Litigation Attorney in Laguna Niguel
Edward S. Wallace — Winning Hearts and Minds in the Courtroom Since 1988.
For more than three decades, Ed Wallace has successfully represented clients in complex litigation, bringing together a powerful combination of knowledge, experience, and people skills.
He’s a fearless advocate when the situation calls for it, but also strategic — knowing when a smart negotiation can serve a client’s interests just as well as a trial.
“Kind in conversation. Tough where it counts.”
When Ed takes your case, you get representation with integrity, focus, and personal commitment — whether you’re a business owner, a property manager, or an individual facing a serious legal challenge.
Personal or Catastrophic Injuries
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, harmed by a defective product, or suffered the loss of someone close due to negligence, Ed can help you pursue full and fair compensation.
Construction Law and Ligitation
Ed has worked closely with builders, engineers, architects, owners, and financial institutions throughout South Orange County. He understands the challenges — and the stakes — of resolving disputes in the construction world.
Business Law and Litigation
From contract disputes to complex commercial cases, Ed’s track record in business law includes years of successful outcomes for business owners and entrepreneurs.
Homeowners Association Law
HOA disputes can become complicated quickly. Ed brings years of experience representing associations and navigating the nuances of governing documents, bylaws, and community agreements.
Insurance Law and Litigation
Ed represents insurance companies in complex policy and claims disputes. His courtroom skills and industry knowledge make him a trusted ally in high-stakes cases.
Real Estate Law and Litigation
Whether you’re a buyer, seller, appraiser, or agent, Ed helps resolve disputes involving both commercial and residential properties — always with the goal of protecting your investment and your interests.
“I Prepare for Every Case as if It’s Going to Trial — Because Sometimes It Does.”
Edward S. Wallace
recent cases
Positive Outcomes for Some Trying Situations
Construction Zone Accident – Complete Defense Verdict
In Lumpkin & Miller v. Polar Express, two plaintiffs claimed over $1 million in combined damages for back, wrist, and arm injuries when a tour bus allegedly struck an elevated crane boom in a casino construction zone. We proved the accident resulted from inadequate traffic control by others, not our client’s driving. After a four-day trial, the jury deliberated just three hours before returning a full defense verdict.
Rear-End Collision – Favorable Low Damages Award
In Kloor v. Sargsyan, the plaintiff claimed over $950,000 for neck, back, knee, and shoulder injuries after being rear-ended by a limousine. We used photographic evidence and expert testimony to show the plaintiff’s activities contradicted his claims. The jury awarded only $18,809 — a fraction of the amount sought.
Motorcycle–Van Contact – Complete Defense Verdict
In Van Leuven v. Singh, a motorcyclist claimed a taxi van swerved into his lane and injured his shoulder, seeking up to $1 million in damages. We introduced biomechanical analysis and surveillance video undermining his claims. The jury returned a unanimous defense verdict, finding our client not liable.
Shuttle Passenger Thumb Injury – Contained Damages
In Bokor v. Prime Time Shuttle, the plaintiff tore a thumb ligament when a shuttle ran a red light and collided with another vehicle, seeking $259,000 in noneconomic damages. Through effective cross-examination and damage containment, the jury awarded $93,924 — well below the plaintiff’s demand.
Slip-and-Fall in Laundromat – Defense Representation
In Winton v. The Washing Machine, the plaintiff fractured her hip in a laundromat slip-and-fall and sought over $275,000. Despite a plaintiff’s verdict, we secured significant reductions to claimed medical and future care costs.
Taxicab Passenger Knee Injury – Limited Bench Award
In Kaley v. Yellow Cab, the plaintiff alleged knee and elbow injuries when a taxi pulled away from a curb. She demanded $200,000. We disputed the severity of her injuries and lack of surgical need. The court awarded just $25,000 following a bench trial.
Rear-End Shuttle Collision – Settlement on Day of Trial
In Baldwin v. San Fernando Valley Super Shuttle, the plaintiff claimed back, neck, and shoulder injuries and sought punitive damages after a rear-end collision. Alleging mechanical neglect, he demanded over $750,000. We reached a favorable settlement of $198,500 on the first day of trial, avoiding the risk of a jury award.
Commercial
Successful Commercial Arbitration Results
Successful Defense in Consumer Arbitration
In an arbitration before the American Arbitration Association, our firm successfully defended MM Motors against multiple claims by two buyers alleging Truth in Lending Act violations, misrepresentation of a theft deterrent device, failure to provide Spanish-language documents, and refusal to honor a purported “100% Satisfaction Guarantee.” After a full hearing, the Arbitrator found the buyers failed to prove any claim, rejected their requests for rescission, damages, attorney’s fees, and costs, and entered an award entirely in favor of MM Motors. No findings of bad faith were made against our client, and all allegations were dismissed.
Business Purchase Dispute – Arbitration Victory with Full Recovery
In Kanaan v. South Bay Automotive, our client purchased an auto repair franchise based on the seller’s promises of strong sales, franchise rights, and a turnkey operation. After taking possession, our client discovered the seller had concealed significant unpaid debts to the franchisor, preventing transfer of the franchise license, and had misrepresented the business’s financial performance.
We took the case to binding arbitration before the American Arbitration Association, presenting detailed financial records, witness testimony, and contractual evidence proving fraud and negligent misrepresentation. The arbitrator ruled in our client’s favor, rescinded the purchase agreement, and awarded full restitution of the $80,000 deposit plus additional damages for out-of-pocket losses — a total award exceeding $85,000 — while rejecting the seller’s counterclaims entirely.
Call Edward S. Wallace for trusted representation
“I prepare for every case as if it’s going to trial — because sometimes it does.”