Skip to Main Content

Overview

Michael Scanlon Jr. practices in the area of complex tort litigation and defends large scale manufacturers and distributors of raw materials and finished products against product liability, general liability and premises liability claims. The products involved range from heavy earthmoving equipment, haul trucks, forklifts and motorcycles to medical devices, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Mike has extensive experience litigating and managing complex, multi-party toxic tort litigation in California, Oregon and Washington involving claims of exposure to asbestos, talc, silica, chemicals, welding fumes and diesel exhaust.

Utilizing the insights gained from many years of handling all phases of litigation as jury and bench trial counsel—including hundreds of dispositive motions, arbitrations, mediations, trials and appeals in state and federal court—Mike maintains a constant focus on developing and implementing the most cost-effective and strategic litigation defense strategies necessary to achieve the best possible outcomes for his clients. For many years, Mike served as national counsel for a Fortune 50 equipment manufacturer preparing and defending its corporate PMK/COR witnesses for deposition and trial in order to achieve consistent and optimal results across all jurisdictions.

Earlier in his career, Mike’s practice focused on defending managed care organizations, hospitals, nursing homes, mental health rehabilitation centers and individual health care providers (physicians, dentists, nurses, therapists and counselors) against a wide range of claims, including professional liability, privacy rights, elder abuse, sexual harassment, wrongful termination, peer review, unfair competition and breach of contract. A major part of this practice involved counseling health care industry clients on risk avoidance and management.

Education

  • Notre Dame Law School, JD, 1982
  • University of Notre Dame, BA, Government and International Relations, 1979

Bar Admissions

  • California

Court Admissions

  • US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
  • US District Court, Northern District of California
  • US District Court, Eastern District of California
  • US District Court, Central District of California