Klinedinst PC was proud to sponsor the Disability Rights Legal Center’s 41st Annual FDR Dinner on November 17, 2016. DRLC’s annual award event honors businesses and individuals that have gone above and beyond in furthering disability rights and inclusion.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – Klinedinst PC was a proud sponsor of the Disability Rights Legal Center 41st Annual FDR Dinner on November 17, 2016. The event took place at the Omni Hotel California Plaza, and honored the efforts of leaders in the sports, entertainment, civil liberties, and business communities in championing disability rights.
The Disability Rights Legal Center (DRLC) is a nonprofit organization that supports the rights of people with disabilities through education, advocacy and litigation. The DRLC strives to set the standard for the enforcement of disability rights and in educating the public that “access is equality.” The organization advocates for people with physical disabilities, emotional and mental health disabilities, terminal illness, and children and students with disabilities.
“For forty-one years, DRLC has stood for the inclusion and fair treatment of those with disabilities, and we are deeply grateful to those organizations who have chosen to stand with us,” said Maronel Barajas, Managing Attorney of DRLC. “We view our annual Franklin D. Roosevelt Dinner as an opportunity to show our appreciation for the community of advocates whose excellent work helps create a better society for all of us. Through their support of this event… the team at Klinedinst has upheld our mission to, in FDR’s words, ‘make a country in which no one is left out.'”
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 employment attorney Thomas Daugherty addressed the San Diego Regional Chamber on November 16, 2016. Mr. Daugherty gave a year-end review on employment laws in a presentation to the Chamber’s Education & Workforce Development Committee.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA– Klinedinst employment attorney Thomas E. Daugherty presented an employment law update to San Diego Regional Chamber’s Education & Workforce Development Committee on November 16, 2016.
Thomas E. Daugherty
The Department of Labor’s new rules become effective December 1, 2016. It is imperative for employers to familiarize themselves with the overtime exemption rule, the California Fair Pay Act, the Equal Pay Act, and many more new laws. In the employment law update, Mr. Daugherty reviewed the new rules and offered guidance for implementing them successfully.
Mr. Daugherty litigates and counsels clients in employment law, professional liability, and commercial litigation. He regularly counsels employers on best practices, policies and multifaceted human resources issues and keeps clients up-to-date on new developments in California and federal employment law.
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 Earl B. Gilliam Bar Foundation is dedicated to the advancement of underrepresented individuals in the legal profession. Their Corporate Commitment to Diversity Award honors Klinedinst for its continued efforts to promote diversity in the legal and business community.
The Corporate Commitment to Diversity Award annually honors law firms for their continuing efforts to advance diversity in the legal community. Earl B. Gilliam Bar Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to representing the interests of the African American legal community in San Diego County for over forty years. The Foundation provides scholarships and support for law students and African American legal professionals, and has done much to assist San Diego County attorneys in the advancement of their legal careers.
“In these times where so much negative rhetoric has been used to divide and exclude, it is vitally important that we come together to promote inclusion and support persons and groups that have been traditionally excluded and underrepresented,” said Joy Utomi, President of the Foundation. “The Earl B. Gilliam Bar Foundation’s Corporate Diversity award honors firms and companies that show a commitment to supporting the advancement of minorities and women in the legal profession. Klinedinst has shown that commitment and we are proud to recognize them at our upcoming annual dinner.”
Klinedinst and its Diversity Committee have launched several initiatives and have actively participated in programming to help increase diversity in both the legal and business communities. The firm annually sponsors a diversity scholarship for a 1L law student through the California Bar Foundation (CBF).
On a local level, the firm is also an active supporter of the San Diego County Bar Association (SDCBA) Diversity Fellowship Program and the Sacramento County Bar (SCBA) Diversity Fellowship Program. The firm annually welcomes a 1L student from an underrepresented community in each jurisdiction to clerk at the firm during the summer.
Klinedinst is a supporter of the SDCBA’s Dialogue On Diversity, a program where industry leaders educate attendees on the importance of diversity in the legal community. Additionally, the firm was an original signatory to the Los Angeles County Bar Association’s 2005 Statement of Diversity Goals and Principles and the SDCBA’s 2007 Diversity Pledge. The firm promotes the rights of the disabled through its active participation with the Los Angeles-based Disability Rights Legal Center. Klinedinst proudly supports Women of Color in the Law, which provides opportunities and mentorship to law students in San Diego.
“We need both the lawyers and the judges in the state of California to be reflective of our communities, in order to effectively serve them,” said Nadia Bermudez, former President of La Raza Lawyers and Lawyers Club of San Diego, as well as Senior Counsel at Klinedinst PC. “We are very thankful to the Earl B. Gilliam Bar Foundation for their advancement of underrepresented groups in the legal profession, and are so honored to receive this award.”
Klinedinst was presented the award at the Foundation’s 40th Annual Awards and Scholarship Dinner on November 12, 2016. To learn more about the Earl B. Gilliam Bar Association, please visit:
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.
Douglas W. Lytle has joined the Klinedinst San Diego office as Senior Counsel. As an experienced litigator and accomplished trial attorney, Mr. Lytle brings his significant legal experience to the firm’s professional liability team.
In his new role, Mr. Lytle will focus on defending lawyers and accountants in cases alleging professional malpractice. Mr. Lytle is an experienced litigation and trial attorney with over 20 years of experience enforcing and defending the rights of businesses and individuals in state and federal courts. He also has significant experience with defending intellectual property, has authored numerous articles appearing in national local publications, and founded the legal blog “Takes on Law.”
Mr. Lytle 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. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of California San Diego, and his Juris Doctor from Willamette University College of Law in Oregon.
Klinedinst PC is pleased to welcome Mr. Lytle to the firm. To learn more about Mr. Lytle, please visit:
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 Seattle is officially one year-old. The firm celebrated the Seattle office’s first anniversary by welcoming two new additions and expanding to a larger office in support of its steady growth in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – Klinedinst’s expansion into the Pacific Northwest has celebrated its first anniversary.
In addition, Klinedinst Seattle officially moved to a new, larger office on the 11th floor of the Norton Building in downtown Seattle. The expansion has welcomed its continued growth with additional support, as well.
“Last year’s launch of our Seattle office has brought new opportunities, and we are thrilled to expand our team,” explains Gregor A. Hensrude, Managing Shareholder of Klinedinst’s Seattle office. “We are very bullish on Seattle. The new additions reflect our positive economic forecast for the Northwest, while reinforcing our commitment to serving Seattle’s business community.”
The new office location is 801 2nd Avenue, Suite 1110
Seattle, WA 98104. To learn more about the Seattle location, please visit:
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 and CBIZ partnered to deliver informative information for not-for-profits regarding the new overtime regulations, effective December 1, 2016. Organizations face consequences if the rules are not implemented properly.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – Klinedinst partners with CBIZ, a business and financial consulting firm addressed key not-for-profit compensation topics at the 2016 Compensation Update on Thursday, September 29, 2016.
Nadia B. Bermudez
The new overtime regulations will have a major impact on many not-for-profit organizations. Klinedinst employment attorney Nadia Bermudez along with CBIZ’s Ed Rataj, Managing Director of Compensation Consulting, provided an overview of the new regulations, specific considerations for not-for-profits in California, the real consequences to organizations and a step-by-step approach to successfully implementing the new regulations.
In addition, the IRS and Boards of Directors are placing more scrutiny on executive compensation in not-for-profits. Ms. Bermudez and Mr. Rataj discussed the applicable regulatory considerations, as well as the steps that are necessary to protect your organization’s best interests.
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 and CBIZ partnered again to address the new overtime regulations, effective December 1, 2016, and how they will impact employers at the 2016 Compensation Update. CEOs, CFOs, and HR executives were encouraged to attend to learn steps they can take to assist in implementing the new changes.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – Klinedinst partnered with business and financial consulting firm CBIZ to address key compensation topics at the 2016 Compensation Update on Thursday, September 29, 2016.
Nadia B. Bermudez
Klinedinst employment attorney Nadia Bermudez co-presented to executives on the new overtime regulations. The nearing effective date will have a major impact on many employers and their respective companies. Ms. Bermudez co-presented with CBIZ’s Ed Rataj, Managing Director of Compensation Consulting, to provide an overview of the new regulations and specific considerations for companies in California.
The seminar highlighted the real consequences companies face and a step-by-step approach to successfully implement the new regulations. Also, with the recent scrutiny the IRS is placing on executive compensation, the presenters discussed the applicable regulatory considerations and the three steps that are necessary to protect your company.
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.
DJ Steve Aoki jumps onto a raft during a concert in 2012.
In a high-profile trial, the Hard Rock Hotel was sued by a concertgoer injured when celebrity DJ Steve Aoki launched himself into the crowd at a 2012 concert. While the plaintiff sought $10.7 million in damages, Klinedinst shareholders Kevin Gramling and Ernest Weiss were able to prove to a California jury that the hotel could not have predicted Aoki’s actions, and was not responsible for the plaintiff’s injuries.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – Two Klinedinst shareholders, Kevin J. Gramling and Ernest L. Weiss, have won a jury trial in a high profile case filed by a woman who, in court filings, claimed injuries suffered when a celebrity DJ climbed the stage truss 20 feet into the air at a concert and stage-dived into the crowd.
Case documents, filed in San Diego Superior Court, describe the events that took place when Hard Rock Hotel San Diego hosted DJ Steve Aoki in its outdoor concert venue in 2012. Security footage showed Aoki launching an inflatable boat into the crowd. He then climbed up a truss around the stage, and proceeded to jump from about 15 feet into the raft. The plaintiff was under the inflatable raft when Aoki landed in the raft, and she alleged that the impact from Aoki left her with a broken neck, herniated cervical discs, and a traumatic brain injury.
After the incident, the plaintiff filed suit against Hard Rock Hotel for negligence. In her filings, plaintiff was seeking in excess of $10.7 million in future medical costs and damages, including pain and suffering. She also sued Aoki, who settled out of court for an undisclosed amount. On the eve of trial, and with her case against Aoki settled, the plaintiff made a $1 million trial demand, which was rejected by the defense.
In case transcripts and video taken in court, Mr. Gramling and Mr. Weiss presented a vigorous defense on behalf of the Hard Rock Hotel against the allegations. Throughout the course of the trial, they argued that the hotel had no prior warning or notice that Aoki would perform the stunt. The plaintiff argued that the hotel should have known that Aoki may perform such a stunt (based on past concerts).
Court records show that Gramling and Weiss argued the hotel should not shoulder the blame for actions of others. In addition, they were able to demonstrate that Aoki’s decision to even try the jump was made during the show, about five minutes before he actually jumped, and that Hard Rock Hotel had no advance warning of the dangerous stunt. Through medical experts, they also argued that the plaintiff’s injuries were not as severe as alleged, including her claim of cognitive brain dysfunction and traumatic cervical disc herniation. The defense argued that many of her expert witnesses had been brought in with the express intent of building a large dollar verdict.
The jury ended up deliberating for about 35 minutes before returning a verdict of 10-2 in favor of the defense.
“In every way, this is an incredible result for our clients by Kevin and Ernie,” said John Klinedinst, Founder and CEO of Klinedinst PC. “They presented a vigorous defense, and were able to cut through the emotion and expert witness testimony to clearly and convincingly advocate on behalf of our client. We thank Hard Rock Hotel for its trust during this high-exposure case, and congratulate Kevin and Ernie on this terrific result.”
Both shareholders for the defense are experienced trial lawyers. Mr. Gramling, who manages the firm’s Santa Ana office, secured a defense verdict in the first mold wrongful death case to ever go to trial. He is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), an invitation-only organization of elite trial lawyers who demonstrate the highest levels of integrity and skill. Mr. Weiss has prevailed at trial in a number of complex cases, including those involving traumatic brain injury and premises liability.
“With our client facing an eight figure lawsuit, a jury agreed that our client met the standard of care,” Gramling said. “Hard Rock Hotel should never have been brought into this matter in the first place, and we thank the jury for seeing this case through to its proper conclusion.”
The case is Hickman v. Hard Rock Hotel San Diego (San Diego Superior Court, Case No. 37-2013-00064985-CU-PO-CTL). Plaintiff was represented by lead counsel John Gomez, with assistance from Jeremiah Lowe and Jessica Sizemore of Gomez Trial Attorneys.
Klinedinst congratulates Mr. Gramling and Mr. Weiss for their success in this high value, high-profile case. For more information on Mr. Gramling and his qualifications, please visit:
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 2016 Northern California edition of Super Lawyers® has recognized three Klinedinst attorneys, an honor that is reserved for less than 5% of eligible attorneys. Natalie Vance appears on this year’s list for their seventh straight year, while Michael Carruth has been named by the magazine as one of its Rising Stars.
SACRAMENTO – Klinedinst is pleased to announce that three Sacramento attorneys have been honored by Northern California Super Lawyers®.
Super Lawyers is a peer-review publication, where attorneys in geographic regions are encouraged to nominate fellow attorneys that exhibit the highest legal skills. The resulting list of nominations is carefully vetted and screened by Super Lawyers‘ own research team before being announced. Fewer than 5% of eligible licensed attorneys find themselves on the Super Lawyers list, while just 2.5% are honored as Rising Stars.
“This is a terrific distinction for Natalie and Michael,” noted John Klinedinst, Founder and CEO of Klinedinst PC. “To be recognized by the publication means you have earned the respect of your fellow attorneys. Natalie and Michael are indeed all-stars in their respective fields, and I congratulate them on this excellent achievement.”
This year marks the first Rising Star distinction for Michael Carruth, while this is the seventh consecutive year on the Super Lawyers list for Natalie Vance. Ms. Vance was also recognized as a Rising Star in 2009. Twenty Klinedinst attorneys have been recognized as Super Lawyers and Rising Stars in 2016.
Klinedinst congratulates Mr. Carruth and Ms. Vance on their recognition in the 2016 Northern California Super Lawyers. To learn more about each of these attorneys, please visit:
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.
Thomas Daugherty addressed the many changes that the minimum wage hike and earned sick leave expansion will bring for employers at North San Diego Business Chamber’s FLSA Wage Law Forum.
Thomas E. Daugherty
SAN DIEGO – Klinedinst employment attorney Thomas E. Daugherty was a keynote speaker where he discussed the recent minimum wage and paid sick leave increases at North San Diego Business Chamber’s FLSA Wage Law Forum on Wednesday, July 20, 2016.
Mr. Daugherty reviewed the recent approved ballot referendum, the Earned Sick Leave-Minimum Wage Ordinance, which expands the use of earned sick leave from three days per year to five days per year, and increases the minimum wage from $10.00 per hour to $10.50 per hour. Mr. Daugherty is an experienced employment attorney based in San Diego, litigating employment cases while counseling business clients in ways to prevent the issues that lead to litigation.
Employers and business owners throughout San Diego County may have employees performing work within the geographic boundaries of the City of San Diego. Employers need to prepare for the new ordinance, which may significantly impact their pay practices.
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.
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