Sean A. Topp is a seasoned litigator who represents companies and individuals in complex business litigation, with an emphasis on partnership disputes, commercial real estate issues, fraud claims, and breach of contract cases.

He is experienced in all aspects of litigation, from the initial pleading stage through trial. Sean has served as trial counsel for over a dozen cases in both state and federal court, as well as in arbitration. This experience influences how Sean provides clients with effective and efficient strategies for resolving their issues and disputes and how he helps to ensure they obtain the best result possible in any situation.

Sean’s litigation and courtroom experience supports his counsel to clients on pre-lawsuit solutions that help them avoid ending up in protracted litigation. He identifies ways to adopt measures to prevent potential claims related to their business practices and provides a realistic risk-benefit analysis of actually going down the path of litigation.

Notable for his appellate experience, Sean has obtained multiple appellate opinions favorable for his clients and gained insights into the outcomes of a variety of business disputes. Super Lawyers magazine has repeatedly recognized Sean for his litigation achievements throughout his more than 20-year career.

Practice Area

Education

University of San Diego School of Law – J.D., 2001
University of San Diego School of Business – M.B.A. 2001
University of California, Los Angeles – B.A. 1998

Representative matters

Commercial Landlord Disputes

Represent numerous commercial landlords in unlawful detainer and breach of lease actions for unpayment of rent and/or breach of lease covenants.

Commercial Landlord Trial Win, Fee Award Upheld on Appeal

Prevailed for a commercial real estate landlord in a case involving a tenant forging a lease amendment, resulting in a unanimous trial verdict in client’s favor, an appellate decision affirming the jury’s verdict, and an award of nearly $2 million of attorney’s fees to client.

Breach of Fiduciary Duty Claims

Represented member of a limited liability company for claims of breach of fiduciary duty and fraud against the managing member of the company.

COVID-19 Compliance for Commercial Tenants

Counseled clients regarding the overlapping state, county and city COVID-19 ordinances as they relate to commercial tenants.

Contract Breach Claims Settled on Eve of Trial

Resolved action against steel importer and distributor facing claims of breach of contract and breach of guaranty against client’s customer that resulted in a favorable settlement in client’s favor on the eve of trial.

Favorable Outcome, Fee Award in Property Development Agreement Dispute

Arbitrated claim alleging client was liable for more than $22 million in damages for breach of joint development agreement related to multiple commercial properties. After two weeks of arbitration, the arbitrator found in client’s favor on all causes of action asserted against him and awarded client his attorney’s fees.

Pro Business Verdict in Trade Secret Misappropriation Trial

Represented a small business in claims against former employees for misappropriation of trade secrets resulting in a jury verdict in client’s favor.

Awards

Sean has been included to the Super Lawyers California listing for 2024, which is awarded to the top 5% of attorneys in their state. He was previously named as a Super Lawyer “Rising Star” in 2011, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

Senior Counsel

Sean A. Topp

OVERVIEW

Sean A. Topp is a seasoned litigator who represents companies and individuals in complex business litigation, with an emphasis on partnership disputes, commercial real estate issues, fraud claims, and breach of contract cases.

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