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© 2012 Dorsey & Whitney LLP

  • Georgetown University Law Center (J.D., 1994), magna cum laude; Order of the Coif; Notes Editor, The Georgetown Law Journal
  • Messiah College (B.A., 1990), magna cum laude

  • California
  • United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
  • United States District Court: Central District of California; Southern District of California; Eastern District of California, Western District of Wisconsin

Steven D. Allison

Partner
Southern California
P: (714) 800-1402
F: (714) 800-1499
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Mr. Allison is a partner and head of the California Trial department.  His litigation practice includes complex business, class action, insurance coverage, health care, intellectual property and real estate matters.  Mr. Allison has represented clients in trials, arbitrations and appeals.  In addition, he counsels clients prior to the filing of litigation to avoid disputes and on insurance coverage matters.

Representative Matters Include:

Insurance/Health Care Litigation
  • Nationwide Insurance Coverage Matters (Los Angeles Superior Court, Orange County Superior Court, C.D. Cal. BK.): Representing Nationwide Indemnity in defense of numerous insurance coverage/bad faith actions seeking hundreds of millions of dollars in coverage for mass tort and environmental claims. Among these representations is the defense of Nationwide in complex asbestos bankruptcy proceedings.
  • Yarick v. PacifiCare (Kern County Superior Court): Obtained dismissal on federal preemption grounds of tort claims against Medicare Advantage plan based on the managed care system of financial incentives. Dismissal was affirmed on appeal in Yarick v. PacifiCare of California, 179 Cal. App. 4th 1158 (2009).
  • Bryant v. PacifiCare (San Bernardino Superior Court): After dismissal on federal preemption grounds of contract and bad faith claims against Medicare Advantage plan, case was settled on a favorable basis.
Intellectual Property Litigation
  • Willis v. Hallmark, et al. (San Diego Superior Court): Representing rights, clearance agency and national consumer products company in disputes over licensing of songs performed by the Village People.
  • Guns N' Roses v. Geffen Records (C.D. Cal.): Represented rock band Guns N' Roses in trademark litigation related to release of Greatest Hits album.
  • ConAgra v. Kim, et al. (C.D. Cal.):  Represented largest exporter of U.S. beef to Korea in 5-week jury trial on trademark, contract, and unfair competition tort claims.  After partial verdict and favorable post-trial rulings, case was settled for over $13 million to Mr. Allison’s clients.
Class Action Litigation
  • Mobile Content Provider Class Actions (California, Florida, Minnesota, Illinois, and Wisconsin State Courts): Represented several mobile phone content providers in the defense of consumer class actions filed throughout the country alleging unauthorized charges to cell phone customers.
  • Narouz v. Charter Communications (C.D. Cal): Represented national telecommunications company in wage and hour class action litigation. Case settled on favorable basis after successful motions to limit recovery period and appeal to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
  • Mattress Gallery Class Actions (Riverside Superior Court, San Diego Superior Court):  Obtained dismissal prior to class certification of three separate class actions alleging false advertising and unfair competition against Southern California's largest mattress retailer and a national mattress manufacturer. 
Business/Real Estate Litigation
  • In re Orange County Bankruptcy Litigation (C.D. Cal.): Represented national ratings agency in its successful First Amendment-based defense of billion dollar claims arising from nation’s largest municipal bankruptcy. After successful summary judgment motion and opposition to good faith settlement motions, the case was settled for a minimal amount on very favorable terms.
  • Regency Centers v. Safeway, et al. (Stockton Superior Court): Represented major shopping center REIT in three-month jury trial related to dispute over prime site for shopping center. Jury returned a unanimous verdict on business tort and unfair competition claims, and awarded over $6 million, as well as finding malice necessary for punitive damages.
  • Chester Avenue Associates v. Wells Fargo Bank (American Arbitration Assoc.): Represented national bank as first-chair in arbitration relating to sale of bank’s interest in commercial office building.  Arbitrator found for bank on all substantive issues.
  • Western Emulsions v. BASF Corp. (C.D. Cal.): Represented asphalt emulsions producer in fraud and intentional interference claims against largest chemical company in the world. After complete defeat of defendant's motion for summary judgment, (Western Emulsions, Inc. v. BASF Corporation, 2007 WL 1839718 (C.D. Cal.)) case was settled on a confidential basis.
  • Cost Plus v. Ralphs Grocery, et al. (San Diego Superior Court): Represented major grocery chian in nuisance and lease dispute with landlord and other tenants relating to flagship store located in La Jolla shopping center.

Presentations

  • “Unfair Business Practices: 17200 & Beyond,” California Continuing Education of the Bar, 2003
  • “Identifying and Using Insurance Coverage in Business Litigation,” California Continuing Education of the Bar, 2003
  • “Recent Developments in California Civil Litigation,” California Continuing Education of the Bar, 2003
  • “Fundamentals of Insurance Coverage,” California Continuing Education of the Bar, 2002

Civic & Community Activities

  • Board of Directors, Orange County United Way (2006-present)
  • Community Investment Cabinet, Orange County United Way, Chair (2008-present), Vice-chair (2006-2008)
  • Chair / Vice-Chair, Keeping Kids on Track Initiative, Orange County United Way (2002-2006)
  • Alexis de Tocqueville Society, Orange County United Way (2006-present)
  • Bench & Bar Society, Orange County United Way (2006-present)
  • Public Law Center, Fund Development Committee (2010-present), Annual Dinner Committee (2005-2009)

Attorney Articles

June 7-13, 2010
Social Media Mania: How Companies Are Addressing the Risks
2008
"Be Prepared, Be Proactive, and Be Patient" in Product Liability Litigation and Dispute Resolution: Leading Lawyers on Strategizing for Trial, Defending Cases, and Negotiating Settlements, Aspatore Books
November 29, 2004
Proposition 64 Seeks to Eliminate Frivolous Lawsuits Under California’s Unfair Competition Laws and Put California Businesses on a Level Playing Field
November 22-28, 2010
“California Legislation Provides The Option for Shorter and Less Expensive Jury Trials,” Orange County Business Journal