2018 Wrap Up

Wow, 2018 is over. Already? We were really crushed last year, with opportunities, new cases, construction projects and testimony. We had two bench trials and a binding arbitration; that is a lot for a single year in our business. We were successful in one of the bench trials and the binding arb, but one of the trials did not go our team’s way. I understand that the case with the poor outcome has its ruling under appeal. We will see what the future brings with that one. We actually had more trials and arbitration testimony this year than we did depositions; that is very rare.

We have a new firm that we’ve been really busy working with. They are stretching us all across Southern California, from West Hollywood to Redlands, and all the way back to Winding Walk in Chula Vista. It’s been several new cases with a really top-notch team of attorneys and experts, their experience and professionalism is much appreciated.

We had 31 new cases come in the door and several new construction assignments to keep us busy in 2018. I always said if I had 30 cases I could keep the doors open; we got that in the door in just 12 calendar months. Now we have projects pouring out the doors. We couldn’t close the door if we tried.

We are so happy and blessed to be working with firms and organizations that are new to us, but not to all of you. The County of San Diego has hired us on a few projects, Dentons LA is a new firm we are proud to be working with and Kevin Canty of Riley Pasek, has been keeping us hopping in many jurisdictions. There are so many new firms this year, too many to list. We truly have been so fortunate.

Something has been popping up more than I have seen in the past which are Single Family Home cases where unscrupulous contractors are getting in the door and signing contracts with owners then not performing within standards. Now, I don’t mean just slightly below the standard of care, I mean, operating a really fancy website, but no licensing whatsoever. Contracting without a license, performing work without permits or plans, abandoning construction projects over trivial issues. This is usually a product of there being so much construction work out there that anyone who is of quality skill and professionalism is booked. So, tell anyone who is looking for a contractor, do your homework, check the California Contractors Licensing Board, make sure those you hire are licensed, insured (CGL), bonded and have the ability to complete your project. The internet can have its advantages when looking into such things but can really be deceiving when predator type construction firms are luring customers with hoops and whistles and that’s flashy websites for everyone under fifty.

Lastly, I am trying so hard to keep up with technology, though I confess I have been fighting it for more years than I care to admit. I don’t know why I can’t seem to keep my phone charged, my kindle, air pods, tablet or laptop with enough juice to even turn on sometimes. I carry a temporary charge pod, but it always seems to be dead, as well. If they’re dead, I never have the right charger, or plug in my possession. I have this great stainless steel travel cup Michelle my wife gave me as a gift, it has spent more time out of my possession than in it this year. I am happy to say I currently have it on my desk, until the next time I leave it somewhere.

2019 is going to be a good one. We have the TVCI Taco Tour in January and much, much more to look forward to. I am grateful for all of your support, including my new technology Sherpa, Hillary Conlin, all of my office support, Viviana, Michelle, Jimmy, everyone.

We thank all of our co-experts for their support and wonderful expertise, and of course the talented lawyers, paralegals and law firms that keep calling when they need our help.

Oh, and thank you to those who have kept in their care my Stainless Steel travel cup when I was so careless.

Merry Christmas and everyone please have a safe and Happy New Year.