Great law firms get great results. Their track record matters. At Brown & Charbonneau, LLP our results speak for themselves. See the outstanding results obtained for our clients below.
To view just our Complex Family law & Divorce related case results, click here.
Orange County Superior Court (Trial)
Result: Defense Ruling in $12 Million Lawsuit
B&C secured a defense ruling for clients being sued for $12 million in breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, and breach of contract claims. At trial, Trial Specialist Gregory Brown was able to establish a lack of credibility in the Plaintiff’s claim, showing that no promises had been made, therefore the plaintiff could not have relied on the alleged promise. Brown also showed in cross examination of witnesses that Plaintiffs had sustained no actual, recoverable damages in both the derivative and individual claims..
Riverside Superior Court (Trial)
Result: $4.8 Million / $2.7 Million Attorneys Fees in Contract Case
Brown & Charbonneau, LLP Wins Multi-Million Dollar Contract dispute in South Orange County Water & Sewage Trial Irvine Business Trial Lawyer Gregory G. Brown, of Brown & Charbonneau, LLP obtained a resounding victory in his clients’ favor in the first phase of a multi-million dollar dispute over the payment for upkeep of a wastewater treatment plant in South Orange County. “This is a huge victory for Joint Powers Authorities in California who rely upon their partners. Read more . . ..
Orange County Superior Court (Trial)
Result: $5.6 Million Award in Family Law /Trust
B&C obtained $5,600,000 for its client in first phase of a bifurcated trial which dealt with community property v. separate property over a family business. This was a long battle over ownership of a $157,000,000 company between family members, after husband had passed away. The second phase was to deal with breach of fiduciary duty, violation of Family Code Section 1101 and a shareholder derivative action…..Continue Reading.
Orange County Superior Court (Jury Verdict)
Result: Defense Verdict in $30 Million Claim
Gregory G. Brown represented a public company in a fraud and breach of contract claim by the former owner of the company, Russell Gilbert. An Orange County jury issued a complete defense verdict. Cleveland, OH based MA Hanna Company purchased Costa Mesa based Cimco (a molding and compounding firm) for $34 Million. Gilbert and Hanna’s CEO were also negotiating the possible sale back to Gilbert the custom injection molding unit. Continue Reading.
Orange County Superior Court (Jury Verdict)
Result: $2,930,000 (plus attorneys fees) in Fraud & Contract Trial
Fraud trial attorneys Gregory G. Brown and Mark Higuchi of Brown & Charbonneau, LLP obtained $2,930,000 for client who was defrauded in the sale of a business. In a trial that spanned three (3) weeks, an Orange County Jury awarded $1,650,000 in compensatory damages to the business owner. The jury also found each of the four defendants committed intentional misrepresentation and fraudulent concealment with malice, oppression or fraud, and awarded punitive damages in the amount of $1,280,000. Click here to view the complete Verdict & Settlement Report. Continue Reading
Orange County Superior Court (Settlement Following 2 Trial & 2 Appeals)
Result: Confidential 8 Figure Settlement (between $10,000,000 and $100,000,000)
B&C represented the wife in a community property dispute involving a business worth $150,000,000 to $175,000,000. Both spouses worked in the business since the 1970’s. While the parties were reconciling during divorce proceedings (but still separated and proceedings pending) husband died, who also had an elaborate trust. The international company made vitamin products and drinks and was husband’s business before marriage. However, during marriage both husband and wife worked tirelessly to the grow the business over the decades. Continue Reading
Orange County Superior Court (Settlement)
Result: $2.5 Million Obtained in Business Fraud Case
Irvine, CA attorney Gregory G. Brown of Brown & Charbonneau, LLP secured a $2.5 million settlement 
in an Orange County Superior Court breach of contract and fraud case, regarding a business dispute in which the defendant loan broker was required under the contract at issue to obtain $200 million in funding for the plaintiff, in return for a $2 million advance fee, case number 30-2009-00122240. In the event… Continue Reading.
Orange County Binding Arbitration
Result: Broker Breached His Fiduciary Duties & Denied Commission – Defendant Awarded Six Figures in Attorneys Fees & Costs
Newport Beach Real Estate Broker Denied Six-Figure Commission for Breach of Fiduciary Duty 
Owed to Client. Brown & Charbonneau, LLP business business attorney Gregory G. Brown and Mark Higuchi successfully represented a seller of multi-million dollar Orange County real estate. The Broker sued Mr. Brown’s client for a six-figure commission and attorneys fees after the client fired the broker for failure to perform, hired another broker and sold the property. Continue reading.
Irvine, California
Status: $1,000,000,000 – $2,000,000,000 Demand Fraud & Contract Claim
Brown & Charbonneau, LLP business trial lawyer Gregory G. Brown handles $1,000,000,000 to $2,000,000,000 fraud and contract dispute. Brown represents an individual who entered into an oral agreement to pool assets to develop venture capital company and related assets. After 11 years working together to build the company and assets into successful international venture capital firm, Brown’s client is squeezed out by the other owner and denied his share of proceeds. . . Continue Reading
Riverside Superior Court (Settlement)
Result: 7 Figure Obtained in Molestation Case
Irvine, CA trial lawyers Gregory G. Brown, Michele M. Charbonneau and Eileen M. Solis obtained a confidential, seven-figure settlement in a case against a church and its senior pastor for the rape of a minor female parishioner, Jane Doe, by the church’s music minister. The victim was raped in April 2011. In filing suit, Jane Doe alleged sexual battery, false imprisonment, and intentional infliction of emotional distress against the perpetrator. Continue Reading.
Orange County Superior Court (Jury Verdict)
Result: Defense Verdict in $3.4 Million Business Case
Orange County jury issues a defense verdict in contract and breach of warranty claim. Gregory G. Brown represented the defendant, a public company, in a breach of contract claim by the purchaser of custom injection molds. Brown’s client was an injection and compounding firm in Southern California. The purchaser claimed the molds were defective, caused millions of dollars in lost sales and revenue and asserted alter ego liability. After a lengthy trial, the jury found in favor of Brown’s client on all counts.
Orange County Superior Court (Jury Trial)
Result: $1.615 Million Award in Auto/Brain Injury Case
After a 5-1/2 week jury trial, trial lawyer Gregory Brown delivered a closing argument resulting in almost twice the amount of prior offers by defendants, a $1,615,000 verdict. Mr. Brown’s client suffered catastrophic injuries in an auto collision.
Los Angeles Superior Court (Settlement in Trial)
Result: $1.6 Million Settlement in Contract Dispute
Irvine trial lawyer Gregory G. Brown represented 10 tenants of an apartment complex in Beverly Hills, CA against the landlord/owner of the complex. After trial, bankruptcy, and the settling of a new trial, defendants increased their offer from $200,000 (pre-trial) to $1,600,000…Continue Reading.
Los Angeles Superior Court (Trial)
Result: Defense Verdict in $4 Million Fraud Claim
An LA Jury in Van Nuys found against Save the Earth and it’s owners in a fraud claim over alleged defective products. B&C’s client received a defense verdict. The jury also found in favor of defendants on all other claims, including breach of warranty, breach of contract and their punitive damages claims. The high profile trial had many celebrity witnesses and the product in question was used on the set of shows such as the Young and the Restless. The lengthy trial also had numerous expert witnesses.
Orange County Superior Court (Settlement)
Result: Confidential Amounts Awarded to Client
Brown & Charbonneau, LLP obtains significant settlement for its client in case involving sexual assault during a massage. B&C’s client was a female that was assaulted sexually during a massage at one facility of a nationwide chain of massage facilities. The settlement was obtained quickly in light of the potential exposure and negative publicity that the company faced. Recently, many of these types of sexual assault claims have been brought forward, including the more than 180 claims brought against the Massage Envy chain of massage therapy facilities.
Orange County Superior Court (Jury Trial)
Result: $1.525 Million Awarded to Client
An Orange County jury awarded $1,525,000 (including interest, costs, consequential damages and attorneys fees) after a five day trial. The compelling and visually appealing case created by Irvine Trial Consultant and Lawyer Gregory G. Brown convinced the jury that a message should be sent to the defendants, both of which were assessed $750,000 punitive damage awards.
Rancho Cucamonga Superior Court (Verdict/Settlement)
Result: $1.233 Million Award in Construction Contract Dispute
In addition to a $1,100,000 settlement with co-defendants, trial attorney Gregory G. Brown obtained another $133,000 from remaining defendant after a jury trial. Plaintiff was a paving company suing a general contractor related to a written subcontract to provide labor, services, equipment and materials necessary to perform onsite grading and related work on the Rhodes Elementary School in Chino Valley, CA….Continue Reading.
Los Angeles Superior Court (Settlement in Trial)
Result: 7 Figure Settlement in Church Molestation Case
Irvine trial attorney Gregory G. Brown obtained a confidential 7 figure settlement in molestation case. 
Brown & Charbonneau, LLP represented a minor child client, who was sexually abused as a minor by Sylvester Laudermill, Jr., a pastor of Ward A.M.E Church (“Ward”), a church belonging to the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Inc. (“AMEC”). Suit was filed against Ward, AMEC and Bishop John Richard Bryant alleging among other things sexual battery, breach of fiduciary duty and negligence in the hiring, supervision and training of pastors…Continue Reading.
Orange County Superior Court (Trial)
Result: Defense Ruling in 7 Figure Shareholder Dispute
Irvine, CA attorney Gregory G. Brown received a defense judgment after a nine-day bench trial in a shareholder dispute and derivative claims. The Plaintiff, a 15% shareholder, alleged breach of fiduciary duty, breach of contract, and fraud. Plaintiff alleged the officers of the corporation had breached their fiduciary duties by mismanaging the business and misappropriating corporate assets. Prior to trial, defendants submitted “998 offers” for a total of $270,000, which were not accepted. Plaintiff claimed, at one point, over $1 million dollars in damages. Post trial, the Court awarded attorneys fees to defendants in excess of $400,000. Brown & Charbonneau, LLP defeated the subsequent appeal by Plaintiff.
Ventura County Superior Court (Jury Verdict)
Result: $830,000 Award in Fraud in Sale of Business
Orange County trial attorney Gregory G. Brown obtained over $800,000 in a fraud, intentional factual concealment and breach of contract case that involved the purchase of a Limousine Service, a well known and well established limousine business in the greater Los Angeles and Ventura areas. Gregory G. Brown tried the 4-week jury trial and successfully proved that the seller had defrauded the buyer by concealing the loss of the business’ largest client. The jury awarded an amount over $800,000 including interest, attorney fees and costs against seller.
San Diego Superior Court (Jury Verdict)
Result: $812,000 Award in Cemetery Fraud and Concealment
Irvine litigation firm of Brown & Charbonneau, LLP obtains a $812,000 jury verdict in fraud, intentional concealment, and breach of contract case against San Diego Cemetery. Missing cremated remains and the illegal digging up of graves at Holy Cross Cemetery. Gregory G. Brown prevailed in jury trial against one of the largest cemeteries in San Diego County. The jury also assessed $400,000 in PUNITIVE DAMAGES for the intentionally wrongful conduct. After the jury reached the verdict, the jurors commented that the visual presentations by lead trial counsel Gregory G. Brown assisted them tremendously in understanding the case.
United States District Court (Bench Trial)
Result: $750,000 in Disability Benefits and Attorney Fees
Irvine trial attorney Gregory G. Brown obtains rare $750,000 federal trial win in wrongful termination of long-term disability benefits case. On behalf of its client, Brown & Charbonneau, LLP prevailed in bench trial against one of the largest insurance companies, MetLife, in an ERISA case. Judge David O. Carter ordered the reinstatement of Davidson’s benefits and awarded attorney fees and costs to be recovered from MetLife.
Los Angeles Superior Court (Trial/Settlement)
Result: $690,000 Settlement in Insurance Bad Faith
Irvine trial lawyer Gregory G. Brown of Orange County Law Firm of Brown & Charbonneau, LLP obtained a $690,000 settlement for their client on an Insurance Bad Faith Case against Farmers Insurance. Farmers had offered $175,000 before trial. Their client was a Farmers insured and had submitted three separate first party insurance claims on two separate pieces of property. During the claims process, Farmers delayed investigation on each claim…Continue Reading.
Orange County Superior Court (Jury Verdict)
Result: $523,250 Award in Celebrity Stalking, Emotional Distress Case
On November 15, 2012, an Orange County jury awarded Real Housewives of Orange County reality TV star Gretchen Rossi $500,000 in compensatory and $23,250 in punitive damages against Jay Photoglou, according to the jury verdict. Photoglou was found liable for Stalking, Assault, Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress, Conversion, Intentional Interference with Contract, and Intentional Interference Prospective Economic Advantage. The claims included…Continue Reading.
Orange County Superior Court (Trial)
Result: $537,000 Award in Business Ownership & Contract Dispute
Irvine, CA trial lawyer, Gregory G. Brown, recently obtained a $537,000 award in a business litigation matter involving a multi-state Construction Co. The case involved a breach of contract claim by the Brown & Charbonneau, LLP client, who was owed hundreds of thousands of dollars. The Defendant asserted the he was an owner in the company and, based upon an oral agreement, the money owed should have been offset by ownership distributions over a two-year period. The defendant also claimed that he should have 50% of the corporation’s stock delivered to him. These arguments failed and the client obtained 100% of the amount, plus interest and all attorneys fees and costs! This case was one of a few cases being litigated in California and Louisiana by the parties.
Los Angeles Superior Court – Norwalk (Jury Verdict)
Result: Defense Verdict in Employment/Retaliation/Wrongful Term case – sought mid 6 figures
Irvine business litigation attorney Gregory G. Brown obtained a defense verdict from a Los Angeles jury in a breach of contract, wrongful termination, retaliation and wage and hour claim against a Santa Fe Springs employer. In a trial lasting 9 days, the jurors came back with a unanimous verdict against the Plaintiff. The Plaintiff had alleged that she was wrongfully terminated on November 25, 2013 for complaining about the calculations of her commissions. She also claimed that the company willfully misclassified Plaintiff as an independent contractor, breached their contracts, and violated various wage and hour labor laws. The Plaintiff sought mid six figures from the employer plus attorneys fees, estimated at $125,000. The employer will be entitled to recover costs and attorneys fees of approximately $125,000. Continue reading . . .
Orange County Superior Court (Jury Verdict)
Result: Reverse Judgment – $400,000+ to Client in Legal Malpractice
Certified trial specialist Gregory G. Brown represented the defendant attorney in this highly contentious legal malpractice (click here for part one), breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duty (click here for part two) case involving the attorney’s representation of his client in a multi-home construction defect case. Mr. Brown tried both the underlying complex construction defect matter as well as the legal malpractice matter. The highly contentious 4 ½ month jury trial was tried…Continue Reading.
Orange County Superior Court (Settlement)
Result: Plaintiff business receives $180,000, attorneys fees and permanent injunction against competitor restaurant
Irvine business litigation attorney Gregory G. Brown again represented the owners of one of Orange County’s most successful restaurateurs against their former partners. The ownership group split up back in December 2012, where each group took 2 of the 4 restaurants – a $4,000,000+ transaction. This was after the other side unsuccessfully tried to take over the chain of restaurants. Shortly after this settlement negotiated by Mr. Brown, the Defendants violated the agreement, including improper use our clients name, likeness and proprietary recipes. Days before trial, the defendants agreed to a court ordered Permanent Injunction, damages and disgorgement of their wrongfully obtained profits. Plaintiffs also recouped all of their attorneys’ fees.
Orange County Superior Court (Settlement at Trial)
Result: Plaintiff received $0 in Discrimination, Harassment, Wrongful Termination
Irvine trial attorney Gregory G. Brown successfully defended a multi-billion dollar employer against employee claims of: 1) disability discrimination, 2) failure to accommodate, 3) retaliation, 4) failure to engage in the interactive process and 5) wrongful termination in violation of public policy. The plaintiff was represented by Gloria Allred’s firm and was seeking several million dollars in damages. On the eve of trial, the plaintiff agreed to accept a nominal settlement of $25,000 payable to his attorneys to cover approximately half of costs incurred by plaintiff. The plaintiff received nothing!
Orange County (Settlement before suit filed)
Result: Confidential Six Figure Sexual Assault
Gregory G. Brown of Brown & Charbonneau obtained a pre-filing confidential six-figure settlement for their client, a 27-year old property manager who was sexually assaulted during a massage at an Orange County spa. This was a national spa. The client was a female and the therapist was a male. The Office of the District Attorney filed criminal charges.
Orange County Superior Court (Settlement)
Result: $400,000 Settlement in Theatre Trip and Fall
Orange County trial lawyer Gregory G. Brown settled a trip and fall case for $400,000. The case was against the world’s largest theatre chain, Regal Entertainment Group and Edwards Theatres, Inc. Brown & Charbonneau, LLP obtained a huge settlement after trial began. After favorable trial rulings on motions in limine, the billion dollar defendant paid over $100,000 to avoid enormous punitive damage exposure….Continue Reading.
Orange County Superior Court (Settlement)
Result: $350,000 Settlement in Trip and Fall Accident
Irvine personal injury lawyer Gregory G. Brown prevailed in a trip and fall case against a large Southern California theatre chain. Brown & Charbonneau, LLP obtained a $350,000 settlement for their client, who sustained injuries to her back and neck. The matter settled just days before trial was scheduled to begin. Prior to the settlement, defendants had maintained a consistent position of no-liability and no settlement.
Los Angeles Superior Court (Trial)
Result: $300,000 Verdict in Contract, Lease & Conversion Case
Los Angeles jury award totals $300,000 to paving contractor and against competitor in breach of lease and conversion claims. After awarding compensatory damages, the jury found defendants acted with “malice, oppression or fraud” requiring a punitive damage phase of the trial. Before punitive phase began, defendants agreed to pay an increased amount to avoid the punitive phase.
San Diego Superior Court (Settlement)
Result: $315,000 Settlement (limited) in Wrongful Death
Just prior to trial, Irvine personal injury lawyer Gregory G. Brown obtained a $315,000 settlement in a wrongful death action. The plaintiff’s 92-year old husband died as a result of a car accident caused by defendant Workman while he was talking on the phone and failed to yield causing his vehicle to collide with plaintiff’s vehicle. In addition to losing her husband, plaintiff also sustained injuries to her right knee as well as bruising all over her body. Since husband was elderly and no longer working, there was no loss of earnings claim. The settlement was obtained approximately one month prior to the scheduled trial date.
Orange County Superior Court (Settlement)
Result: $300,000 Settlement in Motorcycle Accident
Orange County personal injury lawyer Gregory G. Brown obtained a mid six-figure settlement for its client in a negligence action. The plaintiff was injured when a car rented by defendant Hertz made an abrupt lane change in front of plaintiff causing plaintiff’s motorcycle to collide with the car. The plaintiff sustained right leg injuries, including a significant knee injury that ultimately required surgical repair. The defendant driver was found to be the primary collision factor. Defendants initially offered $50,000. The settlement was obtained approximately 2 months after the plaintiff filed his complaint.
Orange County Superior Court (Settlement)
Result: $200,000 Settlement in Slip and Fall Accident
Orange County personal injury lawyer Gregory G. Brown successfully recovered a six-figure settlement, for his client in a personal injury action. The plaintiff was injured when she fell at the defendant’s restaurant and suffered severe injuries to her hip and shoulder. The floor had been mopped during business hours and there was no warning sign present. In a deposition statement, the treating paramedic testified that the floor was as “slippery as melted butter.”
Orange County Superior Court (Settlement)
Result: $200,000 Settlement in Tenant Fire & Property Damage
Orange County personal injury lawyer Gregory G. Brown successfully recovered $200,000, including punitive damages, for his client in a claim by a tenant against the landlord who locked her out of her apartment after a fire. The fire was caused by faulty fireplaces that the owner had known about and failed to repair.
Orange County Superior Court (Pre-Filing Settlement)
Result: Confidential Six-Figure Settlement
Irvine, California trial lawyer Gregory G. Brown obtained a substantial six-figure confidential settlement in a claim involving wrongful termination, sexual harassment and contract fraud against an Olympic athlete and celebrity. Brown & Charbonneau, LLP’s client was a long-time employee who was fired for refusing to have sexual relations with her boss. A relationship had developed, and when the employee refused…Continue Reading.
Orange County Superior Court (Bench Trial)
Result: $50,000+ Award in Oil & Gas Business and Contract Case
Gregory G. Brown prevailed in bench trial against one of Huntington Beach’s largest oil and gas holders. The amount awarded in this intentional tort/breach of contract case involving oil and gas leases totaled $50,000 plus attorney fees (estimated at $7,500 plus costs and interest).
Orange County Superior Court (Settlement During Trial)
Result: Parties Reach Settlement in Complex Family Law Trial
Agreement Irvine family law attorney Michele M. Charbonneau handled this 5 day complex dissolution of marriage bench trial which involved numerous complex legal issues, including: 1) The enforceability of an oral prenuptial agreement and 2) the enforceability of a grant deed from sole title to joint title during marriage. The issue regarding the oral prenuptial agreement was a novel and difficult issue involving several family law statutes and the common law statute of frauds. The case ultimately settled during trial.
Orange County Superior Court (Trial)
Result: Husband Awarded Businesses and Wife Pays CPA Fees
In a divorce trial that spanned one year, the court ruled in favor of B&C’s client. After dozens of unsubstantiated claims by wife that husband was spending community money, hiding money, running personal charges through his business, the court found all of wife’s claims were without merit. The court awarded support in the amount sought by B&C’s client. During the case, wife inappropriately increased the costs of litigation in the case by sending the CPA’s on wild goose chases, to the tune of $250,000 in CPA fees. In the court’s Judgment, wife was assessed ALL of the CPA fees.
Orange County Superior Court (Trial/Appeal)
Result: Husband Keeps His 1/2 of Assets
After a litigation, trial and an appeal, the Court ruled in favor of B&C’s client that he was entitled to keep his half of the marriage assets. The Court of Appeal ruling was a published opinion and has been cited in many family law practice guides since then. The case was also featured on the cover page of the Los Angeles Daily Journal. In an all or nothing case, wife claimed that husband had agreed in writing to transfer his share of all marital assets to her.
Orange County Superior Court (Trial)
Result: Court Awards Wife 1/2 of Husband’s House
An Orange County Family Law judge agreed with Wife’s claim that she was tricked into signing a deed (inter spousal grant deed) in connection with Husband’s purchase of his house (all with his separate property funds). Wife claimed that husband breached his fiduciary duties to her when he said the house was owned by both of them and then had her sign off on a deed. As a result, wife was awarded 1/2 of the family residence which otherwise would have been Husband’s separate property.
Orange County Superior Court (Trial)
Result: Trial Ruling for Defense (Plaintiff Demands in 7 figures) in Shareholder Dispute
Irvine, CA attorney Gregory G. Brown received a defense judgment after a nine-day bench trial in a shareholder dispute. The Plaintiff, a 15% shareholder, alleged breach of fiduciary duty, breach of contract, and fraud. Plaintiff alleged the officers of the corporation had breached their fiduciary duties by mismanaging the business and misappropriating corporate assets. Prior to trial, defendants submitted “998 offers” for a total of $270,000, which were not accepted. Plaintiff claimed, at one point, close to a million dollars in damages.
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Orange County Superior Court (Dismissal)
Result: Complete Dismissal
B&C negotiated immediate dismissal of wrongfully sued Defendant in Breach of Contract case.
Orange County Superior Court (Dismissal)
Result: Complete Dismissal
B&C negotiated complete dismissal of all claims against client in employment harassment and wrongful termination action.
The foregoing information is made available for general informational purposes only, and is not intended to and does not constitute legal advice. Use of this website does not create an attorney-client relationship, and information contained on this website should not be relied upon without consulting an attorney admitted to practice in your jurisdiction and with respect to your own specific situation.
