Amy Matthew is a litigation shareholder in Miller Starr Regalia’s Walnut Creek office. With a proven trial record that spans 27 years, she provides expert representation to business entities in a wide range of litigation matters. Her experience also helps her serve the firm as Chair of the Litigation Department and a member of Miller Starr Regalia’s Executive Committee.
In front of juries, trial courts and arbitrators Amy has successfully tried complex cases involving construction, development, land use, title disputes, insurance bad faith, lender liability and related business issues. Her clients include developers, homebuilders, financial institutions, contractors, title insurance companies, corporations and academic institutions.
Amy excels in complex and large cases. Most notably, she led a corporate manufacturer and distributor through a two-year, multi-phase court proceeding against several large insurance companies. Her efforts assisted in achieving settlements totaling more than $2.2 billion.
She has handled lengthy construction disputes and real property-related claims between land developers and merchant builders; represented insureds in complex multiparty litigation; defended title insurance companies on large bad faith claims; served as coverage counsel in complicated and diverse coverage disputes; and represented institutions like the University of California at Berkeley in multi-million dollar construction disputes.
EDUCATION
Amy received a J.D., cum laude, from the University Of San Francisco School Of Law in 1982. She distinguished herself as a member of the McAuliffe Honor Society and the recipient of the American Jurisprudence Award in Torts. Amy earned a bachelor’s degree, with honors, from the University of California at Berkeley in 1979.
ASSOCIATIONS
She is a member of the Contra Costa County Bar Association’s Judicial Evaluation Committee, which evaluates candidates for the Contra Costa County Superior Court. Amy aids in the planning and development of the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce's annual East Bay Women's Conference, and is an active member of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) and Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW).
Amy is also actively involved in several charities. Amy currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Five Bridges Foundation, which provides approximately $1 million annually to service the needs of impoverished women and children in the Bay Area. She has also served on the Board of Directors for the Ronald McDonald House of San Francisco.
The publishers of Law & Politics and San Francisco Magazine has listed Amy among Northern California’s "Superlawyers," for the last six years.
REPRESENTATIVE MATTERS
Regents of the University of California v. EFT, et al.
Represented U.C. Berkeley in multiparty construction litigation regarding the reconstruction of the historic Life Sciences Building, one of the oldest buildings on campus. The project included a complete reconstruction of all science facilities, rendering the science labs some of the most high-tech facilities in the world. Action included claims against all design professionals, contractors and subcontractors.
Howard S. Wright Construction v. Seecon
Represented defendant and cross-complainant Seecon Financial, owner and developer of a ten story office complex in Concord, California. The claims between the owner and general contractor ultimately included over 20 parties and was favorably settled after extensive mediation.
Western MacArthur Co. v. General Accident,
USF&G, Argonaut, et al.
Represented Western Asbestos Company, largest commercial installer and supplier on the west coast of asbestos related materials from 1920-1967, along with its successor, Western MacArthur Co., in action to establish insurance coverage against four insurers who issued comprehensive general liability policies from 1927-1973. Jury trial included establishing coverage, despite loss of most older insurance policies. Plaintiffs ultimately recovered $2,200,000,000.
Ranack Constructors, Inc. et al. v. Blue Fox Partners
Defended owner and developer of a 14-movie theater complex against multiparty damage claims by general contractor and subcontractors based on change orders and alleged delays. Pursued owner’s affirmative claims for damages based on delays and defective workmanship. The matter was settled favorably after mediation.
Wanland v. First American Title Ins. Co.
Represented title insurer in action by insured plaintiff for insurance coverage (against existing federal tax liens, not excluded under policy) and for bad faith punitive damages. Judgment rendered in client’s favor on all grounds.
Kiewit Pacific Co. v. Discovery Builders
Represented builder in dispute brought by general contractor involving a $65 million excavation contract on a 365-acre subdivision development. The matter was settled favorably in mediation prior to the filing of a civil complaint.
Kleveland, et al. v. Chicago Title Insurance Company
Represented defendant/insurer in coverage and bad faith action involving 1,000 acre ranch in Santa Barbara overlooking Pacific Ocean. Plaintiff sought damages in excess of $3 million dollars based on neighbor’s access rights. Matter settled for nominal contribution by client after defense motions in limine were filed.
Cupertino Town Center, LLC
Represented owner/developer of Cupertino Town Center in series of construction disputes brought by several national retail companies relating to major development of downtown retail district. These actions proceeded to mediation and were settled favorably for client.
Dollinger Associates v. ESS Technology Inc. et al.
Represented plaintiff in large, commercial specific performance action involving right to acquire two commercial office buildings. Plaintiff prevailed on all grounds on summary judgment.
Paramount Builders, Inc. v. B&H Partners
Represented the owner and developer of a 300-unit condominium project in the defense of multiple claims asserted by the general contractor and subcontractors for delay damages; owner and developer affirmatively sought offsets for defective workmanship and delay damages. The matter was settled favorably after mediation.
John G. Kisst v. Baird Lands, Inc., et al.
Represented plaintiff in action for specific performance under option contract to purchase acreage for development in San Joaquin County. Property values had escalated dramatically at time option exercised. Settled action under terms more favorable to the client than those under option contract, based upon favorable pretrial rulings by the trial court.
