Sean P. O'Connor

Sean P. O'Connor is a partner in the Business Trial and the Construction, Environmental, Real Estate and Land Use Litigation Practice Groups in the firm's Orange County office. 

Areas of Practice

Mr. O'Connor's practice concentrates on general business litigation with an emphasis on real estate litigation, eminent domain, business torts/contracts, securities litigation, professional liability, land use litigation and litigation involving internet usage.  He currently serves as head of the firm's Real Estate Litigation Practice Team.

Mr. O'Connor has represented a variety of large and small businesses, property owners, developers and law firms in virtually all aspects of litigation.  He has conducted numerous trials and arbitrations, including serving as lead trial counsel in both jury and bench trials.  He has also handled appeals in both the state and federal appellate courts.

Mr. O'Connor successfully defended Cottonwood Christian Center in a lawsuit that received national attention and was ultimately successful in preventing the City of Cypress from taking Cottonwood's land through the power of eminent domain.  He also had similar success in preventing the City of Huntington Beach from acquiring a Montgomery Ward department store through the power of eminent domain.

Lead Trial counsel in two week jury trial for Fidelity Investments, property owners in an eminent domain action against Caltrans.  Jury rendered verdict for client approximately $3 million greater than Caltrans' offer.

Trial counsel for City of Anaheim in action against Angels baseball team to remove "Los Angeles" from team name.

Co-lead trial counsel for X10 Wireless Technology Inc. in three week jury trial involving internet advertising and claims for unfair business practices, intentional interference with contractual relations, and fraud.

Lead trial counsel for property owners in action against City of Laguna Beach challenging zoning and other restrictions on clients' property.  Judgment in favor of clients overturning subject zoning and removing other restrictions.

Lead trial counsel defending individual in embezzlement action brought against client by privately held company.  Case settled on first day of trial, with plaintiff dismissing client from action and paying for client's attorney's fees.

Represented Chevron in eminent domain action against City of Elk Grove regarding City's taking of Chevron service station.  The case settled for more than $1 million more than City's offer.

Represents Central Basin Water District in dispute against municipal water district regarding ownership of water rights.

Represented Pacific Mercantile Bank in class against suit regarding alleged violations in Federal Truth in Lending Act.  Defeated plaintiffs' motion to certify class, effectively ending case.

Represented prominent law firm in legal malpractice action arising from client's advice on real estate development project.

Represented international law firm in lawsuit brought by former partner against the law firm.

Education

• J.D., University of California, Hastings, 1991
• B.A., University of California, Los Angeles, 1987, cum laude

Memberships

• Mr. O'Connor is a Board Member and officer (Vice President) of the Association of Business Trial Lawyers. He is also a Board Member of the Orange County Federal Bar Association. He is also a member of the Orange County Bar Association's Business Litigation Section.

Articles

• Have Redevelopment Agencies Gone Too Far Using the Power of Eminent Domain?, February 22, 2005
• Getting A Fair Shake, November 11, 1999