Sep. 13, 2012
Eric M. George
See more on Eric M. GeorgeBrowne George Ross LLP Los Angeles Litigation Specialty: intellectual property, business disputes
George, a partner at Browne George Ross LLP, has a wide-ranging practice and a client list to match.
He can be found dining with some the country's most powerful political players, shielding a client from the cameras of TMZ or arguing a case before a tribal court.
Last year, George represented the Yavapai-Apache tribe in a lawsuit against Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel, which allegedly breached its contract to repay loans used to build a casino in 2007. After a San Diego County Superior Court judge deemed that sovereign immunity blocked the Yavapai-Apache Nation's lawsuit, George appealed the ruling.
The 4th District Court of Appeal agreed with George and reversed the ruling, saying the tribe waived its right to sovereign immunity when its leader agreed to loan modifications.
"We were gratified to persuade the appellate court that tribes engaged in commerce have to be held to the terms of their agreements and that their waiver of immunity needed to be respected," George said.
George's clients won $45 million, including a settlement and an arbitration award. In another high stakes case, George represented burgeoning dental implant manufacturer Sargon Enterprises Inc. in a dispute against the University of Southern California.
Last year, the 2nd District Court of Appeal ruled in George's favor, 2-1. The California Supreme Court accepted review.
George said the case raises the question of when a young business can recover lost profits.
In addition to handling cases, George also sits on the state and federal judicial selection committees.
The well-connected conservative is a former aide to Gov. Pete Wilson and Sen. Orrin Hatch. He also advises Democrats Gov. Jerry Brown and Sen. Barbara Boxer on judicial appointments.
- CONNIE LOPEZ
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