Mr. Munzinger is a civil trial lawyer with substantial courtroom experience, who focuses on delivering the best possible result at the lowest possible cost for his clients.  Mr. Munzinger has litigation experience in many subject matter areas of the law, including:

  • “Business divorces” and other disputes between co-owners of companies of all forms;
    breach of fiduciary duty, including claims against officers, directors, majority shareholders  and advisors;
  • misappropriation of trade secrets, unfair competition, copyright/trademark infringement and false advertising;
  • disputes involving venture capital financing and internet and technology companies, including start-up companies;
  • litigation involving government entities, including representing the State of California, the County of Alameda and the California Department of Insurance;
  • litigation involving wineries;
  • employment disputes;
  • real estate, construction defect and trespass/nuisance litigation;
  • legal malpractice, professional responsibility and other cases involving attorneys;
  • trespass and nuisance cases; and
  • lawsuits involving defamation, invasion of privacy and civil extortion.

In addition to his litigation practice, Mr. Munzinger also advises and negotiates on behalf of CEOs and other executives, shareholders and directors in connection with employment issues or internal corporate governance.  Mr. Munzinger’s executive clients include Joey Gonzalez, the CEO of Barry’s Bootcamp, and James Mayo, the CEO of SOS Hydration.

  • Avidity Partners LLC as Trustee of the SPC Litigation Trust  v. State of California, Sacramento Superior Court, Case No. 34-2009-00042016.  Prevailed on a motion for summary judgment in favor of the defendant State of California in a breach of contract case, resulting in a dismissal of a claim for $1.6 billion by the Plaintiff.  The Court of Appeals upheld this grant of summary judgment.
  • Soff-Cut International, Inc. v. N.E.D. Corporation, United States District Court for the Southern District of California, Case No. CV 03-2972.  Prevailed on behalf of the defendant on a motion for summary judgment in a $30 million patent infringement and trademark infringement case.
  • Obtained an $18 million settlement in a confidential arbitration in a case arising from a real estate development joint venture, which was the full amount sought by his client.
  • Obtained a $1.5 million award (the full amount sought) and an award of $350,000 in attorneys’ fees in a confidential arbitration between partners in a venture investment; and
  • Obtained a $1.2 million award (the full amount sought) for the plaintiff in a confidential arbitration for breach of contract.

Publications

MCLE Presentations

  • “Getting In And Out Without Getting Hurt: Protecting Minority Shareholder Rights In California Corporations,” January 30, 2013
  • “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do: A Litigation Perspective On California Business Divorces,” August 7, 2012

2011 to Present: Guest Lecturer and Demonstrator for Trial Advocacy Program at Stanford University Law School

2012-2013 Board of Advisors of San Francisco Beautiful

2011 Board of Directors of San Francisco Beautiful

2008-2009 Board of Directors for Bar Association of San Francisco Barristers Club

2008 Bar Association of San Francisco Mock Trial Committee, Chair

2008 Fellow, Notre Dame Task Force on Catholic Education

2008 Bar Association of San Francisco Pro Bono Committee

2007 Bar Association of San Francisco Barristers’ Club Pro Bono Committee

2006 Bar Association of San Francisco Barristers’ Club Pro Bono Committee, Chair