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Shanna E. Burkholder

SUMMARY

Ms. Burkholder is a trial attorney at the firm’s Rancho Cucamonga office. Ms. Burkholder’s practice primarily focuses on general civil litigation, products liability, insurance litigation, and appellate work.

As part of her practice, Ms. Burkholder has represented corporate clients in litigating matters involving allegations of wrongful death and catastrophic injuries. She has also represented numerous national and international insurance companies, some of which are Fortune 500 companies, defending against allegations of wrongful denial of insurance benefits and bad faith in both state and federal court.

Ms. Burkholder attended the University of La Verne College of Law on a full Dean’s Merit Scholarship, obtaining her Juris Doctorate in 2010 and graduating Magna Cum Laude. Prior to earning her Juris Doctorate, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in political science and economics in 2003 from Scripps College in Claremont, California.

Ms. Burkholder was named a Southern California Super Lawyer Rising Star for the years 2018 through 2021. She was also recognized as a Lawyer of Distinction for the years 2018 through 2021.

EXPERIENCE

Motion to Dismiss and Summary Judgment Victories for Insurer Upheld After Briefing and Argument in the Ninth Circuit: Ms. Burkholder represented a Fortune 500 insurance company in an action brought by another national insurance company for equitable contribution and breach of contract. Ms. Burkholder prevailed on a motion to dismiss the cause of action for equitable contribution, without leave to amend, and subsequently prevailed on a motion for summary judgment on the remaining claim for breach of contract. Ms. Burkholder then successfully defended both of these rulings to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit via written briefing and oral argument.

Summary Judgment Victory for Insurer: Ms. Burkholder represented a Fortune 500 insurance company in an action brought by an insurer who claimed benefits owed to her for fire damage to her home were wrongfully withheld. Through a motion for summary judgement, Ms. Burkholder prevailed in defending the insurance company on all claims, including for punitive damages.

Dismissal with Prejudice of Wrongful Death Action: Ms. Burkholder represented a Fortune 500 company in a premises liability action involving a claim for wrongful death and obtained a dismissal with prejudice after showing the death was likely caused by a pre-existing condition. This dismissal was accomplished without the need to retain any experts.

Motion to Dismiss Victory in Action with Vexatious Litigant: Ms. Burkholder represented a corporate client against claims of violations of the warranty of habitability. After much research, she determined the plaintiff was a “vexatious litigant,” as is defined by the State of California, and was successful in deeming him as such. Thereafter, she had the case dismissed as a result of the “vexatious litigants” failure to post the necessary bond.