Professional Liability

Architects and Engineers

Klinedinst’s Architects and Engineers practice group has a long history of representing various design professionals against claims of professional malpractice. Our attorneys represent architects, civil engineers, soils engineers, mechanical and electrical engineers, structural consultants, and other design professionals in construction related litigation associated with commercial and residential construction projects.

In addition to defending claims involving construction defects many of our cases involve the defense of substantial mold claims and often require expert knowledge and experience in both construction defect litigation and environmental law. Our attorneys have extensive experience in both practice areas, allowing us to vigorously defend clients with mold claims in a variety of unique circumstances throughout California.

When called upon, our attorneys are accustomed to trying cases on behalf of their architect and engineer clients. Our attorneys also understand the toll that litigation can take on professionals, and make every effort to resolve disputes as quickly and effectively as possible.

Financial Products and Services

Klinedinst’s Financial Products and Services litigation group has substantial experience in defending claims related to a wide variety of complex financial products and services.

Our attorneys handle professional liability claims on behalf of financial advisors, registered representatives, broker-dealers, actuaries, registered investment advisers (RIAs), third party administrators and other employee benefits consultants in state and federal court cases brought by private parties, civil enforcement actions by the SEC, and in FINRA arbitrations.

Over three decades, our attorneys have developed significant trial experience in both state and federal court. Our attorneys have a strong understanding of the various types of financial products and services involved in today’s litigation, and as such, we are able to significantly narrow the issues – and sometimes many of the causes of action – in the cases filed against our clients. We then work in concert with clients to develop the litigation strategy that resolves the matter as quickly and effectively as possible, be it through negotiation or trial.

Lawyers and Accountants

When lawyers and accountants are faced with allegations, careful and thoughtful analysis by skilled and experienced attorneys is a must. Professionals need responsive, trial-ready counsel who will distill the complaint to its primary issues, take the time to thoroughly understand the facts, and craft and implement a comprehensive strategy with precision.

Klinedinst attorneys are that counsel.

Klinedinst attorneys in the Lawyers and Accountants practice group have developed a well-earned reputation for their defense of claims against lawyers and accountants, including lawsuits alleging negligence, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, unfair business practices, and malicious prosecution. This includes the defense of class action matters. Several members of the Klinedinst team hold specialty certifications in Legal Malpractice Law, and have received awards recognizing them as the best in this area of practice. Klinedinst attorneys also advise legal and accounting professionals on ethics and risk management matters, and assist with other business-related matters such as partnership disputes and real estate transactions.

With active team members located across all of our offices, Klinedinst attorneys handle a wide variety of these malpractice suits. Regardless of the damages alleged, Klinedinst attorneys are skilled at providing a vigorous defense to each and every one of the professional clients. Our attorneys are adept at providing precise analyses; drafting targeted and effective discovery plans; developing case themes; developing resolution strategies; crafting pre-trial motions, including initial responses, motions for summary judgment, and anti-SLAPP motions; and trying or arbitrating cases.

Armed with the latest in collaboration tools, attorneys in the Lawyers and Accountants group regularly strategize with attorneys across our practice groups and our California offices to provide comprehensive, integrated legal services to every client.

Learn how Klinedinst’s Lawyers and Accountants team can be of service, and contact one of our team members today.

Professional License Defense

For California licensed professionals, reputation is everything. And a professional license in good standing is the bedrock on which a reputation is built.  So, when licensing boards investigate claims of misconduct and threaten discipline, livelihoods hang in the balance.

From the inception of an investigation to the filing of an official Accusation to a full-blown hearing before an administrative law judge, professionals need lawyers who will vigorously defend them against all allegations brought before California licensing boards, as well as self-governing bodies. That’s why doctors, nurses, psychologists, contractors, real estate brokers, accountants, veterinarians, and other professionals rely on Klinedinst’s experienced attorneys to represent them in defense of their professional licenses.

The firm’s attorneys represent clients before several regulatory bodies, including:

• California Board of Pharmacy
• California Board of Psychology
• California Board of Registered Nursing
• California Department of Real Estate
• California Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers (BREA)
• California Contractors State License Board
• California Department of Insurance
• California Medical Board
• California Veterinary Medical Board
• Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (FINRA)
• And many, many others.

Administrative actions brought by these boards are complicated, requiring mastery of a different set of rules and procedures than most litigators are used to.  Klinedinst attorneys understand the complexities and challenges of defending a client in an administrative setting. The firm’s attorneys are located strategically across the entire state, and are able to navigate the maze of regulations and procedures each case presents.

Professionals facing a threat to their license need the confidence and peace of mind that only a dedicated, capable attorney can instill. And ensuring our clients have quality attorneys by their side during these high-stakes hearings is what Klinedinst is all about. We strive to achieve excellent results, whether through trial or settlement, in each and every case.

To learn more, contact a Klinedinst lawyer today.

Legal Ethics and Law Firm Risk Management

In addition to representing attorneys in professional liability disputes, Klinedinst’s Ethics Lawyers advises practitioners on legal ethics, professional obligations, compliance, and risk management. Professional clients come to Klinedinst to get practical and common sense solutions to the myriad of issues that lawyers face into today’s environment.

The profession of law is governed by an increasingly specialized set of law and regulations, including the Rules of Professional Conduct, State Bar Act, ethics opinions and advisories, civility and professionalism standards, and entity rules. The attorneys at Klinedinst have decades of deep experience in advising a wide range of practitioners, from solo and small firms to the largest law firms in the world, on these issues and more. Several members of this team hold specialty certifications in Legal Malpractice. Klinedinst understands the challenges facing the profession, and provides succinct, to-the-point guidance on these professional standards. Understanding that ethics issues often arise on a moment’s notice, and need to be dealt immediately, Klinedinst is also known for its quick response time to its professional clients.

In addition to general ethics advisement, Klinedinst assists in fee disputes, law firm dissolutions, attorney employee departures, partnership disputes, succession planning, malpractice insurance, and expert witness engagements.

The members of this team each have significant experience in legal ethics and malpractice litigation, making them well-rounded and particularly qualified to provide guidance and counseling. We have proven success in helping lawyers and law firms in achieving their goals in an ethical and effective manner. Members of our Legal Ethics and Law Firm Risk Management group have received awards and recognition for their work across California, including a top Tier 1 ranking for Ethics and Professional Responsibility in San Diego from Best Lawyers®.

Veterinary Medical Law

Klinedinst’s Veterinary Medical Law practice group focuses on providing legal solutions for various individuals, entities, and organizations in the business of caring for animals.

Specifically, our attorneys have experience in defending veterinarians in administrative proceedings and malpractice lawsuits; consulting with and defending private humane societies and SPCA’s regarding compliance with state and local regulations; and acting as outside regulatory counsel for animal-related businesses. Our attorneys also have significant experience in employment issues that arise in animal-related businesses, such as veterinary hospitals, animal shelters, and humane societies.

Klinedinst frequently represents veterinarians before the California Veterinary Medical Board during investigations, administrative hearings and appeals. Our attorneys also represent veterinarians in professional liability litigation and appeals, as well as employment practices litigation. Klinedinst lawyers have also represented owners of dogs in dangerous dog hearings, as well as breeders of pure bred dogs in a variety of actions.

Our attorneys are adept at handling animal law-related issues in litigation, as well as business transaction matters. Learn more about our Veterinary Medical Law attorneys by contacting them today.