About Howard Holderness

Howard Holderness focuses his practice on complex commercial litigation matters on behalf of both plaintiffs and defendants. His experience includes matters involving fraud, breach of contract, product liability, false advertising and unfair business practices as well as insurance coverage, antitrust, and class action claims. He represents technology companies, international clients (particularly in Asia), and individuals and smaller companies in state and federal court litigation matters related to trade secrets, breach of fiduciary duties, partner relationships, breach of contract, employee mobility and whistleblower threats. Howard defends against class actions involving claims of fraud, unjust enrichment, and false advertisements. He is experienced in pre-litigation counseling and civil litigation before trial, including complex electronic discovery issues, as well as trying complex cases before both judges and juries.

Concentrations

•Commercial litigation
•Internet and eCommerce trade secrets
•Trans-Pacific litigation
•Consumer class actions
•Product liability and mass torts
•Government and private antitrust litigation and investigations

Recognition & Leadership

Awards & Accolades

•Team Member, The American Lawyer’s “Products Liability Litigation Department of the Year,” 2018
•Listed, Powerhouse - Class Actions and Torts Litigation, BTI Consulting Group, 2014

 

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Services

Areas of Law

  • Litigation
  • Intellectual Property 1
    • Trade Secrets
  • Other 3
    • Antitrust Litigation & Competition Regulation
    • Class Action Litigation
    • Complex Torts

Practice Details

  • Firm Information
    Position
    Shareholder
    Firm Name
    Greenberg Traurig, LLP
  • Representative Cases & Transactions
    Cases
    Experience: Internet
    eCommerce Trade Secrets Representative Experience: Lead counsel in a trade secret theft case involving the development of driverless cars by Chinese companies. Used parallel Chinese litigation to achieve positive outcome for client.
    Lead counsel for Chinese auto parts manufacturing company sued in California courts
    settled .
    Lead counsel for exercise equipment designer
    manufacturer accused of theft of designs
    settled.
    Lead counsel for instore advertising company accused of stealing competitor's trade secrets
    settled.
    Lead counsel in the representation of a global IP telephony company in a case brought by a supplier alleging breach of contract, fraud
    other business torts. Made aggressive use of counterclaims
    pre-trial motion practice to eliminate claims
    incentivize negotiation, resulting in a settlement after three years of litigation.
    Lead counsel in a matter involving a client's hiring of competitor's chief technology officer. Avoided protracted litigation by building trust with opposing counsel
    relying on minimally invasive verification exercises.
    Lead counsel for a global technology company accused of converting computer equipment for a worldwide networking solutions company. Obtained summary judgment in federal court in Arizona.
    Commercial
    Contract Disputes: Lead counsel in successful arbitration that resulted in large judgment on behalf of investment bank that had not been paid for its assistance in sale of company.
    Lead counsel in matter on behalf of celebrity accused of fraudulent offering to support fledging studio
    obtained summary judgment
    jail time for the accuser.
    Lead counsel for claim regarding false advertisement over the availability of a ship for purchase. Obtained summary judgment
    defended result in Ninth Circuit.
    Lead counsel for linen purchaser in case involving COVID-era contracts that were breached because of faulty manufacturing
    settled.
    Lead counsel for insurer in matter related to coverage for winery fire
    settled.
    Lead counsel for resort restaurant lease termination issue
    settled.
    Trans-Pacific Litigation Representative Experience: Lead counsel in matter in which client obtained summary judgment in its favor on claims that it assisted in fraudulently transferring hundreds of millions of dollars from China.
    Lead counsel in matter in which Chinese client obtained a dismissal on claims that he fraudulently offered tax assistance for Chinese audits.
    Represented a Chinese manufacturer
    investor with regard to claims of fraud
    breach of fiduciary duties relating to a U.S.-based partner. After two years of discovery in the United States, China,
    Hong Kong, a 40-day bench trial resulted in a decision requiring payment of more than $70 million by the opposing party. Recognized as a top-10 verdict by The Daily Journal. Defended judgment California appellate courts
    aggressively pursued post-judgment remedies through multiple fraudulent transfer cases.
    Defended American CEO in litigation alleging fraud due to Chinese investor's refusal to provide promised investment. Motions to dismiss obtained in districts courts in Idaho
    North Carolina
    in the bankruptcy court in Idaho.
    Acted as lead counsel in a matter in which our client was defrauded by the purchaser of its subsidiary. Obtained a multimillion-dollar default judgment against an Indian defendant who had to effectively negotiate on unfavorable terms for the defendant or risk never doing business in the United States.
    Consumer Class Actions Representative Experience: Lead counsel in mass arbitration dispute related to underlying employment payment issues.
    Lead counsel for a global leader in wireless
    Ethernet networking technology in a consumer class action in California state court alleging false advertisement, misrepresentation,
    related business torts. Negotiated settlement by relying on a novel remedy mechanism.
    Co-lead counsel for a nationwide retailer in a class action alleging false advertisement
    related business torts. Negotiated a timely
    favorable settlement for the client by exploiting divisions among class counsel.
    Product Liability
    Mass Torts Representative Experience: Co-lead counsel in a product liability
    employer negligence claim that stemmed from a catastrophic
    permanent injury. Litigation plan sought to minimize the client's responsibility while maximizing the co-defendant's responsibility.
    Represented a European manufacturer in a settlement favorable to the client in the Eastern District of California with regard to claims of breach of contract
    warranty.
    Represented a national ticket company accused of spidering, trespass,
    improper use of publicly available information. Obtained summary judgment that dismissed the claims against the client.
    Represented a company that was denied coverage for hundreds of underlying toxic tort claims. Obtained a settlement favorable to the client in litigation in the Central District of California.
    Government
    Private Antitrust Litigation
    Investigations Representative Experience: Lead counsel for bail bond sureties in antitrust action alleging conspiracy both to fix rates
    discourage discounting for bail.
    Represented technology company in Qui Tam litigation involving claim of misuse of federal program designed to bring technology products to poor
    rural school districts. Following investigation obtained declination from the Department of Justice.
    Represented pharmaceutical company in Qui Tam litigation. Client was charged with selling drugs off-label under federal procurement statutes. Following investigation obtained declination from the Department of Justice.
    Obtained a no-cost dismissal in the District of Utah in an antitrust action involving a top Internet solutions company.
    The above representations were h
    led by Mr. Holderness prior to his joining Greenberg Traurig, LLP.
    Previous Experience: Staff Assistant, Senator Terry Sanford, December 1989-August 1990
  • Additional Links

Experience

  • Bar Admission & Memberships
    Admissions
    1993, California
    U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
    U.S. District Court for the Central District of California
    U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California
    U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California
    U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California
    Memberships

    Professional & Community Involvement

    •Member, American Bar Association
    •Member, San Francisco Bar Association
    •Member, State Bar of California
    •President Emeritus, San Francisco Little League
    •Board Member
    •Executive Committee Member, American Heart Association’s Heart Walk

  • Education & Certifications
    Law School
    University of Virginia School of Law
    J.D.
    1993 Articles Editor

    University of Virginia School of Law
    J.D.
    Virginia Environmental Law Journal
    Other Education
    University of Virginia
    Class of 1988
    B.A.
  • Personal Details & History
    Age
    Born in 1966
    August 7, 1966
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Attorneys FAQs

  • What year was this attorney first admitted to the bar?
    Howard Holderness was admitted in 1993 to the State of California.
  • Is this attorney admitted to practice in any U.S. Federal Courts?
    Howard Holderness is admitted to practice before the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, United States District Court for the Central District of California, United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, United States District Court for the Northern District of California and United States District Court for the Southern District of California.
  • How many attorneys are in this law firm?
    Greenberg Traurig, LLP has 2750 attorneys at this location.
  • What law school did this attorney attend?
    Howard Holderness attended University of Virginia School of Law.
  • What year was this attorney's law firm established?
    Greenberg Traurig, LLP was established in 1967.