Edward P. Sangster

Trial counsel for defendant venture capital firm sued by founder of portfolio company. Plaintiff sought more than US$240 million for breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, and theft of trade secrets. Jury verdict in favor of clients following trial lasting more than four months.

Trial counsel defending party alleged to be liable for more than US$200 million in environmental cleanup costs. Judgment in favor of client after trial lasting approximately five months.

Trial counsel for parent corporation alleged to be liable for more than US$100 million in environmental cleanup costs attributable to former subsidiary. Judgment in favor of client after trial.

Trial counsel for defendant underwriter in action challenging validity of nearly US$100 million in municipal securities. Judgment for client following validation proceeding.

Trial counsel for defendant sued for US$26 million fee arising from procurement of significant equity investment in biofuel startup. Judgment following jury trial for amount admitted by client to be owed, which was less than three percent of claim.

Trial counsel for plaintiff class in civil rights litigation. Judgment for clients characterized by a dissenting US Supreme Court justice as “perhaps the most radical injunction issued by a court in our Nation’s history”.

Trial and appellate counsel for property owners and developers in numerous actions brought pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”).

Represented multiple clients in threatened enforcement action by Department of Toxic Substances Control concerning thermostat reclamation program.

Defended multiple clients against actions by predecessor of Department of Business Oversight seeking to impose penalties or revoke residential mortgage licenses.

Advised product manufacturers regarding compliance with chemical emission limitations.

Represented multiple clients in negotiations with California Regional Water Control Boards concerning investigation or remediation of contaminated properties.

Defended client against claims by California Department of Pesticide Regulation for unlicensed brokerage of alleged pesticides. Agency dropped US$1 million+ claim following negotiations.

Lead counsel for plaintiff-insured in litigation seeking coverage under employee dishonesty insurance policy for 8-figure theft of corporate property. Favorable settlement reached after court summarily adjudicated insurer defenses in favor of client.

Defended manufacturer of diesel emission control devices against claim by California Air Resources Board for civil penalties. Claim settled for approximately six percent of agency demand.