Representative Cases

The following is a brief description of representative cases which Mr. Shaughnessy has recently handled:

  • International arbitration – public works construction claims: Represented general contractor in an International Chamber of Commerce Arbitration proceeding with venue in Singapore on a public works construction project in Vietnam against the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
  • Construction defect – insurance coverage: Acted as coverage counsel for a general contractor in four construction defect actions each involving damages claims of in excess of $25 million.
  • Contract negotiations – $80 million apartment project: Represented general contractor in contract negotiations on a contract of over $80 million on a high rise apartment tower project in San Francisco.
  • PCB oil spill claim – insurance coverage: Represented general contractor on a $40 million apartment project in Emeryville in connection with a PCB oil spill that generated claims of in excess of $5 million.
  • Trespass lawsuits: Defended developer of 45 unit condominium project in Oakland, California against complaint by owner of adjacent commercial real property for trespass arising out of the installation by the developer of “soil nails” under the parking lot of the adjacent landowner. Prosecuted lawsuit against adjoining residential landowner for trespass arising out of encroachment of redwood trees onto client’s property.
  • Subcontractor collection lawsuits: Filed and prosecuted numerous lawsuits for breach of contract and foreclosure on mechanic’s liens on behalf of subcontractors for the balances due on many private and public works construction projects.
  • Real property breach of contract lawsuits: Filed and prosecuted two lawsuits by different sellers of high-end residential properties in Atherton, California against same buyer who backed out of both agreements to purchase the properties.
  • Landlord/tenant eviction lawsuit: Defended lawsuit by landlord of large commercial office building in Redwood City attempting to terminate lease of tenant for engaging in improper activities at the leased premises.
  • Landlord/tenant breach of contract lawsuit: Filed and prosecuted lawsuit on behalf of tenant in large commercial office building in Palo Alto for breach of lease and improper charges for operating expenses.
  • Insurance bad faith lawsuit: Prosecuted lawsuit on behalf of owner against insurance company issuing builder’s risk insurance policy for bad faith arising out of rainfall and resulting damage to a theater under construction in Monterey, California.