The firm represents a broad spectrum of clients in civil litigation, including real estate disputes, title insurance claims, life insurance matters, including structured settlement annuities, employment disputes, construction defect claims, trade dress and intellectual property claims, and general business litigation.

Gilchrist & Rutter has senior litigators who are experienced in all facets of civil litigation, including trial and appellate practice in state and federal courts, mediation and arbitration. The firm's litigation practice includes representation in the areas of insurance, employment, labor relations, bankruptcy, environmental, securities, intellectual property, antitrust and real estate.

Insurance

Several life, title and liability insurance and surety companies rely on Gilchrist & Rutter for advice and representation in a variety of litigation matters, including defense of insureds in coverage disputes, breach of contract, bad faith and punitive damage actions.

Business/Real Estate Litigation

We represent individuals and business organizations as plaintiffs and defendants in all types of civil litigation. Typical matters include corporate shareholder, partner and member disputes; commercial and entertainment litigation; real estate, title insurance and landlord/tenant disputes; easement disputes; actions for breach of contract; actions to quiet title; defamation suits; actions involving business torts; actions relating to the recovery of real estate and personal property; and the foreclosure of liens.

Intellectual Property

Our Firm represents manufacturers, distributors and retailers involved in trade dress, copyright and unfair competition litigation.

Securities

The firm represents public and private companies, as well as partnerships and individuals in enforcement actions brought by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the National Association of Securities Dealers and the California Department of Corporations, in addition to arbitrations and the defense of class action and private lawsuits brought under federal and state securities laws.

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Gilchrist & Rutter supports alternatives to the judicial system for dispute resolution in the business context. We have extensive experience in arbitration and mediation representing our clients' interests. We routinely handle arbitrations under the auspices of the American Arbitration Association, JAMS/ENDISPUTE, and National Association of Stock Dealers (NASD). Several of our attorneys serve as mediators and arbitrators in complex civil litigation securities disputes, and in bankruptcy cases.