Phillips Spallas & Angstadt LLP

We're #hiring a new Associate Attorney in San Francisco, California. Apply today or share this post with your network.

We're #hiring a new Associate Attorney in Los Angeles, California. Apply today or share this post with your network.

Fun times at the ball game for our Los Angeles Team :)

New California Discovery Law The California Senate recently passed a new law, Senate Bill 235, which significantly changes the landscape of civil discovery in California for all cases filed on or after January 1, 2024. The law mandates that parties provide initial disclosures similar to the common discovery tools we are already accustomed to, but on a much broader scale. Parties served with a demand for initial disclosures must now respond within 60 days with the following:   (1) The names, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses of all persons likely to have discoverable information, along with the subjects of that information, that the disclosing party may use to support its claims or defenses or that is relevant to the subject matter of the action or the order on any motion made in that action. (2) A copy, or a description by category and location, of all documents, electronically stored information, and tangible things that the disclosing party has in its possession, custody or control and may use to support its claims or defenses. (3) Any contractual agreement or insurance policy under which an insurance company may be liable to satisfy or reimburse a judgment. (4) Any material contractual provisions or terms under which a person may be liable to satisfy a judgment or to indemnify or reimburse for payments made to satisfy the judgment. With this new law, the California legislature’s intention is that it will streamline the discovery process, making it more efficient and less costly, and encourage resolution earlier in the process. (Associate Attorney Chekwume Ufoegbune)

Our San Francisco Team enjoys Happy Hour in the neighborhood!

Partner Robert Phillips made a presentation, “ABC’s of Defending Spinal Injury Claims” at this year’s annual CLM Claims Unleashed 2024 (April 2 – 4) conference in San Francisco. Mr. Phillips’ presentation covered topics that included the medical basics of spinal injury, common treatments, studies attorneys should know about, defenses to back injury claims, what medical bills are recoverable, and defenses to fraudulent claims and excessive billing. Mr. Phillips reported that the conference was “quite extraordinary” and “represented a broad cross-section of professionals and ideas from around the country. CLM demonstrates the value to our clients of sharing resources, information, and expertise.”

International Women’s Day is March 8   This day challenges us to imagine a gender equal world, free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. It asks us to, together, forge women’s equality, and collectively #InspireInclusion.   At Phillips, Spallas & Angstadt we believe International Women’s Day belongs to everyone. The spirit of IWD connects directly with the values of diversity that the firm is founded on, and our values inspire our commitment to providing our women employees--and all our people--with the support they need to thrive professionally and personally.   On this International Women’s Day we honor and thank the women and all our people who contribute to our success and the health and success of their families, their communities, and the world.

Premises Owners Prevail on Appeal in Dog Attack Case By Associate Attorney Jacob Colvin   In Fraser v. Farvid, No. B324831 (Cal. Ct. App. Feb. 9, 2024), the Court of Appeal for the Second District affirmed judgment notwithstanding the verdict where plaintiff failed to present evidence that defendants knew or should have known that their tenant kept vicious dogs on property.  The defendants leased a single-family home to a tenant. The tenant, without notifying the property owners, moved in two pit bulls. The pit bulls later attacked plaintiff.    At trial, in an attempt to show the defendants had actual knowledge of the dog’s dangerous propensities, plaintiff presented an email from the defendants’ neighbor that happened to mention, without more, two guard dogs. While there were some questions as to the credibility of the defendants’ testimony, plaintiff presented no other evidence related to these two dogs, and the jury awarded plaintiff more than $600,000.     The trial court later granted defendants’ motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict. Affirming the trial court, the appellate court explained that plaintiff failed to establish the “actual knowledge rule” that a landlord must have knowledge of a tenant’s dog’s vicious nature. To that end, standing alone, an email that happens to identify guard dogs living at the property is not evidence that defendants had knowledge that the dogs were dangerous. The take-away here is that the mere knowledge a tenant’s ‘guard dog’ is present on private property is not enough to find liability against a landlord. 

Today, we celebrate our valued staff, attorney, and operations teams. Happy Employee Appreciation Day! We are so grateful for your dedication, commitment and positive attitude, all of which keep our company growing and thriving. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for the passion, creativity and grit you bring each day. -The Partners

We know our people are our most valuable asset, and their professional and personal growth and development directly contributes to our success. On this day, International Mentoring Day, we want to spotlight the role mentoring plays in our employee development program and philosophy. International Mentoring Day fosters a global understanding of the mentoring movement throughout the world. The day also raises awareness for the global contributions of mentoring. Mentoring usually involves a more knowledgeable person sharing wisdom with someone who can benefit from their experience. Mentors share their skills in the workplace, schools, places of worship, professional organizations, and our communities. From their first day with us, we pair our employees with mentors who can help guide them as they begin their work with us. This is also a day that reminds us to thank the mentors who we ask to serve in this important role – the mentors who give their time, experience and wisdom to help our people be successful right from the start!