BERGER KAHN - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- ADR Section July Meeting Featuring Retired Shareholder Lance LaBelle
- OC Bar Foundation Associate Board Event Supporting Youth Safety, Health and Education
- Project Youth OC 's 2023 Associate
Shareholder Dave Ezra, and attorneys Erin Mindoro and Zach Rutman attended the O.C. Bar Foundation Associate Board's premier annual event, benefiting youth safety, health and education programs of the Orange County Bar Foundation.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate in Berger Kahn 's South Orange County
Carter Irwin is an associate in Berger Kahn's South Orange County office and focuses his practice on business litigation, business transactions, and insurance coverage.
Carter attended Chapman University Dale E. Fowler School of Law in Orange, California and graduated in May of 2022 in the top 27% of his class.
At Chapman, Carter served as the President of the Corporate Law Society and Student Chair of the Honor Council. Additionally, he was a board member and competitor in the Alternative Dispute Resolution Board. Some of Carter's achievements at Chapman Law include CALI awards for earning the highest grades in Mergers and Acquisitions and Real Estate Partnership Tax. He also served as an Academic Fellow for Contracts I and II.
For his undergraduate, Carter attended Barrett, the Honors College, at Arizona State University and graduated in 2019 with a B.S. in Finance and a B.A. in Business Law.
Prior to working at Berger Kahn, Carter was a law clerk and later an attorney at Bremer Whyte Brown & O'Meara LLP. He also worked as a law clerk at the Law Firm of Higbee & Associates.
In his free time, Carter enjoys cooking, supporting his alma mater's football team, and playing a few rounds of golf.
Education
Chapman University Dale E. Fowler School of Law (J.D.), 2022
Job Titles:
- Managing Attorney - Wildfire
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate in Berger Kahn 's South Orange County
Corbin Smith is an associate in Berger Kahn's South Orange County office. He primarily focuses on labor & employment and insurance coverage.
Corbin attended Chapman University's Dale E. Fowler School of Law in Orange, California, and graduated Cum Laude in May 2023. As a merit scholar, Corbin graduated in the top 7% of his class. Corbin received numerous CALI awards for the highest class grades in Contracts I and II, Evidence, Practice Foundations Transactions, Wills and Trust, Constitutional Law, Criminal Procedure: Police Practices, Selected Topics in American Law, Advanced Selected Topics in American Law, and Agency & Partnership.
Prior to attending Chapman University, Corbin graduated from California State University, Fullerton with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice in 2019.
Corbin's experience includes serving as a law clerk for the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office and Lanzone Morgan, LLP.
In his free time, Corbin enjoys maintaining his physical health through weightlifting and rock climbing.
Job Titles:
- MANAGING PARTNER
- America 2021 Lists Including Managing Partner
- America 2022 List Including Managing Partner
- America Recognizes Berger Kahn Managing Partner
- Attorney Journal Features Managing Partner
- Best Lawyers 2019 Recognizes Managing Partner
- California Globe Highlights Managing Partner
- Including Managing Partner
- Loyola Law School Features Managing Partner
Craig S. Simon is the Managing Partner at Berger Kahn. With broad trial experience representing insurers, financial companies, and business owners, Craig proudly serves as National Subrogation Counsel to a top nationwide insurer, helping to oversee recovery challenges across the country. Accomplished at handling large subrogation cases against major manufacturers and regulated utilities in mass tort events, Craig consults with businesses, insurers and financial companies on improving processes to avoid litigation.
Earning a strong track record of success in resolving the most difficult cases, Craig has acted as lead trial attorney in dozens of cases before federal and state court juries and in arbitrations across the country. He is accustomed to handling matters of exceptional complexity, including nationwide class actions and multidistrict litigation.
Particularly accomplished in defending companies in litigation involving punitive damages, Craig honed his talent through years of dedication to this specific area of practice. Working closely with clients, jury consultants, and graphic designers, and employing mock trials and focus groups, Craig strategically develops powerful and persuasive litigation themes that resonate with juries.
Craig is licensed in both California and Texas, two of the most wildfire-prone areas, contributing to his broad experience, success, and unique qualifications as an esteemed subrogrator, litigator, and attorney.
Craig enjoys litigating cases, especially those that are complicated or involve novel theories, whether the underlying matter is a business dispute or one involving insurance.
In 2021, Craig was awarded the prestigious California Lawyer of the Year Award for his work as Co-Lead Counsel for the subrogation plaintiffs in the Woolsey Fire $2.2 billion settlement. In addition, the Daily Journal named Craig among the "Top 100" Attorneys in California for helping to achieve a $950 million settlement involving California wildfire-related cases on behalf of homeowner insurance carriers. Named to the list of Best Lawyers for 2015-present for his demonstration of excellence in his practice of law, Craig is also recognized to the list of Southern California Super Lawyers, with frequent recognition to the "Top 50 Orange County," and "Top 100 Southern California" Super Lawyers lists.
Craig began his career consulting with insurance companies. His experience includes:
Assisting insurers in the adoption and implementation of procedures for the handling of claims, including the drafting of claims manuals, guidelines and policies.
Representing carriers in first-party claims In the area of property insurance. He has distinguished himself in fire and arson claims and litigation arising from such claims.
Representing numerous insurers in the area of insurance coverage in difficult duty-to-defend litigation, which presents unique "case-within-a-case" evidence issues.
Defending against the global attacks being made on the industry in the area of life and annuity sales. Craig has defended both individual and class actions.
Serving as a consultant and expert witness in disputed insurance matters for both the plaintiff and defense Bar.
Craig is a frequent lecturer before industry-specific audiences, including Charter Property Casualty Underwriters, International Association of Special Investigative Units, the Insurance Committee for Arson Control, the International Association of Arson Investigators, and Public Risk Management Association. Craig also lectures before lawyer groups on trial tactics in cases involving punitive damages. He is actively involved in issues concerning law practice management and lectures on ways to improve client relations.
Craig joined Berger Kahn as a law clerk in 1975, became a principal in 1981, and in 1984 opened the firm's Orange County office. He is the rare attorney who has served with steadfast loyalty to one firm his entire legal career and he possesses the institutional knowledge that accompanies his five decades leading Berger Kahn.
He and his wife live in Irvine, California.
Dale A. Amato, a partner in the Berger Kahn San Diego office, practices in the areas of insurance coverage, construction defect, first-party claims investigation, general liability defense, criminal defense appeals and public entity liability. Dale is recognized to the list of 2014-present Southern California Super Lawyers, an honor reserved for the top 5% of the Bar.
Representing major insurance companies, Dale has handled a significant amount of insurance bad faith defense cases as well as assisting insurance carriers during claim investigations by providing legal coverage opinions and conducting examinations under oath in the area of suspect claims. Dale has also represented developers, subcontractors and soils engineers in construction defect litigation. In addition to having jury trial and arbitration experience, Dale has prepared briefing for the California Supreme Court and has argued before the 9th Circuit Court of Appeal and the California Court of Appeal.
Dale enjoys bicycling, skiing and music. He is married with two children and lives in Jamul, California.
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Partner
- Principal
- Shareholder
- Attorney Journal Features Shareholder
- Claims Journal Features Shareholder
- Daily Journal Features Principal
Shareholder David Ezra gave a volunteer presentation for the Constitutional Rights Foundation, Orange County on Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966), a pivotal Supreme Court case ensuring a person's right against self-incrimination and for an individual's right to a defense attorney.
Shareholder Dave Ezra supported the Inner City Law Center while enjoying a day at the ballpark thanks to Judicate West Foundation and their annual charity baseball night, at the Dodgers vs. Brewers game for a good cause.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- MANAGING PARTNER
- Partner
- Principal
- Attorney Journal Features Partner
- Managing Partner of Berger Kahn 's South Orange County
Erin Mindoro Ezra is the managing partner of Berger Kahn's South Orange County office. Erin is licensed in both California and New York and focuses her practice on insurance coverage and employment. With both a J.D. and MBA degree, Erin excels in balancing complex legal issues with the practical realities facing California businesses.
Erin primarily advises clients in insurance coverage matters, particularly liability insurance, regarding claims-related rights and obligations. Additionally, Erin counsels insurance company clients in evaluating potential exposure and risks for high-value claims.
Erin has also successfully represented clients in wage and hour disputes, sexual harassment, discrimination, accommodation, retaliation, and other employment disputes. She also conducts investigations stemming from employee grievances.
Erin consistently garners recognition from Super Lawyers Rising Stars to the lists of "Up-and-Coming 25: Orange County Rising Stars," "Up-and-Coming 100: Southern California Rising Stars," and "Up-and-Coming 50: Women Southern California Rising Stars," Super Lawyers' "Top Women Attorneys in Southern California." Erin has been selected to Best Lawyers "Ones to Watch" for Insurance Coverage and holds an Avvo Clients' Choice award for her glowing client reviews and a perfect "10" rating.
Erin, who initially practiced in New York, has successfully handled appeals, including published opinions in Bourdeau Bros., Inc. v. Bennett, 901 N.Y.S.2d 878 (App. Div. 3d. Dep't 2010), McCormick v. Bechtol, 891 N.S. Y.2d 188 (App. Div. 3d Dep't 2009), and Klotz v. Warick, 863 N.Y.S.2d 103 (App. Div. 3d Dep't 2008).
Known for her insightful legal commentary, Erin is frequently published in top legal publications, including:
On December 3, 2014, Berger Kahn attorney Erin Mindoro was officially sworn in as one of the newest Associate Board members for the Orange Bounty Bar Foundation, a highly-esteemed Orange County non-profit organization committed to keeping at-risk youth out of jail, in school, healthy, and drug free through education, counseling, and mentoring.
Shareholder David Ezra and Principal Erin Mindoro attended the O.C. Bar Foundation "Game Day Fundraiser" on behalf of Berger Kahn, enjoying football, food, games and raffle prizes all in support of the nonprofit organization where Erin serves on the Associate Board.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Attends Project Youth OCBF 's Higher Education Mentoring Program ( HEMA ) Graduation
- Featured in Orange County Attorney Journal for Being Named to Southern California Super Lawyers 2018 "Rising Stars" List / Attorney Journal - October 22, 2018
Last week, Berger Kahn Partner and Project Youth Associate Board Member Erin Ezra attended a virtual ceremony held by Project Youth Orange County Bar Foundation (PY OCBF) to honor this year's scholarship recipients.
On Friday, June 19, 2020, Dave and Erin Ezra attended the first virtual Flight Night, in essence of the OCBF Project Youth's annual rooftop Brewfest fundraiser.
On January 13th, partner Erin Ezra served as a judge in the UC Irvine Beach Bash Mock Trial Tournament, adjudicating issues debated by students from 15 various universities/colleges.
Job Titles:
- File Production Manager
- Production Manager for the Wildfire Litigation Team at Berger Kahn 's Irvine
Evan Krell is the file production manager for the wildfire litigation team at Berger Kahn's Irvine office, in charge of review and (where appropriate) redaction of insurance claims files to wildfire victims and to utilities who cause fires. Evan graduated from San Diego State University with a B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management and before joining the Berger Kahn team spent 9 years in hotel management positions with worldwide brands like Marriott, Intercontinental Hotel Group, and Hyatt hotels. His ability to lead and motivate teams was the addition that the litigation team needed to keep up with the workload brought on by the firm's largest pending wildfire cases to date (Northbay, Camp, Thomas and Woolsey). It was due to this massive undertaking that his position was created. Despite being new to law, Evan successfully hires, trains, and manages his team.
Job Titles:
- Administrator
- Firm Administrator & Law Clerk
Hannah Hong is Berger Kahn's South Orange County Firm Administrator, Case Manager for David Ezra Mediations and a law clerk.
Hannah attends Chapman University's Dale E. Fowler School of Law in Orange and is expected to graduate in May of 2024. Hannah graduated from Chapman University with a bachelor's degree in Political Science and Law, Social Justice, and Social Control.
Hannah has held a variety of roles at Berger Kahn, previously working as a paralegal.
As a paralegal, Hannah worked with attorneys in the fields of insurance coverage, employment and business litigation. Her duties included assisting attorneys during litigation, maintaining insurance coverage files, and conducting case background investigations, and legal research.
As a firm administrator, Hannah manages the day-to-day firm activities from hiring and training new staff members to serving as the billing point of contact. As part of her role as office administrator, Hannah conducts new hire training and Sexual Harassment Training for Supervisors.
Hannah is committed to community service. For the last few years, she's offered tutoring services to students from elementary to high school. She also volunteers her time to tutor native Korean speakers in conversational English to help them increase their comfort and confidence while adapting to a country with a different language and customs.
In her free time, Hannah loves to play with her cat, run, and go on little adventures.
A longtime mascot in the OC Berger Kahn office, mannequin Harrison Frank is a unique and creative symbol of Berger Kahn.
Named after the clothing store Harris & Frank, where Harrison's suit was purchased, he's a regular at meetings held in the boardroom where he resides. He always celebrates holidays at the firm, including Valentine's Day, during which he can be found holding a box of chocolates for Berger Kahn staff.
Heather Whitmore is a partner in Berger Kahn's South Orange County office.
Heather joined Berger Kahn after graduating from Loyola Law School in 1998. She provided coverage analysis for commercial lines and personal policy insurers. She also represented insurers in coverage and "bad faith" lawsuits, and successfully resolved many cases by summary judgment for her clients. Early in her career, a second-year lawyer, she was co-counsel in the Barratt American, Inc. v. Transcontinental Ins. Co., 102 Cal.App.4th 848 (2002) trial, where the Court of Appeal clarified the scope of recoverable defense costs under California law.
Heather later joined Palmieri Tyler's business litigation department. At Palmieri Tyler, Heather represented clients in a variety of business and insurance disputes. Heather's clients ranged from large corporations to small, family-owned businesses, where she successfully resolved their business litigation disputes spanning a wide range of subject (contracts, bankruptcy, employment, and trusts). She successfully arbitrated and tried cases in both federal and state courts.
When Heather rejoined Berger Kahn in 2010, she participated in the Yorba Linda Water District wildfire subrogation case and helped her insurance carrier client obtain one of California's 10 largest judgments in 2012.
With over 20 years of practice, Heather continues to focus on insurance coverage and litigation.
In her free time, Heather enjoys walking her two small rescue dogs, reading and watching her sons play volleyball and water polo on their national teams.
Job Titles:
- Associate in Berger Kahn 's South Orange County
James L. Harvey is an associate in Berger Kahn's South Orange County office. James focuses his practice on insurance coverage and labor & employment.
James attended Chapman University's Dale E. Fowler School of Law in Orange as a merit scholar and graduated in May 2022 in the top 28% of his class. At Chapman, James received CALI awards for the highest grades in Constitutional Law and Antitrust Law. He also served as a member of the Mock Trial Board and the Student Bar Association.
James attended California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and graduated cum laude in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in History. James was an active member of the Mock Trial team, competing in several tournaments.
Prior to working at Berger Kahn, James was a law clerk for Kazerouni Law Group and the Consumer and Environmental Protection unit at the Orange County District Attorney's Office.
In his free time, James enjoys rock climbing and playing table tennis. He is also an avid fan of the Lakers, Dodgers, and Raiders.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Senior Associate
Jamie L. Rice is a senior associate in the Berger Kahn South Orange County office. Her practice includes labor and employment and insurance coverage.
Jamie counsels and defends businesses in various employment matters, including discrimination, harassment, and retaliation litigation, and wage and hour claims (individual and PAGA representative actions). Jamie has successfully represented insurance companies in disputes arising from construction defects and policy interpretation. Jamie also advises insurance companies regarding personal lines and commercial coverage and conducts examinations under oath.
Jamie graduated magna cum laude from Chapman University's Dale E. Fowler School of Law in 2019, ranking 4th in her class. During her time at Chapman, she strengthened her legal writing and leadership skills as a Senior Articles Editor for Chapman Law Review, an Academic Fellow for Torts, and a Law School Advocate for the Honor Counsel.
Jamie has been recognized in the prestigious "Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch" for insurance law. Jamie has received the Super Lawyers recognition for Southern California Rising Stars and "Top Women Attorneys in Southern California." She has also been published in legal publications, including:
Jocelyn Metsch is an associate on Berger Kahn's wildfire litigation team. Jocelyn works on all aspects of litigation against utilities for igniting fires, including pleadings, discovery, depositions, and trial preparation.
Jocelyn attended the University of San Diego School of Law and graduated in May 2021. At the University of San Diego, Jocelyn received the Dean's Honor Scholarship and was also a member of the Women's Law Caucus.
For her undergraduate, Jocelyn attended the University of California, Santa Cruz, and graduated in 2013 with a B.A. in Psychology. She received the Dean's Honors and Honors in the Major. Jocelyn was also a member of the Santa Cruz Hillel and served as a tutor for Hebrew.
Prior to working at Berger Kahn, Jocelyn was an associate at a local OC litigation firm, and she worked in the areas of Business Litigation, Insurance Coverage, Product Liability, and Serious Personal Injury and Wrongful Death.
In her free time, Jocelyn enjoys gardening, hiking with her dog and husband, and trying out new recipes.
Education
University of San Diego, School of Law (J.D., 2021)
Job Titles:
- Law Clerk
- Treasurer of the Chapman Women Lawyers Association
Leslie Valera is a law clerk in Berger Kahn's South Orange County office. She primarily assists attorneys with labor & employment, and insurance coverage issues.
Leslie currently attends Chapman University Dale E. Fowler School of Law in Orange, California, where she is a merit scholar. She is expected to graduate in May of 2024.
At Chapman, Leslie is the treasurer of the Chapman Women Lawyers Association and a member of the Real Estate Law Society. Prior to attending Chapman Law, Leslie graduated from Baylor University with a B.B.A. in Management in 2021.
Leslie has volunteered with Project Linus, March of Dimes, and New Leash on Life. In her spare time, Leslie enjoys aiding shelter dogs and hiking.
Lindsey Smith, Madeline Ong, and Joanna Yam Featured On Project SELF Panel On July 12, 2022, summer associates Lindsey Smith and Madeline Ong and law clerk Joanna Yam participated in the Young Lawyer Career Panel at Chapman University, Fowler School of Law for the Project Youth OCBF Project SELF.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate in Berger Kahn 's South Orange County
Madeline Ong is an associate in Berger Kahn's South Orange County office. She primarily focuses on complex insurance matters and labor & employment issues.
Madeline attended Chapman University Dale E. Fowler School of Law in Orange, California, where she was a merit scholar and distinguished fellow. She graduated in May of 2023 in the top 25%.
At Chapman, Madeline was a member of the school's moot court team and was a quarterfinalist in the National Online Moot Court Competition in 2022. Madeline competed in the 2023 ABA National Appellate Advocacy Competition. She also served as staff editor for the Diversity and Justice Forum. She was also a semi-finalist in the Golden Gavel Competition. Madeline served as Secretary in the Chapman Student Bar Association for the 2022-2023 school year.
Prior to attending Chapman Law, Madeline graduated from the University of California, Davis, with a B.A. in international relations and minors in human rights and Spanish in 2019.
Madeline's experience includes law clerk positions at the Children's Law Center and St. John's Knits. She served as an intern at the U.S. Department of Education, as well as both the Yolo County District Attorney's and Public Defender's offices.
Madeline is an avid traveler and food enthusiast with a voracity for experiencing new cultures. Madeline has visited 36 countries so far and we cannot wait to hear about which country she is visiting next!
Mallory O. Yumol is a senior associate in the Berger Kahn South Orange County office.
As a former court-appointed attorney, Mallory has high-pressure courtroom experience, including in criminal and juvenile dependency proceedings. In her insurance practice, she conducts examinations under oath, litigates, and advises clients regarding coverage under personal lines and commercial policies.
Mallory graduated from University of California, Los Angeles School of Law in 2017, where she was active on UCLA Law Review. She was a recipient of the UC Presidential Service Fellowship and wrote appellate briefs at the Orange County Public Defender's Office. In 2018, she joined Los Angeles Dependency Lawyers and was a court-appointed attorney for parents in juvenile dependency proceedings.
Mallory has been recognized in Super Lawyers Southern California Rising Stars 2022 for insurance coverage. Mallory has also been published in the following legal publications:
Miles Dawson is an associate in the Berger Kahn South Orange County office. He focuses his practice on insurance coverage.
Miles advises insurance companies concerning claims-related rights and obligations. Miles also litigates reimbursement claims on behalf of insurers.
Miles graduated in the top 15% of his class from Chapman University Dale E. Fowler School of Law in 2020 with an emphasis in Environmental, Land Use, and Real Estate Law. Miles served as treasurer of Chapman's Environmental Law Society and as an academic fellow for Contracts.
Miles has been published in the following publication:
Job Titles:
- Joins Orange County Bar Foundation Associate Board
Job Titles:
- Paralegal
- Paralegal in Berger Kahn 's South Orange County
Noah Hooper is a paralegal in Berger Kahn's South Orange County office. He primarily focuses on assisting attorneys with insurance coverage and labor & employment cases.
Noah attended University of California Irvine in Irvine, California, and received his Paralegal Certificate in September 2023.
Prior to attending University of California Irvine, Noah graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism in 2022. Noah was also on the Dean's List from 2017-2021.
During Noah's free time, he enjoys going on runs, swimming at the beach, and spending time with friends and family.
Job Titles:
- Association Publication Features Shareholder David Ezra on "Mediating Employment Disputes With Small Business Owners"
- Foundation Associate Board Summer Rooftop Event Attended and Supported by
In support of the programs and initiatives of the O.C. Bar Foundation, OCBF Associate Board member and Berger Kahn Partner Erin Mindoro, along with Shareholder Dave Ezra, attorney Orlando Arellano, and legal secretary Pam Daubert joined the Bar Foundation for their summer rooftop event.
Job Titles:
- Features Principal David Ezra in Mediation Column "the Mediator 's Nightmare "
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate in Berger Kahn 's South Orange County
Rebecca Rogers is an associate in Berger Kahn's South Orange County office. She primarily focuses on insurance coverage and labor and employment.
Rebecca attended Chapman University's Dale E. Fowler School of Law in Orange and graduated in May of 2023 in the top 18% of her class. At Chapman, Rebecca received CALI Awards for the highest grades in Property I and Torts II. Rebecca was also very active within the law school's student organizations as the Co-President of the Public Interest Law Foundation (PILF), Vice President of the Asian Pacific American Law School Association, and Treasurer of the Criminal Law Society. As Co-President of PILF, she organized a raffle that raised over $14,000 in summer grant funds for Chapman students who were working unpaid or low-paying summer jobs. She was also an active board member of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Board, a Student Director for the 1L Sibling Program, an Academic Fellow for Property I and Criminal Law, a Constitutional Law Research Assistant for Professor James Phillips, and Chapman Admissions Volunteer.
Prior to law school, Rebecca graduated from the University of Washington in Seattle with a B.S in Psychology in 2016. During her time at the University of Washington, she kept herself busy with her role as Treasurer of the Ladies of STEM organization while taking on the positions of research assistant and teaching assistant for classes such as Psychology Research Methods and Human Physiology.
During her free time, Rebecca enjoys exploring Orange County's best restaurants, watching cooking competition shows, and playing tennis.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate in Berger Kahn 's South Orange County
Robert Chan is an associate in Berger Kahn's South Orange County office. He primarily focuses on insurance coverage and labor & employment.
Robert attended Chapman University's Dale E. Fowler School of Law in Orange, California, and graduated Cum Laude in May 2023. Robert graduated in the top 15% of his class. Robert received CALI awards for the highest class grades in International Business Transaction and Legal Analysis Workshop.
Prior to attending Chapman University, Robert graduated from California State University, Fullerton with a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry in 2020.
Robert's experience includes serving as a law clerk for the Orange County District Attorney's Office and Andrews & Thornton.
During Robert's free time, he enjoys producing electronic music, maintaining his physical health through weightlifting, and trading stock options.
Education
Chapman University Dale E. Fowler School of Law (J.D.), 2023
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Managing Partner of the Berger Kahn San Diego
Roberta Taylor Winston is the managing partner of the Berger Kahn San Diego office. She has extensive litigation experience in the areas of insurance coverage, insurance bad faith, construction defect, personal injury defense, product liability and premise liability.
Roberta is recognized as a specialist in the investigations of suspect insurance claims. She has conducted countless examinations under oath for numerous national insurance carriers.
In the area of insurance bad faith litigation, Roberta has litigated these complex cases in California as well as Nevada, and has served as an expert witness in bad faith trials on insurance coverage matters.
In the area of general liability, Roberta has provided both trial and arbitration expertise for a variety of companies and insurance clients. Roberta's professional experience includes a judicial clerkship with the Eighth Judicial District Court in Las Vegas, Nevada, where she handled the court's civil motion calendar and assisted with the criminal trials.
Roberta has given numerous presentations to insurance groups on insurance fraud and examinations under oath. She has taught an insurance law seminar titled "The People's School of Law" and co-taught a business law course at the University of Nevada Las Vegas.
Roberta combines her legal activities with sports, family, music, and singing professionally in her community. Originally from Michigan, she is married with three children.
Job Titles:
- Defense Attorney of the Year
Shannon is a certified paralegal who handles many aspects of claim file production in wildfire litigation and is responsible for data updates to the defense, to clients, and in mediation. She participates in data acquisition, analytics, and oversees some of the business administration duties for the firm. Shannon has unique and special skills in the application of Google Earth to wildfire cases, especially with regard to mapping. She also assists in deposition preparation and in the organization, display and sharing of exhibits during the questioning of witnesses.
Sherman M. Spitz is one of the most experienced trial attorneys in California, having tried more than 90 cases to jury verdict. A particular focus of his practice is substituting into cases at the eleventh hour and getting excellent results in the courtroom. Sherman is rated A.V., the highest rating, by Martindale Hubbell.
Sherman is well-versed in all aspects of litigation at the pretrial, trial, and appellate levels in federal and state courts, as well as in arbitrations and mediations.
Representing both plaintiffs and defendants, Sherman has successfully litigated a wide range of civil litigation cases, including business litigation, insurance bad faith, employment, and personal injury litigation. He also has handled legal malpractice, healthcare-provider negligence, and police abuse cases.
Sherman has extensive experience in defending insurance carriers in litigated, as well as non-litigated, matters.
In addition to being named to the list of 2016-present Best Lawyers, from 2012-present he was named to the list of Southern California Super Lawyers, with recognition to the lists of "Top 50" Orange County Super Lawyers from 2013-2018, and "Top 100" Southern California Super Lawyers in 2015 and again in 2017.
Over the years, he has developed a niche specialty in protecting the insurance carriers' interests in arson and/or fraud claims, including defending the carriers in bad faith litigation, pursuing declaratory relief actions and conducting examinations under oath.
In select cases that have not presented a conflict of interest, Sherman has also represented insureds against insurance carriers. He has lectured on numerous topics related to claims investigation and good faith claims handling.
Sherman has achieved a number of multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements on behalf of plaintiffs, including a $7.5 million settlement in a wrongful death action and a $6.5 million settlement in an employment discrimination case. He has also obtained numerous defense verdicts.
From 1979 to 1981, Sherman served as a Deputy District Attorney in the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, where he conducted scores of jury trials and hundreds of preliminary hearings. Sherman is one of two founding partners of Berger Kahn's Orange County Office, which was opened in 1984.
Lead trial attorney Sherman Spitz and Dale Amato obtained a defense verdict in a federal court lawsuit seeking $1M in insurance policy benefits. Following a suspicious business fire, the insured's claim for $1 Million in policy benefits was denied principally because the insured lied about matters pertaining to the security system in place at the business premises including security cameras, monitors, a missing DVR and the fire alarm system. After a three-day trial, the court agreed and determined that the insured violated the concealment/fraud provisions of the insurance policy by making multiple intentional material misrepresentations of material fact to the insurance carrier during its investigation of the fire loss, thereby vitiating coverage. Spitz and Amato successfully repelled a motion to introduce post-trial evidence and a motion for new trial. An appeal has been filed. The trial was presided over by Judge George Wu in the US District Court Central District.
Job Titles:
- Principal
- Shareholder
- Attorney Journal Features Principal
- Legal Aid Society Features Shareholder
A shareholder at Berger Kahn, Stephan S. Cohn's practice is concentrated in the areas of insurance, business, real estate, and community association law. He routinely litigates business torts, real estate issues, environmental-toxic torts, and insurance matters. In addition, he regularly counsels insurers regarding fair claim practices and claim investigations and directors and officers in the enforcement of governing documents and other day-to-day operational matters.
Shareholder Stephan Cohn Named 2023 "Lawyer of the Year" for Insurance Law in Orange County
Best Lawyers - August 18, 2022
Best Lawyers in America Names Berger Kahn Attorneys to 2023 List, Including Managing Partner Craig Simon, Shareholders Sherman Spitz, Stephan Cohn, David Ezra, and Partner Roberta Winston
Best Lawyers - August 18, 2022
Berger Kahn Attorneys Named to Top Lists of Southern California Super Lawyers 2022
Super Lawyers - January 20, 2022
Berger Kahn Attorneys Named to Best Lawyers in America 2022 List Including Managing Partner Craig Simon and Shareholders Sherman Spitz, Stephan Cohn and David Ezra
Best Lawyers - August 19, 2021
Berger Kahn Attorneys Named to Best Lawyers in America 2021 Lists Including Managing Partner Craig Simon and Shareholders Sherman Spitz, Stephan Cohn and David Ezra
Best Lawyers - February 17, 2021
Shareholder Stephan Cohn Voted the 2021 "Lawyer of the Year" for Insurance Law in Orange County
Best Lawyers - February 17, 2021
Berger Kahn Attorneys Named to Top Lists of Southern California and San Diego Super Lawyers
Super Lawyers - January 21, 2021
Berger Kahn Attorneys Named to the 2020 List of Southern California Super Lawyers
Super Lawyers - January 15, 2020
Managing Partner Craig Simon and Shareholders Sherman Spitz, Stephan Cohn and David Ezra Recognized by Best Lawyers in America to 2021 Best Lawyers in America List
Best Lawyers - August 20, 2020
Best Lawyers in America Recognizes Berger Kahn Managing Partner Craig Simon and Shareholders Sherman Spitz, Stephan Cohn and David Ezra to 2020 Best Lawyers in America List
Best Lawyers - August 14, 2019
Berger Kahn Attorneys Named to "Top 100" "Orange County Top 50" and "Up-and-Coming" Lists of Southern California and San Diego Super Lawyers
Super Lawyers - August 2, 2019
Berger Kahn Attorneys Named to the 2019 List of Southern California Super Lawyers
Super Lawyers - January 30, 2019
Best Lawyers 2019 Recognizes Managing Partner Craig Simon, Shareholders Sherman Spitz, David Ezra, and Stephan Cohn
Best Lawyers - August 15, 2018
Berger Kahn Attorneys Named to the List of Southern California Super Lawyers With Top Honors in the Lists of "Top 100" and "Orange County Top 50"
Super Lawyers - January 30, 2018
Best Lawyers in America Recognizes Berger Kahn Managing Partner Craig Simon and Shareholders Sherman Spitz, Stephan Cohn and David Ezra in 2018
Best Lawyer - July 15, 2017
Orange County Attorney Journal Features All Berger Kahn Shareholders for Inclusion in Super Lawyers Business Edition
Attorney Journal - February 20, 2017
Berger Kahn Attorneys Named to the List of Southern California Super Lawyers With Top Honors in the Lists of "Top 100" and "Orange County Top 50"
Super Lawyers - January 20, 2017
All Berger Kahn Shareholders Featured in 2016 Super Lawyers Business Edition
Super Lawyers - November 23, 2016
Attorney Journal Features Shareholders Steve Cohn and Dave Ezra for Best Lawyers Recognition
O.C. Attorney Journal - November 1, 2016
Legal Aid Society Features Shareholder Stephan Cohn in Examinations Under Oath MCLE Presentation - May 3
Legal Aid Society - April 26, 2016
Shareholder Stephan Cohn Featured as Speaker to Special Investigations Unit at Major Carrier
Berger Kahn - March 14, 2016
O.C. Bar Association Commends Berger Kahn For Recognition to Super Lawyers Including Elite "Top 100 Southern California" and "Top 50 OC" Lists
O.C. Bar Association - March 14, 2016
Eight Berger Kahn Attorneys Named to the List of Southern California Super Lawyers With Top Honors in the Lists of "Top 100" and "Orange County Top 50"
Super Lawyers - January 20, 2016
Nine Berger Kahn Partners Featured in Super Lawyers Business Edition
Super Lawyers - November 23, 2015
Los Angeles Times Features Berger Kahn Attorneys in List of "Top Rated Attorneys"
Los Angeles Times - October 14, 2015
Stephan Cohn and Dave Ezra of Berger Kahn Highlighted By O.C. Attorney Journal Magazine For Honors By Best Lawyers In America 2016
O.C. Attorney Journal - October 14, 2015
Best Lawyers in America Recognizes Berger Kahn Shareholders to 2016 List
Best Lawyers of America - August 17, 2015
O.C. Bar Association Commends Berger Kahn Attorneys for Selection to Super Lawyers "Top" Lists
O.C. Bar Association - June 11, 2015
Principal Stephan Cohn Featured in Orange County Attorney Journal
O.C. Attorney Journal - April 1, 2015
Attorney Journal Features Principal Stephan Cohn and Partner Steven Gentry for Recognition to the List of Southern California Super Lawyers 2015
O.C. Attorney Journal - March 11, 2015
Nine Berger Kahn Attorneys Named to the List of Southern California Super Lawyers With Top Honors in the Lists of "Top 100" and "Orange County Top 50"
Super Lawyers - January 21, 2015
Berger Kahn Celebrates 45th Anniversary as a Unique California Law Firm
January 2, 2015
Eight Berger Kahn Attorneys Named to the List of Super Lawyers With Top Honors in the Lists of "Southern California Top 100" and "Orange County Top 50"
Super Lawyers - January 17, 2014
"Attorneys Pitch in During the Holidays" features Berger Kahn's Charitable Efforts
Daily Journal - December 30, 2013
Six Berger Kahn Attorneys Named to the List of Super Lawyers With Top Honors in the Lists of "Southern California Top 100" and "Orange County Top 50"
Super Lawyers Magazine - January 21, 2013
Stephanie H. Ng is an associate with Berger Kahn's wildfire litigation team.
Stephanie is licensed to practice in California, Massachusetts, and New Mexico. She is fluent in Cantonese, Mandarin, and the slightest amount of Spanish.
Stephanie was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts. After attaining her Bachelor of Arts in Economics and International Relations, Stephanie became a licensing examiner for the Massachusetts Division of Banks. She analyzed financial documents from mortgage companies to ensure financial and ethical compliance with state licensing regulations.
Stephanie has always had an affinity towards sunny weather and warm climates. She accepted a full-tuition merit scholarship to Thomas Jefferson School of Law and graduated cum laude. Stephanie was a research assistant and learning assistant to several professors during her law school career.
Prior to joining Berger Kahn, Stephanie successfully represented clients as both plaintiffs and defendants in civil litigation. Stephanie has experience with all aspects of motor vehicle and premise liability actions as well as railroad derailments, mold litigation, insurance litigation, and real estate disputes.
Currently, Stephanie focuses her time on wildfire subrogation claims against utilities and public entities.
In her free time, Stephanie enjoys lifting weights and eating sushi.
Steven Ehrlich, Of Counsel to Berger Kahn, has dedicated over forty-three years of successful litigation experience to his clients. Mr. Ehrlich handles a variety of civil litigation matters, including employment, insurance, and business disputes.
Mr. Ehrlich's clients reap the benefit of his extensive experience and personal investment in understanding their goals when he takes on their case. He is accomplished in arbitration and alternative dispute resolution and has proven to be fully equipped for battle in those cases where trial becomes inevitable. Mr. Ehrlich has tried numerous cases to verdict, ranging in type from criminal murder cases to "bet the company" civil cases. He is known as someone who does not like surprises, and he prepares each case accordingly.
Prior to joining Berger Kahn, Mr. Ehrlich was in private practice in both Orange and Los Angeles counties. Having gone through trial some 50 or more times, Mr. Ehrlich has represented major Fortune 500 companies, well-established local corporations, family-owned businesses, small firms, and individuals of diverse wealth. Mr. Ehrlich's extensive trial experience includes numerous successful jury and court trials in the civil arena.
Mr. Ehrlich is licensed in all State and Federal Courts throughout California. He earned a bachelor's degree in Political Science from California State University Northridge and a JD from Whittier College, Beverly School of Law.
Mr. Ehrlich lives with his wife in Orange County where he regularly works out, reads extensively, and travels. Other interests include fishing, golf, and adventure-oriented outdoor activities.
Job Titles:
- Complex Litigation Manager
- Litigation Manager
Sue Muncey is a Complex Litigation Manager principally supporting attorneys in subrogation litigation, with a primary focus on wildfire cases. Playing a key role in working with the parties, Sue's responsibilities include participation in every aspect of litigation, mediation and trial. She has extensive experience in the management of data and repositories in large, complex and coordinated cases, including particular expertise in the organization, analysis and presentation of subrogation damages in large, coordinated cases. With substantial trial experience, Sue frequently performs second chair responsibilities along with our trial attorneys. Sue is a valued speaker at NASP and at the Wildland Fire Litigation Conferences, offering presentations on topics such as the coordination of complex cases and the use of technology in litigation.
Suzan Mehrabian is a law clerk in Berger Kahn's South Orange County office. She primarily assists attorneys with labor and employment and insurance coverage matters.
Suzan attends Chapman University Dale E. Fowler School of Law in Orange, California, expecting to graduate in May of 2024. Prior to attending Chapman Law, Suzan graduated from The University of Texas at Austin, with a B.A. in Sociology and minor in Business in 2020.
Suzan's prior legal experience includes serving as law clerk at ALC Lawyers PC in Burbank, California, as well as participating in The Lex Fellowship in Barcelona, Spain. Most recently, she held the position as a Judicial Extern for The Honorable Shashi H. Kewalramani, U.S. District Court, Central District of California in Riverside, California.
Suzan has volunteered at Girlstart in Houston, Texas where she was an After School Program Leader. In her spare time, Suzan enjoys paddle boarding, painting, and trying new baking recipes.
Education
Chapman University Dale E. Fowler School of Law (J.D. Candidate), 2024
Tyler von Denlinger is a law clerk in Berger Kahn's South Orange County office. She primarily assists attorneys with labor & employment cases and insurance coverage.
Tyler is currently a 3L attending law school at Chapman University's Dale E. Fowler School of Law in Orange, California. She is a Senior Articles Editor for the Chapman Law Review and has a forthcoming article to be published in Chapman's Law Review Journal Spring 2024.
Prior to attending Chapman University, Tyler attended the University of California, Berkeley where she graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies.
In addition to working at Berger Kahn, Tyler previously served as a law clerk for Andrews & Thornton and The Law Offices of Brett Murdock.
During her time at U.C. Berkeley, she was an active volunteer within the community; she advocated for a reduction in health disparities in the city and for legal representation to inmates in the Bay Area. Tyler was also a professional dancer for 13 years. In her free time, Tyler enjoys rock-climbing and painting.
Education
Chapman University Dale E. Fowler School of Law, (J.D. Candidate), 2024
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate
- Senior Associate at Berger Kahn 's South Orange County
Walker Macon is a Senior Associate at Berger Kahn's South Orange County office and focuses his practice on insurance coverage.
Aside from insurance coverage, Walker works on reimbursement and various coverage-related litigation, as well as employment, entertainment, and other business-related contracts.
Walker has also been published in the following legal publications: