Biography

Alison Beanum is a trial attorney, representing chemical and equipment manufacturers in complex, multi-party toxic tort litigation.  She is particularly knowledgeable in cases involving allegations of exposure to asbestos, benzene, and diacetyl.  Ms. Beanum has effectively handled all phases of litigation, including the early analysis of key legal and factual issues, taking and defending lay and expert depositions, preparing company witnesses for deposition and trial, drafting and arguing a wide range of pre and post-trial motions, and defending firm clients at trial.  She has also resolved numerous cases through mediations and settlement conferences.  Her recent trial victories include:

Litigation Matters

• Morales, et al. v. Premises Owner: Ms. Beanum second-chaired this three-week, wrongful death jury trial wherein the plaintiffs alleged that the decedent was exposed to asbestos through fibers brought home on the clothing of her son, who previously worked as a carpenter in our client’s buildings. Plaintiffs demanded $900,000 before trial. The jury allocated minimal comparative fault against our client, resulting in a net judgment of only $15,000.
• Sanchez, et al. v. Apartment Owner and Management Company: Ms. Beanum first-chaired this two-week jury trial wherein the plaintiffs alleged that they developed respiratory problems as a result of exposure to mold and asbestos in their apartment.  Plaintiffs demanded $1,000,000 before trial.  The jury returned a defense verdict.
• Chappell v. National Home Improvement Retailer: Ms. Beanum first-chaired this one-week jury trial wherein the plaintiff alleged she was injured when she tripped and fell over a piece of heavy machinery on our client's premises.  She sustained a torn rotator cuff requiring two surgeries.  At trial, plaintiff's counsel requested a verdict of $300,000.  The jury returned a defense verdict.

Affiliations, Activities and Accomplishments

Ms. Beanum is admitted to practice in the California State Courts (2002) and the United States District Courts for the Central and Northern Districts of California (2002).

She is a member of the Litigation section of the California Bar Association and American Bar Association. She is also a member of the Defense Research Institute.

She was named a "Southern California Super Lawyer - Rising Star" for 2008 through 2011 by the publishers of Los Angeles Magazine and The Journal for Law & Politics.

While in law school, Ms. Beanum was awarded a Dean’s Scholarship for academic achievement. She was also a member of the Byrne Trial Advocacy Team, which won the National Championship in 2001 and the Regional Championship in 2002. She also received the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) Award for Excellence in Preparation for Trial Practice of the Law.

Publications

• “An Overview of the Underlying Policy and Application of the Raw Material and Bulk Supplier Defenses,” DRI Toxic Torts Newsletter (October 2011)
• "U.S. Navy’s Fault Should Be Considered Despite Immunity,” Daily Journal (July 2010)
• “Reclassification of Two Industrial Chemicals in New Report on Carcinogens May Increase Toxic Tort Litigation,” Daily Journal (June 2011)