William C. Mullen

Will focuses his practice on business litigation, including representing public and private companies and individuals in commercial, corporate, partnership, employment, and entertainment litigation matters before state and federal courts as well as in arbitration. His clients span a variety of industries, including financial services, finance, insurance, health care, real estate, sports and entertainment, hospitality, and personal care products. Will advises individuals and businesses on pre-litigation defense strategy and determines approaches to help mitigate risk.

Will is also experienced in developing tailored and efficient case plans and litigating matters from the pleading stage through trial and appeal. He is skilled at navigating the dynamic nature of litigation and adjusting his approach as necessary to best fit the client’s objectives.

• Defended insurers in lawsuit brought by a rock band arising from a denial of claim for coverage under a non-appearance and cancellation policy for concerts that were postponed by the COVID-19 pandemic; insurers’ motion for summary judgment was granted in its entirety dismissing all of rock band’s claims, which was affirmed on appeal.
• Defended insurers in several lawsuits filed in California by various U.S. aircraft lessors for allegedly breaching contingent and possessed policies when the lessors’ aircraft leased to Russian airlines were not returned after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022.
• Defended cosmetic companies in class actions alleging claims for false advertising; reached desirable settlements in both suits.
• Defended a medical device company against physician’s claims for breach of contract and misrepresentation arising from alleged false promises made during sales presentation of skin tightening equipment.
• Represented insurers of policy obtained by energy company in class action relating to the oil spill from a pipeline in the San Pedro Bay off the coast of California in 2021; obtained favorable settlement after comprehensive discovery and dispositive motion practice.
• Litigated against RICO and related fraud claims brought by a federally qualified health center alleging several schemes whereby insiders supposedly embezzled money provided by government healthcare agencies; two separate motions to dismiss filed on behalf of clients were granted in their entirety.
• Second chaired a bench trial involving claims by a charter school related to the assessment of certain real property taxes that traditional public schools are exempt from paying; trial court ruled in favor of county client on all claims and judgment entered against charter school; affirmed on appeal.
• Represented high-profile athlete against claims of sexual harassment, breach of contract, and employment claims related to plaintiff’s separation from athlete’s rock band; obtained favorable settlement after successful demurrers and aggressive, early discovery.
• Brought claims on behalf of investor in boutique hotel and restaurant developments against management companies for breach of the relevant management agreements and breach of fiduciary duty.
• Represented a television actress in business dispute with former partners over shuttered restaurant business; obtained settlement on the eve of trial.
• Represented a financial management company in responding to a grand jury subpoena involving a high-profile criminal prosecution of a well-known political consultant.
• Defended a bank against claims for aiding and abetting conversion and breach of fiduciary duty involving an alleged fraudulent investment scheme that operated through customers’ checking accounts.

• The Best Lawyers in America® Ones to Watch, Commercial Litigation (2023-2025), Entertainment and Sports Law, Litigation – Labor and Employment (2024-2025)