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John Pierce is one of Quinn Emanuel’s top jury trial lawyers.  A former Army officer who was also an editor of the Harvard Law Review, Mr. Pierce is a tireless advocate who has represented individuals and companies in a broad range of practice areas.  In his second year at Quinn Emanuel, he won two multi-million dollar jury verdicts within a span of two months, including the 67th highest jury verdict in the United States in 2008 as determined by the Verdict Search Top 100 List. 

He has successfully represented clients in complex disputes involving, to name a few, film financing, false advertising, 1st Amendment claims, structured finance, government contracts, copyright, trade secrets, financial fraud and insurance coverage.  Renowned by clients for his fighting mentality and ability to connect with juries, judges and witnesses, Mr. Pierce is also an experienced appellate advocate with the analytic and writing skills necessary to maximize the likelihood of protecting a verdict on appeal.

Mr. Pierce has never lost a jury verdict, and he also has a 100% success rate in arbitration and preliminary injunction proceedings.

Google 
Oracle
Motorola
Morgan Stanley
Waste Management
Trust Company of the West
Charles Schwab
Marvell Technology
Fifth Third Bank
Parker Hannifin
Mammoth Lakes Land Acquisition
Robert Cort Productions
ScriptLogic
Kimberlite

Won a jury verdict of $30 million for an LA-based real estate group in a two-week trial against the town of Mammoth Lakes, California in a contract dispute over development of a large hotel and condominium project at Mammoth Yosemite Airport.  Affirmed in full by the California Court of Appeal in 66 page published opinion at – Cal. Rptr. 3d –, 2010 WL 5403136.  Seven-figure attorneys’ fees awarded for both trial and appeal.

Won a jury verdict of $5 million including seven-figure punitive damages for prolific Hollywood producer Robert Cort (producer of Runaway Bride, Save the Last Dance, Hand That Rocks the Cradle, Jumanji, Cocktail and other hits) in a three-week trial against hedge fund for breach of Term Credit Agreement under which defendants committed to provide millions of dollars in film financing for Cort’s film development agreement with Paramount.  Affirmed in full by the California Court of Appeal at 2010 WL 3327823.  Attorneys’ fees awarded for both trial and appeal.

Obtained a favorable settlement after six weeks of jury trial in Fresno County Superior Court on behalf of a large security company and its CEO accused of fraud, breach of partnership, and breach of contract.

Represented Fifth Third Bank in action against Transamerica Life Insurance Company and Clark Consulting, Inc. involving $612 million in bank-owned life insurance purchased by Fifth Third.  This case was the first litigation of its kind.  Case settled prior to trial.

Represented TOUSA, Inc. in litigation in New York and Florida concerning completion and carve-out guaranties provided in connection with a $675 million structured mezzanine real estate financing.

Represented local television station in obtaining summary judgment on defamation claim asserted by state court judge.  Decision reported on front page of major metropolitan newspaper.

Defeated preliminary injunction sought under the Lanham Act for prison mattress manufacturer against competitor relating to video demonstrating product comparison.  Decision reported at 202 F. Supp. 2d 818 (N.D. Ind. 2002).

Obtained partial summary judgment on behalf of Parker Hannifin Corporation against Steadfast Insurance Company in insurance coverage suit.  Decision reported at 445 F. Supp. 2d 827 (N.D. Ohio 2006).

Won appeal before California Court of Appeal affirming trial court order quashing service of summons for lack of personal jurisdiction in $600 million securities fraud case arising from WorldCom bankruptcy for outside directors of a WorldCom-related entity in which plaintiffs alleged they were fraudulently induced to invest.  Decision at 2004 WL 187419.

Won complete defense arbitration victory against Qwest Communications Corporation in case alleging de facto merger for company that had purchased assets in an assignment for the benefit of creditors from former Qwest customer.