CIVIL LAW AND LITIGATION

 I have handled thousands of cases involving injuries and business disputes. My approach is to thoroughly understand the facts at an early stage and identify my client's goals. Generally this includes determining the prospects of success, given the applicable law, and the cost to go to trial and then proposing clear alternatives, including creative options.

I want to make complex issues simple and keep simple issues simple. Often litigation costs are higher than necessary when an endgame is not envisioned at each step along the way. I enjoy seeing former clients a couple of years after the case is over to find their businesses are thriving. It is satisfying to know the legal process was a tool for their business, not a drain of resources.

However, if the other side is not reasonable then I am tenacious. After one case finally settled, part of the agreement was that I would not represent any other plaintiff against the defendant for two years. In another case, I represented a doctor in a legal fee dispute. The former attorney claimed that cost was not an object. By the time the arbitration award was rendered, it was clear that cost is always an object.

In a case that went trial, my client had a strong case of liability, but there were significant damages. My client made an offer to settle the case based on the anticipated legal fees to try to quickly resolve the case, but that offer was rejected. My client did prevail in the jury trial and was awarded costs from the other side.

In a complex case, I strive to be efficient in managing the information in the following ways:

Real Time Depositions: I have written articles for a highly regarded court-reporting agency regarding real time depositions. The attorney has better command of the more complex case by managing numerous deposition transcripts saved on the computer.

Document management: Cases that have thousands of documents can be managed by having the documents numbered and stored electronically.

Communications: Email enables me to quickly and effectively communicate with clients and opposing counsel, including revisions of documents when time is of the essence.

I may be able to help you with these kinds of cases:

• Disputes between partners, business entities and disputes within religious organizations and neighborhood groups
• Property and personal injury cases where one doesn't have insurance
• Defamation, slander and fraud
• Construction and licensing issues

Here is some client feedback:

"It's refreshing to find an innovative and creative attorney who works harder at focusing on the key issues and getting a fair and timely resolution versus generating fees by increasing the conflict and dragging out the litigation."

"I was privileged to have Michael Bush defend me in a case of identity theft and fraud. I was very impressed by his honesty, integrity, knowledge of the law, and how he worked diligently, with passion and conviction, to resolve the case."

"Here is a picture of my son that you helped a couple of years ago."

NOTABLE CASES:

In re Marriage of Kruszewski (No. G031195): An unpublished opinion issued by the California Court of Appeal regarding a parent who moved out of state with the children without the other parent's consent.

Balboa Island Village Inn v. Lemen (S1277904): A commercial establishment tried to get a permanent injunction against a neighbor who was on a petition gathering campaign. I felt my client's right to free speech was violated. The Court of Appeal issued a published opinion in my clients favor on the free speech issue and that case is now before the California Supreme Court.

Please contact me if you would like to discuss your case. The initial consultation is free. Please do not put details in your email, as that communication might not be covered by the attorney/client privilege. I look forward to speaking with you.

-D. Michael Bush