleged premises liability action at the Los Angeles Forum.  The case involved a woman slipping and falling outside of The Forum on the way to the game during a rainstorm.   At the jury trial, opposing counsel’s expert witness offered scientific analysis, claiming that the sidewalks were defective and unsafe for the public.  Paul boldly challenged the expert on the stand, arguing that his opinions were not supported in the scientific community.   The court agreed, plaintiff’s entire case fell apart, and the jury issued a defense award.





Education

Southwestern University School of Law, J.D.
Graduated top one-third of class

Pepperdine University, B.A.
Political Science





Professional Activities

Admitted:
State Bar of California

Admitted to Practice:
U.S. District Court, Central District of California
Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals

Member:
Los Angeles County Bar Association
Association of Southern California Defense Counsel
Amusement Industry Manufacturer & Suppliers International (AIMS)
International Association for the Leisure & Entertainment Industry (IALEI)
National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)
Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA)

Presentations:
“Benzenes Exposure and Additional Environmental Issues,”12th Willis Construction Risk Management National Conference, Franklin Marriott Resort & Convention Center, Franklin, TN, (May 2006)

Volunteer:
Planning Commission Chairman, City of Rancho Palos Verdes, Second Term  
Assistant Scoutmaster, Cub Scouts
Boy Scouts of America