Brad D. Brian

In the aftermath of catastrophes, major corporations often turn to Brian for legal assistance.

He was retained by Pacific Gas & Electric Co. in the criminal trial following the 2018 Camp Fire in Butte County. State Department of Forestry investigators concluded the blaze was caused by electrical transmission lines owned and operated by the utility. The fire killed 85 people and burned 18,804 structures, wiping out most of three towns. People of the State of California v. Pacific Gas and Electric Co., 20CF01422, (Butte County Super. Ct. filed Nov. 8, 2018).

With Munger Tolles partner Bethany Kristovich, Brian guided Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino's efforts to settle more than 4,000 claims arising from a 2017 shooting on the Las Vegas Strip. From a window on the hotel's 32nd floor, a gunman opened fire on attendees of the Route 91 Harvest music festival across the street, killing 58 and wounding 851. Thousands of lawsuits were filed against MGM Resorts International, owner of the resort. MGM Resorts International et al. v. Acosta et al. 2:18-cv-01288-APG-BNW (D. Nev., filed July 13, 2018).

"Both cases were terrible tragedies. It was hard to deal with and it was very emotional," Brian said. "But in both cases, as a result of the work we did, I think we were able to achieve a fair result for both the companies and the victims."

Brian said he is grateful for the attorneys who work with him. "Mike Doyen on the PG&E and MGM case was excellent," he said, "and Bethany Kristovich in the MGM case deserves recognition as my co-lead counsel."

Trying emotionally charged high-profile civil cases is challenging because their outcomes seriously affect individuals, he said.

"All these cases tend to involve very complex factual and legal issues, in addition to the human impact. In that respect they're different than an ordinary commercial dispute," he explained. "It does get stressful at times, but over the years I've learned to cope with that, in part because I'm an exercise nut. I try to stay in shape. These things really matter, to try and keep your head and your body together."

Brian is representing Vanessa Bryant, the widow of Kobe Bryant, in her lawsuit against Island Helicopters Inc. following the crash that killed the basketball star and their daughter, plus two other children, the pilot, and four other adults. Vanessa Bryant et al. v. Island Helicopters Inc. et al., 20STCV07492, (L. A. Super. Ct. filed Feb. 24, 2020).

Brian is also representing Katten Munchin Roseman LLP in its defense of a malpractice claim. CashCall Inc. v. Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, 2017-00914968 (O.C. Super. Ct., filed April 14, 2017).

"I love representing law firms and lawyers. I like being a lawyer, and I respect lawyers and I like law firms and I love representing them," Brian said. "Lawyers are terrific clients and I think the legal profession is one of the most admirable."

-- Nick Kipley