A partner in the General Liability Group, Phil’s practice focuses on sports and recreation, general and premises liability, and public entity liability.  Depending on the sport, whether it is paintball, drag racing, stock car racing, ice-skating, snow skiing or ice hockey, Phil has defended a broad range of clients.

In Kougasian v. TMSL, Phil successfully defended a ski resort in a wrongful death action arising out of the death of a skier.  The case was resolved by motion for summary judgment, but plaintiffs’ counsel filed five subsequent lawsuits in state and federal court, leading to multiple hearings in both the Court of Appeal of California and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals of the United States.  The federal cases were reported in Kougasian v. TMSL, Inc., 359 F.3d 1136 (9th Cir. 2004), and Kougasian v. TMSL, Inc., Slip Copy, 2006 WL 3431831 (9TH Cir. 2006). 

In a newsworthy case, Phil represented famous film and television actor Alec Baldwin, who was sued civilly by a member of the paparazzi, a photographer who staked out the actor’s home as Baldwin and his wife were bringing home their new baby.  An altercation ensued, with the photographer allegedly suffering a fractured nose, deviated septum, and a hip injury, and he sought substantial monetary damages.  During the jury trial, Phil successfully defended numerous claims, including assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The jury was persuaded by Phil’s arguments and awarded a mere $4,500.





Education

Loyola Law School, J.D.
Commencement Speaker
Student Bar Association President

California State University, Northridge, B.A.





Professional Activities

Admitted:
State Bar of California

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

Member:
State Bar of California
Association of Southern California Defense Counsel

Volunteer:
Sherman Oaks Little League Coach
Sherman Oaks Little League Board of Directors