John P. Girarde
88 Kearny Street
10th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94108
Phone: 415.788.1900
Fax: 415.393.8087
Admissions
- All the courts of the State of California
- United States District Court for the State of California, Northern, Eastern and Central Districts
- United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
- United States Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
Education
- University of San Francisco School of Law Juris Doctor, May 1997
- University of California, Davis BA Political Science with Minor in History, June 1993
John P. Girarde
Director
Mr. Girarde practices a wide variety of civil litigation in state and federal courts throughout California, and frequently defends clients in complex and class action lawsuits. Although he focuses predominantly on the defense of professionals and businesses, he also represents plaintiffs in commercial disputes.
Highlights
- Serves as counsel to individuals and companies in cases involving professional liability, personal injury, habitability actions, construction defect, products liability, trucking, employment litigation, commercial disputes and insurance coverage
- Possesses both bench and jury trial experience
- Successfully handled appeals at both the state and federal level
Selected Client Representations
Lastra v. Hotel Sunrise - Took over representation of landlord two months prior to trial in wrongful eviction class action involving 120 tenants of single-room occupancy hotel. After defeating class certification, proceeded with a two-week jury trial of individual claims in San Francisco Superior Court, with a favorable settlement achieved shortly before closing argument.
Lindquist v. Chapman - Defended a law firm and individual attorneys in a federal action alleging civil RICO, conspiracy and fraud. After winning dismissal of the action through a series of motions to dismiss, defeated plaintiff's appeal in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. When plaintiff re-filed in San Francisco Superior Court, won dismissal of the action in the pre-pleading stage.
Fisher v. Patel - Defended the lessor/operator of a single-room occupancy hotel in a habitability class action involving 164 current and former tenants who sought over $2 million in damages in San Francisco Superior Court. Negotiated a favorable pre-trial settlement for client during the class certification stage of the litigation.
Broome v. U-Haul - Defended the nation's largest equipment rental company in a civil rights action brought by a customer alleging anti-homosexual discrimination. Won summary judgment for client in San Francisco Superior Court, and then defeated plaintiff's appeal in 1st District Court of Appeals.
Professional Contributions
Mr. Girarde is a member of the Defense Research Institute, the Litigation Section of the State Bar of California, and the American Bar Association.