Brad D. Brian

Litigator, white collar criminal defense and legal malpractice

As the BP oil spill spread along the Gulf Coast this spring and summer, the offshore oil-drilling company Transocean began to look for a lawyer to deal with government investigation and Coast Guard hearings. The company tapped Brian - a testament to his stature around the nation, and his reputation for staying cool under pressure. Even other lawyers turn to Brian when they need help. He is defending at least four major law firms, including Manatt, Phelps & Phillips. Though he helped the firm off the hook in a 2006 malicious prosecution trial, the case reared its head again. To recap, Brian tried the case in Los Angeles County Superior Court and won when the judge found at the end of trial that the firm was not liable. The decision was reversed on appeal this May Brian, as always, has put on his game face for the next round. He may have a lot on his plate: Brian is lead trial counsel for Abercrombie & Kent and Intrawest ULC, a luxury travel and destination resort company, respectively, facing more than 540 lawsuits in Los Angeles County Superior Court that allege fraud in the sale of memberships in so-called destination clubs. Trials are likely to begin in 2011.