Mona Z. Hanna

Mona Z. Hanna is the managing partner of Michelman & Robinson, LLP's Orange County office and chair of the firm's North America complex and class action trial group. She specializes in handling complex "bet-the-company" matters, playing a pivotal role in state and federal courts across the country.

She represents six insurance carriers under the Allstate Insurance Co. umbrella. This class action case, with potential exposure of up to $600 million, hinges on the allegation that these carriers overcharged for auto insurance premiums, violating California's "Lowest Rates Rule." In King v. National General Insurance Co., et al., 15-cv-00313-DMR (N.D. Cal., filed Jan. 22, 2015).

The case's outcome could significantly influence how private passenger automobile insurance is sold by groups and conglomerates of insurance companies in California, making it a landmark lawsuit.

"Not only is this lawsuit of real significance because it will impact how private passenger automobile insurance is sold by groups and conglomerates of insurance companies in California going forward, but the sheer level of exposure faced by the defendants (up to the high-nine-figures) makes this case one to watch," Hanna said.

Hanna also represented Armorcast, a manufacturer of protective utility industry enclosures. The class action involved more than 5,000 members, including direct and temporary workers, and alleged various Labor Code violations.

Utilizing strategic legal arguments about the lack of commonality and arbitration agreements, Hanna successfully negotiated a favorable class settlement, which was granted final approval earlier in the year.

Looking into a crystal ball, Hanna said she expects to see a continued increase in filings in complex cases and collective actions (class action and PAGA claims) challenging practices in the employment setting and within the insurance and technology industries.

"Cybersecurity and privacy issues will also be heavily litigated, as will cases stemming from the expansion and use of AI," she said.

Outside of the courtroom, Hanna is actively involved in the legal community. She has held a position on the Orange County Bar Association's board of directors and is a member of both the California and Los Angeles Bar Associations. Her commitment to community service is evident in her support of Working Wardrobes, an organization dedicated to assisting individuals in re-entering the workforce.