The Honorable Michael Brenner, Judge Presiding, Superior Court of the State of California, County of Orange, Central Justice Center (statements made on the record in his rulings on objections to the admissibility of Mr. Wertlieb’s testimony on December 17, 2015):
“I have no doubt that this witness is an expert. There’s no question about that. . . . I have a lot of respect for this witness’ expertise.
Brett M. Weaver, Of Counsel at Lewis Kohn & Walker LLP in San Diego, California:
“Retaining Neil Wertlieb as my expert witness in a complex breach of fiduciary duty case was one of the best professional decisions I’ve ever made. Neil explained complicated issues involving the improper sale of my corporate client’s stock by its former Chairman in a way that anyone could easily understand. Not surprisingly, the jurors confirmed that Neil’s testimony was a major reason why they awarded a $700,000 verdict in my client’s favor. I would recommend Neil to anyone looking for an expert witness in corporate governance without hesitation.”
Joseph J. Ybarra, Partner at Halpern May Ybarra Gelberg LLP in Los Angeles, California:
“Neil is phenomenal. I used him as an expert in a legal malpractice case with some complicated securities law issues. Neil mastered the facts and the law, and was able to convey our position to the jury simply and convincingly. I’d retain him again in a heartbeat.”
Daymon B. Ely, Legal Malpractice Lawyer in Albuquerque, New Mexico:
“Neil is an excellent attorney and expert. First, he is incredibly thoughtful. He will carefully evaluate every issue and provide a straightforward, honest assessment. Second, he is careful and comprehensive in his review of the law and its application to the facts of the case. Third, he explains, in an accessible way, difficult concepts so that a jury can understand both the law and the policies behind the law. And, finally, in providing testimony he is respectfully, even kind, making it difficult to cross-examine him. Neil is very easy to work with and I really look forward to working with him again.”
Joe Ward, Partner at Baker & McKenzie LLP in Los Angeles, California:
“We recently retained Neil in a complex litigation matter, which culminated in a five-week jury trial. He testified on various fiduciary duty and corporate governance issues that were central to the case. Neil was efficient and well-prepared, thoughtful in his approach, and very persuasive on the witness stand. Best of all, it was an absolute pleasure working with him. I highly recommend Neil to anyone looking for a top-notch expert in his field.”
Michael Weinsten, Partner at Lavely Singer Professional Corporation in Los Angeles, California:
“Neil is one of the best experts I have ever used. I hired him in a commission dispute involving a substantial M&A transaction. He came fully prepared, was thoughtful, and when it came time to testify, the opposing side’s expert was no match. Neil was almost professorial in his presentation, taking complex issues, breaking them down and presenting them in a manner that the Arbitrator could easily digest. I will use him again.”
Sashi C. Bach, Partner at the law firm of Boies Schiller Flexner LLP in Fort Lauderdale, Florida:
“We have worked with Neil in our defense of two legal malpractice actions. In both instances, his expertise and knowledge of the subject matter was unparalleled and his testimony was highly persuasive. I would be very pleased to work with Neil again.””
Alan Jay Weil, Partner at the law firm of Kendall Brill & Kelly LLP in Los Angeles, California:
“Neil is a gifted and knowledgeable expert witness with the credibility and gravitas that comes from decades of experience in complex matters. In any matter requiring an expert witness on professional ethics or transactional legal malpractice issues, Neil is at the top of my list.””
Jeffrey Valle, Partner at the law firm of Valle Makoff, LLP in Los Angeles, California:
“We retained Neil to serve as an expert witness in an arbitration involving a dispute between owners in a connection with a very complex business transaction. Neil’s work was absolutely first rate. He synthesized and analyzed the voluminous material obtained through discovery, and opined on the key issues in the case in a clear, informed and very persuasive manner. Neil brought his substantial expertise to bear in this case, and there is no doubt in my mind that his work was a very significant factor in the successful resolution of the matter, just weeks before the final arbitration hearing was scheduled to begin.”
Dennis M. Hanson, Senior Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Steinway Musical Instruments, Inc.:
“I had the pleasure of working closely with Neil for nearly two decades when he served as Steinway’s lead outside counsel. During that time we completed numerous transactions including public offerings, acquisitions and debt refinancings. Neil’s command of the relevant law and calm yet determined negotiating ability were key contributors to the successful completion of each and every one of those transactions.”
Scott B. Garner, Partner at the law firm of Umberg Zipser LLP in Irvine, California:
“I worked with Neil on the State Bar’s ethics committee for four years, and I would hire Neil in a nanosecond – either to defend me or to serve as my ethics expert. He is brilliant.”
Adam M. Myron, Shareholder at the law firm of Richman Greer in West Palm Beach, Florida:
“Neil’s credentials underscore – yet actually understate – his expertise. What makes Neil particularly special, though, is that his expertise is matched in every way by his professionalism.”
Wendy Wen Yun Chang, Partner at the law firm of Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP in Los Angeles, California:
“I first met Neil on the State Bar’s ethics committee where we served together for 5 years, and have served with him for 3 years on the LACBA ethics committee. Neil is thoughtful, thorough, brilliant and temperate, even in the height of deep debate – all characteristics I look for when hiring an expert witness. Simply outstanding.”
Nancy Avedissian, Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary, Volt Information Sciences, Inc.:
“Over the course of seventeen years, I have had the pleasure to learn from Neil, work with him as a colleague at Milbank and ultimately become a client. He is a highly skilled attorney, meticulous, reasoned and effective. Yet what makes him an exceptional and respected advocate is the addition of his good nature, calm demeanor and the highest ethical standards. He is the only corporate attorney you ever need to call.”
Donald E. Slaughter, Business, Tax and Estate Planning Lawyer in Newport Beach, California:
“I was a defendant in a legal malpractice lawsuit. It was an extremely complicated case which included allegations of multiple violations of the California Rules of Professional Conduct. My legal malpractice firm engaged Mr. Wertlieb as the expert on the application of the Rules to our facts. I attended Mr. Wertlieb’s deposition and saw his transformation of an incredibly tangled ball of confusing allegations into a clear, understandable, and total refutation of the claimed violations of the Rules. He understands the Rules completely, gives compelling testimony, and can write as few can. My malpractice lawyers knew exactly what they were doing when they hired Mr. Wertlieb and I have thanked them many times for doing so. If you have a Rules violation case, I could not recommend anyone more highly than Mr. Wertlieb.”
Partner in South Florida boutique law firm:
“Neil is a great guy, a pleasure to work with, and a terrific expert. He served my firm and our fiduciary client in a consulting (non-testifying) capacity in a complex and high-dollar matter. Neil was thoughtful, direct, and clear, and key to our litigation approach (deployment of resources, discovery, etc.). I highly recommend Neil to any lawyer looking for the right kind of expert.”
* No testimonial, endorsement or review appearing on this website constitutes a guarantee, warranty or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.