SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA – Shareholder Bonnie L. Lutz has been appointed as Vice-Chair of the American Bar Association (ABA) Tort & Trial & Insurance Practice Section’s (TIPS) Animal Law Committee. Ms. Lutz will serve a one-year term for the 2017-18 fiscal year.

The Animal Law Committee (ALC) assembles leading Animal Law attorneys across the nation, with the shared goal of protecting and improving the lives of animals through legal strategy. ALC addresses all issues concerning animals and the law, and looks for innovative ways to use the rule of law to help create a just world for all. ALC also provides opportunities for its members to share their experience and different views on issues that impact animals and our relationship with them.

Photo of Bonnie Lutz
Bonnie L. Lutz

Each year, an individual is selected as Vice-chair who has proven leadership in the practice area of animal law, and who has been consistently involved in the committee’s events and in TIPS.

Ms. Lutz has been a committee member since its inception in 2004. In 2015, she was named Chair of the Animal Law Committee.

“From defending veterinarians in litigation to selfless acts of volunteer work, animals have no greater champion than Bonnie Lutz,” said Kevin J. Gramling, Managing Shareholder of Klinedinst’s Santa Ana office. “For her to be chosen to lead the most prestigious animal law committee in the nation is an honor that is extremely well-deserved. Congratulations, Bonnie.”

Ms. Lutz has spent the majority of her legal career defending veterinarians during litigation and providing counseling services for humane societies across California. Having defended over 200 veterinarians in actions before the California Veterinary Medical Board actions, Ms. Lutz is experienced in humane society regulation laws and the California Veterinary Medicine Practice Act.

Within the community, Ms. Lutz is active with numerous veterinary organizations, including the California Veterinary Medical Association and the Society of Animal Welfare Administrators. Her tireless volunteer work, particularly with animal rescue organizations, has also distinguished her as a leader in the animal law field.

Earlier this year, Ms. Lutz received the President’s Award from the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association, the largest regional veterinary medical association in the country. This award was given to her in honor of her dedication to the organization, its chapters, PAC, and other SCVMA programs.

Klinedinst congratulates Ms. Lutz on her appointment to Vice Chair of the Animal Law Committee. For more information on Ms. Lutz, please visit:

https://klinedinstlaw.com/profiles/attorney/bonnie-lutz

About Klinedinst

Klinedinst has become the go-to firm for clients across California, across the West, and across the globe. Our litigators, trial attorneys, and transactional lawyers guide clients through every problem, finding solutions at every turn. The firm serves clients from offices in Los AngelesSacramentoSan DiegoSanta Ana, and Seattle. Whether representing businesses in court, helping negotiate transactions, or handling matters in state, federal, or appellate courts, Klinedinst attorneys help get the job done.

 

Klinedinst Shareholder and COO Arthur Moreau, III has been selected as winner of the 2017 Business Leader of the Year Award by the North San Diego Business Chamber. Mr. Moreau received the award at the annual Celebration of Business event in honor of his tremendous impact on the firm and in the community.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA– Klinedinst Shareholder and Chief Operating Officer Arthur Moreau, III was named winner of the North San Diego Business Chamber’s 2017 Business Leaders of the Year award. This award honors individuals whose impact as a professional leader has majorly influenced the success of their organization and business community.

Photo of Arthur S. Moreau III
Arthur S. Moreau, III

The North San Diego Business Chamber observes the economic impact and advocates for institutions native to the northern San Diego Region. The Chamber is a respected voice, representing the entire regional business community to enhance and advocate for a better business environment.

The Business Leader of the Year Award is presented annually to honor business professionals who have a significant impact on their business and community. The award recognizes leaders who have greatly contributed to the growth and success of their company. Business leaders are honored for their economic and social impact within their companies and the local economy.

“We would like to congratulate Art on this tremendous honor,” said John Klinedinst, Founder and CEO of Klinedinst PC. “To be recognized as a top business leader by the North San Diego Business Chamber is a true testament to his business savvy, leadership, and service to our community.”

Mr. Moreau embodies these ideals in his role as Shareholder and COO of Klinedinst. A military veteran, public service advocate, and experienced litigator, Mr. Moreau uses his business acumen to counsel and defend businesses in areas of real estate, land use, and construction. In addition to his role as an attorney, Mr. Moreau’s position as COO requires that he has a hand in all major initiatives and projects across the firm’s offices. Since joining the firm in 1995, Mr. Moreau’s visionary leadership and business acumen have greatly contributed to the firm’s growing success. He has helped grow the firm from one office location in San Diego, to a thriving firm with over 30 practice groups spreading over five office locations.

Mr. Moreau understands that giving back is a crucial part of being a successful business leader. After serving active duty as a Navy carrier pilot in the United States Navy from 1977-1988, Mr. Moreau continues to support and champion San Diego’s military community and their families. Mr. Moreau regularly attends the San Diego Military Advisory Council monthly meetings, and supports a firm sponsorship of Navy’s Annual Bay Bridge Run/Walk. Mr. Moreau’s service in Haiti made headlines when he spent five days rebuilding an orphanage after it was destroyed in an earthquake. He is also co-chair of Scripps Ranch Symphony in the Park, a local organization that provides live music and dancing in resident parks.

Klinedinst shareholder Thomas Daugherty was selected as a finalist for the 2017 Business Leader of the Year award.

The 2017 Business Leader of the Year Award was presented as part of the North San Diego Business Chamber’s Celebration of Business event.

Klinedinst congratulates Mr. Moreau on this special honor. To learn more about Mr. Moreau and his achievements, please click here:

https://klinedinstlaw.com/profiles/attorney/arthur-moreau

About Klinedinst

Klinedinst has become the go-to firm for clients across California, across the West, and across the globe. Our litigators, trial attorneys, and transactional lawyers guide clients through every problem, finding solutions at every turn. The firm serves clients from offices in Los AngelesSacramentoSan DiegoSanta Ana, and Seattle. Whether representing businesses in court, helping negotiate transactions, or handling matters in state, federal, or appellate courts, Klinedinst attorneys help get the job done.

Shareholder and Chief Strategy Officer Gregory A. Garbacz has been accepted as a member of the Los Angeles chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). Now in its seventh decade, ABOTA members are top-tier trial lawyers, recognized by their peers as exhibiting the highest levels of skill, civility, and integrity.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – Klinedinst Chief Strategy Officer and Shareholder Gregory A. Garbacz has been accepted into the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) as a member of the organization’s Los Angeles chapter.

Gregory Garbacz
Gregory A. Garbacz

Since 1957, ABOTA has been committed to preserving citizens’ right to a jury trial. Through professional education, as well as public awareness, ABOTA promotes the highest ethical and technical standards of practice. Membership in ABOTA is restricted to top-tier trial lawyers who demonstrate the very highest levels of integrity and skill. To even be considered for membership, attorneys must have completed a minimum of ten civil jury trials to verdict as lead counsel, and be approved by votes of both the local and national boards.

ABOTA is a national association of experienced and elite trial lawyers and judges committed to the preservation and promotion of the civil jury trial right provided by the Seventh Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The organization educates the general public about the value of right to trial by jury and elevates the standards of integrity, honor and courtesy in the legal profession. ABOTA cultivates a spirit of loyalty, fellowship, and professionalism among members and enables trial lawyers as a group to have an active association in the community.

Members of ABOTA are evaluated based on a number of factors, including personal character and honorable reputation. Members represent both plaintiff and defendants in civil cases. Trial attorneys selected display skill, civility and integrity, a willingness to help younger attorneys achieve a higher level of trial advocacy, and a commitment to educate the public about the vital importance of the Seventh Amendment.

“Becoming a member of ABOTA is an incredible honor,” said John Klinedinst, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Klinedinst PC. “Greg has earned this honor through his extensive trial experience and rock solid integrity. He represents the highest ideals of what being a trial lawyer is all about, and we congratulate him on this incredible recognition.”

With over 20 years’ experience, Mr. Garbacz has significant experience in the courtroom. He has successfully tried civil cases to verdict as lead counsel throughout courtrooms within the state. He focuses his practice on employment, business/class action, professional liability/securities, and real estate/housing discrimination litigation and has handled complex litigation and trials in both state and federal courts. Mr. Garbacz has earned Martindale’s  AV-Preeminent rating, and is regularly featured in Southern California Super Lawyers®.

Mr. Garbacz is the fourth Klinedinst attorney to be accepted as a member of ABOTA. Klinedinst congratulates Mr. Garbacz on this honor. For more information on Mr. Garbacz and his credentials, please visit:

www.greggarbacz.com

About Klinedinst

Klinedinst has become the go-to firm for clients across California, across the West, and across the globe. Our litigators, trial attorneys, and transactional lawyers guide clients through every problem, finding solutions at every turn. The firm serves clients from offices in Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, Santa Ana, and Seattle. Whether representing businesses in court, helping negotiate transactions, or handling matters in state, federal, or appellate courts, Klinedinst attorneys help get the job done.

John D. Klinedinst, Founder and CEO of Klinedinst PC, was named winner at 10th Annual Most Admired CEO Awards by the San Diego Business Journal. The prestigious award acknowledges local business leaders who have taken the lead in driving their businesses to great success.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – John D. Klinedinst, Founder and CEO of Klinedinst PC, has been named Winner for the 2017 Most Admired CEOs by the San Diego Business Journal. This marks the sixth time in the Award’s 10-year history that Mr. Klinedinst has been chosen as a finalist, and the second time he has been recognized as winner in the privately-held medium-size company category.

John D. Klinedinst
John D. Klinedinst

For the past decade, the Most Admired CEO Award has recognized San Diego leaders for their outstanding professional achievements and their contributions to the community. Honorees are selected for their determination and insight, as well as their track record for success. Most Admired CEOs are also recognized for their ability to inspire and take the lead in driving not only their businesses, but also the local economy.

Founded by Mr. Klinedinst in 1983, the law firm has seen incredible year-over-year growth. Most recently in 2015, Mr. Klinedinst and the firm’s shareholders launched the firm’s newest office in Seattle, Washington. With its first expansion outside of California, the firm has expanded to serve businesses from five offices across the Western United States.

“To be named a winner of this award is a true reflection of John’s leadership, business acumen, and entrepreneurial spirit,” noted Art Moreau, Shareholder and Chief Operating Officer. “Not only is he an incredible attorney, but a savvy businessperson. His leadership in the business of law affirms this recognition, and we truly congratulate him on receiving this award.”

Every year, the San Diego Business Journal conducts an extensive survey of San Diego firms to identify outstanding and highly-revered Chief Executive Officers. After collecting nominations for Most Admired CEOs, the San Diego Business Journal evaluates all submissions and then publishes its list of finalists for the award. Mr. Klinedinst was recognized as a Most Admired CEO finalist in the category for a Privately-Held Company.

Mr. Klinedinst was named winner at a special Awards Program and Reception on June 15, 2017 at the Hilton San Diego/Del Mar. Klinedinst congratulates Mr. Klinedinst on this special honor. To learn more about the San Diego Business Journal, please visit:

http://sdbj.com

And to learn more about Mr. Klinedinst, please visit:

http://johnklinedinst.com

About Klinedinst

Klinedinst has become the go-to firm for clients across California, across the West, and across the globe. Our litigators, trial attorneys, and transactional lawyers guide clients through every problem, finding solutions at every turn. The firm serves clients from offices in Los AngelesSacramentoSan DiegoSanta Ana, and Seattle. Whether representing businesses in court, helping negotiate transactions, or handling matters in state, federal, or appellate courts, Klinedinst attorneys help get the job done.

Santa Ana Managing Shareholder Kevin Gramling has been honored as an Orange County Father of the Year by the American Diabetes Association and the Father’s Day Council. Mr. Gramling was selected for his outstanding contributions to his family, the legal profession, and his community.

Photo of Kevin Gramling
Kevin Gramling

SANTA ANA – Klinedinst PC is pleased to announce Shareholder Kevin J. Gramling was presented with the Orange County Father of the Year Award by the Father’s Day Council and the American Diabetes Association.

The Father’s Day Council is a is a not-for-profit, all volunteer association with a mission to recognize Fathers who are role models in their families and communities. Alongside that mission, the organization raises funds to support meaningful organizations dealing with issues affecting fathers and children. The Orange County event will support diabetes research, education, and advocacy, and will recognize outstanding fathers for their contributions to their families, professions and communities. Since 2000, the Father’s Day Council events have raised more than $40 million for the American Diabetes Association.

“We would like to congratulate Kevin on this personal and professional honor,” said John Klinedinst, Founder and CEO of Klinedinst PC. “Kevin is not only a brilliant trial lawyer, but also a dedicated and caring father. He is truly a role model and leader in our community.”

Kevin Gramling is the managing shareholder of Klinedinst’s Santa Ana office, and has extensive experience defending transportation, product liability, premises liability, mold and indoor air quality, and professional liability claims. Mr. Gramling served as lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. Mr. Gramling is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), a highly respected national advocacy group dedicated to the preservation of the right to trial by jury.

In addition to his professional achievements, Mr. Gramling is an outstanding father to three daughters and positive role model in his community. In support of his daughters, Mr. Gramling has been involved in youth sports in Laguna Hills for over ten years. He has coached his daughters in American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) soccer and also little league baseball. Mr. Gramling is an AYSO referee and has served on the Regional AYSO board for ten years. For the last seven years, Mr. Gramling has served as Regional Commissioner for the AYSO region in Laguna Hills.

The award was presented to Mr. Gramling at the Father of the Year Awards dinner on June 15, 2017 at the Island Hotel Newport Beach.

Klinedinst congratulates Mr. Gramling on this very special honor. To learn more about Mr. Gramling and this award, please click here:

www.kevingramling.com

About Klinedinst

Klinedinst has become the go-to firm for clients across California, across the West, and across the globe. Our litigators, trial attorneys, and transactional lawyers guide clients through every problem, finding solutions at every turn. The firm serves clients from offices in Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, Santa Ana, and Seattle. Whether representing businesses in court, helping negotiate transactions, or handling matters in state, federal, or appellate courts, Klinedinst attorneys help get the job done.

Benjamin C. Wohlfeil has joined the Klinedinst San Diego office as an Associate. An experienced litigator and trial attorney, Mr. Wohlfeil brings his legal acumen to the firm’s complex litigation and professional liability team.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – Klinedinst is pleased to announce the addition of attorney Benjamin C. Wohlfeil to the firm’s San Diego office. Mr. Wohlfeil’s practice will focus on complex business litigation, including matters in the professional liability context.

Benjamin C. Wohlfeil
Benjamin C. Wohlfeil

An experienced litigator, Mr. Wohlfeil began his legal career in Alaska as a prosecutor, handling both trial and appellate matters. He spent three years working in rural Alaska prosecuting alcohol-related offenses in Alaska’s dry villages, and then moved to Anchorage where he prosecuted cases for the Violent Crimes Unit. During this time, Mr. Wohlfeil tried over 55 jury trials to verdict. He has also orally argued a case before the Alaska Court of Appeals. After returning to San Diego in 2015, Mr. Wohlfeil further honed his litigation and trial skills working at a boutique litigation firm. Mr. Wohlfeil earned his Juris Doctor degree from California Western School of Law, and graduated cum laude from Valparaiso University in Indiana.

Klinedinst PC is pleased to welcome Mr. Wohlfeil to the firm. To learn more about Mr. Wohlfeil, please visit:

https://klinedinstlaw.com/profiles/attorney/benjamin-wohlfeil

About Klinedinst

Klinedinst has become the go-to firm for clients across California, across the West, and across the globe. Our litigators, trial attorneys, and transactional lawyers guide clients through every problem, finding solutions at every turn. The firm serves clients from offices in Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, Santa Ana, and Seattle. Whether representing businesses in court, helping negotiate transactions, or handling matters in state, federal, or appellate courts, Klinedinst attorneys help to get the job done.

Klinedinst attorney Douglas W. Lytle, in his most recent legal blog, discusses trademark genericide. Mr. Lytle examines the importance behind proper trademark use and tips for litigators involved in Trademark Law.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIADouglas W. Lytle recently authored an article, “Google & Trademark Genericide – Be Sure to Ask the Right Question.” In the article, Mr. Lytle deconstructs trademark genericide and discusses a recent appeal involving an individual seeking cancellation of the Google trademark. He discusses why trademark genericide is a tough, complex argument and practical tips on avoiding it.

Doug Lytle, Esq.
Doug W. Lytle

Trademark genericide happens when a trademark becomes the common (generic) word for a product or service itself and is no longer protectable under trademark law. Trademark genericide is one reason companies regulate how others may use their trademarks and why they create branding and trademark usage guidelines. In a recent Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal decision, Elliot v. Google, Inc., the court summary’s judgment favored Google in a case where an individual sought cancellation of the Google trademark on the grounds of it being generic. Ultimately, the panel “held that verb use of the word “google” to mean “search the internet,” as opposed to adjective use, did not automatically constitute generic use.” In his article, Mr. Lytle analyzes trademark genericide and also gives his view on the matter, as well as tips for litigators involved in Trademark Law.

For over 20 years, Mr. Lytle has enforced and defended the rights of businesses and individuals in state and federal courts. An accomplished trial attorney, Mr. Lytle works with Klinedinst’s professional liability team to defend lawyers and accountants in malpractice claims. He has achieved the highest AV-Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, and has been recognized as a Top Lawyer in Business & Intellectual Property Litigation in San Diego Magazine. To read the current issue or to subscribe to receive the monthly newsletter, “Takes on Law,” click here:

https://takesonlaw.wordpress.com/

About Klinedinst

Klinedinst has become the go-to firm for clients across California, across the West, and across the globe. Our litigators, trial attorneys, and transactional lawyers guide clients through every problem, finding solutions at every turn. The firm serves clients from offices in Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, Santa Ana, and Seattle. Whether representing businesses in court, helping negotiate transactions, or handling matters in state, federal, or appellate courts, Klinedinst attorneys help get the job done.

The California Homeowner Bill of Rights (HBOR) can lead to unintended consequences and legal implications. Klinedinst’s Ian Rambarran co-presented a webinar for the California Mortgage Bankers Association (CMBA) Legal issues Committee highlighting strategies for defending HBOR claims. 

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – Klinedinst PC Shareholder Ian Rambarran co-presented a webinar hosted by the California Mortgage Bankers Association (California MBA) Legal issues Committee on Tuesday, May 16, 2017.

Photo of Ian A. Rambarran
Ian A. Rambarran

The Legal Issues Committee webinar highlighted strategies for defending HBOR Claims and discuss the release of the committee’s new licensing pamphlet.

California MBA has been the leading statewide advocate for the residential and commercial real estate finance industry, representing its members before all government and regulatory agencies. Headquartered in Sacramento, California, California MBA promotes fair and ethical lending practices through a wide range of educational programs, services and industry publications.

The organization’s Legal Issues Committee provides a legal forum to discuss legal matters of interest to California MBA member companies.

An experienced litigator in Klinedinst’s Sacramento office, Mr. Rambarran regularly counsels clients regarding lending and loan servicing law. Mr. Rambarran offered guidance to conference attendees on how to implement the provisions of new legislation, and how best to secure one’s legal position in this complex industry.

 

About Klinedinst

Klinedinst has become the go-to firm for clients across California, across the West, and across the globe. Our litigators, trial attorneys, and transactional lawyers guide clients through every problem, finding solutions at every turn. The firm serves clients from offices in Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, Santa Ana, and Seattle. Whether representing businesses in court, helping negotiate transactions, or handling matters in state, federal, or appellate courts, Klinedinst attorneys help get the job done.

Klinedinst shareholder Gregor A. Hensrude has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Skagit-Island Human Resource Management Association (SIHRMA). The Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) local chapter provides a forum for personal and professional development, and provides legislative attention to human resource management issues.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – Klinedinst is pleased to announce that Seattle managing shareholder Gregor A. Hensrude has been appointed to the Board of Directors as Legislative Director for the Skagit-Island Human Resource Management Association (SIHRMA).

Gregor Hensrude, Esq.
Gregor Hensrude

SIHRMA is one of more than 500 affiliated Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) chapters that provides a local forum for the personal and professional development of human resource management. The organization helps provide members the opportunity to develop their leadership, managerial, public speaking and group decision-making skills and lends focus for legislative attention to human resource management issues.

SHRM is the world’s largest HR professional society, representing 285,000 members in more than 165 countries. It is the leading provider of resources, serving the needs of HR professionals and advancing the practice of human resource management. The organization provides education, thought leadership, certification, community, and advocacy to communities they serve.

“Greg’s appointment to SIHRMA as Legislative Director is a terrific honor,” said John Klinedinst, Chief Executive Officer and Shareholder of Klinedinst PC. “Greg is absolutely dedicated to the continual development of the HR profession, and his extensive knowledge of employment issues, especially those impacting WA employers, will be of tremendous benefit to all SIHRMA members.”

Earlier this year, Klinedinst was named as a Recertification Provider by SHRM. The certification allows the firm to issue Professional Development Credits (PDCs) to participants in educational trainings and other HR-related programs hosted by Klinedinst employment law attorneys.

Klinedinst congratulates Mr. Hensrude on his appointment to Board of Directors of SIHRMA. For more information on Mr. Hensrude, please visit:

https://klinedinstlaw.com/profiles/attorney/gregor-hensrude

About Klinedinst

Klinedinst has become the go-to firm for clients across California, across the West, and across the globe. Our litigators, trial attorneys, and transactional lawyers guide clients through every problem, finding solutions at every turn. The firm serves clients from offices in Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, Santa Ana, and Seattle. Whether representing businesses in court, helping negotiate transactions, or handling matters in state, federal, or appellate courts, Klinedinst attorneys help to get the job done.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – In a recent article featured in Sacramento Lawyer, Natalie P. Vance explores the delicate subject of succession planning, and what happens to clients when attorneys are prevented from practicing law.

Photo of Natalie Vance
Natalie P. Vance

Attorneys may find themselves unable to practice law for a number of reasons, including illness, sudden injury, family, or even death. Lawyers working in larger firms tend to have backup attorneys that can step in and cover the case load when something happens.

Solo and small firm practitioners, however, do not have the luxury of having a full stable of attorneys ready to step in quickly. The consequences of not having a plan in place can be extreme, including case dismissals, sanctions, malpractice allegations, and problems with the state bar.

Ms. Vance, who is the Managing Shareholder of Klinedinst’s Sacramento office, explores the issues faced with not having a succession plan in place. In addition to providing background on what happens when succession is needed, she provides a useful checklist that attorneys can use to ensure their succession plan is complete and ready to roll, should the need ever arise.

Klinedinst congratulations Ms. Vance on her publication, and her work on helping attorneys effectively manage their succession planning. To read the full article, please download a reprint of the article.

About Klinedinst

Klinedinst has become the go-to firm for clients across California, across the West, and across the globe. Our litigators, trial attorneys, and transactional lawyers guide clients through every problem, finding solutions at every turn. The firm serves clients from offices in Los AngelesSacramentoSan DiegoSanta Ana, and Seattle. Whether representing businesses in court, helping negotiate transactions, or handling matters in state, federal, or appellate courts, Klinedinst attorneys help get the job done.