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Month: February, 2026
The Daily Journal Covers Early Sullivan’s Representation of Pacific Palisades Homeowners in Ongoing Lawsuit Against State Farm
Category: News, Press, Results | Wednesday, February 25th, 2026 | Comments Off on The Daily Journal Covers Early Sullivan’s Representation of Pacific Palisades Homeowners in Ongoing Lawsuit Against State Farm
The Daily Journal recently covered a lawsuit filed on behalf of Pacific Palisades homeowners, represented by Devin McRae and Peter Scott of Early Sullivan, against State Farm after last year’s devastating Palisades and Eaton wildfires. The suit alleges that the insurance company deliberately underestimated reconstruction costs and did not honor a full-coverage policy.
The piece notes that, in a rare result against an insurance company, Devin and Peter won a writ of attachment against State Farm on behalf of their clients, Robert and Stacy Berman, in November. Peter explains to the Daily Journal that after losing their home entirely, the family was nowhere close to receiving compensation for the policy limits from State Farm prior to filing.
“The entire home was gone when they came back the next day, and State Farm wouldn’t even pay the policy limits,” Peter tells the Daily Journal. “They had to fight for seven months to even get them close to policy limits, and they were still hundreds of thousands of dollars away from policy limits before they had to file suit.”
Devin echoes Peter’s sentiment, adding that he believes State Farm knowingly and deliberately misrepresented the cost of reconstruction.
“The claim is that from the top of the company, it was well aware that its predictive modeling was undervaluing the claims or the cost of rebuilding, that the company knew that all of these folks that were insureds of it could be subject to not having enough insurance in the event of a catastrophe like the Palisades fire, and therefore there’s responsibility on their part for the under insurance,” Devin concludes.
In a separate article, the Daily Journal later covered a February 23 hearing, in which U.S. District Judge Mark C. Scarsi oversaw oral arguments from Peter on behalf of the plaintiffs in the case. The article states that Peter told Judge Scarsi that claims against State Farm for mail and wire fraud do not require allegations of fraudulent misrepresentation.
“They just have to be used incident to the fraudulent scheme, which I think is alleged sufficiently here,” Peter stated at the hearing.
The article notes that Judge Scarsi stated that he will issue a ruling after reconsidering the issues presented by both parties at Monday’s hearing.
To learn more about the suit and read the rest of Devin and Peter’s comments, read the full articles in the Daily Journal below (subscription required).
Palisades homeowners sue State Farm over alleged underinsurance
Judge weighs RICO claims against State Farm in Palisades fire case
Bryan Sullivan Weighs in on Marion Jones Sentencing for Performance-Enhancing Drugs in A&E
Category: News, Press | Monday, February 23rd, 2026 | Comments Off on Bryan Sullivan Weighs in on Marion Jones Sentencing for Performance-Enhancing Drugs in A&E
Bryan Sullivan recently spoke to A&E about the sentencing of former Olympian Marion Jones, who took home five medals at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia, and later admitted to involvement in a doping scandal as well as lying to federal agents during the investigation.
After the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency received an anonymous tip that a steroid was being distributed by the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative (BALCO) in 2003, a grand jury investigation into BALCO launched, implicating several athletes including Jones and MLB star Barry Bonds. Several figures, including BALCO’s founder, a BALCO executive, a track coach, and Bonds’ personal trainer, were indicted on charges including fraud, money laundering, and possession and intent to distribute illegal steroids. Bonds himself was later charged with perjury.
When Jones admitted to lying to federal agents during the investigation in 2007, she was sentenced to six months in prison, two years of probation, and 800 hours of community service – a harsher punishment than the men orchestrating the scandal and Bonds, who received 30 days of house arrest, two years of probation, and 250 hours of community service.
“Bonds was convicted of obstruction of justice and giving an evasive answer to questions under oath, which is lesser than lying under oath—and that was before a grand jury,” Bryan tells A&E.
He continues to note that while Jones admitted to lying to investigators, Bonds’ statements while under oath did not legally qualify as lies.
“The difference is that she pled guilty to lying to investigators, and I don’t think he technically lied to investigators,” Bryan explains. “He was not accused of lying to investigators, whereas she was. I’ve been through a couple investigations like that, and they always say, ‘You’re not under oath, but lying to us is a federal crime,’ and that’s just for witnesses that weren’t even targets.”
Bryan also reminds readers that Jones’ predicament began when she was subpoenaed as part of the BALCO investigations after an anonymous tip back in 2003, urging anyone who receives a subpoena to seek out legal counsel immediately.
“Call a lawyer as soon as you get the subpoena,” he concludes. “Don’t try to talk your way out of it, because you don’t know what they know that led them to sending you the subpoena.”
Bryan Sullivan and Devin McRae Named to Lawdragon’s 2026 “500 Leading Global Entertainment, Sports & Media Lawyers” Guide
Category: Awards, News | Friday, February 20th, 2026 | Comments Off on Bryan Sullivan and Devin McRae Named to Lawdragon’s 2026 “500 Leading Global Entertainment, Sports & Media Lawyers” Guide
The firm is pleased to announce that Bryan Sullivan and Devin McRae have been selected for inclusion in the second annual edition of Lawdragon’s “500 Leading Global Entertainment, Sports & Media Lawyers” guide. According to Lawdragon, the attorneys selected for the guide “are at the center of it all, protecting brands, advising on ownership rights and investments, and heading off legal and reputational risk for globally recognized individuals.”
Bryan and Devin were recognized for their work in the “Transactions, Litigation – Entertainment, Media, Sports” and the “Litigation – Entertainment, IP” categories, respectively.
Known for its rigorous selection process, Lawdragon draws on journalistic research, nominations, and discussion with peers and other knowledgeable sources to identify the best entertainment lawyers around the globe.
For more information, see below.
The 2026 Lawdragon “500 Leading Global Entertainment, Sports & Media Lawyers” | Lawdragon
Eight Early Sullivan Attorneys Named 2026 Southern California “Super Lawyers;” Four Named “Rising Stars”
Category: Awards, News | Friday, February 20th, 2026 | Comments Off on Eight Early Sullivan Attorneys Named 2026 Southern California “Super Lawyers;” Four Named “Rising Stars”
The firm is pleased to announce that eight of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion on the 2026 Southern California “Super Lawyers” list. The annual “Super Lawyers” distinction is granted to the nation’s most outstanding attorneys, based on peer recognition, professional achievement, and independent research. Only the top 5% of lawyers in each state are selected to receive this honor.
The following attorneys have been recognized as “Super Lawyers” for their expertise in these practice areas:
– Eric Early – Business Litigation
– Scott Gizer – Business Litigation, Real Estate, Employment Litigation
– Diane Myint Luczon – Business Litigation
– Devin McRae – Entertainment & Sports, Intellectual Property Litigation, Business Litigation
– Peter Scott – Business Litigation
– Bryan Sullivan – Entertainment & Sports, Business Litigation, Business/Corporate
– William Wright – Business Litigation
– Lisa Zepeda – Business Litigation, Intellectual Property Litigation, Business/Corporate, Entertainment & Sports
In addition, four of the firm’s attorneys have been named “Rising Stars.” The “Rising Stars” distinction honors attorneys that are under the age of 40 in the Southern California region who earned the highest point totals in the “Rising Stars” nomination, research, and blue ribbon review process. The rigorous selection process includes independent research, peer nominations, and peer evaluations prior to admission.
The following attorneys have been recognized as “Rising” for their expertise in these practice areas:
– Rebecca Claudat – Employment Litigation
– Jessica Detering – Business Litigation, Insurance Coverage
– Zachary Hansen – Entertainment & Sports, Business/Corporate
– Brett Moore – Business Litigation
Eric Anderson Speaks to Newsweek on the Disappearance of Nancy Guthrie
Category: News, Press | Friday, February 6th, 2026 | Comments Off on Eric Anderson Speaks to Newsweek on the Disappearance of Nancy Guthrie
Eric Anderson recently spoke to Newsweek about the ongoing search for Today Show anchor Savannah Guthrie’s mother, 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie. In the article, Eric emphasized the critical nature of the first few days of a suspected kidnapping or abduction, as the search for Guthrie enters its sixth day.
Eric notes that prosecutors typically look for non-public details to confirm authenticity in any ransom notes. He also highlights that smart‑home and medical device data are difficult to pinpoint as evidence.
“Unlike a witness, you can’t cross‑examine an algorithm,” he tells Newsweek, adding that pacemaker data often cannot showcase a precise timeline.
He concludes that the case’s national media coverage given Savannah Guthrie’s status as a public figure could complicate jury selection, and both the prosecution and defense will likely seek to sequester the jury or limit their exposure to coverage of the case.
Read the full article in Newsweek.
Bryan Sullivan Discusses the EEOC’s DEI-Related Nike Investigation in Footwear News
Category: News, Press | Friday, February 6th, 2026 | Comments Off on Bryan Sullivan Discusses the EEOC’s DEI-Related Nike Investigation in Footwear News
Bryan Sullivan recently spoke to WWD’s Footwear News about the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)’s recent administrative subpoena against Nike Inc., which aims to probe “systemic allegations” involving DEI-related discrimination against white employees and job applicants.
Bryan explains that while Nike’s name recognition coupled with the climate surrounding DEI have caused this story to make headlines, EEOC investigations are fairly common.
“Public EEOC investigations involving large, brand‑name employers always draw
attention, but the underlying process itself isn’t unusual. The EEOC routinely investigates [unfairness] claims across the spectrum, including so‑called ‘reverse discrimination’ allegations [those against white employees],” he tells Footwear News. “What’s different here is the visibility of the company and the broader political and cultural context around DEI of the day, which makes the probe feel more significant than the process itself typically is. But reverse discrimination claims have been made in the past.”
He adds that more often than not, DEI-related scrutiny facing companies tends to be less about the racial demographics at the leadership level and more about how systems operate at the departmental level.
“Even organizations with predominantly white executive teams can still face allegations if certain policies or initiatives are perceived as disadvantaging those white employees [at the departmental or program level],” Bryan continues.
However, Bryan clarifies that due to its high-profile status, Nike stands out from the pack, echoing his earlier sentiment.
“High-visibility companies with well-publicized DEI commitments are more likely to become test cases, regardless of whether their practices are meaningfully different from peers,” he explains. “In that sense, Nike may be less of an outlier and more of a bellwether for how these issues are being examined right now.”
Bryan goes on to emphasize that the EEOC matter centers on “allegations and not findings, and [that] anyone can make allegations to initiate a case.”
He concludes that Nike may not be the sole company to bear the brunt of the Trump administration’s anti-DEI sentiment.
“Given the [Trump] Administration’s public statements on DEI and sustained shift in how DEI is treated at the federal level, it’s reasonable to expect increased enforcement activity or at least more willingness to pursue claims that challenge DEI‑related programs.”
Read the full article in Footwear News.
Court Grants Request For Attorneys’ Fees After Sun West Mortgage’s Success At Trial
Category: News, Results | Monday, February 2nd, 2026 | Comments Off on Court Grants Request For Attorneys’ Fees After Sun West Mortgage’s Success At Trial
In a decisive post-judgment ruling issued on September 29, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California awarded Sun West Mortgage Company more than $562,000 in attorneys’ fees following its successful resolution of litigation against First National Bank of Pennsylvania. The Court concluded that Sun West was the prevailing party under the parties’ settlement agreement, having achieved its core litigation objectives and secured meaningful relief after extensive motion practice and trial proceedings. The Court found that Sun West’s lawyers reasonably and efficiently prosecuted a complex commercial dispute involving multiple loan transactions, affirmative defenses, and extensive trial preparation, emphasizing that Sun West prevailed on the most significant issues in the case and rejected arguments that the lawyers’ fee request was excessive or duplicative.
Click Download PDF to see the Order.