Schonbuch Hallissy Office Candid Photo

WHO WE ARE

What sets us apart is our award-winning team of elite trial lawyers who are leaders in the profession, active in selective legal organizations and bar associations, and trusted to handle complex, high-exposure cases where experience, judgment, and results matter most.

Our practice is defined by the cases that matter most—high-stakes jury trials, catastrophic personal injury defense, and complex civil litigation. We are trusted to handle sophisticated business disputes, insurance defense, coverage and bad faith matters, professional negligence, real estate and construction litigation, and appeals. Across every engagement, we bring trial-ready strategy, disciplined execution, and the experience required to deliver results in cases where the exposure is greatest.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

Trial Law

Trial is not a contingency for us—it is a core competency. As a premier civil defense firm in Southern California, we try cases regularly and strategically, approaching every matter with the discipline and preparation required for the courtroom. Our team includes five members of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), a distinction reserved for lawyers who have demonstrated exceptional skill, experience, and professionalism in jury trials.

This depth of real trial experience shapes everything we do—from early case evaluation through verdict—allowing us to develop sharper strategies, exert greater leverage in negotiations, and deliver results that align with our clients’ objectives. Opposing counsel know we are ready, willing, and able to go the distance, and that reputation consistently translates into favorable outcomes.

When trial is necessary, we bring seasoned judgment, compelling advocacy, and a proven ability to win where it matters most.

Trial Law

Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury

Wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases represent the highest stakes in civil litigation—where exposure is significant, emotions run high, and the margin for error is zero. These cases arise across a wide spectrum of claims, including premises liability, products liability, and automobile and trucking accidents. Whether the client is an individual, a family-owned business, or a Fortune 500 company, the need is the same: experienced, strategic, and relentless defense.

Our firm is recognized among the best in the field for defending these complex, high-exposure matters. We bring deep trial experience, sophisticated case analysis, and a disciplined approach to risk management from the outset. By developing compelling liability and damages defenses early, we position our clients for success—whether that means achieving a complete defense verdict at trial or resolving claims efficiently and favorably before trial.

We are known for our ability to handle high-exposure matters efficiently and effectively. Our track record reflects consistent results: defense verdicts in the courtroom and resolutions well below demand when settlement is the right strategy. In matters of this magnitude, experience is not optional—it is decisive.

Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury

Premises Liability

Premises liability cases often arise in dynamic, high-energy environments—concert venues, music festivals, bars, and restaurants—where large crowds, security issues, and rapidly changing conditions can give rise to serious claims. We regularly defend owners and operators in these settings, as well as apartment buildings and large commercial establishments.

Our experience spans the full range of premises claims, including falls from balconies or stages, crowd-related incidents, ordinary slip and falls, and allegations involving security and excessive force. We also handle more complex and high-profile matters, such as paparazzi-related incidents and drug overdose claims at festivals, where both legal exposure and reputational concerns must be managed carefully. We approach these cases with a strong emphasis on early investigation, strategic positioning, and trial readiness. By quickly developing the facts and focusing on liability and causation, we create leverage from the outset—whether that leads to a defense verdict at trial or a favorable resolution before trial.

In fast-paced environments where narratives can take shape quickly, experience and judgment make the difference. Our team brings both, consistently delivering strong results in challenging, high-exposure cases.

Premises Liability

Products Liability

Products liability cases often involve complex technical issues, aggressive claims, and significant potential exposure. We defend manufacturers, distributors, and retailers in a wide range of matters, from everyday consumer products to specialized equipment, where the central questions often turn on design, warnings, and causation.

Our experience includes successfully handling cases involving products such as a massage chair, crossbow, hoverboard, propane tank, commercial kitchen devices such as a tortilla press and food chopping machine, and automotive-related components. These matters frequently require a detailed understanding of how a product was designed, used, and maintained, as well as the ability to work effectively with technical experts and present those issues clearly and persuasively.

We approach each case with a focus on early evaluation, disciplined discovery, and trial readiness. By identifying key liability and causation defenses at the outset, we position our clients to achieve the best possible outcome—whether through a defense verdict at trial or a favorable resolution before trial.

Products cases often hinge on details. Our experience allows us to develop those details into a clear, effective defense that consistently delivers strong results.

Products Liability

Business and Commercial Litigation

Business disputes often involve more than just legal claims—they can disrupt operations, strain relationships, and create significant financial exposure. We represent companies and individuals in a wide range of commercial disputes, including contract claims, partnership and ownership conflicts, breach of fiduciary duty claims, business torts, and other complex business matters.

Our approach is grounded in early case evaluation, practical strategy, and a clear understanding of our clients’ business objectives. We focus on identifying the key issues quickly, developing a strong factual record, and positioning the case for the most effective resolution—whether through motion practice, negotiated outcome, or trial.

While many business disputes are resolved before trial, we prepare every case with the expectation that it may need to be tried. That trial readiness informs our strategy at every stage and often creates leverage in negotiations. We understand that these matters require both legal judgment and business perspective. Our goal is to resolve disputes efficiently and effectively while protecting our clients’ interests and allowing them to stay focused on their business.

Business & Commercial Litigation

Public Venue and Commercial Security

Schonbuch Hallissy LLP represents property owners, management companies, and security providers in litigation centered on alleged failures of security measures and risk prevention across commercial properties, entertainment venues and public-facing spaces.

In this context, the firm defends claims arising from assaults, batteries, robberies, and other criminal acts allegedly resulting from inadequate security, insufficient staffing, poor lighting or surveillance, or failure to respond to known risks. The firm also defends cases involving patron-on-patron violence, parking lot incidents, and claims involving drug- or alcohol-related injuries.

These matters often turn on foreseeability, industry standards, and the reasonableness of security protocols. Our attorneys work with security, law enforcement, and human factors experts to challenge causation and liability, while developing a clear narrative around preventive measures and real-world limitations. With a deep understanding of evolving security standards and California liability law, the firm provides strategic defense tailored to mitigate exposure in these high-risk, fact-intensive cases.

Public Venue & Commercial Security

Hospitality, Entertainment and High-Traffic Public Venues

Schonbuch Hallissy LLP defends owners, operators, and promoters of entertainment-driven venues including concert arenas, sports facilities, theaters, festivals, and nightlife establishments, in complex premises liability litigation arising from large-scale public attendance and event operations.

This practice focuses on claims tied to the dynamic, high-density nature of live events, including slip-and-falls, crowd movement incidents, patron altercations, medical emergencies related to drugs and alcohol, and alleged unsafe conditions during ingress, egress, and active events. The firm also handles claims involving temporary structures, staging, rigging, and event-related infrastructure, as well as allegations concerning lighting conditions and overall venue safety during performances or games.

Our approach emphasizes real-time operational context—crowd flow, event timing, staffing levels, and venue design—to develop practical, trial-ready defenses. We work closely with venue management, event producers, and insurers to address both liability exposure and reputational risk in highly visible matters.

Hospitality, Entertainment & High-Traffic Public Venues

Commercial Auto and Transportation Liability

Schonbuch Hallissy LLP defends public and private transportation providers, contractors, and commercial fleet operators in complex, high-exposure liability matters across California. The firm has particular experience representing entities involved in public transit operations and large-scale infrastructure and construction projects, where transportation risks intersect with active worksites and heavily trafficked public corridors.

Our attorneys handle a wide range of claims, including vehicle collisions involving buses, service vehicles, and commercial fleets; pedestrian and cyclist incidents; roadway and construction zone accidents; and claims arising from traffic control measures, signage, and detours. These cases often involve serious injuries, multiple parties, and overlapping liability between operators, contractors, and public entities.

We approach transportation matters with a focus on early investigation and preservation of critical evidence, including vehicle data, operator records, and site conditions. The firm works closely with accident reconstructionists, human factors experts, and engineering professionals to evaluate liability, challenge causation, and develop a clear, defensible narrative.

Understanding the operational realities and public scrutiny associated with transportation and infrastructure projects, Schonbuch Hallissy LLP delivers strategic, trial-ready defense tailored to mitigate exposure while aligning with client and stakeholder objectives.

Commercial Auto & Transportation Liability

Employment Defense: Wrongful Termination and Sexual Harassment

Schonbuch Hallissy LLP represents employers and management teams in defending high-stakes employment claims, with a focus on wrongful termination, discrimination, hostile work environment, retaliation, and sexual harassment matters.  The firm also handles whistleblower claims, and disputes over performance-based or misconduct-related terminations. The firm handles cases in state and federal courts, with a practical, business-oriented approach.

These cases often turn on credibility, documentation, and the reasonableness of employer response. The firm works closely with clients to analyze personnel records, internal investigations, and workplace policies, while partnering with human resources professionals and experts where appropriate to develop a strong defense narrative.

Schonbuch Hallissy emphasizes early evaluation and strategic motion practice to limit exposure and position cases for resolution where appropriate. When litigation proceeds, our team is fully prepared to defend employers at trial with a clear, focused presentation of the facts and applicable law.

Employment Defense: Wrongful Termination & Sexual Harassment

Complex Litigation

Schonbuch Hallissy LLP serves as litigation counsel in high-exposure, multi-party disputes that require coordinated strategy, disciplined case management, and a strong understanding of business and insurance priorities. These matters often involve significant financial stakes, reputational considerations, and overlapping contractual, tort, and statutory issues.

The firm is regularly retained in matters involving catastrophic loss, coordinated litigation involving numerous claims or plaintiffs, and disputes requiring extensive expert analysis and document-intensive discovery, such as mass shooting cases. We focus on identifying key liability drivers early, streamlining issues, and developing efficient pathways to resolution where appropriate.

Schonbuch Hallissy LLP partners closely with clients, claims professionals, and in-house counsel to manage litigation as part of a broader business strategy—balancing risk mitigation, cost control, and trial readiness. When cases cannot be resolved on favorable terms, we are fully prepared to proceed through trial and post-trial proceedings with a focused, results-oriented approach.

Complex Litigation

Insurance Defense

Schonbuch Hallissy LLP provides comprehensive representation to national and regional carriers, insured businesses, and self-insured entities across California. The firm handles high-exposure matters from inception through trial, with a focus on efficient case management, early risk assessment, and results-driven litigation strategy.

Our attorneys defend a broad range of claims, including premises liability, catastrophic personal injury, product liability, habitability, construction defects and accidents, transportation and automobile claims, and complex commercial litigation. We are regularly retained in matters involving significant damages exposure, multiple parties, and parallel contractual or indemnity issues.

We understand the dual priorities of insurers and insureds are adept at positioning cases for favorable resolution while simultaneously controlling litigation costs. The firm partners closely with claims professionals to develop early case evaluations, identify dispositive opportunities, and implement strategies tailored to each matter’s risk profile. When cases cannot be resolved efficiently, our team is fully prepared to try them.

With a trial-first mindset and a practical, responsive approach, Schonbuch Hallissy LLP delivers a defense that aligns legal strategy with business objectives.

Insurance Defense

Construction Accidents

Schonbuch Hallissy LLP defends general contractors, subcontractors, developers, and property owners in high-exposure construction accident litigation across California. These matters often arise from active jobsites and involve serious personal injury claims, multiple parties, and overlapping contractual and statutory obligations.

Our attorneys handle a wide range of claims, including falls from heights, scaffolding and ladder incidents, equipment and machinery accidents, struck-by and caught-in/between injuries, trenching and excavation events, and electrical or structural failures. We also defend claims involving third-party injuries occurring in and around construction zones, including pedestrians and adjacent property occupants.

Construction accident cases frequently turn on site control, safety responsibilities, and the allocation of risk among project participants. The firm works closely with safety experts, engineers, and accident reconstruction professionals to evaluate compliance with applicable standards, analyze causation, and challenge liability. We also have extensive experience navigating contractual indemnity, additional insured issues, and risk transfer frameworks common to construction projects.

Schonbuch Hallissy approaches these cases with early investigation and a coordinated defense strategy, positioning matters for efficient resolution while remaining fully prepared to take cases through trial when necessary.

Construction Accidents

Real Estate and Construction Litigation

Schonbuch Hallissy LLP represents property owners, developers, asset managers, and contractors in complex real estate and construction-related litigation throughout California. The firm handles disputes across the lifecycle of commercial and residential projects, from acquisition and development through construction, leasing, and ongoing operations.

Our practice includes claims involving breach of lease, commercial landlord-tenant matters, easements and access issues, purchase and sale disputes, and nondisclosure and misrepresentation claims. We regularly litigate high-stakes matters where business objectives, asset value, and operational continuity are closely intertwined.

In the construction defect space, the firm defends owners, developers, and contractors against allegations of design deficiencies, water intrusion, structural issues, and building system failures. These matters often involve multiple parties, competing expert opinions, significant claimed damages, and navigating indemnity and risk transfer issues.

Schonbuch Hallissy approaches these cases with a practical, trial-ready strategy—focusing on early case assessment, targeted motion practice, and efficient resolution where appropriate, while remaining fully prepared to take matters through trial when necessary.

Real Estate & Construction Litigation

Assault, Battery and Sexual Battery

Schonbuch Hallissy LLP defends high-exposure civil claims involving allegations of assault, battery, and sexual battery. The firm represents employers facing claims of vicarious liability, negligent hiring, supervision, or retention as well as individuals accused of assault, physical altercations or sexual misconduct. Our practice includes the defense of high-profile clients, including entertainers, recording artists, music executives, and professional athletes, where discretion and reputation management are critical alongside the legal defense.

These matters often carry significant legal, financial, and reputational risk, requiring a disciplined, strategic approach from the outset.

They also frequently involve parallel criminal proceedings, internal investigations, and public scrutiny, requiring careful coordination and a clear, fact-driven strategy.

Schonbuch Hallissy emphasizes early factual development, credibility assessment, and targeted motion practice to narrow issues and mitigate exposure. When resolution is appropriate, we pursue it efficiently; when it is not, our team is fully prepared to defend clients at trial with precision and discretion.

Assault, Battery & Sexual Battery

Defamation, Libel and Slander

Schonbuch Hallissy LLP represents individuals, businesses, and high-profile clients in complex defamation litigation, including claims of libel, slander, and related reputational harm. These cases often arise in both traditional media and digital environments, where statements can spread rapidly and carry significant personal and commercial consequences.

Our attorneys defend a wide range of clients, including employers facing workplace-related defamation claims, businesses involved in competitor disputes, and individuals accused of making alleged false or damaging statements. The firm also has experience representing public-facing clients, including entertainers, recording artists, and professional athletes, where reputational impact and media exposure are central issues in the litigation.

Schonbuch Hallissy takes a strategic, trial-ready approach to defamation matters, focusing on rapid issue framing, early dismissal strategies where appropriate, and disciplined litigation management. When cases proceed, we are prepared to defend our clients with a clear, fact-driven presentation aimed at protecting both legal and reputational interests.

Defamation, Libel & Slander

Appellate Law

Schonbuch Hallissy LLP’s appellate practice arises directly from the firm’s successful dispositive motion or trial verdict, in complex tort and commercial litigation. Because our appellate work is rooted in cases we have litigated from the outset, the firm brings a deep familiarity with the factual record, procedural history, and strategic issues that shaped the trial court outcome. This continuity allows us to craft precise, record-driven appellate arguments that preserve favorable rulings and defend verdicts against reversal.

Our attorneys regularly brief and argue issues involving evidentiary rulings, jury instructions, liability determinations, and procedural error in state appellate courts. Schonbuch Hallissy approaches appellate advocacy with the same disciplined, trial-informed perspective that defines its litigation practice—focusing on clarity of argument, mastery of the record, and protection of client victories at every stage of the process.

Appellate Law

Insurance Coverage and Bad Faith

Schonbuch Hallissy LLP represents insurers in all aspects of coverage and bad faith matters throughout California. Our attorneys are highly experienced in drafting clear, defensible coverage opinions and advising on policy interpretation, including the duty to defend and indemnify, policy exclusions, and allocation issues. We regularly advise insurers and claims professionals on real-time coverage issues, policy interpretation, and claims handling strategy.

Our approach emphasizes early risk assessment, practical decision-making, and alignment with evolving California law, enabling clients to make informed coverage determinations. Our attorneys are skilled litigators of complex insurance coverage disputes in both state and federal courts.

We represent insurers in declaratory relief actions, contribution and equitable indemnity claims, and disputes involving additional insured status, priority of coverage, and allocation among multiple policies and policy periods. Additionally, we vigorously defend insurers against claims of bad faith and unfair claims handling. We focus on early evaluation and strategic motion practice to narrow issues, defeat unsupported claims, and position cases for favorable resolution, whether through summary judgment or trial.

Insurance Coverage & Bad Faith

Public Entity Defense

Schonbuch Hallissy LLP represents public entities, including transportation authorities, cities and counties and the state of California, in a broad range of civil litigation matters. Our attorneys defend claims involving transportation-related incidents, personal injury, dangerous condition of public property, premises liability, and other tort-based actions. Our attorneys are well-versed in the statutory and procedural framework governing public entities, including immunities, liability limitations, indemnity issues, and claims presentation requirements under the Government Claims Act. We work closely with agency stakeholders, risk managers, and third-party administrators to evaluate exposure early and develop practical, cost-effective defense strategies.

Throughout each matter, we provide clear, business-oriented guidance that accounts for the operational, budgetary, and reputational considerations unique to public agencies.

Public Entity Defense

OUR CLIENTS

Since 1982, our firm has been defined by one principle: deliver exceptional results in the most demanding cases. As a boutique civil defense firm, we focus on complex litigation, catastrophic injury matters, and high-exposure disputes where trial is always on the table. Clients—from local businesses to global corporations—trust us to protect what matters most. We combine elite trial advocacy, advanced skills and training, strategic use of cutting-edge technology, with a steadfast commitment to honesty, fairness, and reliability.

Our Valued Clients Include:​

  • Acceptance Casualty Insurance Company
  • Allied World Insurance Company
  • American Modern Insurance Group
  • Argo Spring Manufacturing
  • Black & Veatch Construction, Inc.
  • California Capital Insurance Company
  • California Home Health Care, Inc.
  • California Insurance Group
  • CIBA Insurance Services
  • Constitution State Services
  • Equity Residential
  • Garrison Property & Casualty Company
  • Great American Insurance Company
  • Harco National Insurance Company
  • Hollister Ranch
  • IAT Insurance Group
  • Indian Harbor Insurance Company
  • Infinity Insurance Company
  • KB Insurance Co. Ltd.
  • Kemper Insurance Company
  • Key Brands International
  • Kiewit Corporation
  • Liberty Mutual Insurance Company
  • Live Nation Worldwide, Inc.
  • Magna Carta Companies
  • Mercury Insurance
  • Monterey Insurance Company
  • Northfield Insurance Company
  • Northland Insurance Company
  • Nurse Care Health Group, LLC
  • Occidental Insurance Company
  • Olen Properties
  • OneBeacon
  • Orel Capital, LLC
  • ProSight Specialty Insurance
  • Public Service Mutual Insurance Company
  • Rite-Hite Corporation
  • Starr Companies
  • The Travelers Companies, Inc.
  • Ticketmaster
  • TransGuard Insurance Company
  • United Services Automobile Assn. (“USAA”)
  • USAA Casualty Insurance Company
  • USAA Federal Savings Bank
  • Westfield, LLC
  • Wilshire Insurance Company
  • Steadfast Insurance Company
  • Uber Technologies, Inc.
  • University of Southern California