Mr. Godsil is a partner in our Los Angeles office and is a member of our Litigation Department. He has broad experience in complex business litigation matters, and has consistently obtained favorable results on behalf of the firm's clients. Mr. Godsil has tried multiple cases, both on his own, and as part of larger trial teams, and has also resolved numerous disputes prior to trial by way of dispositive motions or settlement.

Mr. Godsil's practice involves litigation in federal and state courts, as well as arbitration before various tribunals, with primary emphasis on cases arising from the misappropriation of trade secrets and confidential or proprietary information. He also has extensive experience litigating partnership disputes, matters involving claims of breach of contract, unfair competition, defamation, breach of covenants not to compete, as well as an array of real estate disputes.

EDUCATION

Mr. Godsil earned his law degree from UCLA in 1994. Prior to law school, Mr. Godsil graduated at the top of his class with highest honors from California State University, Fullerton, where he was a member of the Phi Kappa Phi and Omicron Delta Kappa honor societies.

ADMISSIONS/QUALIFICATIONS

Mr. Godsil is a member of the State Bar of California, and is admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Central and Eastern Districts of California. He is also a member of the Litigation section of the State Bar of California.

PHILANTHROPIC ENDEAVORS

American Red Cross, Member, Board of Directors -- Rio Hondo Chapter (1995-1999)

REPRESENTATIVE MATTERS/CLIENTS

Tried and defeated claims of breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty and declaratory relief brought by plaintiffs who sought to obtain control of the firm's clients' intellectual property rights (together with a large monetary award). Obtained a complete defense judgment and recovery of significant costs against the plaintiffs.

Obtained a seven figure recovery in a breach of contract action prosecuted on behalf of the firm's client.

Secured a judgment of dismissal following a motion for terminating sanctions in a fraud action brought against a real estate agent and broker.

Defeated the most critical prong of a class certification motion which sought to certify a large group of salespersons in an action brought against a national furniture retail company.

Successful representation of a wine distributor in a series of lawsuits initiated in San Francisco and Napa that asserted claims of breach of contract, violation of the Lanham Act, unfair competition and fraud.

Obtained summary judgment in favor of a savings and loan in an action brought by former borrowers who asserted a slew of lender liability claims, including allegations based upon fraud and breach of contract.

Successful representation of a private equity group, which, after acquiring a champagne house in France, was sued in California for breach of an alleged nationwide exclusive distribution agreement.