Al specializes in civil litigation with an emphasis on building defect, product liability, toxic tort and environmental litigation. He has had extensive trial experience in complex cases involving construction defect and architect and engineer professional negligence, claims of environmental contamination, improper governmental restraints of land use, and injuries to persons resulting from toxic exposure.
Al has tried in excess of 200 civil jury trials to conclusion. He has represented architects and engineers since 1968. In addition he has participated in a number of arbitrations involving disputes between design professionals and contractors.
Since 1986, Al has acted as national lead counsel to the Welding Industry which is comprised of various product manufacturers of welding products. He had responsibility for the coordination and trial of approximately 30,000 cases pending nationwide. In that capacity he was in charge of an extensive document review, culminating in the indexing and computerization of all documents pertaining to the historical background of each company. He set up a witness preparation program which included the deposition and trial preparation of all industry witnesses. Additionally, he interviewed all experts on behalf of the Welding Industry and developed an extensive expert data bank.
Al has handled numerous toxic exposure cases for a major railroad in Northern California and was asked by the Railroad Industry to prepare and conduct the direct examination of their primary epidemiologist in a videotaped deposition that was taken in 7,000 pending cases.
He has recently been involved in extensive litigation for claimed defects to steel frame buildings arising out of the Northridge earthquake.
Interests
In his spare time, Al enjoys distance road bike riding, and skiing. Through the National Institute for Trial Advocacy he volunteers to teach on the Navajo Reservation.