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Carroll, Burdick & McDonough Elevates Three to Partner

Carroll, Burdick & McDonough LLP, a preeminent California litigation and business law firm, elevates three attorneys to partner, including, in the San Francisco office, Richard Ames, a member of Toxic Torts Group, and Alan P. Jacobus, who practices in the Insurance Group; and in the Los Angeles Office, Michael J. Mehall, a member of the Products Liability Group.

"We are fortunate to have experienced a stand-out 2007, thanks in large part to the contributions of many of our more junior partners and our up-and-coming partners statewide,” said David Rice, managing partner of Carroll, Burdick & McDonough LLP. “For our clients and their businesses, we must ensure the healthy evolution of the firm, and we have great confidence in Richard, Alan and Michael as future leaders – both internally and on behalf of their clients."

Ames is focused on litigation of asbestos matters on behalf of a diverse client mix including auto and equipment manufacturers, industrial and commercial contractors and property owners. He has defended cases involving alleged exposure to products such as friction materials, aerospace adhesives, insulation, drywall products and flooring mastics. Among Ames trial highlights are obtaining dismissal from cancer cases, as well as successful resolution of mesothelioma and asbestosis matters, following opening statements. Ames received his J.D. from University of San Diego School of Law (1996) and his B.A., with honors, in English literature, from Gonzaga University (1992).

Jacobus focuses on insurance coverage litigation and analysis and has broad experience, including: appellate work, surety and fidelity bond litigation and coverage analysis, indemnity actions, bankruptcy, complex insurance coverage matters, construction, general commercial and business litigation. He has been regularly published and has presented extensively on legal liability within the insurance industry at numerous high profile conferences. Jacobus received his J.D., cum laude, from Tulane University of Louisiana Law School 1993 and his B.A., summa cum laude, in classics from Tulane University of Louisiana 1990.

Mehall, a litigator, focuses on defense of manufacturers against products liability and other major liability claims. He is particularly experienced in defending against claims involving automobiles and their component parts, including cases involving airbags, driveline components, steering, suspension and overall crashworthiness claims. He has also defended cases involving motorcycles, recreational vehicles, elevators, escalators, electrical equipment, washing machines, and agricultural equipment. Mehall is an active member of the Defense Research Institute (DRI) and an adjunct professor at California State University at Los Angeles. He received his J.D. from Loyola Law School 1996, his M.A. from California State University, Dominguez Hills 1994, and his B.A. from University of California, Santa Cruz 1992.