Author: Caroline Recupero

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Awards & Recognition

Lewis & Llewellyn Recognized as one of California’s Top Litigation Boutiques

Lewis & Llewellyn is honored to be named by the Daily Journal as one of the top litigation boutiques in California.

The firm was one of only five litigation boutiques and just one of two in Northern California to be selected for this honor.  The award recognizes “specialty firms in California with a large portfolio of complex and impactful matters.”  Lewis & Llewellyn is committed to providing the highest quality legal representation to its clients at every stage of litigation and is honored to be named a Top Boutique for a third time.  The full article can be read here.

 

Partner Paul Llewellyn’s article supplement for the Top Boutiques issue can be read here.

 

Additionally, Paul wrote a perspective column for the Daily Journal’s Top Plaintiff Lawyers 2024 guide.  The article is entitled “’It would be my pleasure:’ How we ought to be treating clients” and is also available here.

Categories
Litigation Tips

New Summary Judgment Timing Requirements for 2025

The new year will bring significant changes to the timing requirements for filing and opposing motions for summary judgment (MSJs) in California.  Effective January 1, 2025, parties must follow the following updated deadlines:

 

  • Notice of Motion and Supporting Papers: The notice of motion and all supporting documents must be filed 81 days before the hearing (plus time for service).  Previously, this deadline was set at 75 days.
  • Opposition: Any opposition to the motion must now be filed 20 days before the hearing.  This is a substantial change from the prior deadline of 14 days.
  • Reply: Replies must be served 11 days before the hearing—more than double the previous requirement of 5 days.
  • Hearing Timeline: The motion must still be heard no later than 30 days before the trial date.  However, parties can agree to have the motion heard closer to the trial if both sides consent.

The updated California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) Section 437c(b)(4) prohibits parties from introducing new evidence or material facts in their reply briefs.  While this rule aims to prevent the introduction of unexpected evidence on reply, it does leave room for interpretation.  There may still be some debate about whether parties can include rebuttals to the opposing party’s arguments, provided they do not introduce new arguments or evidence.

 

While these new timing requirements may seem like minor details, they can provide a trap for the unwary litigant, who can risk missing the deadline and thus waiving their right to move for summary judgment.

Categories
Speaking Engagements

Lewis & Llewellyn Attorneys Speak at PLI Pocket MBA and Pincus Annual Superior Court Boot Camp

As a supporter of continuing legal education, Lewis & Llewellyn attorneys recently spoke at two conferences.

 

Partner Paul Llewellyn was a featured speaker at PLI’s Pocket MBA 2024: Finance for Lawyers and Other Professionals last month.  The program is a two-day intensive program focused on finance for lawyers and other professionals.

 

Also last month, Partners Becca Furman and Brad Estes were featured speakers at Pincus Professional Education’s 19th Annual Superior Court Boot Camp: The Nuts and Bolts program.  Becca lectured on strategies and tips for motions for summary judgment (apropos of her recent victory) and Brad presented on best practices for “The Early Parts of your Case: Themes, Complaints, Answers, and More.”  On demand streaming is available here.

Categories
Announcements

Lewis & Llewellyn Sponsors Annual JDC Gala

Last month, Lewis & Llewellyn Partner Becca Furman attended the Bar Association of San Francisco’s Justice and Diversity Center’s 20th Annual Gala: Advocacy in Action.  As part of its commitment to expanding diversity in the legal profession and its support of equal access to legal services, the firm was a proud sponsor of the event.

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Announcements

Lewis & Llewellyn Sponsors Opening of Institute of Contemporary Art San Francisco

As you may have heard, the Institute of Contemporary Art San Francisco (“ICA SF”) is moving from its current building in Dogpatch to a new space downtown, a stone’s throw from the headquarters of Lewis & Llewellyn.  We are proud to be sponsoring the opening of the ICA SF, especially because it is part of a broader movement to reenergize the financial district.

 

Like Lewis & Llewellyn, ICA SF was founded with the ideal of staying nimble.  For example, it offers free admission to all and embraces non-traditional exhibition formats.  ICA SF will open with three fall exhibitions: The Poetics of Dimensions curated by Larry Ossei-Mensah, Maryam Yousif: Riverbend, and Spotlight: Kathleen Ryan.  Details about the museum’s opening can be found here.

Categories
Awards & Recognition

Lewis & Llewellyn Attorneys Selected as Benchmark Litigation Stars

Lewis & Llewellyn LLP Partners Marc Lewis and Paul Llewellyn and were recently selected by Benchmark Litigation as “Benchmark Litigation Stars” in their “Definitive Guide to America’s Leading Firms and Attorneys” 2025 edition.  Additionally, Partners Ryan Erickson and Evangeline Burbidge were named as “Benchmark Litigation Future Stars” for the upcoming year.


In its selection process, Benchmark Litigation chooses attorneys based on their outstanding reputation among their peers, their impressive track record of successful cases, and through positive feedback from valued clients.  We extend our warmest congratulations to these exceptional attorneys for this well-deserved recognition.

Categories
Announcements

Lewis & Llewellyn is Hiring

Lewis & Llewellyn is once again looking to bolster our ranks!

 

We are looking for an experienced associate to dive deeply into our complex and interesting portfolio of matters and take their practice to the next level.  As always, we are looking for attorneys with top-flight credentials coupled with the passion to litigate.  The ideal candidate would have impeccable educational credentials, two to four years’ experience at an AmLaw 100 firm and be ready to develop an exciting practice in both state court, federal court, and arbitration.

 

Lewis & Llewellyn deeply values diversity and we specifically encourage applications from diverse candidates.  If you are interested in joining a team of world class attorneys, practicing at the cutting edge of litigation, and who love what they do, send your resume to careers@lewisllewellyn.com.