Samuel M. Danskin

Sam Danskin’s practice focuses on construction-related litigation matters, including the representation of some of the state's largest builders and general contractors in construction defect lawsuits. Mr. Danskin also represents apartment and other commercial building owners in construction disputes, and he advises owners and construction clients on pre-litigation matters involving contractual rights and obligations, risk avoidance, and risk transfer. In addition, Mr. Danskin advises clients on a wide range of insurance issues. He has succeeded in recovering millions of dollars in insurance benefits for both individual and business clients.

Mr. Danskin previously served as a Partner, and as the firm's Administrative Partner, for two decades. Before joining Hall Griffin, he was a partner with an 80-attorney law firm based in Irvine.

Representative Matters

  • Defended general contractor against construction defect claims totaling more than $50 million in lawsuit concerning apartment project
  • Won binding arbitration award in excess of $1.3 million on behalf of apartment owner against general contractor arising out of a botched renovation project
  • Obtained binding arbitration award for general contractor against owner of high-end commercial retail center, recovering retention amount owed and penalties for wrongful withholding of the retention
  • Prosecuted and successfully settled claims on behalf of owner arising out of seawall failure during construction project
  • Defended general contractor against claims in excess of $10 million involving a landslide and other alleged defects at apartment project
  • Assisted non-profit in creating construction contract documents for $30 million historic site project

Practice Areas

  • Construction
  • Insurance Coverage
  • Land Subsidence

Education

  • J.D., 1988, University of San Diego School of Law
  • B.A., 1985, English and American Literature, University of California, San Diego

Admissions

  • State Bar of California
  • State Bar of Washington
  • United States District Court, Northern, Eastern, Central and Southern Districts of California

Honors

  • Southern California Super Lawyer
    • Awarded 2012 – 2024

Publications

  • Published Decisions:
    • Crawford v. Weather Shield Mfg., Inc. (2008) 44 Cal. 4th 541
    • Crawford v. Weather Shield Mfg., Inc. (2006) 136 Cal. App. 4th 304
    • Velasquez v. Truck Ins. Exchange (1991) 1 Cal. App. 4th 712
  • Co-Author, Emotional Distress: Minor Issue Muddies the Duty to Defend, Defense Counsel Journal, Vol. 57 (1990)

Professional & Community Activities

  • Orange County Bar Association, Member
  • Building Industry Association, Orange County Chapter, Member
  • University of San Diego Alumni Association