biography
Stephen Lau
Of Counsel
slau@mgslaw.com
Tel: (916) 551-2597
Practice Areas |
Stephen Lau has litigated high profile cases in state and federal court. Stephen defended Governor Schwarzenegger in a lawsuit brought to challenge the contents of his Web site, and in a series of lawsuits brought to challenge the constitutionality of Proposition 83. In addition, Stephen has defended the State of California and its agencies in other constitutional litigation.
Stephen also represents national broker-dealer firms in judicial and arbitral forums. Defending clients such as Merrill Lynch and Charles Schwab, Stephen has tried several cases before FINRA arbitration panels and won decisions for the defense each time.
Stephen’s practice also includes intellectual property litigation and consultation. He currently represents AT&T Mobility LLC in a right of publicity case brought by General Chuck Yeager. In addition, Stephen advises political candidates and campaign committees on intellectual property and defamation issues that arise in political advertising.
Stephen is active in the Federal Bar Association and is currently the President of the Sacramento Chapter. He has also been a member of the Schwartz Levi American Inn of Court at the U.C. Davis School of Law.
Before joining the firm in 2003, Stephen served as a law clerk to the Honorable William B. Shubb, the then-Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California. In law school, he was the Senior Articles Editor for the UC Davis Law Review and a member of the Trial Practice Honors Board.
U.C. Davis School of Law (King Hall) (2002 J.D.), Witkin Award for Legal Writing, Recipient of King Hall Grant for Academic Excellence and Community Service; U.C. Berkeley (1997 B.A.), ASUC Student Senate, Honor Students Society.
Representative Matters |
- Yeager v. AT&T, defending cellular company in trademark infringement and right of publicity action brought by General Chuck Yeager as a result of use of General Yeager’s name in company press release.
- In re Inverse Condemnation Cases, successfully defended the State of California in inverse condemnation actions filed by national energy companies seeking damages over $1 billion after Governor Davis commandeered energy contracts during California's 2001 energy crisis. Coordinated Proceeding concluded with summary judgment granted in favor of State of California.
- California Correctional Peace Officers' Association v. Schwarzenegger, defended Governor Schwarzenegger from claims that the Governor's official State website improperly contained ballot-advocacy materials. Court granted Governor's motion for judgment on the pleadings.
- Hollywood Park Land Company, LLC v. Golden State Transportation Financing Corp., defending constitutionality of tribal gaming compacts and over $900 million in associated bonds in a reverse validation action. Obtained judgment on the pleadings after trial court found action to be time-barred. Also obtained published decision by the Third Appellate District dismissing the plaintiffs' appeal.
- Merrill Lynch cases, defending the world's largest brokerage firm in cases arising from the stock market's sharp decline in 2000-2002. Obtained complete defense verdicts from arbitration panels on pre-hearing motions to dismiss and after full evidentiary hearings.
- Doe v. Schwarzenegger, (appeal pending) representing Governor Schwarzenegger and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation in lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of Proposition 83, which mandates strict control over paroled sex offenders in the interest of protecting California’s children.
- Sean Moorman v. Spencer Gifts, representing professional photographer in case arising from the unauthorized use of his copyrighted photograph of Willie Nelson.
- Vallejo City Unified School District v. Education Audit Appeals Panel, defended the Panel in a writ proceeding brought to challenge penalties assessed by the Panel against a school district.
- Fru-Con Construction Corporation v. SMUD, obtained a dismissal of counterclaims against Fru-Con Holding Company on the grounds that the company is not an alter ego of its subsidiary.
Education
- UC Davis (2002 J.D.)
- UC Berkeley (1997 B.A.)
