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Month: April, 2026
Early Sullivan Prevails in Bench Trial for Real Estate Client Patron Investments, LLC
Category: News, Results | Tuesday, April 21st, 2026 | Comments Off on Early Sullivan Prevails in Bench Trial for Real Estate Client Patron Investments, LLC
Scott Gizer and Brian Ritter prevailed on behalf of Early Sullivan client, Patron Investments, LLC in a quiet title and cancellation of instruments action following a bench trial in San Bernardino County.
Patron Investments, LLC acquired title to a property in Rancho Cucamonga from HSBC after it foreclosed on its deed of trust. Plaintiffs Thomas and Liu Quan Reece alleged that HSBC’s foreclosure was wrongful and should be set aside for multiple reasons, including that HSBC was not the proper beneficiary of the deed of trust, enforcement of the underlying debt was time barred and that HSBC could not foreclose on Liu Quan Reece’s 50% interest in the property based on California community property laws and because Liu Quan Reece did not sign HSBC’s deed of trust.
If Plaintiffs were to succeed on any of their theories, it would have invalidated the sale to Patron Investments, LLC. Mr. Gizer and Mr. Ritter put on evidence to establish that HSBC was the proper beneficiary of the deed of trust, the underlying debt was still enforceable and that Liu Quan Reece’s conveyance of her interest in the property to Thomas Reece was a valid transfer as between them and HSBC’s predecessor-in-interest Countrywide.
After a three-day bench trial, the trial court found in favor of Patron Investments, LLC quieting title in its name as the owner of the subject property free and clear of any claims by the Plaintiffs. The case is entitled Thomas F. Reece; Liu Jean Quan Reece v. Nationstar Mortgage, LLC, et. al., San Bernardino County Case No. CIVSB2106194.
Chambers and Partners Names Early Sullivan to Spotlight California 2026 Guide
Category: Awards, News | Tuesday, April 14th, 2026 | Comments Off on Chambers and Partners Names Early Sullivan to Spotlight California 2026 Guide
Early Sullivan Wright Gizer & McRae is pleased to announce that the firm has been selected for inclusion in the 2026 edition of the Chambers Spotlight California Guide. The firm received a spot on the Los Angeles list in the practice area of Media & Entertainment.
Chambers’ annual Spotlight California Guide is a prestigious and highly-regarded honor awarded to small and medium-sized law firms that demonstrate strong expertise in their respective practice areas, through a rigorous research and evaluation process. The Media & Entertainment subcategory highlights firms who represent high-profile industry clients across significant transactional and litigated matters related to film, television, music, and digital media.
Read the full list and the firm’s profile in Chambers.
Bryan Sullivan Speaks to IndieWire on the WGA’s New Tentative Deal with Studios
Category: News, Press | Friday, April 10th, 2026 | Comments Off on Bryan Sullivan Speaks to IndieWire on the WGA’s New Tentative Deal with Studios
Bryan Sullivan recently weighed in on the Writers Guild of America’s new tentative minimum bargaining agreement with studios in IndieWire. As of April 8, the WGA agreed to extend its contract term with the studios to four years rather than three, an increase from their 2023 deal.
The WGA’s terms also include a 10.5 percent minimum wage raise, improved residuals, and an increased bonus for writers of the top performing streaming shows, which Bryan notes as a major affirmation of the WGA’s wins three years ago.
“It reinforced the wins from 2023. The studios didn’t try to backtrack on any of the gains before,” Bryan explains. “It preserved the minimum staffing requirements and prohibitions on mini rooms and will further discourage free work from free rewrites and polishes that producers ask for and that writers should be paid for.”
Read the full article in IndieWire.
Devin McRae Named to The Hollywood Reporter’s 2026 List of “Hollywood’s 100 Most Powerful Lawyers”
Category: Awards | Thursday, April 9th, 2026 | Comments Off on Devin McRae Named to The Hollywood Reporter’s 2026 List of “Hollywood’s 100 Most Powerful Lawyers”
The firm is pleased to share that Devin McRae has secured a coveted spot on The Hollywood Reporter’s list of “Hollywood’s 100 Most Powerful Lawyers.” This prestigious THR feature profiles the top 100 dealmakers and litigators who have spearheaded the entertainment industry’s most high-profile and impactful matters over the past year.
In Devin’s profile, The Hollywood Reporter highlights his inimitable reputation for representing exploited authors; leading Hollywood publicity firms; and numerous prominent film and TV actors, writers, directors, and production companies in highly complex litigation matters. The feature specifically notes his successful representation of Copshop writer Kurt McLeod in a conflict-of-interest dispute over the Gerard Butler film, a case that was revived on appeal before settling this year. THR also outlines his current representation of Terrifier actress Catherine Corcoran in her profit participation suit against the franchise, and his representation of publicity firm MPRM in its legal battle against competitor 21West.
To view the full list with Devin’s profile, click below.
Hollywood’s 100 Most Powerful Lawyers – The Hollywood Reporter