Michael M. Walsh has over twenty-two years of litigation and appellate experience in both state and federal courts, including mass tort and complex products liability, premises liability, toxic tort, professional negligence, insurance coverage and general liability in addition to general appellate matters.
Michael M. Walsh has over twenty-two years of litigation and appellate experience in both state and federal courts, including mass tort and complex products liability, premises liability, toxic tort, professional negligence, insurance coverage and general liability in addition to general appellate matters.
Representative Clients
Mr. Walsh works with clients such as Merck & Co. Inc., the Regents of the University of California, Sedgwick CMS, Allstate Insurance Co., Zurich North America, Huntington Hospital, California Chamber of Commerce, American Home Assurance Co., National Insurance Fire Union Co., and Akzo Nobel Coatings Inc.
Affiliations, Activities and Accomplishments
Mr. Walsh is a member of the Los Angeles County Bar Association and the Appellate Courts Committee.
He is admitted to practice in the state of California (1990) and before the United States District Courts (Central, Northern, Eastern, and Southern) as well as the Ninth Circuit and Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, and has several published decisions, including:
- Benson v. Workers' Comp. Appeals Bd. (2009) 170 Cal.App.4th 1535 – Finding that the Wilkinson decision was effectively overturned by statutory apportionment reforms.
- GGIS Ins. Services, Inc. v. Sup. Court (Capitol Indem. Corp.) (2008) 168 Cal.App.4th 1493 – Finding that a policy exclusion precluded coverage for claims alleged by a state insurance commissioner.
- Six Flags, Inc. v. Workers' Comp. Appeals Bd. (2006) 145 Cal.App.4th 91 – Overturning Labor Code §4702(a)(6)(B) as contrary to the California constitution.
- County of San Luis Obispo v. Workers' Comp. Appeals Bd. (2005) 133 Cal.App.4th 641 – Finding that the county had made a reasonable business decision for taking the claimant off work when his medical restrictions were inconsistent with the requirements of his job.
- Goldrich v. Natural "Y" Surgical Specialties, et al. (1994) 25 Cal.App.4th 772 – Finding that plaintiff’s symptoms and doctor’s recommendations had provided sufficient notice and that her claims were barred by the statute of limitations.
Mr. Walsh’s Pro Bono activities include participating in the Appellate Pro Bono Program (with Public Counsel), guardianships and adoptions, representing undocumented minors and assisting them to obtain legal residence, acting as a pro tem judge for the Los Angeles Superior Court – traffic and small claims court, and appeals before the L.A. Board of Education.
Publications and Presentations
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Co-presenter, “Navigating the Appellate Maze,” Sedgwick CMS (February 7, 2013 and March 19, 2013).
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"When Good Times Go Bad," Daily Journal (April 19, 2011).
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“Sharing the Blame,” Los Angeles Lawyer (April 4, 2011).
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Contributor, Sedgwick’s
Appellate Strategist blog.
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“Protecting Privilege,” The Recorder (December 28, 2009).
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Lecturer on “Medical Products and the Law” at the Regulatory Science graduate program, University of Southern California, School of Pharmacy (2003 to present).