Business Details
Trusted Legal Defense Services in Los Angeles
Carlson & Messer has established itself as a premier legal defense firm specializing in civil litigation. With over two decades of experience, we focus on defending financial services clients, educational institutions, and products liability cases through strategic, cost-effective solutions. Our attorneys combine the analytical rigor of large-firm backgrounds with the efficiency of a boutique practice, prioritizing early case resolution and innovative cost management. We serve multinational corporations and local entities, leveraging technology to streamline litigation processes while maintaining a steadfast commitment to client advocacy.Our track record includes high-stakes trials, appellate victories, and complex class action resolutions, demonstrating our ability to deliver large-firm results without excessive expenses. The firm's dedication to excellence is reflected in its rigorous case preparation, deep industry expertise, and unwavering focus on client interests throughout the litigation lifecycle.
Services
Legal Defense
Financial Services
Education Practices
Products Liability
Appellate Advocacy
Toxic Torts
Class Action Defense
Risk Management
Compliance Advice
Subrogation
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years defending financial services, education, and products liability cases
- Our team combines large-firm expertise with small-firm cost efficiency
- We implement innovative strategies to reduce litigation expenses by 40-60%
- Our attorneys have secured defense verdicts in 24/26 toxic tort cases
- We maintain a 92% client retention rate through transparent communication
What people say
Successful trial outcomes
Cost-effective strategies
Experienced legal team
Innovative case approaches
Proven appellate success
Services
Financial Services Defense
We defend financial institutions in consumer protection cases involving FCRA, FDCPA, and TCPA violations. Our attorneys handle debt collection disputes, credit reporting issues, and regulatory compliance matters for banks, lenders, and debt servicers. With extensive experience in class action defense, we help clients navigate complex financial services litigation while minimizing exposure and operational disruption.
Education Practices Defense
Our firm represents school districts and educational institutions in employment disputes, student-related claims, and administrative challenges. We handle cases involving teacher misconduct, student safety, and compliance with education laws. With decades of experience in California's education sector, we provide strategic defense solutions that protect institutional interests while maintaining educational mission integrity.
Products Liability
We defend manufacturers in product defect claims involving pharmaceuticals, medical devices, automotive components, and consumer goods. Our attorneys handle complex litigation regarding design defects, manufacturing flaws, and warning inadequacies. With a proven track record in toxic tort cases, we employ scientific experts and innovative legal strategies to achieve favorable outcomes for product liability defendants.
Appellate Advocacy
Our appellate team handles complex legal issues across multiple jurisdictions. We specialize in preserving trial victories and overturning adverse rulings through strategic brief writing and oral argument. With experience in federal and state appellate courts, we provide comprehensive appellate services including amicus curiae support and Supreme Court advocacy for high-stakes litigation matters.
Class Action Defense
We represent clients in class action lawsuits involving consumer protection laws, employment disputes, and product liability claims. Our defense strategies focus on early case resolution, motion practice, and defeating class certification. With extensive experience in TCPA and FDCPA class actions, we help clients avoid costly litigation through strategic settlement negotiations and dispositive motions.
People
David J. Kaminski
Attorney
Specializes in financial services defense under FCRA, FDCPA, and TCPA regulations. Former large-firm litigator with expertise in consumer protection law and debt collection practices.
Jeanne L. Zimmer
Attorney
Experienced trial lawyer with notable victories in education practices defense and products liability cases. Skilled in complex litigation and appellate advocacy across California jurisdictions.
Jeffery J. Carlson
Attorney
Lead counsel in toxic tort and products liability cases. Instrumental in developing Daubert challenges for scientific evidence admissibility. Recognized for appellate successes in employment and education law matters.
Charles R. Messer
Attorney
Seasoned trial attorney with expertise in products liability and class action defense. Successfully defended complex cases involving pharmaceuticals, construction defects, and business torts.
Mackenzie C. Gonzales
Attorney
Focuses on commercial litigation and appellate advocacy. Handles complex disputes involving business torts, contract disputes, and insurance coverage matters.
Questions
What areas of law does Carlson & Messer specialize in?
We specialize in financial services defense, education practices litigation, products liability, appellate advocacy, and class action defense.
How does your firm handle complex litigation?
We employ strategic case management, early motion practice, and innovative discovery approaches to resolve complex cases efficiently and cost-effectively.
Do you handle nationwide litigation matters?
Yes, we serve as national coordinating counsel for multi-district litigation and handle cases across various jurisdictions.
What makes your firm different from other law firms?
We combine large-firm expertise with small-firm efficiency, delivering sophisticated legal strategies at reduced costs through innovative case management.
How do you approach class action defense?
Our approach focuses on defeating class certification, strategic settlement negotiations, and dispositive motions to minimize client exposure.
Can you handle appellate matters?
Yes, our appellate team has extensive experience in federal and state appellate courts, including Supreme Court advocacy.
