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Business Trial Lawyers

We are fierce and devoted advocates for our clients.

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We are fierce and devoted advocates for our clients.

“UNICOM, a global mainframe software company, has used Jay Spillane for hard-fought licensing and infringement cases against Fortune 500 corporations. Jay was able to explain technical computing and licensing issues to the judge and jury in compelling and understandable terms. We highly recommend Jay’s firm for tough and complex cases. CORRY HONG Chairman
Unicom Systems, Inc.
“We needed to bring in separate trial counsel for a related party where we were defending a high stakes elder abuse and fraud case. We turned to Jay Spillane. His forceful advocacy and mastery of the courtroom helped us obtain an 11-1 jury verdict in favor of our clients on all counts. I would recommend Jay to anyone looking for experienced and effective counsel in bet-the-company litigation. BOB LEVINSON Levinson Arshonsky Kurtz
“Our investment holding companies were faced with a series of unjustified claims by well-heeled adversaries represented by a national firm. Jay and Spillane Trial Group obtained an unbroken series of wins in bankruptcy, arbitration and state court that enabled us to reach a favorable resolution. Jay Spillane can take on the toughest cases against the biggest firms. BARRY SEIDMAN Restful Groups
“Our firm focuses on business reorganization and bankruptcy. When complex trial issues arise in or outside of bankruptcy court, I know I can rely on Jay and Spillane Trial Group to jump in and provide the highest level of representation for our clients. Jay understands the ins and outs of trial advocacy and how to achieve results for clients in the most cost-effective and efficient manner. DAVID GOLUBCHIK Partner
Levene, Neale, Bender, Yoo & Brill L.L.P.
“My clients and I use Jay Spillane’s firm for complicated entertainment industry cases. Jay understands the industry and is a smart and aggressive advocate. MICHAEL BARNES Barnes Law Firm P.C., Variety Dealmaker of the Year 2010
“Jay Spillane handled four of our motion picture cases with extreme mastery of the facts, industry custom and the law. We give Jay’s firm our highest recommendation. JOSI KONSKI President
Astrablu Media, Inc.
“Our company, an Internet service provider, was faced with bet-the-company federal claims of secondary liability for alleged infringements on client websites. Jay Spillane obtained dismissal of the claims and affirmance of the dismissal before the court of appeal. The decision Jay obtained protects our company to this day. RON CALDWELL Chairman
CC Bill, LLC
“I was involved in high stakes litigation in state and bankruptcy courts involving ownership of hotels throughout the nation. I turned to Jay Spillane. Jay skillfully and aggressively represented our interests, which helped us achieve great results. BRIAN CORBELL Chairman
Coastal States Management Corporation
“When the late Forbes 400 oil man and Hollywood mogul Marvin Davis died, I was confronted with multi-million dollar claims by a family member and refusals to honor my employment contract. Jay Spillane faced down a half dozen of the largest law firms in the country. He obtained dismissal of the claims against me and also secured my contract rights. He literally saved my family from financial ruin. KEN KILROY Former President, Marvin Davis Companies

Spillane Trial Group PLC is devoted to business trials. We have tried and won cases in state, federal and bankruptcy courts and arbitral and administrative tribunals.  We have argued and won cases before the state and federal courts of appeal.

We do not merely shuffle paper during the pretrial process with the end goal of steering the client into settlement. We begin and end every engagement with the singular goal of prevailing at trial. Our focused and aggressive approach results in superior settlements where they can be achieved. Where they cannot, we have a fine track record of trying and winning cases.

We are hired by private clients to handle “bet the company” cases, ones who prefer our focused, cost effective and responsive service. We are experienced in trying cases involving entertainment, sports, intellectual property, technology, finance, real estate, bankruptcy disputes, securities, directors’ and officers’ liability, professional negligence, family wealth and company control.

Our cases are not limited to California. We try cases throughout the country in cooperation with local counsel. We are experienced in steering litigation involving multiple actions, across multiple jurisdictions and with multiple counsel.

In addition to appearing at the inception of a case, we are also asked to appear at the eleventh hour for trial.

We appear for plaintiffs and defendants.  We handle most cases at competitive hourly rates.  On a select basis we consider high stakes business cases on contingency.

Our Firm
Meet Jay Jay M. Spillane
U.C. Hastings College of Law J.D., 1986, Order of the Coif University of California, Los Angeles B.A., 1982, Political Science, cum laude
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Jay Spillane is an experienced and effective business trial lawyer. Over three decades Jay has successfully tried numerous jury and non-jury trials in state, federal and bankruptcy courts. Jay has also briefed and argued numerous state and federal appeals. Jay believes anyone with a law degree can be a litigator, but a true trial lawyer will begin and end every case by honing in on and developing a clear story, one that will be readily understood by and compel any listener. This approach often brings forth good settlements, and when a case cannot settle, the best results at trial. To see a full bio of Jay’s cases please click the link below.

Download Full Bio
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University of California Hastings College of the Law J.D., 1994 University of California at Berkeley B.A., 1990, Political Science and Economics

Christopher T. Williams

With over 24 years of experience working at big firms, clients love Chris Williams because he is commercial, confident, fast and results-oriented. Chris is also an aggressive litigator with extensive trial and arbitration experience. As a graduate of UC Hastings College of the Law and UC Berkeley, Chris has successfully prosecuted and defended lawsuits on behalf of individuals and businesses in federal and state courts throughout California and Illinois.

As a former U.S. national rugby team player, Chris know what it’s like to compete, and that starts with understanding his client’s needs and goals. From there, Chris develops a cost-effective strategy to achieve those goals whether it is defending a meritless action, or prosecuting a case on your behalf. Often times a legal dispute can be resolved short of expensive and lengthy litigation and Chris prides himself on his extensive dispute resolution skills.

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University of Virginia Law School J.D., 1968 University of Virginia B.A., 1965, Political Science

Donald L. Zachary

Don Zachary has nearly forty years of experience advising clients on corporate, intellectual property, production, licensing and media issues. Don is a former Vice President, Law, West Coast for NBC.

Team Leaders