Legal Experience

International Business Simulations, Inc.

San Diego, California (1995)

Incorporator, General Counsel and Course Instructor for Internet interactive computer simulation, international executive training firm.

San Diego, California (1995)

Incorporator and General Counsel for academic version of interactive international business computer simulation firm.

La Jolla, California (1995)

(formerly, Scalone Stipanov Yaffa & Mebane)
San Diego, California (1990 - 1995)
Senior Associate: International Business Transactions

Handled entry of maritime satellite communications and vessel monitoring systems service provider into Mexico, including the establishment of its Mexican corporate subsidiary.
Handled start up of a new Mexican airline including aircraft purchase and leaseback agreements, closings, US deregistration, Mexican registration, and the placement of liability insurance.
Assisted in negotiating a $7 million financing to provide a rotating line of credit to a retail auto parts firm.
Represented an insurance marketing company defendant in 29 class action lawsuits brought by life insurance policyholders in state and federal courts. Negotiated favorable settlement for client.
Handled due diligence review of takeover target for telecommunications client.
Managed actuarial review of 180 closed files for client's statistical evaluation of its product liability history.
Advice to clients regarding NAFTA trade issues including rules of origin, domestic content calculations, labor, environment, and import and export.
General advice related to doing business in Mexico, Canada, Brazil, Argentina and the European Union.

San Francisco, California (1986 - 1990)
Senior Associate: Litigation

Bank of America v. Powers.
Over a four-year period, assisted in the defense of Employer's Insurance of Wasau (Lloyd's of London) in a $95 million real estate fraud case. Took the lead on over 250 depositions and drafted most of the firm's pleadings. Supervised team of banking experts, computer-support personnel, paralegals, and other attorneys. Created and managed a document depository containing over 50,000 documents and a computer database used by six law firms. Coordinated all discovery with 15 law firms hired by the client. The case was successfully settled for eight cents on the dollar.
Birnbaum v. Milton-Meyer.
Obtained a defense award in an arbitration involving 12 plaintiffs claiming personal injuries and emotional distress.

Los Angeles, California (1984 - 1986)
Law Clerk: Aviation Insurance Defense Practice

Assisted in trial preparation for senior trial attorney.
Assisted in pre-trial discovery, drafted pleadings, and general legal research and analysis.
Participated in creation of computerized document control database for airframe manufacturer.
Worked full-time during law school.

Pasadena, California (1983 - 1984)
Law Clerk: Litigation Practice

Assisted in pre-trial discovery, drafted pleadings, and general legal research and analysis.