GRSM Secures Trial Victory in Breach of Contract and Cross-Claim Dispute Involving Sale of Business

GRSM Secures Trial Victory in Breach of Contract and Cross-Claim Dispute Involving Sale of Business

Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani San Diego Partner Roger Frederickson successfully represented a limited liability company in a commercial dispute arising from the sale of a bar business and associated liquor license.

The plaintiff, GRSM’s client, had sold the business with a carry-back note for half the principal balance. When the purchasing LLC ceased payments after one year, GRSM filed suit to enforce the promissory note and security agreement. In response, the defendant LLC and its three individual members filed cross-claims, alleging violations of the agreement’s good will provision, unfair business practices, harassment, and nuisance.

GRSM first secured summary judgment on the client’s breach of contract claim, reserving damages for trial. After a five-day jury trial, the court granted a directed verdict awarding $115,511.89 in affirmative damages to GRSM’s client and issued a non-suit on the opposing party’s claims of breach of contract, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and unfair business practices. The remaining nuisance and harassment claims were submitted to the jury, which returned a swift verdict in favor of GRSM’s client after less than an hour of deliberation.

This result highlights GRSM’s Commercial Litigation practice’s skill in navigating complex contractual disputes and effectively neutralizing cross-claims through targeted legal strategy. GRSM’s attorneys are experienced trial advocates who deliver strong results in high-stakes business litigation across industries and jurisdictions.

GRSM Opens Knoxville Office to Support Growing Demand Across Southern Region

GRSM Opens Knoxville Office to Support Growing Demand Across Southern Region

Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani is pleased to announce the opening of its newest office in Knoxville, Tennessee. This expansion brings the firm’s national footprint to 83 offices across the United States.

The Knoxville office will strengthen GRSM’s presence in Tennessee, bolstering its ability to serve clients across the eastern part of the state, including Chattanooga, the Tri-Cities, and surrounding areas. The office is anchored by a team of experienced trial lawyers with deep roots in the local legal and business communities, including professionals who have practiced for decades in the region, blending longstanding local knowledge with GRSM’s national reach.

Partner Heather Gwinn, who leads GRSM’s Nashville office and brings more than a decade of experience in the region, is driving the firm’s expansion across the state.

“Knoxville is a natural next step for our continued growth in Tennessee,” shared Gwinn. “We’ve built a strong foundation in the state, and this expansion allows us to deliver even more localized support to clients while leveraging the full depth of GRSM’s national platform.”

Our Knoxville team brings strong capabilities in healthcare defense, professional liability, general liability, and commercial litigation. Our attorneys have represented major insurers, healthcare systems, long-term care facilities, and individual professionals in complex, high-exposure litigation. Their work spans state and federal courts, including appellate advocacy and administrative proceedings.

The Knoxville office will include our five attorneys local to Knoxville and be supported by the attorneys from our Nashville office, serving as a strategic hub for delivering integrated, client-focused legal services across Tennessee and the broader region. The team’s reputation for practical legal guidance, collaborative client service, and courtroom strength is complemented by an environment that values mentorship, collegiality, and professional growth.

Our Knoxville office is located at 4315 Kingston Pike, Suite 210, Knoxville, TN 37919, in the bustling business district of Knoxville.

Visit our Knoxville office page for more information.

GRSM Celebrates Jewish American Heritage Month

GRSM Celebrates Jewish American Heritage Month

Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani proudly celebrates Jewish American Heritage Month this May, honoring the many contributions that Jewish Americans have made to the United States.

Our firm celebrates numerous heritage months highlighting the communities that form our national tapestry. By celebrating them, we learn about one another, honor the complexity and richness of our nation, and strengthen the fabric of American society. Jewish American Heritage Month is a meaningful part of that tradition.

Jewish American Heritage Month celebrates the rich history of Jewish life in America and the impact that Jewish Americans have had on American society. While Judaism is a religion, Jewish American Heritage Month recognizes more than religious identity. Jewish Americans represent a diverse cultural and ethnic community, including individuals who may not practice the faith but continue to identify strongly with their Jewish heritage, a heritage that spans thousands of years and connects generations across time and space. This month is an opportunity to learn more about and celebrate this enduring and vibrant heritage.

GRSM honors our Jewish employees and the many contributions Jewish Americans have made to our country. Jewish Americans have served in government and the military, won Nobel prizes, headed universities and corporations, advanced medicine, created and performed in enduring works of art, written great American novels, become emblems of justice as members of the Supreme Court, and so much more.

Established by Congress, Jewish American Heritage Month is proudly supported by organizations like GRSM, which play an invaluable role in recognizing and highlighting the significance of this national commemoration. May was first proclaimed Jewish American Heritage Month in April 2006 by then-President George W. Bush. Since 2007, Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden have all issued proclamations for Jewish American Heritage Month, celebrating Jewish Americans and encouraging all Americans to learn more about Jewish heritage and the legacy of Jewish Americans in the United States.

In May 2023, the U.S. Administration released the first-ever U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism. In this comprehensive approach to countering antisemitism, the first pillar emphasizes the importance of broadening the appreciation of Jewish American heritage. The Administration has made it clear that recognizing and celebrating Jewish American heritage is essential in the ongoing effort to counter antisemitism.

According to the American Jewish Committee’s State of Antisemitism in America 2023 Report, more than 70% of Americans are unfamiliar with Jewish American Heritage Month. Promoting awareness of this important cultural observance plays a crucial role in combating antisemitism and fostering greater appreciation for American diversity.

Jewish American Heritage Month reminds all Americans that Jewish Americans are now, and have always been, an important and central part of the fabric of American society.

GRSM’s Jewish Affinity Group provides a platform for Jewish attorneys and all allies who share an interest in the culture to connect, share experiences, and build a stronger sense of community. This group plays a vital role in promoting understanding, respect, and dialogue, helping us to continue building connections, strengthening our firm’s culture, and creating an environment that values the varied experiences that shape who we are as individuals and professionals.

Learn how GRSM fosters belonging at the firm.

GRSM Attorneys Argue Multiple Cases to the Colorado Supreme Court

GRSM Attorneys Argue Multiple Cases to the Colorado Supreme Court

Denver attorneys Franz Hardy and John Palmeri presented oral arguments in separate cases before the Colorado Supreme Court on the same day in April. Hardy had appeared before the court the month prior to argue a separate case. These cases are among four civil appeals currently being handled by Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani attorneys pending before the Colorado Supreme Court this term.

The team of GRSM attorneys handling the pending cases includes Andrew Lavin, Greg Hearing, Jack Mann, Stephanie Brizel, Abby Kregor, and William Dewey. The Colorado Supreme Court hears a limited number of civil cases every year, and it is remarkable for one law firm to have four civil cases pending before the court at one time.

GRSM’s appellate attorneys in Colorado have argued hundreds of appellate cases, many of which involve issues of first impression and establish precedent in federal and state appellate courts. The Appellate group includes former clerks from Colorado’s highest courts, including Marilyn Chappell, who clerked for the Colorado Supreme Court, and Christopher Jones, Andrew Lavin, and Jack Mann, who clerked for the Colorado Court of Appeals.

Hardy noted, “We have the experience and bench strength to handle any appellate matter, and to have four pending cases before the Supreme Court exemplifies our capabilities.”

Learn more about GRSM’s Appellate practice.

GRSM Celebrates Asian American, Native Hawai’ian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month

GRSM Celebrates Asian American, Native Hawai’ian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month

Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani proudly celebrates Asian American, Native Hawai’ian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month to recognize the innovation, resilience, and pioneering spirit of AANHPI populations who have shaped American history. The month of May is a powerful reminder of the innovations contributed by AANHPI communities, considering the first Japanese immigrants arrived on May 7, 1843, and the first transcontinental railroad in the United States was completed on May 10, 1869, with significant contributions from Chinese pioneers.

The 2025 National AANHPI Heritage Month theme selected by the Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) is “A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience.” This year’s theme honors the hard work of AANHPI leaders who established a foundation for future generations to thrive and adapt to change and adversity.

In celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month, we recognize our firm’s leaders of AANHPI heritage at all levels who continuously approach modern challenges with curiosity, invent creative solutions, and revolutionize legal practices. These leaders further seek to preserve and grow the spirit of optimism, resilience, and strength instilled by previous generations as we navigate our collective future.

The firm’s Asian American Pacific Islander and South Asian Affinity Groups, which are open to all attorneys, offer an inclusive platform for discussions and action through professional development, mentorship, and education to promote innovation and collaboration across the GRSM community.

Learn how GRSM fosters belonging at the firm.

GRSM Strengthens Florida Footprint with New Miami Team, Plans Boca Raton Office Launch

GRSM Strengthens Florida Footprint with New Miami Team, Plans Boca Raton Office Launch

Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani is pleased to welcome a distinguished four-attorney team to its Miami office, led by Partners Lance Shinder and Kyle Johnson. Joining them are Senior Counsel Jordan Utanski and Associate Brandon Shinder, all formerly with a prominent Miami firm.

The team brings decades of combined experience in complex commercial litigation, probate and guardianship disputes, shareholder and member disputes, civil claims alleging sexual abuse, business torts, and real estate disputes. The group will play a pivotal role in growing the firm’s litigation work across both regional and national markets, expanding the firm’s national reach.

“We are thrilled to welcome this highly successful team to our Miami office and our forthcoming Boca Raton office,” said Peter Siachos, Managing Partner of the Charleston and Boca Raton offices. “Their addition will allow us to expand and better meet the needs of our clients in the South Florida region.”

Partner Lance Shinder focuses his practice on complex commercial litigation in Florida and New York, bringing more than three decades of extensive experience in business-related litigation and dispute resolution. He offers comprehensive legal services, providing expert counseling, advice, and advocacy from the initial filing of a complaint to trial and appeal. His diverse clientele includes individuals and companies of all sizes.

Partner Kyle Johnson has significant experience in complex commercial and civil litigation. He has spent his entire career defending Fortune 500 companies and individual defendants in a variety of claims, including breach of contract, fraud, defamation, tortious interference, product liability, assault, and wrongful death.

Senior Counsel Jordan Utanski focuses his practice on complex commercial litigation, class actions, shareholder litigation, corporate litigation, and breach of contract actions. Associate Brandon Shinder focuses his practice on commercial litigation matters.

The group will lead the establishment of the new Boca Raton office, slated to open this summer. The office is an expansion of the firm’s longstanding presence in Miami and Tampa, extending its reach across South Florida and further strengthening service and capabilities for clients throughout the state.

The Boca Raton office will provide a strategic home base for high-stakes litigation, business counseling, and trial support across a broad range of industries.

Visit our Miami office page for more information.

GRSM Nashville Office Named to 2025 “Best Places to Work” List by Nashville Business Journal

GRSM Nashville Office Named to 2025 “Best Places to Work” List by Nashville Business Journal

Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani’s Nashville office has been recognized as a 2025 “Best Place to Work” by Nashville Business Journal.

The list honors Nashville companies that foster positive work environments, feature inspiring leadership, and strike a balance between having fun and achieving success across all areas of the business. To create this list, nominations were collected from the public, and employees of nominated companies completed an online survey measuring key engagement factors, with winners chosen based on their composite score in each size category.

Since opening in 2018, GRSM’s Nashville office has rapidly grown to 42 attorneys, establishing strong connections within Nashville’s local and business communities, as well as throughout Tennessee and the surrounding Southern states. Our talented legal team in Nashville serves as counsel to the city’s leaders in healthcare, construction, trucking and transportation, hospitality, entertainment, and manufacturing, among other sectors.

The Nashville team also frequently collaborates with GRSM attorneys nationwide to provide strategic counsel on legal issues impacting their clients. Learn more about GRSM’s Nashville office.

Read the full list in Nashville Business Journal. Subscription may be required.

Partner Todd R. Regan Authors Article on Construction Contract Risk Transfer Clauses in Surety Bond Quarterly

Partner Todd R. Regan Authors Article on Construction Contract Risk Transfer Clauses in Surety Bond Quarterly

Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani Construction Partner Todd R. Regan authored an article titled “Risk Transfer Clauses: Subcontractor Beware,” published by Surety Bond Quarterly.

The article discusses various types of risk transfer clauses commonly used in construction contracts, such as pay-if-paid provisions, no damages for delay clauses, indemnity requirements, and flow-down clauses, and how they are typically interpreted by courts. The article further explores the purposes behind such clauses from the perspective of general contractors, while analyzing the potential risk and burden they place on subcontractors.

Regan has more than twenty years of experience litigating complex construction disputes throughout the Northeast. He frequently appears in state and federal courts in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York. He has also received a Best Lawyers in America© “Lawyer of the Year” distinction in Construction Law for 2022 and 2024.

Surety Bond Quarterly, the official magazine of the National Association of Surety Bond Producers, offers insights and information for surety, construction, and allied professionals who need to stay up-to-date on the industry’s latest news and developments.

Delve into the full Surety Bond Quarterly article.

Partner Don Willenburg Authors Article on Tort Duty

Partner Don Willenburg Authors Article on Tort Duty

Appellate Practice Group Co-Chair Don Willenburg recently published an article titled “Off-site Subcontractor Accidents: Who’s Liable?” in the Daily Journal, California’s leading legal newspaper.

The article examines a recent case, Lorenzo v. Calex Engineering, Inc. (2025) 110 Cal.App.5th 49, in which a dump truck driver employed by a low-tier subcontractor on a construction project negligently struck and killed two children while driving to work. The decision reversed summary judgment for the owner/developer and the general contractor. The article argued that the decision is notable both because of the expansion of duty in these specific circumstances, and because it illustrates the familiar principle that “the answers you get depend on the questions you ask.”

The defense (and the dissenting opinion) argued for a broad conception of duty: “whether construction companies have a duty to pedestrians injured by a negligent trucker driving from his home, wherever located, to a construction staging area.”

The majority opinion, however, focused on the fact that the defendants’ excavation permit was premised on all dump trucks being staged on-site at the construction project, with no more than 20 trucks at a time. On the day of the accident, defendants ordered 90 trucks to an unpermitted staging area miles away. The driver was on his way from home to the unpermitted staging area when the accident happened. Thus, the question the majority posed was whether there was “a duty of developers and contractors that stage construction vehicles in violation of their permits and representations to the permitting authority,” especially where “the permits [are] undeniably intended to serve, among other interests, public safety?”

This case illustrates a situation in which a narrower conception of duty, which typically favors defendants, did not apply in their favor.

Willenburg has been described as an “appellate luminary” by the journal California Litigation. He is the past chair of the Appellate Practice Section of the Bar Association of San Francisco. For more than a decade, he has chaired the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada’s Amicus Committee, working to advance causes important to the defense community.

Read the full article. Subscription may be required.

Partner Peter Siachos Named 2025 “Legal Eagle” by Franchise Times

Partner Peter Siachos Named 2025 “Legal Eagle” by Franchise Times

Charleston Managing Partner Peter Siachos has been named a “Legal Eagle” by Franchise Times for 2025. He was also recognized in the annual listing in 2019 and 2021.

This honor focuses on spotlighting top attorneys in North America who understand the nuances of the franchise industry. Attorneys are selected based on nominations and recommendations from clients, peers, and other legal professionals.

Siachos serves as Co-Chair of the firm’s Commercial Litigation and Class Action groups. A seasoned trial attorney with vast courtroom experience, he regularly handles both class action and individual cases across the nation, many of which are high-exposure. In his practice, he strives to provide aggressive and efficient legal representation along with excellent customer service, and as a firm leader, his goal is to create a successful, collegial, and multifaceted office where attorneys have the support and tools necessary to excel.

Franchise Times is a print and online publication serving as a resource for franchisors, franchisees, and other industry members.

Read the full list of honorees in Franchise Times.