Patricia L. Glaser

Glaser has three trials set back-to-back-to-back in Los Angeles in October, a prospective feat of heavy lifting even for a powerhouse Hollywood litigator. "God is punishing me," she said wryly. "Thankfully, I have been blessed with great partners and wonderful help."

She's representing Hollywood financier and former film producer David R. Bergstein, who's been accused of bleeding $25 million from an investment fund in 2011 through a series of fraudulent transactions. The Wimbledon Fund v. Graybox LLC, 15-cv-6633 (C.D. Cal., filed Aug. 28, 2015).

She's lead counsel for plaintiff Himelsein Mandel Fund Management LLC in a suit alleging breach of fiduciary duty by defendant hedge fund Fortress Investment Group LLC over a joint venture gone sour. Himelsein Mandel Fund Management LLC. v. Fortress Investment Group LLC, BC495595 (L.A. Super. Ct., filed Nov. 13, 2012).

And Glaser represents Rysher Entertainment LLC in a dispute with former parent Cox Media Group Inc. over a $19 million payout to actor Don Johnson for the "Nash Bridges" television franchise. Rysher's previous owner, Mark Cuban, is in the mix, adding to the litigation's star power. Glaser's complaint cites claims for contractual indemnity. Rysher Entertainment LLC v. Cox Media Group Inc., BC517198 (L.A. Super. Ct., filed Aug. 2, 2013).

"In between those trials, I get to go to Rhode Island to argue in federal court," Glaser said. Her East Coast client is Reuben Klamer, the inventor of the classic board game The Game of Life, who is defending against claims by the widow of another inventor that Klamer cut her out of at least $2 million in royalties for the game. In late August, Glaser applied to U.S. District Judge William E. Smith to appear for Klamer pro hac vice. Markham Concepts Inc. v. Hasbro Inc., 1:15-cv-00419 (D. R.I., filed Oct. 2, 2015).

Part of what makes such an arduous schedule worthwhile, Glaser said, is that she still enjoys her job. "Otherwise why do it," she said. "You get paid a lot of money to do what you want to do." Another plus for her is the chance to appear in court with distinguished opposing counsel. "Good lawyers on the other side makes it even more fun," she said, "people who get the nuances." She likened smooth-flowing litigation dynamics to the way a good game of cards can go. She finds the opposite painful. "If you ever played bridge against someone who doesn't know how to bid, you want to shoot yourself," she said.

— John Roemer