John Shaeffer

Mr. Shaeffer excels in creating rapid-response teams that successfully prepare for trial in foreign jurisdictions and seamlessly present cases to juries. While the presentation to the judge and jury is what garners the attention, Mr. Shaeffer understands it is in the marshalling of the evidence into a compelling story that determines whether a case is won or lost.

Mr. Shaeffer’s career has been unusually varied but punctuated by significant trial experience.  Having litigated some of this nation's largest and most challenging antitrust, product liability, intellectual property and environmental cases in both state and federal court, he brings a unique perspective to any litigation.

Among Mr. Shaeffer’s representative experience:

• Continental Forge v. Sempra. Represented most of the State of California in this three-month antitrust trial, the largest case of its kind in the state, which stemmed from the California energy crisis. The case settled for approximately $2 billion, with a $200 million attorneys’ fee award approved.
• Trovan v. Pfizer. Served on the trial team that reversed the largest trademark judgment in history on post-trial motions.
• Lockheed Martin v. United States. Represented Lockheed Martin in its litigation against the United States for CERCLA responsibility for the clean-up of Lockheed's former aircraft manufacturing facility in Burbank, California. The matter ultimately resolved with the government agreeing to assume one-half of the responsibility.

Litigation must fit within the strategic plan of a company. Mr. Shaeffer never loses sight that someone is paying for his time. He takes pride in ensuring that his clients understand not only the range of potential outcomes of their litigation, but also the transaction expense associated with each strategic approach. He has pioneered a variety of budgeting and alternative billing arrangements to effectively meet client needs and expectations.

Mr. Shaeffer has written and published extensively in a variety of areas.  He teaches New Media Law at Santa Clara School of Law and frequently lectures on a variety of topics. Mr. Shaeffer serves as the partner in charge of the Lathrop & Gage Los Angeles office.

Court Memberships

• California

Honors

• Selected as a Southern California Super Lawyer, 2011 and 2013