Arrow v. McCauley, Heppy, et al.: Defense verdict
(2009 federal trial) (Trials Digest summary - PDF file)
Lanza & Smith successfully defended a $6.5 million lawsuit, on behalf of 3 defendants, pursuant to a unanimous jury trial verdict in federal court in 2009. The lawsuit was premised upon federal RICO (Racketeer Influenced & Corrupt Organizations Act) and related business torts.
Fipps v. Western Tax Services: $700,000 result
(2009 class action settlement)
Lanza & Smith negotiated a $700,000 settlement award for a class of 275 victims of accounting fraud scheme by acquiring proceeds seized by federal prosecutors in resolution of 4 separate lawsuits (federal and state) litigated from 2003 through 2009.
Kern Delta Water District v. Lopez: Dismissal judgment
(2007 judgment of dismissal)
Lanza & Smith defeated the government's efforts to condemn a client's land through an eminent domain lawsuit, including an award for legal fees & costs, pursuant to summary bench trial filings and notice of abandonment, thereby preserving a 77 acre family farm valued at roughly $2.5 million.
Beaudet v. Western Pacific: $700,000 award
(2007 settlement)
Lanza & Smith earned a $700,000 settlement award for several victims in sophisticated real estate non-disclosure, fraud, and unfair competition lawsuit relating to a hazardous waste facility.
Martin v. Arrow Electronics: $1.5 million jury verdict
(2006 federal trial) (Trials Digest summary - PDF file)
Lanza & Smith obtained a $1.5 million jury trial verdict on behalf of its client, plus award for recovery of attorney fees and legal costs, which ultimately resulted in a $1.74 million judgment. It was the second largest federal trial verdict in all of Orange County in 2006, and has been published in multiple jury verdict sheets.
J&L Grace L.P. and McCauslan v. Kennihans, et al.: Defense judgment
(2005 summary judgment)
Lanza & Smith obtained a judgment in favor of its clients (defendants), plus award for recovery of attorney fees, defeating $1.6 million lawsuit in sophisticated real estate litigation premised largely on breach of purchase & sale contracts.