Focus. Fortitude. Results.

A California-based civil litigation law firm. A guiding light for clients since 1999.

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Welcome to Cochran, Davis & Associates, P.C.

Our firm has built a reputation on successfully representing clients on complex litigation matters spanning a range of legal areas. We are passionate about making a meaningful impact in the lives of those we represent.

With over 100,000 hours of trial experience and an impressive track record, our hands-on, tailored approach to our clients leads to early settlement opportunities and cost-efficient resolutions.

Our Attorneys

Our formidable legal team has over 150 years of combined experience.

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Joan E. Cochran

Founding Partner

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Practice Areas

Professional Liability, including Insurance Brokers. Employment Practices Liability, Miscellaneous Professional Liability, Legal Malpractice, Architects & Engineers and Real Estate Brokers; Cyber/Data Privacy and Security; Construction Defect; Property and Casualty, Healthcare; Marine and Energy, including Freight Forwarder and Marine Cargo, Motor Truck Cargo; Insurance Bad Faith; Entertainment Law and Intellectual Property; Insurance Coverage; Insurance Regulatory & Compliance.

Admitted

1987, California, U.S. District Court, Southern, Northern, Eastern and Central Districts of California and U.S. Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit

Law School

Capital University, J.D.

Member

Los Angeles County (Member, Sections on Insurance, Property and Professional Liability) and American Bar Associations; State Bar of California.

Biography

Joan E. Cochran is a trial lawyer and civil litigator, practicing for more than 30 years in the Practice Areas set forth above. She started her California based law firm in 1999 and was previously a junior partner with the New York law firm of Mendes & Mount, LLP. She also conducts educational seminars for clients with regard to California Fair Claims Practices Certification and policy wordings, as well as continuing education in the above described Practice Areas.

She is a member of the Professional Liability Underwriting Society, Claims and Litigation Management Alliance, (CLM), Defense Research Institute, The American Bar Association, The State Bar of California, The Los Angeles County Bar Association, Entertainment Law and Intellectual Property Section, NAPSLO and Women in Claims – London.

Hobbies include hiking, jogging, skiing and passionately supports needy children and their families in third world countries.

Representative Matters

  • Recently litigated and resolved several event cancellation matters involving music artist;
  • Successfully litigated and settled numerous broker liability cases;
  • Successfully litigated and resolved numerous construction defect cases on behalf of developers, subcontractors and general contractors;
  • Successfully litigated, tried and/or arbitrated numerous construction defect cases on behalf of developers, subcontractors and general contractors;
  • Recently won several motions for summary judgment on behalf of employers and won a jury trial on a recent employment case;
  • Recently successfully resolved bad faith case against insurer after winning a motion for summary adjudication of issues;
  • Won several broker errors and omissions cases on summary judgment;
  • Recently won a motion for summary adjudication of issues that led to the successful resolution of a legal malpractice case;
  • Won several jury trials in the areas of construction defect, business litigation, employment and insurance;
  • Won numerous appeals to the state, federal and Supreme Court both published and unpublished which include:
  • Sentinel Community Bank v. Certain Underwriters at Lloyds London (1999), Appellate court affirmed summary judgment motion finding no duty to defend the insured under the terms of the policy based upon the coverage grant and exclusions.
  • Gomes v. Far East and Certain Underwriters at Lloyds London (1999), Appellate Court upheld rescission based upon the failure of the insured to disclose material facts in the policy application.
  • River City Rentals v. Certain Underwriters at Lloyds London, (2000) Appellate Court affirmed summary judgment motion to exclude coverage based upon the failure of the insured to disclose material facts in the policy application.
  • In re National Environmental Waste Corp., 200 F.3d 1266, (9th Cir.(Cal.) Jan 19, 2000), Ninth Circuit ruled that the statute of limitations was extended for a corporation in bankruptcy reorganization when recovery of the claim would substantially benefit the creditors of the estate, even though the claim was not explicitly specified in the plan of reorganization.
  • Rappleya v. Campbell (1994) The California Supreme Court overruled the decision of both the appellate court and the trial court and stated that under extenuating circumstances a defendant may be provided more than 6 months to set aside a default judgment.
  • Ford v. Miller Meat Co.28 Cal.App4th 1196 (1994) , products liability case found in favor of the supermarket regarding foreign object found in meat.
  • Alan C. Gon vs. First State, 871 F2d 863 (1988)-First California case pre-Buss to hold that the insurer has the right to apportion defense costs between covered and uncovered claims.
  • Butler v. City of Palos Verdes Estates, 135 Cal. App. 4th 174 (2005). Amicus Curiae brief on behalf of Friends of the Peacock. Appellate Court reversed trial court’s decision that interpreted deed restrictions to prevent City of Palos Verdes Estates’ ability to control feral peafowl population. Appellate Court overruled trial court’s decision, and ruled that the restrictions did permit City of Palos Verdes Estates to manage the feral peafowl.

Languages

German

Appellate and Supreme Court Decisions

Sentinel Community Bank v. Certain Underwriters at Lloyds London (1999); Gomes v. Far East and Certain Underwriters at Lloyds London (1999); River City Rentals v. Certain Underwriters at Lloyds London (2000); In re National Environmental Waste Corp., 200 F.3d 1266, (9th Cir.(Cal.) Jan 19, 2000); Rappleya v. Campbell (1994); Ford v. Miller Meat Co.28 Cal.App4th 1196 (1994); Alan C. Gon vs. First State, 871 F2d 863 (1988); Butler v. City of Palos Verdes Estates, 135 Cal. App. 4th 174 (2005).

Lisa Kralik Hansen

Senior Attorney

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Practice Areas

Insurance Coverage; Insurance Bad Faith; Professional Liability; Employment; Business Litigation; General Litigation; Toxic Tort; Product Liability; Appellate

Admitted

1990, California; United States Supreme Court; United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit; United States Districts Courts for Central, Northern, Southern, and Eastern Districts of California; United States District Court for the District of Colorado.

Law School

Creighton University (Law Review, Dean’s List, ABA Moot Court team – National Finalist 1990, Jessup International Moot Court team, AmJur Awards in Federal Courts and Criminal Law)

Member

State Bar of California; Claim and Litigation Management Alliance (CLM); Association of Southern California Defense Counsel

Biography

Ms. Hansen is an experienced litigator and advisor on matters involving insurance coverage, the handling of insurance claims, the defense of insurance coverage actions, and the defense of insurance bad faith lawsuits for insurance industry clients. Ms. Hansen also has extensive experience handling appeals in California state courts and the Ninth Circuit on a variety of matters from insurance coverage to business disputes to product liability lawsuits.

Ms. Hansen has insurance coverage experience on a national basis for both domestic and London market insurers. Her litigation defense and appellate experience includes employment, insurance broker errors and omissions, product liability, legal malpractice, medical malpractice, business litigation, toxic tort and general litigation. Ms. Hansen also has years of experience representing large corporations in product liability, general litigation, and asbestos litigation. She has handled appeals, writs, and motions in the California Supreme Court, the California Courts of Appeal, and the Ninth Circuit. She has argued appeals in the California Courts of Appeal and the Ninth Circuit.

In recent years, Ms. Hansen has advised a number of California employers on various issues regarding employment, wage and hour, and proper termination of employment. She has successfully defended a number of lawsuits filed against employers alleging claims such as wrongful termination, disability discrimination, wage and hour violations, age discrimination, and racial discrimination. Ms. Hansen also counsels employer clients regarding their procedures and handbooks, and provides proactive advice on an on-going basis to employer clients.

Ms. Hansen has been a key member of the defense teams who have tried cases to verdict in both state and federal courts, for insurers, their insureds and private clients. She has trial experience in both state and federal court. She also has extensive post-trial motion experience.

Prior to joining Cochran, Davis, Ms. Hansen was a partner with a Los Angeles law firm specializing in product liability defense for the automotive and other manufacturing industries.

Ms. Hansen has been selected a Southern California Super Lawyer in Insurance Coverage each year since 2014.

Published Cases

Gemini Insurance Company v. Delos Insurance Company, 211 Cal.App.4th 719 (2012); Ashou v. Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, 12 Cal.App.4th 748 (2006); Prichard v. Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, 84 Cal.App.4th 890 (2000); Pardee Construction Company. v. Insurance Company of the West, 77 Cal.App 4th 1240 (2000); Standun, Inc. v. Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company, 62 Cal.App 4th 882 (1998); Baker v. Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, 143 F.3d 1260 (9th Cir.1998); Cahill v. Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, 80 F.3d 336 (9th Cir.1996); Soule v. General Motors Corp., 8 Cal.4th 548 (1994).

Presentations/Speaking Engagements

  • Insurance Bad Faith: How to Identify and Mitigate Risk (Knowledge Group July 2017)
  • London symposium – Independent Counsel and California Fair Claims Practices (CDA London March 2017)
  • London symposium – Depositions and California Fair Claims Practices (CDA London March 2016)

Recent Successes

  • Dismissal of Ninth Circuit appeal due to lack of appellate jurisdiction (August 2017)
  • Obtained summary judgment in favor of London market insurer on an insurer vs. insurer dispute, defeating a contribution claim in excess of $900,000 (August 2017)
  • Obtained summary judgment in favor of London market insurer on a declaratory relief/rescission action (July 2017), after defeating a motion to stay the declaratory relief action
  • Post-trial motions following six-week trial reduced the verdict against the firm’s client by $14.1 million (July 2017)

Donald G. Davis

Of Counsel

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Practice Areas

Investment Advisers & Broker-Dealers Regulation and Compliance, Securities Law, Contract Law, Corporate Law, Mergers & Acquisitions, Private Placements, Syndications, Crowd Funding, Regulation A Offerings, Going Public, Officers & Directors Responsibilities, 34 Act Reports, Off Shore Transactions, Business Litigation, Entertainment Law, White Collar, SEC defense, and other Business Law Areas

Admitted

1970, California; United States District Court for the Central District of California

Law School

University of Southern California, Gould School of Law, Los Angeles

Order of the Coif, Executive Editor, USC Law Review, First In Class.

Member

State Bar of California

Biography

Donald G. Davis has successfully represented clients in numerous securities cases and investigations drawing upon his 40 years of experience. His practice focuses on all aspects of securities regulations and litigation. He represents members in the investment advisory and brokerage industry in private litigation, regulatory investigations and examinations as well as regulatory enforcement actions. He has represented numerous advisers in enforcement matters before the SEC, FINRA and state regulatory agencies. He has represented many clients that were under regulatory scrutiny by the SEC, FINRA, and state regulators. He also advises clients regarding private placements and public securities offerings. He is a frequent speaker at securities conferences and has been retained as a consultant to testify as an expert on securities matters.

Donald G. Davis has experience negotiating Business Transactions and Contracts, Corporate Law, and experience handling Mergers & Acquisitions, Turn arounds, Corporate Cleanup and Reorganization (insider and outside of Chapter 11), Offshore Transactions, Technology Companies, Syndication, Licenses & Transfers, Real Estate Syndication, Ag/Business Financing, Oil & Gas, Entertainment, Mutual Fund Organization and Regulation, Broker-Dealer Market Makers, Sarbanes Oxley Issues, The Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Investment Act of 1940, and the Investment Advisers Act.

Professional Recognition

Donald G. Davis is a “SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SUPER LAWYER”, so designated by his Peers, and is rated “AV” legal ability, which means that his legal skills are classified as “VERY HIGH TO PREEMINENT” and his ethics are classified as “HIGHEST INTEGRITY” according to the Martindale Hubbell Directory of Attorneys. Mr. Davis is also listed in Who’s Who in California, Who’s Who in the United States, Who’s Who in the World, Most Acclaimed Securities Attorney 2017 – California, (Business Innovator Awards); and many other awards.

  • Chairman: L.A. County Bar Business and Corporate Law Section (also Treasurer, Secretary & Program Chair)
  • Law Professor: Southwestern University Law School, (teaching Securities & Corporate Law)
  • Chairman: Southern California Securities Law Forum (jointly sponsored by the SEC, the Los Angeles County Bar, and the CPA Society)
  • Externship Faculty Chair: USC Law School, UCLA Law School, Loyola Law School, Southwestern University Law School.
  • NASD Arbitrator (now FINRA)
  • Securities Lawyer with O’Melveny & Myers (1970s)
  • Public Auditor: PriceWaterhouseCoopers (1960s)

Presentations/Speaking Engagements

Prominent Speaker across the Country and Offshore On Securities & Corporate Law topics (CrowdFunding, Sarbanes Oxley, Mergers & Acquisitions; Duties of Outside Directors; Duty of Audit Committee Directors; Formation of Small Business Investment Companies; Private Placements and Syndications; Reverse Mergers; Mutual Fund Formation; etc.)

Jeffrey T. Bolson

Of Counsel

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Practice Areas

Professional Liability, including Employment Practice Liability; Broker Errors and Omissions and Real Estate Brokers; Insurance Policy Interpretation; Bad Faith Defense; Entertainment Insurance; Excess Insurance; Reinsurance; Intellectual Property; Litigation; Commercial Litigation.

Admitted

1981, California; 1983, U.S. District Court, Central, Northern, Southern and Eastern Districts of California and U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit

Law School

McGeorge School of Law, J.D.

Member

State Bar of California; American Bar Association; The Association of Trial Lawyers of America.

Biography

Jeffrey T. Bolson has tried cases to verdict in diverse areas from employment, bodily injury, trade secret, labor, intellectual property and all facets of film and television production, from financing and guarantees, through disputes arising from production delays and damages.

Mr. Bolson graduated from the University of Redlands in 1978 with a bachelor of Science degree, and with distinction from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, where he received the Order of the Coif, in 1981. After graduation from law school, Mr. Bolson served as judicial clerk of the Honorable F. Steele Langford, United States Magistrate Judge, United States District Court of the Northern District of California from 1981 through 1982.

Mr. Bolson entered private practice in Los Angeles, and for nearly thirty years has devoted his efforts almost exclusively to litigation and litigation avoidance. Mr. Bolson has practiced in, conducted or supervised in excess of seven hundred litigated civil and commercial matters, as well as criminal defense of corporations and labor disputes. His emphasis in the recent past has been in the entertainment industry, intellectual property and trade secret including matters involving actors, singers, writers, directors and producers.

Mr. Bolson was a Partner at Engstrom, Lipscomb & Lack in Los Angeles, California, which he left to start his own firm Bolson, Nishimura & Saunders, which merged into Hahn & Bolson LLP. Mr. Bolson now practices primarily with Cochran, Davis & Associates, P.C., with which he has been associated since 2006.

As an outgrowth of his experiences in litigation, Mr. Bolson drafted or participated in the drafting of insurance policies ranging from general liability for the construction industry, to errors and omissions and production package policies for the entertainment industry. Several of his policies were considered groundbreaking in their niche markets and are in use by several insurance companies. In addition to his work drafting policies, Mr. Bolson has lectured risk managers, underwriters and claims personnel, and was frequently retained to troubleshoot problematic cases, often resolving cases within a few days of his retention.

Mr. Bolson has lectured extensively to California attorneys on various aspects of ligation, and has participated in programs and seminars on behalf of trade and industry groups in both insurance and entertainment, primarily in litigation avoidance and dispute resolution techniques. Mr. Bolson is a member of the American Trial Lawyers Association; has served as a mediator for the Los Angeles County Bar Association in attorney-client disputes; is a past co-Chair of the American Bar Association Professional Standards Committee; and has served on the Los Angeles County Bar Association Insurance Committee. Mr. Bolson is a member of the Intellectual Property, Litigation and Insurance Law sections of the State Bar of California. Mr. Bolson is a founder of NationsBuilders (now NBIS), an insurance holding company and of its subsidiary reinsurer, as well as ProBuilders Insurance Company, a Washington D.C.-domiciled Risk Retention Group, which was the first Risk Retention Group organized specifically for small and medium sized contractors and developers, growing from a startup company to over $100 million in premium in less than five years, with outstanding underwriting success.

Mr. Bolson began his representation of insurers and their insureds in the entertainment industry, including film, television, D.I.C.E., and music, in 1987, providing defense, coverage and first party representation in cases and claims arising under Entertainment Package, Producers and Directors Errors and Omissions, and Completion Guarantee, beginning with Chubb and Certain Underwriters through their managing U.S. Underwrite, and later for CNA Insurance Company through the same managing general agency. Mr. Bolson was later retained by TransAmerica Insurance Company as part of a team which re-drafted and revised TransAmerica’s Production Package and D.I.C.E. policies, and provided a similar service to Travelers (through its MGU Encore Entertainment) and for Underwriters at Lloyds through the cover holder and Lloyds Broker, work which included extensive revisions to the Producers and Directors Errors and Omissions forms as well.

From 1987 forward, Mr. Bolson was also retained to investigate claims brought under Production Package policies, including time element claims, and to provide coverage advice and defense to insured’s under Producers and Directors Errors and Omissions coverage, including copyright, trademark, libel and slander. In some instances Mr. Bolson also provided “clearance” services with respect to D.I.C.E. and “reality” programming.

Significant entertainment/insurance related cases include matters which are subject to confidentiality agreements, but include the successful recoupment of investment in “The Crow”, and litigation and claims involving event cancellation, non-appearance of musical acts, cast and other time-element coverages in film and television.

Phi Delta Phi; Order of the Coif. Member, Traynor Honor Society. Recipient, American Jurisprudence Award in Criminal Law. Editor: “Significant Developments in Private International Law,” Comparative Law Yearbook, 1981.

Cases

Truck Insurance Exchange v. Superior Court (Transco Syndicate No. 1) 70 Cal.Rptr.2d 255 (1997); Kransco v. American Empire Surplus Lines Ins. Co. (1997) 63 Cal.Rptr.2d 532; Gurrola v. Great Southwest Ins. Co., 21 Cal.Rptr.2d 749 (1993); Pierce v. Lyman (1991) 3 Cal.Rptr.2d 236; Olson v. Federal Ins. Co., 268 Cal.Rptr.90 (1990).

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Construction Defect
Employment Law
General Business Litigation
Insurance Coverage, Surety and Insurance Bad Faith
Professional Liability
Insurance Defense
Excess / Reinsurance
Entertainment Law and Intellectual Property
Legal Malpractice
Architects & Engineers and Miscellaneous Construction Professionals
Trucking
Finance and Securities Law
Architects & Engineers and Miscellaneous Construction Professionals
Construction Defect
Employment Law
Entertainment Law and Intellectual Property
Excess / Reinsurance
Finance and Securities Law
General Business Litigation
Insurance Coverage, Surety and Insurance Bad Faith
Insurance Defense
Legal Malpractice
Professional Liability
Trucking

Construction Defect


We represent contractors, subcontractors, developers, design professionals and engineers in construction defect litigation. We have an in-depth understanding of the construction and insurance industries when handling complex construction defect issues. The experts we retain in the industry are well respected and experienced. Through our team approach, we are able to control costs and provide opportunities for early mediation and settlement when at all possible.

Employment Law


Cochran, Davis & Associates, P.C. represents employers from a wide cross-section of industries, implementing proven defense strategies to extricate employers quickly from adverse employment claims. We stress creative measures to pro-actively prevent litigation if at all possible. We provide counseling and training to assure clients are in compliance with ever changing state and federal laws for hiring, termination, compensation, promotion, discipline, harassment, wage and hour and affirmative action. Updating employee handbooks and sexual harassment training are just two examples of the many services we provide.

The cornerstone of our practice is defending employers for alleged sexual harassment, discrimination, retaliation, whistle blower issues and other related employment claims under state and federal law. Our firm is known for its ability to settle matters quickly and inexpensively.

General Business Litigation


Our lawyers are well versed in handling complex commercial litigation as well as routine contract disputes. We represent clients in the areas of partnership and shareholder disputes, trade secret, trademark infringement, commercial lease, construction contract litigation, banking, breach of contract, and tort claims such as unfair business practices, fraud and misrepresentation. We pride ourselves on achieving efficient, timely and cost-saving resolutions without the need for protracted litigation. Our clients include corporations, business owners, sole property owners, property owners and directors and officers of companies, across many varied industries.

Insurance Coverage, Surety and Insurance Bad Faith


Our firm has a vast reservoir of experience in appropriately analyzing and interpreting policies in a wide variety of areas including construction defect, entertainment, comprehensive general liability, homeowners, auto, trucking, and professional liability errors and omissions including legal malpractice, agents, brokers, accountants, directors and officers, bankers’ errors and omissions, fiduciary liability, aviation, and nursing homes.

Our extensive knowledge and experience, as reflected in our past successes, enable us to assist our clients in developing extraordinary, yet cost-effective practices and strategies to resolve complex coverage issues. As a result, potential exposure to instances of bad faith allegations, are greatly diminished. We handle all matters pertaining to coverage litigation, including rescission, reformation, interpleader actions, and contribution and declaratory relief actions.

We provide continuing education classes for our clients and annual California Fair Claims Practices certification. We also assist our clients in drafting claims manuals and insurance policy terms and wordings.

Professional Liability


We have an extensive background in representing attorneys, accountants, architects and engineers, insurance agents and brokers in errors and omissions issues and cases. We have defended such professionals against claims of malpractice, breach of fiduciary duty, negligence, and conflicts of interest, among other claims. We implement our impressive track record, our “hands on” practical approach, and our tactical expertise with our extensive experience and background at the trial and appellate level to provide our clients with the best results possible.

Insurance Defense


We represent insureds in a wide variety of industries through local, national, and international insurance companies in the areas of premises liability, general liability, construction defect, homeowners, auto, trucking, and professional liability errors and omissions including legal malpractice, medical malpractice, insurance brokers, real estate agents, brokers, accountants, directors and officers, bankers errors and omissions, fiduciary liability, director and officer liability, nursing homes, product liability and aviation.

In our practice, we utilize the latest technology and software to assist our clients in obtaining the most cutting edge and cost effective results.

Excess / Reinsurance


Given our broad experience representing insurers and in defense matters, their policy holders, it is only natural that Cochran Davis is retained to monitor and, where necessary, advance or protect the interests of excess insurers, often in higher layers – where direct access to information and litigation strategies is both crucial and difficult to obtain, as well as in ensuring that the primary and underlying excess layers do not unnecessarily expose our clients – and in this often collaborative and sometimes fractious and adversarial field the skills honed and experience gained in litigation and settlement of hundreds of lawsuits by and on behalf of primary insurers, many of whom also write excess layers, are invaluable.

Growing from our long representation of insurers in their complex relations with policy holders, Cochran Davis both represents and advises property and casualty reinsurers in matters arising under excess, aggregate excess, quota share, excess of loss, and ECO covers, as well as captive and fronting arrangements, in areas as diverse as disputes arising under claims cooperation and follow-the-fortunes clauses, the doctrine of uberrimae fidei, cut throughs, and commutations. Though we have represented cedents and intermediaries, our focus is on the rights and obligations of reinsurers.

Entertainment Law and Intellectual Property


Cochran, Davis & Associates, P.C. has been involved in a variety of disputes and litigation matters relating to the entertainment business including copyright and trademark infringement, right of publicity, defamation, idea submission, royalties, event cancellation, music publishing, motion picture production and distribution agreements. Our extensive experience ranges from motion picture, television, music and sports entertainment.

Legal Malpractice


The team of attorneys at Cochran Davis for more than 26 years, has proactively defended hundreds of lawyers and their firms against claims of legal malpractice. We specialize in representing small to mid-range firms as well as sole practitioners. The types of underlying legal issues we have litigated and resolved range from entertainment law, real estate, land use, personal injury, family law, employment and labor law, commercial litigation, probate and trust, patent litigation, real estate, tax, collection, workers’ compensation, bankruptcy, products liability, criminal law, environmental law, intellectual property, insurance law and malicious prosecution. We have litigated these matters in federal and state courts and through binding arbitration. We have also represented lawyers who have been brought before the state licensing agencies for disciplinary proceedings.

We are cognizant of the need for the utmost discretion in addressing sensitive issues that may adversely impact the reputation of a lawyer accused of wrongdoing by his or her client. We therefore approach the defense of legal malpractice issues with the greatest vigilance, handling them in a highly confidential manner.

The key to resolving most legal malpractices claims is to have a relationship of complete candor. This allows for a full and complete evaluation and assessment as part of the initial litigation process so that mediation options can be fully explored at the beginning of a case and at every stage thereafter.

Critically important as well is the need to educate lawyers on preventative measures to avoid or minimize exposure to claims for legal malpractice. We have considerable experience in providing continuing legal education and risk management for lawyers on an annual basis. As part of such education we provide summaries of the latest California case law and statutory updates regarding legal malpractice and related causes of action typically brought against lawyers and law firms.

Architects & Engineers and Miscellaneous Construction Professionals


The attorneys at Cochran, Davis have represented architects, engineers, appraisers, surveyors, home inspectors and environmental consultant as a cornerstone of their practice for two decades. Typically, design and related construction professionals become part of large construction defect cases. Many times there are important limitations to potential exposure to liability that do not apply to the general contractor or subcontractors. Our focus is to provide an early assessment regarding such exposures and poise the claim for mediation or summary judgment. With our extensive background in litigating construction defect matters, we have the ability to communicate and quickly assess the issues regarding drawings, plans, specifications, change orders and AIA contracts wording that may be at issue. We also have well-known contacts within the construction industry to obtain highly experienced mediators and experts to assist in resolving these claims quickly and efficiently if at all possible at the initial stages of litigation.

Trucking


Our attorneys have in depth knowledge and experience in handling all aspects of claims and losses on behalf of the trucking and transportation industry. We represent a wide variety of motor carriers, trucking and transportation companies, their employees and independent contractors. With seasoned litigators, we have defended numerous complex death, catastrophic injury cases and other personal injury and multiple vehicle accidents directly and through insurers. We strive to handle each case as cost effectively as possible, drawing on our extensive experience, data base of investigators, accident reconstruction and medical experts. Our goal is to prepare the most comprehensive and practical defense strategy while pursuing the best possible outcome for our clients.

Finance and Securities Law


We defend broker-dealers, investment advisers, and other financial professionals in FINRA arbitrations, state court actions, regarding alleged violations of the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as well as other state and federal laws, rules and regulations. Such matters include allegations of securities fraud, unsuitability of investments, improper or unauthorized trading, breach of fiduciary duty, failure to supervise and other issues relating to improper trading. We also proactively advise financial advisors and broker dealers to avoid risk of litigation.

Architects & Engineers and Miscellaneous Construction Professionals


The attorneys at Cochran, Davis have represented architects, engineers, appraisers, surveyors, home inspectors and environmental consultant as a cornerstone of their practice for two decades. Typically, design and related construction professionals become part of large construction defect cases. Many times there are important limitations to potential exposure to liability that do not apply to the general contractor or subcontractors. Our focus is to provide an early assessment regarding such exposures and poise the claim for mediation or summary judgment. With our extensive background in litigating construction defect matters, we have the ability to communicate and quickly assess the issues regarding drawings, plans, specifications, change orders and AIA contracts wording that may be at issue. We also have well-known contacts within the construction industry to obtain highly experienced mediators and experts to assist in resolving these claims quickly and efficiently if at all possible at the initial stages of litigation.

Construction Defect


We represent contractors, subcontractors, developers, design professionals and engineers in construction defect litigation. We have an in-depth understanding of the construction and insurance industries when handling complex construction defect issues. The experts we retain in the industry are well respected and experienced. Through our team approach, we are able to control costs and provide opportunities for early mediation and settlement when at all possible.

Employment Law


Cochran, Davis & Associates, P.C. represents employers from a wide cross-section of industries, implementing proven defense strategies to extricate employers quickly from adverse employment claims. We stress creative measures to pro-actively prevent litigation if at all possible. We provide counseling and training to assure clients are in compliance with ever changing state and federal laws for hiring, termination, compensation, promotion, discipline, harassment, wage and hour and affirmative action. Updating employee handbooks and sexual harassment training are just two examples of the many services we provide.

The cornerstone of our practice is defending employers for alleged sexual harassment, discrimination, retaliation, whistle blower issues and other related employment claims under state and federal law. Our firm is known for its ability to settle matters quickly and inexpensively.

Entertainment Law and Intellectual Property


Cochran, Davis & Associates, P.C. has been involved in a variety of disputes and litigation matters relating to the entertainment business including copyright and trademark infringement, right of publicity, defamation, idea submission, royalties, event cancellation, music publishing, motion picture production and distribution agreements. Our extensive experience ranges from motion picture, television, music and sports entertainment.

Excess / Reinsurance


Given our broad experience representing insurers and in defense matters, their policy holders, it is only natural that Cochran Davis is retained to monitor and, where necessary, advance or protect the interests of excess insurers, often in higher layers – where direct access to information and litigation strategies is both crucial and difficult to obtain, as well as in ensuring that the primary and underlying excess layers do not unnecessarily expose our clients – and in this often collaborative and sometimes fractious and adversarial field the skills honed and experience gained in litigation and settlement of hundreds of lawsuits by and on behalf of primary insurers, many of whom also write excess layers, are invaluable.

Growing from our long representation of insurers in their complex relations with policy holders, Cochran Davis both represents and advises property and casualty reinsurers in matters arising under excess, aggregate excess, quota share, excess of loss, and ECO covers, as well as captive and fronting arrangements, in areas as diverse as disputes arising under claims cooperation and follow-the-fortunes clauses, the doctrine of uberrimae fidei, cut throughs, and commutations. Though we have represented cedents and intermediaries, our focus is on the rights and obligations of reinsurers.

Finance and Securities Law


We defend broker-dealers, investment advisers, and other financial professionals in FINRA arbitrations, state court actions, regarding alleged violations of the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as well as other state and federal laws, rules and regulations. Such matters include allegations of securities fraud, unsuitability of investments, improper or unauthorized trading, breach of fiduciary duty, failure to supervise and other issues relating to improper trading. We also proactively advise financial advisors and broker dealers to avoid risk of litigation.

General Business Litigation


Our lawyers are well versed in handling complex commercial litigation as well as routine contract disputes. We represent clients in the areas of partnership and shareholder disputes, trade secret, trademark infringement, commercial lease, construction contract litigation, banking, breach of contract, and tort claims such as unfair business practices, fraud and misrepresentation. We pride ourselves on achieving efficient, timely and cost-saving resolutions without the need for protracted litigation. Our clients include corporations, business owners, sole property owners, property owners and directors and officers of companies, across many varied industries.

Insurance Coverage, Surety and Insurance Bad Faith


Our firm has a vast reservoir of experience in appropriately analyzing and interpreting policies in a wide variety of areas including construction defect, entertainment, comprehensive general liability, homeowners, auto, trucking, and professional liability errors and omissions including legal malpractice, agents, brokers, accountants, directors and officers, bankers’ errors and omissions, fiduciary liability, aviation, and nursing homes.

Our extensive knowledge and experience, as reflected in our past successes, enable us to assist our clients in developing extraordinary, yet cost-effective practices and strategies to resolve complex coverage issues. As a result, potential exposure to instances of bad faith allegations, are greatly diminished. We handle all matters pertaining to coverage litigation, including rescission, reformation, interpleader actions, and contribution and declaratory relief actions.

We provide continuing education classes for our clients and annual California Fair Claims Practices certification. We also assist our clients in drafting claims manuals and insurance policy terms and wordings.

Insurance Defense


We represent insureds in a wide variety of industries through local, national, and international insurance companies in the areas of premises liability, general liability, construction defect, homeowners, auto, trucking, and professional liability errors and omissions including legal malpractice, medical malpractice, insurance brokers, real estate agents, brokers, accountants, directors and officers, bankers errors and omissions, fiduciary liability, director and officer liability, nursing homes, product liability and aviation.

In our practice, we utilize the latest technology and software to assist our clients in obtaining the most cutting edge and cost effective results.

Legal Malpractice


The team of attorneys at Cochran Davis for more than 26 years, has proactively defended hundreds of lawyers and their firms against claims of legal malpractice. We specialize in representing small to mid-range firms as well as sole practitioners. The types of underlying legal issues we have litigated and resolved range from entertainment law, real estate, land use, personal injury, family law, employment and labor law, commercial litigation, probate and trust, patent litigation, real estate, tax, collection, workers’ compensation, bankruptcy, products liability, criminal law, environmental law, intellectual property, insurance law and malicious prosecution. We have litigated these matters in federal and state courts and through binding arbitration. We have also represented lawyers who have been brought before the state licensing agencies for disciplinary proceedings.

We are cognizant of the need for the utmost discretion in addressing sensitive issues that may adversely impact the reputation of a lawyer accused of wrongdoing by his or her client. We therefore approach the defense of legal malpractice issues with the greatest vigilance, handling them in a highly confidential manner.

The key to resolving most legal malpractices claims is to have a relationship of complete candor. This allows for a full and complete evaluation and assessment as part of the initial litigation process so that mediation options can be fully explored at the beginning of a case and at every stage thereafter.

Critically important as well is the need to educate lawyers on preventative measures to avoid or minimize exposure to claims for legal malpractice. We have considerable experience in providing continuing legal education and risk management for lawyers on an annual basis. As part of such education we provide summaries of the latest California case law and statutory updates regarding legal malpractice and related causes of action typically brought against lawyers and law firms.

Professional Liability


We have an extensive background in representing attorneys, accountants, architects and engineers, insurance agents and brokers in errors and omissions issues and cases. We have defended such professionals against claims of malpractice, breach of fiduciary duty, negligence, and conflicts of interest, among other claims. We implement our impressive track record, our “hands on” practical approach, and our tactical expertise with our extensive experience and background at the trial and appellate level to provide our clients with the best results possible.

Trucking


Our attorneys have in depth knowledge and experience in handling all aspects of claims and losses on behalf of the trucking and transportation industry. We represent a wide variety of motor carriers, trucking and transportation companies, their employees and independent contractors. With seasoned litigators, we have defended numerous complex death, catastrophic injury cases and other personal injury and multiple vehicle accidents directly and through insurers. We strive to handle each case as cost effectively as possible, drawing on our extensive experience, data base of investigators, accident reconstruction and medical experts. Our goal is to prepare the most comprehensive and practical defense strategy while pursuing the best possible outcome for our clients.

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Recent News and Firm News


Joan Cochran has been named a Southern California SuperLawyer in Professional Liability since 2019.

Lisa Kralik Hansen has been named a Southern California SuperLawyer in Insurance Coverage since 2014.

Joan Cochran and Lisa Kralik Hansen obtain judgment as a matter of law in a bench trial in Los Angeles Superior Court on as insurance broker liability case.

Joan Cochran obtains dismissal of defamation lawsuit on the eve of trial against the firm’s client.

Joan Cochran and Lisa Kralik Hansen obtain favorable settlement of wrongful death case against a product manufacturer.

Joan Cochran and Lisa Kralik Hansen obtain appellate victory in the Illinois Appellate Court in favor of London market insurer in an insurer vs. insurer dispute, overturning a lower court summary judgment order of no coverage under the other insurer’s policy.

Lisa Kralik Hansen obtains multi-million dollar appellate victory for entertainment client in the California Court of Appeal.

Joan Cochran and Lisa Kralik Hansen obtain summary judgment in a Self-Service Storage Facilities Act case in defense of the owner of the storage facility in a California state court.

Joan Cochran and Lisa Kralik Hansen obtain summary judgment in a business dispute and fraud case in a California state court.

Lisa Kralik Hansen secures early dismissal of injury lawsuit against medical transportation company.

Joan Cochran and Lisa Kralik Hansen obtain summary judgment in a premises liability case in a California state court.

Joan Cochran and Lisa Kralik Hansen obtain summary judgment in favor of London market insurer in insurance “bad faith” case in the Los Angeles Superior Court.

Joan Cochran extricates trucking company client from a double fatality trucking accident case with favorable settlement.

Staking Her Claim. Lisa Kralik Hansen’s inspiring journey from cautious Corn Belt bookworm to confi dent, top-tier California insurance coverage litigator.

Lisa Hansen won a Motion for Terminating Sanctions in the Riverside County Superior Court resulting in the striking of a cross-complaint against the firm’s clients with additional evidentiary and monetary sanctions, following numerous court orders on motions to compel discovery (October 2019).

Lisa Hansen successfully settled action involving California’s Investigative Consumer Reporting Agency Act in a case involving an employee background check (September 2019).

Lisa Hansen and Joan Cochran obtained summary judgment from the Fresno County Superior Court on a coverage/bad faith case for a London market insurer on issues of the Driver Criteria Endorsement in a trucking policy and failure to disclose material facts in the application for insurance (August 2019).

Lisa Hansen and Joan Cochran extricate life insurance brokers from a broker negligence lawsuit in the Los Angeles Superior Court with a demurrer sustained without leave to amend on statute of limitations grounds (May 2019).

Joan Cochran was selected as a 2019 Southern California SuperLawyer in Professional Liability.

Lisa Hansen was selected as a 2019 Southern California SuperLawyer in Insurance Coverage.

Seminars


Throughout the year, Cochran, Davis & Associates provides educational seminars on recent legal developments and various topics of interest. For more information on upcoming events, please contact Joan E. Cochran.

Seminars

If anyone of your colleagues have missed the presentation, please click the Zoom link below to watch the recorded presentation. Certificates will be emailed once email confirmation has been sent that you have watched the presentation. Please let us know if you have any questions.

CA Fair Claims Presentation Recording : https://cochranlaw1.zoom.us/rec/share/0SSnb2adyWt9d9thLPT7UBNOBryLnMrf3GIRhVX8qr5PA0mv7dyxK-B_8EWX0cYI.DHQscRUXPUibBj6z

Please send confirmation email to: joseph@cochranlaw1.com

Contact Us

  • Location

    36 Malaga Cove Plaza
    Suite 206
    Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274

  • Contact Information

    Phone: (310) 373-0900
    Fax: (310) 373-0244

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