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| TRIAL PRACTICE AREAS: | ||
| • | Environmental Law and Litigation | |
| • | Construction Litigation | |
| • | Intellectual Property | |
Ms. Heathcote has successfully advocated for developers and contractors in claims
involving construction negligence and soil stability concerns. She has represented several
clients in large sum proceedings related to toxic and chemical exposure allegations, as
well as personal injury claims related to water intrusion and mold liability. Ms. Heathcote prides herself on being a "hands-on" litigator. She is adept at managing all
aspects of a client's needs from initial discovery and depositions, to trial presentation and
summary arguments. In court she is tenacious and persuasive in making sure her client's case
is accurately represented. As a result her track record for favorable verdicts is outstanding.
She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio
where she earned a triple major in Toxicology, Chemistry and Biology. Ms. Heathcote
received her Juris Doctor from the University of Southern California School of Law
in Los Angles, California. In addition she also earned an Advanced Certification in
Medical Technology from the Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
• University of Southern California, School of Law, Los Angeles, CA (Juris Doctor - 1997)
• Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH (Advanced Certification in Medical Technology - 1988)
• Ashland University, Ashland, OH (Triple Bachelor of Science - 1987)
Bar Admissions:
• State Bar of California
• United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
• United States District Court for the Central District of California
Professional Memberships:
• Orange County Bar Association
• Society of Toxicology, Southern California Chapter
• California Building Industry Association
• BUZZ, An Executive Women's Think Tank
Representative Cases:
• Successfully defended many appeals, including the 2009 published decision of Nelson v. Avondale Homeowners Assn. (2009) 172 Cal. App. 4th 857.
• Defense verdict in two mold cases, each with multiple plaintiffs seeking six and
seven figure sums.
• Successfully defended clients in slope failure cases with extensive loss of property and large
claims, resulting in dismissal of punitive damages and payments at or below policy limits.
• Represented multiple developers and sub-contractors in alleged construction defect litigation,
gaining settlements for fractions of the amount allocated to the insured.
• Successfully defended multi-plaintiff lawsuit
involving claims of improper condominium conversion in Los Angeles County, asserting violations of Los Angeles Municipal and California Government Code as well as unfair competition claims.
Presentations:
• “Solving Water Intrusion and Mold Problems,” Lorman Education Services - August, 2005
• “Science of Mold and Deposing the Scientific Expert,” MCLE - February, 2006
• “Ethics Seminar,” MCLE - 1998
