Calvin Davis is a member of the Commercial Litigation practice group and co-chair of the Franchise Law Group. He is an experienced trial attorney in state and federal courts, having tried to verdict cases in Southern California which include Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura Counties. He has tried cases ranging from trade secret misappropriation to wrongful employment discharge, and insurance bad faith to wrongful death.
Representative Experience
- Defeated $76 million dollar claim for breach of multi-state distribution contract in federal jury trial.
- Federal jury trial victory on behalf of national hospitality chain accused of fraud in a real estate transaction, after prevailing on summary judgment eliminating numerous other claims.
- Prevailed in federal trial representing world’s largest security company against claims of breach of contract and fraud in sale of subsidiary.
- State jury trial victory representing cosmetics manufacturer against claims of wrongful termination of employment and disability discrimination.
- Defended insurance carrier against two putative nationwide class actions based on application of policy exclusions: secured dismissal of one action at pleading stage and denial of class certification for the other.
- For largest franchisor of real estate brokerages in country secured a writ of possession against defaulting franchisee’s real estate listings and bank accounts in California action. In a related Colorado action against franchisee, obtained nearly $4 million summary judgment on all claims.
- Represented national franchisors in numerous cases relating to every aspect of franchise relationship: actions against franchisees, defense of vicarious liability claims, trademark issues, defending claims under California and federal franchise disclosure and relationship laws.
- Prevailed in arbitration representing national franchisor prosecuting claims for enforcement of franchise agreement and defending against wrongful termination claims.
- Lead defense counsel in class actions including consumer claims, wage and hour and other employment related issues, insurance issues, and price fixing.
- Substantial experience in trade secret actions, including prosecution of trade secret claims on behalf of prominent television trade organization.
- Representation of employers in wrongful discharge claims including FEHA and harassment claims.
- Defense of professional liability claims including legal and accounting malpractice.
Admissions
- California
Education
- J.D., Loyola Law School of Los Angeles
- Secretary, St. Thomas More Honor Society
- National Moot Court competition finalist
- Editor-in-Chief, International and Comparative Law Journal
- B.A., University of California, Los Angeles
Honors
- Top Rated Lawyer-AV® Preeminent™,
Martindale-Hubbell - Best Lawyers in America® distinction in Commercial Litigation (2018-2025), Franchise Law (2020-2025)
- Distinguished Service Award, United States Department of Justice, Washington D.C.
- Selected as a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation