Los Angeles-based attorney Douglas (Doug) Collodel has broad experience working with major corporations and public entities handling civil litigation matters in state and federal courts. He concentrates his practice on all aspects of appellate law, and has been certified by The State Bar of California Office of Legal Specialization as an Appellate Law Specialist.
Doug is a member of the Los Angeles County Bar Association, where he has served on its Appellate Courts and Appellate Election Evaluations Committees. He chaired a subcommittee that prepared the Appellate Courts Committee’s Primer for California’s Second District Court of Appeal, which is designed to serve as a guide for infrequent appellate practitioners and pro se litigants.
He spent his formative years in Europe and Asia where his interaction with diverse cultures contributed to his ability to better understand and appreciate different perspectives. Similarly, Doug has built upon his experience as a trial attorney defending a variety of clients in civil actions, including police officers in complex cases involving Constitutional claims, to enhance his analysis of trial court materials in his preparation of appellate briefs and petitions. With his unique background, Doug works with clients to formulate the best approach for addressing their appellate needs.
Admissions
California
US Supreme Court
US District Courts of the Central, Eastern, Northern and Southern Districts of California
US Courts of Appeals for the First, Fourth, Fifth, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth and D.C. Circuits
Education
J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, 1983
A.B., University of Notre Dame, 1980
Memberships
Los Angeles County Bar Association
Italian American Lawyer’s Association, Board of Governors — member, former president, 2000
Los Angeles County Superior Court (CRASH) Settlement Program and the Second District Court of Appeal — volunteer settlement officer
Defense Research Institute, Appellate Advocacy Committee
The Witkin Legal Institute’s Roger J. Traynor California Moot Court and the National Trial Competition, sponsored by the Texas Young Lawyers Association, American College of Trial Lawyers — judge
Expérience
Kipp Flores Architects, L.L.C. v. Mid-Continent Cas. Co., 852 F.3d 405 (5th Cir. 2017) — Affirming judgment for insurer in bankruptcy appeal, which addressed the question: what does “deemed allowed” mean when a proof of claim is filed in a no-asset bankruptcy case, no deadline is set for objections to claims and no “party in interest” objects.
Diamond v. Reshko, 239 Cal.App.4th 828, 191 Cal.Rptr.3d 438 (Cal.Ct.App. 2015) — Reversing judgment because trial court erred in denying admission of settlement agreement that required co-defendants to appear and participate in plaintiff’s action.
California v. IntelliGender LLC, 771 F.3d 1169 (9th Cir. 2014) — Appellate court addresses Class Action Fairness Act (CAFA) and related settlement issues before enjoining violations of unfair competition law (UCL) and false advertising law (FAL) against manufacturer.
Judicial Council of California v. Superior Court, 229 Cal.App.4th 1083, 177 Cal.Rptr.3d 602 (Cal.Ct.App. 2014) — Directing entry of summary judgment for public entity after rejecting argument that government claim presentation requirement was satisfied by presenting a claim to an office of the Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board.
Pacific Shores Hosp. v. United Behavioral Health, 764 F.3d 1030 (9th Cir. 2014) — Case assessing claims brought by Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) plan beneficiary.
Luckey v. Superior Court, 228 Cal.App.4th 81, 174 Cal.Rptr.3d 906 (Cal.Ct.App. 2014) — Successfully representing Superior Court in customer’s writ proceeding that followed the Superior Court’s denial of stipulation between the customer and retailer to have a temporary judge rule on their settlement in an uncertified class action.
Ventura Kester, LLC v. Folksamerica Reinsurance Company, 219 Cal.App.4th 633, 161 Cal.Rptr.3d 875 (Cal.Ct.App. 2013)—Novel issue involving vacant commercial property owner’s claims against insurer to recover for lost rent after property was vandalized.
Universal City Studios Credit Union v. Cumis Ins. Society, Inc., 208 Cal.App.4th 730, 145 Cal.Rptr.3d 650 (Cal.Ct.App 2012) — Upholding summary judgment for credit union bond insurer in action brought by credit union, which processed a fraudulent wire transfer request.
