Paul R. Cotter
Paul Cotter's practice focuses on the defense of developers, general contractors, and subcontractors in construction-related civil litigation in state and federal courts. His areas of practice include construction defects, construction site accidents, insurance coverage, mold contamination, asbestos, groundwater and other environmental contamination. Paul has substantial experience representing contractors in both residential and commercial construction, and in almost every type of trade involved in a construction project. In addition to fifteen years of experience representing contractors as a lawyer, Paul also draws on his personal experience working in the construction industry for various contractors while attending school.
Paul's practice also includes defense of personal injury actions in a breadth of general civil casualty matters, including vehiclular casualty and industrial accidents. His experience also extends to insurance coverage matters and railroad litigation involving the Federal Employers Liability Act.
Year Joined Firm
- 1998
Areas of Practice
- 65% Construction Defect
- 25% Personal Injury Defense
- 5% Insurance
- 5% Transportation - Railroad & Trucking
Litigation Percentage
- 100% of Practice Devoted to Litigation
Bar Admissions
- California, 1995
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of California, 1995
- U.S. District Court Northern District of California, 1995
- U.S. District Court Southern District of California, 1995
- U.S. District Court Central District of California, 1995
Education
- McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific, Sacramento, California
- J.D. - May, 1995
- University of California, Irvine, California, USA
- B.A. - 1991
- Honors: Scholar Athlete Award
- Major: History
Published Works
- Indemnification Clauses in Construction Contracts; New Legislation Closes One of Several Loopholes, Defense Comment Magazine, Spring, 2008
Classes/Seminars
- Indemnity and Defense in Construction Defect Actions, Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California & Nevada
Professional Associations and Memberships
- Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada, Member
- National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel
Past Employment Positions
- Kirtland & Packard, Los Angeles, CA, Attorney, 1995 - 1998