LOS ANGELES, July 19, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Liner Grode Stein Yankelevitz Sunshine Regenstreif & Taylor LLP (Liner Grode) adds litigators James P. Cunningham and Richard Ames to its San Francisco office as partners, expanding the firm's litigation capabilities in a competitive market. Both attorneys join from San Francisco's Carroll Burdick & McDonough, where they were Chair and Vice-Chair of the Toxic Tort practice, respectively. Joining these partners are associates Susanne Arani (who received her J.D. from Boston University School of Law), Jeffrey Thayer (who received his J.D. from UC Berkeley, Boalt Hall) and staff.
Stuart Liner, firmwide managing partner who focuses on enhancing client relationships, developing the strategic direction of the firm, and attracting and retaining top legal talent, said, "The way of doing business has shifted and we understand lawyers are looking for outstanding alternatives to the big firms. James and Richard are very talented and well-respected litigators, and we are confident both will have continued business success with us for years to come."
"We're excited to join Liner Grode, as the firm's outstanding attorneys promise to offer our clients a broad range of business and litigation services that complement our capabilities. We look forward to working with the firm's dynamic clients and with its excellent attorneys in this changing and competitive San Francisco legal marketplace," said James Cunningham.
Mr. Cunningham focuses his practice on the defense of toxic tort and personal injury cases. He has been instrumental in assisting his clients in nationwide strategy regarding the defense of claims brought by mesothelioma plaintiffs. He has participated in over 50 jury trials, half of which have gone to jury verdicts. He was also recently nominated and elected into the American Board of Trial Advocates ("ABOTA") as an associate.
He has extensive experience in alternative dispute resolution acting as a mediator, arbitrator and court appointed settlement conference judge. In addition to his work in the toxic tort and personal injury areas, Mr. Cunningham is very experienced in handling complex insurance coverage litigation and bad faith claims. He also has expertise on the issues of corporate succession, excess insurance coverage and indemnity claims.
Mr. Cunningham received his J.D. from Golden Gate University Law School, and his B.S. from Santa Clara University, B.S.
He is an Arbitrator and Judge Pro Tem in the San Francisco Superior Court. He is a member of the State Bar of California, Bar Association of San Francisco, Los Angeles County Bar Association and Association of Defense Counsel Defense Research Institute.
Mr. Ames handles multi-party toxic tort claims. He specializes in discovery against asbestos bankruptcy trusts, venue motions, jury instructions and special verdict forms, deposing and excluding opposing experts, and Federal Officer Removal. He has represented manufacturers, distributors, and premises owners in a wide range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, construction, and heavy manufacturing. Mr. Ames represented a large automobile distributor from commencement of the case through appeal and dismissal, resulting in the first published opinion in the U.S. on the subject of discoverability of information submitted to asbestos bankruptcy trusts in a civil case. In real estate matters, he has worked on a range of real estate issues, including nondisclosure claims, condominium disputes, mechanics lien claims, easements, and premises liability claims.
Mr. Ames received his J.D. from University of San Diego School of Law, his B.A. from Gonzaga University, with honors in English Literature; Minors in Philosophy, Business. He is a member of the Bar Association of San Francisco, State Bar of California and State Bar of Washington. He is admitted to practice in California.
ABOUT THE FIRM
Liner Grode is a dynamic law firm with a distinguished roster of talented attorneys who are leading the way in their respective fields of law. Approximately half of our partners were recruited from "Am Law 100" firms. Its attorneys represent clients throughout the country and internationally. Liner delivers the broad expertise of a large law firm combined with the personal responsiveness and attention traditionally associated with a small firm. Its commitment to client service is built on a foundation of personal attention — they develop a personal relationship with each client, rather than simply servicing the client's immediate need. In addition, its rate structure permits Liner the flexibility to meet clients' budgetary restraints.