Movers & Shakers

Carroll, Burdick & McDonough LLP, a California litigation and business law firm, elevated three attorneys to partner, including, in the San Francisco office, Richard Ames, a member of the Toxic Torts Group, and in the Los Angeles Office, Michael J. Mehall, a member of the Products Liability Group.

Ames focuses on litigation of asbestos matters on behalf of a diverse client mix including auto and equipment manufacturers, industrial and commercial contractors, and property owners. He has defended cases involving alleged exposure to products such as friction materials, aerospace adhesives, insulation, drywall products, and flooring mastics. Among Ames' trial highlights are obtaining dismissal from cancer cases, as well as successful resolution of mesothelioma and asbestosis matters, following opening statements.

Mehall, a litigator, focuses on defense of manufacturers against product liability and other major liability claims. He is particularly experienced in defending against claims involving automobiles and their component parts, including cases involving airbags, driveline components, steering, suspension, and overall crashworthiness claims. He has also defended cases involving motorcycles, recreational vehicles, elevators, escalators, electrical equipment, washing machines, and agricultural equipment. Mehall is an active member of the Defense Research Institute ('DRI') and an adjunct professor at California State University at Los Angeles.