Ellyn Garofalo

With over three decades of courtroom experience, Ellyn Garofalo is a seasoned trial attorney focusing on a wide range of civil, criminal, and regulatory matters, including SEC enforcement actions. She has successfully defended clients in high-profile matters and complex business disputes involving partnerships, securities, and investor fraud, trade secrets, computer fraud, real estate, and employment matters.  Ellyn also regularly represents clients in the defense of white collar criminal matters and securities enforcement actions.  

Representative Matters

• Obtained a defense verdict, after an eight-week jury trial, in a $100 million partnership dispute arising from the acquisition of wellness resort Glen Ivy Hot Springs. Wickline v. GOCO Hospitality Global Opportunity Ltd.

• Obtained a decision invalidating the Department of Motor Vehicles’ hearing process for the suspension of drivers in DUI cases on constitutional grounds.   California DUI Lawyers Association v. California Department of Motor Vehicles.

• Obtained summary judgment for the publicly traded company cbdMD, Inc. on breach of contract and fraud claims arising from a merger and acquisition of a CBD company. Herman v. Coffman, West Coast Development. 

• Obtained dismissal in federal court on behalf of leading global brand licensing agency in contract dispute regarding breach of exclusive licensing agreement, tortious interference, and negligence on agency principle of conditional privilege and Illinois’ economic loss doctrine. Argento SC by Sicura, Inc. v. Turtle Wa,x Inc.

• Obtained a $32 million judgment for cyber theft by a former officer of a digital internet advertising company. WebSpectator Corp. v. Parreira.

• Obtained acquittals on six felony counts for physician charged with overprescribing medications to Anna Nicole Smith.  People v. Kapoor.

• Obtained defense verdict in real estate contract dispute regarding mixed-use development in downtown Los Angeles. Los Angeles Wholesale Produce Market v. Atlas Capital Group.

• Obtained a verdict in favor of Minnie Driver and a contempt conviction against the defendant in an easement dispute. Wineberg (Driver) v. Perelmutter.

• Lead counsel for   Alyssa Milano in a professional negligence action against an entertainment business manager.  Bugliari (Milano) v. Hellie Hoffer.

• Lead counsel for the plaintiffs in a legal malpractice action stemming from a law firm’s conflicted representation of members of a real estate fund of funds, formed by the plaintiffs and a CEO of a real estate company.  SAW-AVP Partners, LLC v. Pircher, Nichols & Meeks.

• Lead counsel for the plaintiff in breach of contract and fraud action arising from the sale of rights to the Elvis Presley estate.  Global Icons v. Bear Stearns & Co.
• Lead counsel for the defendant in a fraud case arising from the collapse of an entertainment payroll giant; the plaintiff dismissed the case.  Goldentree Asset Management v. Garber.