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, CALIFORNIA – Douglas 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 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.

Navy Bay Bridge Run
Klinedinst is pleased to announce the firm once again was an official sponsor of the Navy’s 31st Annual Bay Bridge Run/Walk. The event supports the Navy’s Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) programs, which assist in improving the quality of life for active duty and retired military and their family members.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – Klinedinst was proud to sponsor and participate in the Navy’s 31st Annual Bay Bridge Run/Walk on Sunday, May 21, 2017. The annual event benefits the Navy’s Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) programs, which provides assistance to over 500,000 active and retired military and their families.

The Bay Bridge Run/Walk brings people from across the nation to participate in this remarkable event. Every year, the event draws in roughly 10,000 people to enjoy the course, panoramic views, and post-run celebration. The course is a unique 4-mile run/walk, which begins near the 10th Avenue Marine Terminal in downtown San Diego, continued over the iconic Coronado Bay Bridge, and finishes at Coronado’s Tidelands Park.

This year’s event has partnered with the Navy Gold Star Program, which honors surviving family members who lost their life on active duty. To show appreciation, the Program created the “I Run to Remember” campaign to pay tribute to those lost where participants can write the name of a Fallen Service Member on their bib in remembrance. The Navy Gold Star (NGS) is a Survivor assistance program designed for Families of Service Members who passed while on active duty and provides long-term assistance and support to Survivors.

“To honor our military and show support, Klinedinst is proud to sponsor once again the Navy’s Bay Bridge Run/Walk in support of MWR,” said Arthur Moreau, Chief Operating Officer of Klinedinst and a former naval aviator. “Every year, North Island’s MWR always does a fantastic job making the iconic bridge into an active pedestrian course, and we are all excited to participate again.”

MWR provides healthy and affordable fitness and recreation opportunities at each of the five Navy bases in San Diego County. It operates multiple gymnasiums and fitness centers, swimming pools and beaches, free movie theaters, bowling lanes, golf courses, discount ticket offices, marinas, gear rental centers, youth and teen recreation centers, food and beverage facilities, childcare centers and more.

Klinedinst believes in giving back to the business, personal, and legal communities that we serve. Under our “Klinedinst Corps” banner, Klinedinst employees regularly participate in community projects and events. Klinedinst Corps is honored to sponsor this wonderful event and support the Navy’s MWR programs. To learn more about the Navy’s 31st Annual Bay Bridge Run/Walk, click here:

http://navylifesw.com/bridgerun/

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.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – Klinedinst was proud to participate in the American Bar Association’s (ABA) Spring 2017 National Legal Malpractice Conference. This year’s event was held in Boston, MA at Westin Copley Place, April 19-21, 2017.

The Spring Conference offered programming on legal liability issues and developments and included networking opportunities for attendees. Highlights this year included an opening plenary with Alan Dershowitz, Professor of Law Emeritus, Harvard Law School for a conversation focused on ethics; and Michelle Wu, President of the Boston City Council and named one of 14 young Democrats to watch by the New York Times.

Klinedinst Shareholders and members of the firm’s Professional Liability Department, John Klinedinst, Natalie Vance, and Daniel Agle were in attendance among other top legal malpractice attorneys and insurance professionals.

The Spring Conference was hosted by ABA’s Standing Committee on Lawyers Professional Liability Consortium (LPLC). LPLC  provides a place where practicing lawyers, insurance professionals, academics and risk managers meet to exchange views, share knowledge and learn the latest information about the law of lawyering.

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 PC announces two California attorneys have been promoted. Brian P. Murphy is the firm’s newest Senior Counsel, and Michael W. Carruth has been named Counsel by the business law firm.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – Klinedinst PC is very pleased to announce the promotion of two of its California attorneys. Brian Murphy has been elevated to Senior Counsel and Michael Carruth has been named Counsel.

“We are very proud to recognize the diligent efforts and achievements of our newest Senior Counsel and Counsel members,” said John Klinedinst, Chief Executive Officer and Founder. “They are committed to their clients and continue to contribute significantly to the firm and community, while providing excellent legal services, and I congratulate them on their efforts.”

Photo of Brian Murphy, Esq.
Brian P. Murphy

Since joining Klinedinst San Diego in 2007, Brian Murphy has focused his practice on professional liability as well as foreclosure law. He has extensive experience defending attorneys from all manner of claims, ranging from simple negligence and fee disputes to fraud and intentional torts. With regard to foreclosure, Mr. Murphy defends lenders and loan servicing companies on wrongful foreclosure and related claims. His clients now include many respected Southern California attorneys, as well as national lenders and their loan servicing companies. Mr. Murphy is active in the legal community and serves as the San Diego Leadership Committee Co-Chair of Lambda Legal.

Photo of Michael W. Carruth
Michael W. Carruth

Michael Carruth focuses his practice on civil litigation, with an emphasis on complex business and commercial disputes in the Sacramento office. Mr. Carruth continues to have great success representing clients in the financial services and lending industry, as well as significant injury actions. He has both defended and sought relief on behalf of businesses and individuals in all phases of litigation in state and federal courts. Mr. Carruth is active in the legal community and local Sacramento local community and was named Rising Star by Northern California Super Lawyers® in 2016 and a Top Lawyer for Commercial Litigation by Sacramento Magazine in 2015.

Klinedinst congratulates Mr. Murphy and Mr. Carruth on their promotions. To learn more about each attorney, please visit:

www.klinedinstlaw.com/profiles/

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 Shareholder Natalie Vance was named Top Lawyers by Sacramento Magazine for 2017. Top Lawyers recognizes attorneys in the Sacramento area for their dedication to their clients and commitment to the legal profession.

Photo of Natalie Vance
Natalie P. Vance

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – Klinedinst is pleased to announce Sacramento attorneys Natalie Vance has been named Top Lawyers by Sacramento Magazine for 2017.

Attorneys featured in the annual list are singled out by their peers in the Sacramento area for their reliability, professionalism, and commitment to the legal profession.

Attorneys are chosen by Sacramento Magazine through a peer nomination process conducted by Professional Research Services to determine the leading attorneys in 56 legal specialties. Nominations are sent to all licensed, practicing attorneys in the region. Each nominee is carefully evaluated on the basis of the survey results, and attorneys who receive the highest number of votes in each specialty are reflected in the annual list.

“Natalie is a very deserving recipient of this award,” said John Klinedinst, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Klinedinst PC. “She is a respected attorney with integrity and dedication to her profession, and we congratulate her on this special recognition by her peers.”

Ms. Vance is Managing Shareholder of the firm’s Sacramento office. She is s an experienced litigator, representing professionals and business entities in matters involving to professional malpractice, employment, and business disputes.

The Top Lawyers list will be published in the August 2017 edition of Sacramento Magazine.

Klinedinst congratulates Ms. Vance on this honor.  To learn more about Ms. Vance, click here:

www.klinedinstlaw.com/profiles/attorney/natalie-vance

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.