Navigating Ethics in High Stakes Litigation

David Samani is a partner in the Los Angeles office of Lewis Brisbois and a member of the Professional Liability Practice. Mr. Samani has extensive experience in defending attorneys against claims of legal malpractice, malicious prosecution, and other third-party claims. Examples include:

• Defense of malpractice and breach of fiduciary duty claims arising from transactional matters, including complex direct and derivative claims against corporate counsel, claims relating to the negotiation of licensing agreements, the preparation of estate planning documents, and immigration matters.
• Defense of malpractice claims involving the alleged negligent handling of patent infringement, medical malpractice, construction, real estate, tax, and business litigation, as well as family law, probate, and workers’ compensation proceedings.
• Defense of malicious prosecution and fraudulent transfer actions brought by non-clients relating matters such as initiation and litigation of underlying fraud lawsuits and purportedly fraudulent asset protection efforts.

Mr. Samani is a co-author of the California Legal Malpractice and Malicious Prosecution Liability Handbook, a publication providing an overview of the issues and law governing legal malpractice and malicious prosecution litigation in California. 

Lauri Kritt Martin, CFLS is a seasoned family law attorney with nearly three decades of experience in litigation, trial, and mediation. She currently serves as Counsel at Enenstein Pham Glass & Rabbat. A Certified Family Law Specialist by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization, Lauri has dedicated her practice exclusively to family law since 1996. Based in Los Angeles, she represents clients of all genders—often business owners and tech professionals—in high-value asset marital dissolution cases, parentage matters, support modifications, post-judgment issues, and domestic violence proceedings. As Of Counsel at EPGR Lawyers, Lauri is known for her strategic approach: preparing each case as if it will go to trial while actively pursuing early resolution through settlement. She empowers clients to make informed decisions by educating them on both the legal process and their options at every step.

Lauri’s approach combines deep legal knowledge with compassion and clarity, making her a trusted advocate for clients navigating emotionally and financially complex family law matters. Her philosophy as a “responsible litigator” means she aims to resolve issues quickly and amicably whenever possible, while being fully prepared to litigate when necessary. In addition to her courtroom experience, Lauri serves as a Family Law Mediator for the Los Angeles Court and is admitted to practice in all California State Courts and the U.S. Federal District Court – Central District. A graduate of Claremont McKenna College and Santa Clara University School of Law, Lauri is also a dedicated volunteer attorney with organizations including Bet Tzedek Legal Services, the Harriett Buhai Center, and the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles. She is married and the proud mother of two daughters.

Ms. Johns is a civil trial lawyer who has tried more than one hundred cases to verdict. She has more than 30 years of litigation and commercial experience in the areas of real estate, business law, torts, defamation and media, employment law, intellectual property and entertainment law. She is the managing partner for Hillary Johns, Trial Lawyer which maintains offices in Beverly Hills, the Bay Area and New York City. She is licensed to practice law in California, the California Southern, Central and Northern U.S. Federal District Courts, the District of Columbia, Montana, New York, and the New York Eastern and Southern U.S. Federal District Courts. She is an AV rated attorney with Martindale-Hubbell.

Ms. Johns is a native Southern Californian who calls New York her second home. She is a regular MCLE presenter on the East and West coast and speaker. She writes regularly for a nationally recognized publishing company and other nationally known publications as well as being a frequent podcast guest. Ms. Johns works with the American Bar Association to provide legal services to military personnel and is a member of Legal Network For Gender Equity. Ms. Johns has also served as a pro bono attorney and volunteer for several charitable and public interest causes. She is a member of the Beverly Hills Bar Association, the New York County Lawyers Association, and the Cascade County Bar Association. She graduated from Occidental College in 1990 and Golden Gate University School of Law in 1993 where she graduated with Dean’s List and class honors. Outside of her legal career, Ms. Johnswas a competitive soccer player and professional athlete. Her interests include European and American history, fitness for all ages, martial arts, film buff, and animal rights.

Neville L. Johnson is Senior Partner at Johnson & Johnson. Neville L. Johnson graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of California, Berkeley (1971). He received his law degree from Southwestern Law School (1975), graduating near the top of his class. He has tried over 28 civil jury trials and over 70 civil trials and arbitrations without a jury. He is a member of the invitation-only American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) and is on the Board of Governors of the Consumer Attorneys of Los Angeles (CAALA since 2005), the Board of Directors of the national organization Public Justice, and on the Board of Governors of the Beverly Hills Bar Association 2013-2015 and 2020-2022 (BHBA). Johnson is a long-time member of the invitation-only Los Angeles Copyright Society, and on the Board of The California Society of Entertainment Lawyers.