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Professional Experience
Mr. Benoff`s trial practice has focused primarily on the areas of product liability, toxic tort/mass tort, and business litigation including complex False Claims Act matters.
As a result of his product liability and toxic tort work, Mr. Benoff has become familiar with a number of highly technical issues in the areas of engineering, medicine, and chemistry. He has represented a broad range of companies engaged in the design, production, and marketing of specialty chemicals, electrical distribution panels, automotive products, commercial HVAC and refrigeration equipment, crane and winch equipment, as well as water distribution systems.
In his business litigation practice, Mr. Benoff has handled a wide array of matters, including contract disputes, shareholder derivative actions, unfair business practice claims, as well as disputes involving real estate purchases and investments. Mr. Benoff has also practiced at the appellate level.
A representative example of Mr. Benoff`s recent engagements includes:
A one-month jury trial involving an injured plaintiff who sustained severe burn injuries from an explosion and fire while working on a high voltage electrical distribution panel that was designed and manufactured by Mr. Benoff`s client. In less than two hours, the jury returned a unanimous defense verdict.
A three-week trial on behalf of a minority shareholder in a closely-held corporation that owned and operated several nursing homes. Mr. Benoff`s client alleged that the majority shareholder had changed the operations of those nursing homes so as to usurp corporate opportunities. Even though the majority shareholder`s actions resulted in increased profits for the corporation, Mr. Benoff obtained a multi-million dollar verdict on behalf of his client, in addition to an award of 100% of the attorneys` fees that his client expended.
Several trials involving allegations that asbestos-containing automotive and truck components manufactured by Mr. Benoff`s client caused injury. Each time, Mr. Benoff`s client was dismissed before the conclusion of trial.
A product liability action involving the widow and minor children of a 33-year old electrician who was electrocuted while working on an electrical panel that was designed and manufactured by Mr. Benoff`s client. Mr. Benoff`s client was dismissed before trial in exchange for a waiver of costs.
Several product liability actions involving plaintiffs who sustained severe burn injuries while working on circuit breakers that were designed and manufactured by Mr. Benoff`s client. Mr. Benoff`s client was dismissed before trial in exchange for a waiver of costs.
A product liability action brought by a plaintiff who alleged severe pulmonary injuries from exposure to super-heated refrigerants during his work as a commercial HVAC technician. Mr. Benoff`s client manufactured and distributed refrigerants that plaintiff claimed to have used. Mr. Benoff`s client was dismissed before trial in exchange for a waiver of costs.
A class action brought pursuant to California`s unfair competition law on behalf of all consumers of water in the State of California. Plaintiffs alleged exposure to lead from water distribution products manufactured by Mr. Benoff`s client. Mr. Benoff won a motion for summary judgment, which was upheld on appeal.
Several toxic tort matters involving plaintiffs who alleged pulmonary injuries from exposure to chemicals manufactured by Mr. Benoff`s clients during their work in plating facilities. Each time, Mr. Benoff`s client was dismissed before trial in exchange for a waiver of costs, or a nominal settlement.
Education
University of Virginia, J.D., 1997
University of Virginia, B.A. with distinction, Phi Beta Kappa, 1994
Professional Memberships and Activities
Member, State Bar of California (Young Lawyers section); Member, American Bar Association; Member, Defense Research Institute. | 