Sean Morris represents clients in complex commercial litigation, with particular emphasis on mass torts, unfair business practices, and government civil claims. Sean has a proven track record of helping clients navigate high-profile matters and has served as lead defense counsel in several MDL and state Attorney General actions. He is head of the firm's Los Angeles office.
Sean has been at the forefront of defending against public nuisance claims brought by governmental entities against private businesses. Among his significant cases, he successfully tried the California lead pigment litigation, in which public prosecutors asserted that former manufacturers of lead pigment should be held liable for the alleged health hazard created by the existence of lead paint on millions of private residences.
Experience
- Major oil and gas company in national litigation brought by government entities claiming that the marketing and sale of oil and gas products has led to climate change.
- C&C North America in multiple suits brought by individual plaintiffs alleging they developed silicosis as a result of working with and fabricating artificial and natural stone countertops.
- Atlantic Richfield as lead national counsel defending against claims brought by government entities and individual plaintiffs around the country alleging injuries arising from lead paint on residential walls, including as co-trial counsel in successfully defeating public nuisance claims brought by California prosecutors seeking a US$1.1 billion fund to abate all residential properties that contain lead paint.
- Major oil and gas company in litigation brought by government entities and private landowners claiming that historic exploration activities in Louisiana have contributed to coastal land loss.
- Dunkin' in class actions alleging false and misleading advertising regarding content of donuts and other products.
Perspectives
Recognition
Recommended for Intellectual Property: Copyright (2011)
Credentials
Education
- J.D., University of California, Los Angeles, School of Law, 1996
- B.A., University of California, Berkeley, 1993
Admissions
- California
- New York
Activities
- Member, Law360's 2023 California Editorial Advisory Board
- Fellow, American Bar Foundation
- Founder and current board member, Reading to Kids, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization