Big Firm Experience

During his eight years of big law firm practice, Mr. Barton was involved in a wide variety of litigation for clients ranging from multi-national conglomerates to mid-size local businesses.  Highlights include successful resolution of the following:

• Defended commercial landlord against mechanics’ lien action filed by general contractor after tenant defaulted on construction contract for tenant improvements.
• Identified unique strategy enabling land owner to recover title to large tract of land conveyed to one of country’s biggest home builders in complex agreement, but without up front payment.  After court ordered mandatory permanent injunction returning title to client, successfully defended against home builder’s appeal seeking to overturn injunction.
• Drafted key portions of winning brief in Ninth Circuit appeal.  In published opinion, Ninth Circuit held that client’s state law claims were not barred by Rooker-Feldman doctrine.
• Represented insurance company in civil action by property owner seeking recovery for water damage to apartment building when insured’s vehicle struck fire hydrant, flooding roof and allegedly causing, among other things, extensive mold damage.
• Represented developer of oceanfront private residence club in U.S. Virgin Islands against suit by money partner alleging fraud and mismanagement and seeking to take over ownership and management of project.
• Led team of 12 lawyers in lengthy document review, identifying critical documents, which resulted in seven-figure judgment for client and award of attorney’s fees in excess of $6 million.
• Drafted summary judgment motion for land owner in dispute with large overnight package delivery company over delinquent lease payments on central sorting facility.  After obtaining summary judgment, client negotiated new lease with delivery company and sold property at 150% profit.
• Defended client in civil suit by tenant, a private academic institution, seeking to invalidate purchase agreement executed by client for space leased to school.  After client prevailed in first phase of bifurcated trial, tenant agreed to new lease terms which allowed school to continue in existing space, and allowed client to develop adjacent property.
• Represented warehouse owner in breach of lease dispute with trucking company after trucking company violated Conditional Use Permit by using facility as truck terminal and dispatch center.  Obtained settlement that substantially increased rent, allowing client to offer property for sale at market price.
• Defended client, partner in real estate development business, after client was locked out of his office and partners took steps to divert revenue streams.  After judgment in client’s favor, client recovered most of his investment.
• Negotiated settlement with California Department of Real Estate for national property management client unintentionally out of compliance with existing statutes and DRE regulations.
• Defended pro-bono client against collection action, identifying violations of federal and state Fair Debt Collection Acts that resulted in dismissal of case against client, without any payment by client.
• Prepared successful motion to set aside stipulated judgment in 7-figure dissolution matter, winning client her day in court.
• Retained as expert to provide input into property division involving income generation community asset and calculation of spousal support after buy-out of asset by Payor spouse.