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Richard Lydecker, senior partner at Lydecker, announced today that experienced civil litigation attorney Michael C. Douglass has joined the firm and will be a key part of the California legal team representing corporate and municipal clients in complex, high-exposure general liability claims, as well as in professional, employment and municipal liability matters.

Lydecker is a Full-Service AV-rated national law firm with offices throughout New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida. In bringing Michael on board, Lydecker now extends its footprint across America to the state of California.

Michael has tried cases to verdict in California and also has successfully argued before the California Court of Appeal, most notably in a malicious prosecution case that resulted in a reported decision [Paiva v. Nichols, (2008) 168 Cal.App.4th 1007].

“Michael is a legal giant in the area of general liability. His experience defending high-exposure personal injury cases arising from accidents makes him a perfect fit for the insurance professionals we serve, and I am honored to have him as part of our California litigation team,” Lydecker said.

Mr. Douglass’ professional liability practice includes the defense of errors and omissions claims against medical professionals, insurance agents and brokers, and real estate agents and brokers.

Mr. Douglass is pragmatic, seasoned, and well-versed, and will provide the firm’s insurance clients with strategic counsel to help them make better-informed decisions to assist in managing their legal risks and protecting their clients.

Douglass’ immediate focus will be growing Lydecker’s general liability cases in California; however, he is joining the Lydecker team as a partner who can handle wide-ranging legal issues based on his vast experience and community involvement.

Mr. Douglass has experience representing clients in a variety of commercial disputes, including breach of contract, unfair business practices, and real property disputes. He has also defended corporate clients in consumer matters including TCPA, improper credit reporting, and improper debt collection claims.

Prior to joining the firm in 2021, Mr. Douglass was a litigation partner with a national civil litigation law firm. Before that, he was in-house managing attorney for the San Francisco and San Jose staff counsel offices of Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company.

A member of the California Bar, Douglass is also involved with the Defense Research Institute, Claims Litigation Management Alliance, the Association of Defense Trial Attorneys, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

Douglass has also served on the Board of Directors of Centinela Youth Services.