Trial attorney Stephen J. Tomasulo tries and litigates complex business and real estate disputes. Over the past 30 years, his clients have ranged from large, publicly traded entities to small, privately held businesses and individuals.

• Litigation
• Eminent Domain
• Commercial Landlord/Tenant

• University of California, Los Angeles, School of Law – J.D. 1995
• University of California, Berkeley – B.S. 1991

Defend Manufacturer in Arbitration Against Sales Rep’s Claims

Served on team that successfully arbitrated a high-stakes case on behalf of a large manufacturer involving claims, by its West Coast sales representative and distributor, of breach of the sales representative agreement. Obtained a favorable settlement after a lengthy, approximately 100 days, arbitration hearing.

Arbitrate Dissident Shareholder Claims Against Corporation   

Represented large produce corporation in multiple arbitrations involving claims by a dissident shareholder for breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, and related claims. Successfully defended against all of the claims for damages and obtained a permanent injunction against the shareholder precluding him from selling corporate assets.

Contract Claim Against Renowned Entertainer

Served as lead counsel and obtained substantial federal court jury verdict on behalf of event planner against world famous entertainer based upon the entertainer’s failure to appear and perform in a breach of contract claim.

Real Property Rights, Dispute with Bank

Successfully represented property owner in federal court trial against national bank over claims arising out of redevelopment of large shopping center.

Banking Class Action Suit

Obtained successful settlement on behalf of national bank in class action brought by beneficiaries of structured settlement trusts, who alleged that the bank had allowed more than $100 million in trust assets to be improperly transferred.

Banking Multimillion-Dollar Bond Default

Obtained successful settlement on behalf of national bank in a national class action arising out of a $130 million bond default.

Business Torts Trial on Competitor’s Products

Secured favorable verdict for manufacturer of stainless steel products on claims for intentional interference with contract and related business torts in federal court trial against a competitor.

Landowner Eminent Domain Action Trial Win

Represented landowner in eminent domain action arising from a taking by a public agency for roadway improvements. Obtained verdict in jury trial that greatly exceeded agency’s settlement offer and included the recovery of fees and costs.

RAILROAD TRIALS AND LITIGATION

Defense of Real Property Rights for Railroad

Served as lead counsel in obtaining defense verdict on behalf of national railroad company in a suit brought by a public water agency alleging that its right to build a water channel was superior to railroad’s rights to operate its tracks.

High-Stakes, Breach of Contract Defense for Railroad

Acted as lead counsel for defendant national railroad in a breach of contract and declaratory relief claim relating to a public agency’s rights to operate commuter trains on rail lines owned by the railroad. The potential exposure to the railroad exceeded $100 million. Obtained a defense verdict for the railroad in arbitration, which included substantial recovery of attorney’s fees and costs.

Won Defense Verdict in Real Estate Property Rights Trial

Served as lead counsel for defendant national railroad in a real estate dispute in which landowners alleged that the railroad had abandoned property rights, those rights had reverted to the landowners, and the railroad violated their rights by attempting to sell those rights on the open market. Obtained defense verdict at trial and prevailed on subsequent appeal.

Recovered Damages from Train Derailment

Negotiated a favorable settlement and served as lead counsel for plaintiff national railroad in an action to recover damages sustained in a major train derailment. Settlement with defendant shipper that had allegedly placed a defective railcar in service on the train included significant recovery for the railroad.