As a valued member of the Hollins•Schechter legal team, Ms. Tamara M. Heathcote brings a decade of special practice legal skills to clients facing litigation involving toxic and hazardous waste claims, as well as environmental and construction defect issues. With an extensive background in chemistry, biology and toxicology, and several years practice in the area of clinical pathology and toxicological risk assessment of products prior to placement on the market, she is uniquely qualified in this highly complex legal specialty.

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 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 addition she also earned an Advanced Certification in Medical Technology from the Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Education:
• 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

Representative Cases:
• Completed 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.

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

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